AutoCAD 2013 for Dummies (For Dummies)

Time to put away the pencil and paper and get up to speed quickly with AutoCAD 2013. From setting up your drawing environment to outputting your masterworks to sharing your work with others, this guide shows you how to get started with this powerful program. Before you know it, you'll be using proper CAD techniques and creating complex technical drawings.

• Build the foundation — from the AutoCAD screen to AutoCAD-based products, gain a strong understanding of the basics

• Create geometry — discover how to draw objects, edit, and zoom in to see them better on the screen

• Add the essentials — spice up your drawing with text, dimensions, and hatching, then create a snapshot to show it off to your client

• Get advanced — find out how to use a host of drawing and data-sharing features, then share your drawings on the web

• Explore 3D models — apply visual styles and navigate around your drawing with AutoCAD's 3D capabilities

Open the book and find:

• The differences between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

• All the new features in AutoCAD 2013

• Tips for using the command-line area and setting up your drawing properly

• Ways to utilize the different drawing commands

• Steps for navigating the plot process

• How to manage data within drawings, between drawings, and across a network

• Directions for using predefined visual styles

Learn To:

• Set up the AutoCAD environment and use the AutoCAD Ribbon

• Create your first drawing, add text, and manage properties

• Build amazing 2D and 3D models in no time

Used by everyone from engineers and architects to interior designers and draftspeople, AutoCAD 2013 is the world’s leading 2D and 3D technical drawing program. But, with so many options and features available, finding your way around AutoCAD can be a challenge, even for experienced CAD professionals. AutoCAD 2013 For Dummies is here to help. You’ll learn to build a solid foundation for all your projects, use standard CAD techniques, get familiar with new tools and features, and start sharing your models and designs in no time with this easy-to-follow guide.

• Covers the latest AutoCAD features and techniques, including creating a basic layout, navigating the AutoCAD Ribbon, drawing and editing, working with dimensions, adding text, creating 3D models, and more
• Walks readers through setting up a drawing environment, applying visual styles, managing data across several drawings, and showcasing your designs to potential clients and customers
• Features full-color illustrations that mirror what you’ll see on your AutoCAD 2013 screens plus a companion website with downloadable drawing files so you can put your CAD skills to the test

Whether you’re an AutoCAD amateur or a modeling master, AutoCAD 2013 For Dummies has something for you.

The full color allows readers to discern the importance of AutoCAD’s Model view, which shows different line weights for printing in different colors. In addition, the interface is easier to understand in color than in black and white, because AutoCAD makes extensive use of color in its interface.

The next version of the book updates the new features that improve ease-of-use and performance that matter to beginners and gets them working in AutoCAD right away!

Part I: AutoCAD 101 11

Chapter 1: Introducing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 13

Chapter 2: Le Tour de AutoCAD 2013 23

Chapter 3: A Lap around the CAD Track 55

Chapter 4: Setup for Success 85

Chapter 5: Planning for Paper 109

Part II: Let There Be Lines 123

Chapter 6: Manage Your Properties 125

Chapter 7: Preciseliness Is Next to CADliness 147

Chapter 8: Along the Straight and Narrow 163

Chapter 9: Dangerous Curves Ahead 177

Chapter 10: Get a Grip on Object Selection 193

Chapter 11: Edit for Credit 215

Chapter 12: A Zoom with a View 243

Part III: If Drawings Could Talk 261

Chapter 13: Text with Character 263

Chapter 14: Entering New Dimensions 297

Chapter 15: Down the Hatch! 323

Chapter 16: The Plot Thickens 337

Part IV: Advancing with AutoCAD 367

Chapter 17: The ABCs of Blocks 369

Chapter 18: Everything from Arrays to Xrefs 387

Chapter 19: Call the Parametrics! 421

Chapter 20: Drawing on the Internet 449

Part V: On a 3D Spree 469

Chapter 21: It’s a 3D World After All 471

Chapter 22: From Drawings to Models 491

Chapter 23: On a Render Bender 515

Part VI: The Part of Tens 537

Chapter 24: Ten Great AutoCAD Resources 539

Chapter 25: Ten (Or So) Differences between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 543

Chapter 26: Ten System Variables to Make Your Life Easier 547

Index 553