AutoCAD is a commercial software application for 2D and 3D computer-aided

design (CAD) and drafting.Developer of AutoCAD software is Autodesk.Initial

release of software was done in December 1982 thus available since 1982 as a
desktop application and since 2010 as a mobile app.,Web- and cloud-based app is
marketed as AutoCAD 360.This works on operating system MS Windows, Mac OS
X, iOS, Android.Available in Multilingual

Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD running on microcomputers with

internal graphics controllers. Prior to the introduction of AutoCAD, most
commercial CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with
each CAD operator (user) working at a separate graphics terminal.

AutoCAD is used across a wide range of industries, by architects, project

managers, engineers, graphic designers, and many other professionals.

History
AutoCAD was derived from a program begun in 1977 and released in 1979 called
Interact CAD, also referred to in early Autodesk documents as Micro CAD, which
was written prior to Autodesk's (then Marin chip Software Partners) formation by
Autodesk cofounder Mike Riddle.

The first version by Autodesk was demonstrated at the 1982 Comdex and released
that December.The 2016 release marked the 30th major release of AutoCAD for
Windows. The 2014 release marked the fourth consecutive year of AutoCAD for
Mac.

Design
File formats and versions
The native file format of AutoCAD is .dwg. This and, to a lesser extent, its
interchange file format DXF, have become de facto, if proprietary, standards for
CAD data interoperability, particularly for 2D drawing exchange.

AutoCAD has included support for .dwf, a format developed and promoted by
Autodesk, for publishing CAD data. Autodesk's logo and, respectively, AutoCAD
icons have changed for several versions through the years.
Compatibility with other software
ESRI Arc Map 10 permits export as AutoCAD drawing files. Civil 3D permits
export as AutoCAD objects and as Land XML. Third-party file converters exist for
specific formats such as Bentley MX GENIO Extension, PISTE Extension
(France), ISYBAU (Germany), OKSTRA and Microdrainage (UK);[10] also,
conversion of.pdf files is feasible, however, the accuracy of the results may be
unpredictable or distorted, as that of jagged edges. as well as advanced designed.

Languages
AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are available for English, German, French, Italian,
Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Brazilian
Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Polish and Hungarian (also through additional
Language Packs). The extent of localization varies from full translation of the
product to documentation only. The AutoCAD command set is localized as a part
of the software localization.
 AutoCAD supports a number of APIs for customization and automation. These
include AutoLISP, Visual LISP,
VBA, .NET and ObjectARX. ObjectARX is a C++ class library, which was also
the base for:
a) products extending AutoCAD functionality to specific fields;
b) creating products such as AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical,
AutoCAD Civil 3D; or
c) third-party AutoCAD-based application.
There are a large number of AutoCAD plugins (add-on applications) available on
the application store
Autodesk Exchange Apps .[11] AutoCAD's DXF, drawing exchange format, allows
importing and exporting
drawing information.

Vertical integration
Autodesk has also developed a few vertical programs (AutoCAD Architecture,
AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD
Electrical, AutoCAD ecscad, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Mechanical,
AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Structural
Detailing, AutoCAD Utility Design, AutoCAD P&ID and AutoCAD Plant 3D) for
discipline-specific
enhancements. For example, AutoCAD Architecture (formerly Architectural
Desktop) permits architectural
designers to draw 3D objects, such as walls, doors and windows, with more
intelligent data associated with
them rather than simple objects, such as lines and circles. The data can be
programmed to represent specific
architectural products sold in the construction industry, or extracted into a data file
for pricing, materials
estimation, and other values related to the objects represented. Additional tools
generate standard 2D drawings,
such as elevations and sections, from a 3D architectural model. Similarly, Civil
Design, Civil Design 3D, and
Civil Design Professional support data-specific objects, facilitating easy standard
civil engineering calculations
and representations. Civil 3D was originally developed as an AutoCAD add-on by
a company in New
Hampshire called Softdesk (originally DCA). Softdesk was acquired by Autodesk,
and Civil 3D was further
evolved.
Variants
AutoCAD LT
AutoCAD LT is the lower cost version of AutoCAD, with reduced capabilities, first released in
November
1993. Autodesk developed AutoCAD LT to have an entry-level CAD package to compete in the
lower price
level. AutoCAD LT, priced at $495, became the first AutoCAD product priced below $1000. It is
sold directly
by Autodesk and can also be purchased at computer stores (unlike the full version of AutoCAD,
which must be
purchased from official Autodesk dealers).
As of the 2011 release the AutoCAD LT MSRP has risen to $1200. While there are hundreds of
small
differences between the full AutoCAD package and AutoCAD LT, there are a few recognized
major
differences[12] in the software's features:
3D Capabilities: AutoCAD LT lacks the ability to create, visualize and render 3D models as well
as 3D
printing.
Network Licensing: AutoCAD LT cannot be used on multiple machines over a network.
Customization: AutoCAD LT does not support customization with LISP, ARX, .NET and VBA.
Management and automation capabilities with Sheet Set Manager and Action Recorder.
CAD standards management tools.
AutoCAD LT 2015 introduced Desktop Subscription (rental) from $360 per year

