Introduction to autoCAD
I will introduce you to AutoCAD software. This tutorial series is for complete
beginners in AutoCAD, with no prior knowledge of the software. We will start with
the basics, including the user interface, setting units, and working with commands.
Later, we will cover making basic drawings, using draw and modify tools, and making
precise drawings with object snaps. We will also explore drawing management tools
like layers, creating blocks (symbols), making dimensions, and printing our
drawings. All of this will be covered in just three parts, so let's get started!
In this first part, we will focus on making a basic drawing. When you start AutoCAD
for the first time, the interface may vary depending on the version you are using.
AutoCAD comes in two variants: Autodesk AutoCAD 2020 (complete version) and
Autodesk AutoCAD LT (lighter version with limited features). The user interface is
similar for both versions, with some differences for Mac users. But don't worry,
the tools and commands function in the same way. Now, let's take a look at the
different parts of the AutoCAD software:
• Application button: Contains frequently used tools
• Quick access toolbar: Contains a set of tools
• Tabs and ribbon area: Tabs include Home, Insert, Annotate, Parametric,
etc. Each tab has different panels, which contain tools and commands. You can
activate a command by clicking on its icon or using its command alias (shortcut).
• Drawing area: This is where everything is drawn in AutoCAD
• Command bar/line/palette: Located beneath the drawing area, where you
can enter commands
• Status bar toggles: Help in making precise drawings in AutoCAD
To start a new drawing, simply select the "Start Drawing" box on the start screen.
Now, let's make our very first drawing quickly. Click on the Line tool, and then
click on the drawing area to specify the first point. Continue clicking to specify
the second, third, and fourth points. Press Enter to exit the Line command and
complete the drawing.
Now, let's talk about the navigation tools. To move the drawing area, press and
hold the middle mouse wheel. The cursor will change to a hand icon, allowing you to
move the drawing. You can also zoom in and out by rotating the mouse wheel while
the cursor is at a specific point. To select objects in the drawing, simply click
on them. To deselect, press the Escape key. To exit any command, press Escape as
well.
After making the line drawing, I will demonstrate selecting objects using different
methods. You can use left-click to select individual objects, or use windows (solid
or dashed) for selecting multiple objects. There are three types of selection sets:
window selection (selects objects completely inside the window), crossing window
selection (selects objects even touching the boundary of the window), and lasso
selection (freehand selection).
Lastly, let's briefly discuss setting units. This is important for ensuring the
accuracy of your drawings....
Before you begin drawing in AutoCAD, it is important to set the proper units. To do
this, type "UN" in the command line and press enter. In the drawing units window,
select your desired unit (such as inches or millimeters) and length type (decimal
or architectural).
To create a line, you can either click on the line command or use the "L" key as
the command alias. Click on a starting point and then specify the length of the
line. You can continue creating lines by entering the desired distances and angles.
Alternatively, you can use the polar tracking option to specify angles easily.
Activate the polar tracking tool and set the desired angle interval. This will
allow you to create lines at specific angles.
Another helpful method is using dynamic input. Activate it by pressing the F12
function key or enabling it in the customization settings. With dynamic input, you
can directly type in the length and angle values for your lines.
To exit the line command, press the enter key. These tools make it easier to create
accurate drawings in AutoCAD.
I will introduce you to AutoCAD software. This tutorial series is for complete
beginners in AutoCAD, with no prior knowledge of the software. We will start with
the basics, including the user interface, setting units, and working with commands.
Later, we will cover making basic drawings, using draw and modify tools, and making
precise drawings with object snaps. We will also explore drawing management tools
like layers, creating blocks (symbols), making dimensions, and printing our
drawings. All of this will be covered in just three parts, so let's get started!
In this first part, we will focus on making a basic drawing. When you start AutoCAD
for the first time, the interface may vary depending on the version you are using.
AutoCAD comes in two variants: Autodesk AutoCAD 2020 (complete version) and
Autodesk AutoCAD LT (lighter version with limited features). The user interface is
similar for both versions, with some differences for Mac users. But don't worry,
the tools and commands function in the same way. Now, let's take a look at the
different parts of the AutoCAD software:
• Application button: Contains frequently used tools
• Quick access toolbar: Contains a set of tools
• Tabs and ribbon area: Tabs include Home, Insert, Annotate, Parametric,
etc. Each tab has different panels, which contain tools and commands. You can
activate a command by clicking on its icon or using its command alias (shortcut).
• Drawing area: This is where everything is drawn in AutoCAD
• Command bar/line/palette: Located beneath the drawing area, where you
can enter commands
• Status bar toggles: Help in making precise drawings in AutoCAD
To start a new drawing, simply select the "Start Drawing" box on the start screen.
Now, let's make our very first drawing quickly. Click on the Line tool, and then
click on the drawing area to specify the first point. Continue clicking to specify
the second, third, and fourth points. Press Enter to exit the Line command and
complete the drawing.
Now, let's talk about the navigation tools. To move the drawing area, press and
hold the middle mouse wheel. The cursor will change to a hand icon, allowing you to
move the drawing. You can also zoom in and out by rotating the mouse wheel while
the cursor is at a specific point. To select objects in the drawing, simply click
on them. To deselect, press the Escape key. To exit any command, press Escape as
well.
After making the line drawing, I will demonstrate selecting objects using different
methods. You can use left-click to select individual objects, or use windows (solid
or dashed) for selecting multiple objects. There are three types of selection sets:
window selection (selects objects completely inside the window), crossing window
selection (selects objects even touching the boundary of the window), and lasso
selection (freehand selection).
Lastly, let's briefly discuss setting units. This is important for ensuring the
accuracy of your drawings....
Before you begin drawing in AutoCAD, it is important to set the proper units. To do
this, type "UN" in the command line and press enter. In the drawing units window,
select your desired unit (such as inches or millimeters) and length type (decimal
or architectural).
To create a line, you can either click on the line command or use the "L" key as
the command alias. Click on a starting point and then specify the length of the
line. You can continue creating lines by entering the desired distances and angles.
Alternatively, you can use the polar tracking option to specify angles easily.
Activate the polar tracking tool and set the desired angle interval. This will
allow you to create lines at specific angles.
Another helpful method is using dynamic input. Activate it by pressing the F12
function key or enabling it in the customization settings. With dynamic input, you
can directly type in the length and angle values for your lines.
To exit the line command, press the enter key. These tools make it easier to create
accurate drawings in AutoCAD.
