Synopses & Reviews
The World's Bestselling AutoCAD Resource Fully Updated for 2008
There's a reason why Mastering AutoCAD is so popular year after year. Loaded with concise explanations, step-by-step instructions, and hands-on projects, this comprehensive reference and tutorial from award-winning author George Omura has everything you need to become an AutoCAD expert.
If you're new to AutoCAD, the tutorials will help you build your skills right away. If you're an AutoCAD veteran, Omura's in-depth explanations of the latest and most advanced features, including the exciting annotation, notes, and layer properties features, will turn you into an AutoCAD pro. Whatever your experience level and however you use AutoCAD, you'll refer to this indispensable reference again and again.
Coverage includes:
- Creating and developing AutoCAD drawings
- Drawing curves and applying solid fills
- Effectively using hatches, fields, and tables
- Manipulating dynamic blocks and attributes
- Linking drawings to databases and spreadsheets
- Rendering realistic interior views with natural lighting
- Giving a hand-drawn look to 3D views
- Presenting 3D models with cutaway and x-ray views
- Making spiral forms with the Helix and Sweep tools
- Exploring your model in real time with the Walk and Fly tools
- Adding hyperlinks to drawings
- Converting multiple layer settings and other layer translator options
- Master the New Text and Table Features
- Explore the Layer Manager Enhancements
- Annotate, Secure, and Authenticate Files
- Track Your Projects with the Sheet Set Manager
- Publish Drawingsover the Internet and eTransmit Your Files
- Customize the New Dashboard and Control Panel
Synopsis
Mastering AutoCAD teaches AutoCAD essentials using concise explanations, focused examples, step-by-step instructions, and hands-on projects for both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. This detailed resource works as both a tutorial and stand-alone reference. Part I introduces the basics of the interface and drafting tools; Part II moves into such intermediate skills as effectively using hatches, fields, and tables; Part III details such advanced skills as attributes, dynamic blocks, drawing curves and solid fills; Part IV explores 3D modeling and imaging; and Part V discusses customization and integration. The CD includes all the project files necessary for the tutorials, a trial version of AutoCAD, and five chapters of advanced material on such topics as Active X and VBA.
Synopsis
Mastering AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 offers a unique blend of tutorial and reference that includes everything you need to get started and stay ahead with AutoCAD. Rather than just showing you how each command works, this book shows you AutoCAD 2008 in the context of a meaningful activity. You'll learn how to use commands while working on an actual project and progressing toward a goal. Experienced author George Omura provides a foundation on which you can build your own methods for using AutoCAD and become an AutoCAD expert. Coverage includes everything from the basics of AutoCAD to programming in AutoLISP and VBA to installing and setting up AutoCAD. Whether you're an AutoCAD newbie or AutoCAD all-star, Mastering AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 has something for you.
About the Author
George Omura is a licensed architect and Autodesk Authorized Author who has more than 30 years of experience in architecture and has been using AutoCAD for more than 20 years. As a CAD specialist, he has worked on design projects ranging from resort hotels to metropolitan transit systems to the San Francisco Library project. He is the all-time bestselling AutoCAD author and was cited as favorite CAD author by members of the Autodesk User Group International (AUGI) in AUGIWorld magazine's "Best of Everything CAD" issue.
Table of Contents
Introduction.
Part 1: The Basics.
Chapter 1: Exploring the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Interface.
Chapter 2: Creating Your First Drawing.
Chapter 3: Setting Up and Using AutoCAD’s Drafting Tools.
Chapter 4: Organizing Objects with Blocks and Groups.
Chapter 5: Keeping Track of Layers and Blocks.
Part 2: Mastering Intermediate Skills.
Chapter 6: Editing and Reusing Data to Work Efficiently.
Chapter 7: Mastering Viewing Tools, Hatches, and External References.
Chapter 8: Introducing Printing, Plotting, and Layouts.
Chapter 9: Understanding Plot Styles.
Chapter 10: Adding Text to Drawings.
Chapter 11: Using Fields and Tables.
Chapter 12: Using Dimensions.
Part 3: Mastering Advanced Skills.
Chapter 13: Using Attributes.
Chapter 14: Copying Existing Drawings into AutoCAD.
Chapter 15: Advanced Editing and Organizing.
Chapter 16: Laying Out Your Printer Output.
Chapter 17: Using Dynamic Blocks.
Chapter 18: Drawing Curves.
Chapter 19: Getting and Exchanging Data from Drawings.
Part 4: 3D Modeling and Imaging.
Chapter 20: Creating 3D Drawings.
Chapter 21: Using Advanced 3D Features.
Chapter 22: Rendering 3D Drawings.
Chapter 23: Editing and Visualizing 3D Solids.
Part 5: Customization and Integration.
Chapter 24: Using the Express Tools.
Chapter 25: Exploring AutoLISP.
Chapter 26: Customizing Toolbars, Menus, Linetypes, and Hatch Patterns.
Chapter 27: Managing and Sharing Your Drawings.
Chapter 28: Keeping a Project Organized with Sheet Sets.
Appendix A: Installing and Setting Up AutoCAD.
Appendix B: Hardware and Software Tips.
Appendix C: System Variables and Dimension Styles.
Index.