Autocad 2012 For Dummies

A full-color guide to the #1 architectural drafting program—AutoCAD 2012! AutoCAD is the leading software used to create 2D and 3D technical drawings. Used by engineers, architects, and drafting professionals, it can be complex and is a perfect subject for the tried-and-true For Dummies format. Full-color illustrations make the instructions even easier to follow, because examples in the book appear exactly as they will on the screen. Explains AutoCAD and gets readers quickly up to speed on the latest version Features full-color illustrations that look the same as the AutoCAD 2012 screens, making the interface and the all-important Model view easier to understand Covers all the new features, creating a basic layout, using AutoCAD DesignCenter, drawing and editing, working with dimensions, adding text, and more Newcomers to AutoCAD will easily master the software with help from this full-color edition of AutoCAD 2012 For Dummies.

A full-color guide to the #1 architectural drafting program—AutoCAD 2012! AutoCAD is the leading software used to create 2D and 3D technical drawings. Used by engineers, architects, and drafting professionals, it can be complex and is a perfect subject for the tried-and-true For Dummies format. Full-color illustrations make the instructions even easier to follow, because examples in the book appear exactly as they will on the screen. Explains AutoCAD and gets readers quickly up to speed on the latest version Features full-color illustrations that look the same as the AutoCAD 2012 screens, making the interface and the all-important Model view easier to understand Covers all the new features, creating a basic layout, using AutoCAD DesignCenter, drawing and editing, working with dimensions, adding text, and more Newcomers to AutoCAD will easily master the software with help from this full-color edition of AutoCAD 2012 For Dummies.

A Tutorial Guide to AutoCAD 2012 provides a step-by-step introduction to AutoCAD with commands presented in the context of each tutorial. In fifteen clear and comprehensive chapters, author Shawna Lockhart guides readers through all the important commands and techniques in AutoCAD 2012, from 2D drawing to solid modeling and finally finishing with rendering. In each lesson, the author provides step-by-step instructions with frequent illustrations showing exactly what appears on the AutoCAD screen. Later, individual steps are no longer provided, and readers are asked to apply what they've learned by completing sequences on their own. A carefully developed pedagogy reinforces this cumulative-learning approach and supports readers in becoming skilled AutoCAD users. A Tutorial Guide to AutoCAD 2012 begins with three Getting Started chapters that include information to get readers of all levels prepared for the tutorials. The author includes tips that offer suggestions and warnings as you progress through the tutorials. Key Terms and Key Commands are listed at the end of each chapter to recap important topics and commands learned in each tutorial. Also, a glossary of terms and Commands Summary lists the key commands used in the tutorials. Each chapter concludes with end of chapter problems providing challenges to a range of abilities in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering as well as architectural problems.

Simple steps for creating AutoCAD drawings AutoCAD is the ubiquitous tool used by engineers, architects, designers, and urban planners to put their ideas on paper. It takes some AutoCAD know-how to go from a brilliant idea to a drawing that properly explains how brilliant your idea is. AutoCAD For Dummies helps you de-mystify the handy software and put the tools in AutoCAD to use. Written by an experienced AutoCAD engineer and mechanical design instructor, it assumes no previous computer-aided drafting experience as it walks you through the basics of starting projects and drawing straight lines all the way up through 3D modeling. Conquer the first steps in creating an AutoCAD project Tackle drawing basics including straight lines and curves Add advanced skills including 3D drawing and modeling Set up a project and move into 3D It's true that AutoCAD is tough, but with the friendly instruction in this hands-on guide, you'll find everything you need to start creating marvelous models—without losing your cool.

A Tutorial Guide to AutoCAD 2013 provides a step-by-step introduction to AutoCAD with commands presented in the context of each tutorial. In fifteen clear and comprehensive chapters, author Shawna Lockhart guides readers through all the important commands and techniques in AutoCAD 2013, from 2D drawing to solid modeling and finally finishing with rendering. In each lesson, the author provides step-by-step instructions with frequent illustrations showing exactly what appears on the AutoCAD screen. Later, individual steps are no longer provided, and readers are asked to apply what they've learned by completing sequences on their own. A carefully developed pedagogy reinforces this cumulative-learning approach and supports readers in becoming skilled AutoCAD users. A Tutorial Guide to AutoCAD 2013 begins with three Getting Started chapters that include information to get readers of all levels prepared for the tutorials. The author includes tips that offer suggestions and warnings as you progress through the tutorials. Key Terms and Key Commands are listed at the end of each chapter to recap important topics and commands learned in each tutorial. Also, a glossary of terms and Commands Summary lists the key commands used in the tutorials. Each chapter concludes with end of chapter problems providing challenges to a range of abilities in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering as well as architectural problems.

Learn the Essentials on Autodesk's powerhouse architectural software The new Essentials series from Sybex helps you quickly learn and use Autodesk software. This beautiful, task-based, full-color Autodesk Official Training Guide thoroughly covers the fundamentals of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. Readers learn how to draw in 2D, shape complex curves, manage objects with layers, organize with blocks and groups, add dimensions and annotation, work with layouts, plot and print, model in 3D, create realistic renderings, and much more. This four-color Essentials book features real-world tutorials, downloadable before-and-after exercise files, and additional suggested exercises. This book is recommended as a Certification Preparation study guide resource for the AutoCAD Associate and Professional exams. Covers AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD LT 2012 fundamentals, so you become quickly productive with the software Prepares you for the AutoCAD 2012 Associate and Professional certification exam Uses straightforward explanations and real-world, hands-on exercises and tutorials to teach the software's core features and functions Helps you develop the skills you'll need throughout a production pipeline, whether you're a beginner or a more experienced user brushing up on the basics If you want to learn AutoCAD essentials, AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD LT 2012 Essentials is the place to start.

AutoCAD is the leading software tool for creating technical and architectural drawings, but it definitely doesn't lead in the "easy to master" category. That's why there's AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies—the perfect way to break a complex topic into bite-size, easy-to-understand pieces. Once you get the hang of using AutoCAD and its slightly less feature-rich cousin, AutoCAD LT, you discover that it offers wonderful advantages. AutoCAD allows you to Create precision to 14 significant digits Re-use portions of your drawings by copying and pasting Draw things full size and print your drawings in any scale Produce drawings that are easier to read when reduced Electronically share and distribute drawings Design in 2D or 3D So obviously, the trick is to speed up that "getting the hang of it" process. That's where AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies comes in especially handy. Ten easy-to-follow minibooks cover every aspect of AutoCAD, including the latest features of AutoCAD 2007, so you can find just what you need to know quickly and easily. You'll get the scoop on AutoCAD basics, such as setting up drawings, finding your way around the interface, and using all the tools Drawing and modifying objects in 2D and annotating your drawings 3D modeling and viewing, working with solids and surfaces, and rendering Understanding how AutoCAD LT differs from AutoCAD and deciding which program you need Advanced drafting skills, including organizing drawings, working with blocks, and using AutoCAD utilities Setting up your drawings for plotting to paper and publishing Sharing your drawings online for collaboration Customizing and programming AutoCAD to make it work the way you want it to In the familiar, friendly For Dummies fashion, AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies gives you plain-English explanations and step-by-step directions. Written by a pair of AutoDesk Authorized Authors, this handy guide will help make your relationship with AutoCAD a happy and productive one.

Up and Running with AutoCAD 2013 by Elliot Gindis is an easy-to-learn introduction to AutoCAD featuring step-by-step instructions that explain both the why and the how for using this industry standard software package. The book strips away complexities, both real and perceived, and reduces AutoCAD to easy-to-understand basic concepts. All concepts are explained first in theory, and then shown in practice, helping the reader understand what it is they are doing and why, before they do it. The book is divided into three parts, guiding students through the subject matter from the beginning stages of using the software through advanced AutoCAD, including 3D features. Chapters deal with topics such as: layers, colors, linetypes, and properties; text, Mtext, editing, and style; blocks, Wblocks, dynamic blocks, groups, and purge; importing and exporting data; Boolean operations; Dview, walk and fly, animation, and action recording; and lighting and rendering. Also included is an extensive Appendix for each part, detailing additional useful CAD-related information not often found in other text books. In addition, the book contains supporting graphics (screen shots); a summary with a self-test section at the end of each chapter; drawing examples and exercises; and two running "projects" that the student works on as he/she progresses through the chapters . This book will appeal to beginner through advanced users of AutoCAD; architectural engineers, drafting, civil/construction engineers, and mechanical engineers; and students taking drafting/engineering drawing courses in engineering and engineering technology programs. Strips away complexities, both real and perceived and reduces AutoCAD to easy-to-understand basic concepts Teaches only what is essential to operating AutoCAD first, thereby immediately building student confidence All basic commands are documented step-by-step, meaning that what the student needs to type in and how AutoCAD responds is all spelled out in discrete and clear steps with screen shots added as needed Using the author’s extensive multi-industry knowledge of what is important and widely used in practice versus what is not, the material is presented by immediately immersing the student in practical, critically essential knowledge, with no padding of text or filler material All concepts are explained first in theory, and only then is AutoCAD introduced and the actual "button pushing" discussed. This is one of the key concepts in having students understand exactly what it is they are doing and why, before they do it