AutoCAD 360
Formerly marketed as AutoCAD WS, AutoCAD 360 is an account-based mobile and web
application enabling
registered users to view, edit, and share AutoCAD files via mobile device and web[13] using a
limited AutoCAD
feature set and using cloud-stored drawing files. The program, which is an evolution and
combination of
previous products, uses a freemium business model with a free plan and two paid levels
marketed as Pro
($4.99 monthly or $49.99 yearly) and Pro Plus ($99.99 yearly) including various amounts of
storage, tools,
and online access to drawings. 360 includes new features such as a "Smart Pen" mode and
linking to third-party
cloud-based storage such as Dropbox. Having evolved from Flash-based software, AutoCAD
360 uses HTML5
browser technology available in newer browsers including Firefox and Google Chrome.
AutoCAD WS began with a version for the iPhone and subsequently expanded to include
versions for the iPod
Touch, iPad, Android phones, and Android tablets.[14] Autodesk released the iOS version in
September
 2010,[15] following with the Android version on April 20, 2011.[16] The program is available via
download at
no cost from the App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android) and Amazon Appstore (Android).
In its initial iOS version, AutoCAD WS supported drawing of lines, circles, and other shapes;
creation of text
and comment boxes; and management of color, layer, and measurements in both landscape
and portrait
modes. Version 1.3, released August 17, 2011, added support of unit typing, layer visibility, area
measurement
and file management.[13] The Android variant includes the iOS feature set along with such
unique features as
the ability to insert text or captions by voice command as well as manually.[16] Both Android and
iOS versions
allow the user to save files on-line or off-line in the absence of an Internet connection.[16]
In 2011, Autodesk announced plans to migrate the majority of its software to "the cloud", starting
with the
AutoCAD WS mobile application.[17]
According to a 2013 interview with Ilai Rotbaein, an AutoCAD WS Product Manager for
Autodesk, the name
AutoCAD WS had no definitive meaning, and was interpreted variously as Autodesk Web
Service, White Sheet
or Work Space.[18]
Student versions
AutoCAD is licensed, for free, to qualifying students and teachers, with an 18-month renewable
license
available. The student version of AutoCAD is functionally identical to the full commercial
version, with one
exception: DWG files created or edited by a student version have an internal bit-flag set (the
"educational
flag"). When such a DWG file is printed by any version of AutoCAD (commercial or student)
older than
AutoCAD 2014 SP1, the output includes a plot stamp / banner on all four sides. Objects created
in the Student
Version cannot be used for commercial use. Student Version objects "infect" a commercial
version DWG file if
it is imported in older versions than AutoCAD 2015.[19]
The Autodesk Education Community provides registered students and faculty with free access to
different
Autodesk applications.

Ports
Android and iOS
Autodesk AutoCAD 360 is the official AutoCAD mobile app for Android and iOS and Windows tablets
(UWP).[20][21] It can view, markup, measure and edit (2D only editing) any DWG file from a
mobile phone or
tablet. The actual file editing operations are performed in the cloud, in genuine DWG file format.
 Microsoft Windows
AutoCAD is a software package created for Windows and usually any new AutoCAD version
supports the
current Windows version and some older ones. AutoCAD 2016 and 2017 supports Windows 7 up
to Windows
10.[22]
Mac OS
Autodesk stopped supporting Apple's Macintosh computers in 1994. Over the next several years,
no compatible
versions for the Mac were released. In 2010 Autodesk announced that it would once again
support Apple's Mac
OS X software in the future.[23] Most of the features found in the 2012 Windows version can be
found in the
2012 Mac version. The main difference is the user interface and layout of the program. The
interface is
designed so that users who are already familiar with Apple's OS X software will find it similar to
other Mac
applications.[15] Autodesk has also built in various features in order to take full advantage of
Apple's Trackpad
capabilities as well as the full-screen mode in Apple's OS X Lion.[14][15] AutoCAD 2012 for Mac
supports both
the editing and saving of files in DWG formatting that will allow the file to be compatible with
other platforms
besides the OS X.[14] AutoCAD 2014 for Mac supports Apple Mac OS X v10.9.0 or later
(Mavericks), OS X
v10.8.0 or later (Mountain Lion) with 64-bit Intel processor.
AutoCAD LT 2013 is now available through the Mac App Store for $899.99. The full featured
version of
AutoCAD 2013 for Mac, however, is not available through the Mac App Store due to the price
limit of $999 set
by Apple. AutoCAD 2014 for Mac is available for purchase from Autodesk's Web site for $4,195
and
AutoCAD LT 2014 for Mac for $1,200, or from an Autodesk Authorized Reseller.[23] The latest
version
available for Mac is AutoCAD 2016 as of August 2016.
3ds Max
AutoCAD Architecture
Autodesk
Autodesk Maya
Autodesk Revit
AutoShade
AutoSketch
Comparison of computer-aided design editors
Design Web Format
Tekla Structures
SketchUp
Contents

Different coordinate system used in AUTOCAD

Line command
Erase command
Absolute polar coordinates
Add layer 39
Add node 104
Advanced modification tools 135
Align 164
Aligned dimension 185
Angle
direction 61
measuring 174
Angle between lines 174
Angle dimension 193
Append node 105
Application window 16
Arc
3 points 87
center, point, angles 85
concentric 88,89
offset 89
tangential 89
two points and angle 86
two points and radius 85
Arc tools 84
Architectural 184
Architectural ticks 184
Area
measuring 174
Arrowheads 182,183
Attributes 39,44
Auto snap 245
Auto zoom 31
Automatic Zoom
after loading 28
Automation 12
Autosnap 48
Auxiliary lines 13,245
Axes 58
B
B-Splines 98
Bamboo 10
Basic modification tools 125
Bevel 154
Bzier splines 98
Bisector 76
Bitmap Export 225
Bitmaps 222
Block
break up 220
change 217
creation 213
delete 219
edit 217
explode 220
inserting 215
list 212
modify 217
remove 219
Block insert 210
Block List 212
Block reference 210
Blocks 36,210
BMP
export 225
import 222
Boundary of a hatch 203
Break out segment 158
Break out Segment 243
Break up 160
Break up block reference 220
Break up reference 220
C
CAD
generic CAD 8
in general 8
vs. manual drafting 11
CAD toolbar 19
drawing tools 72
Cartesian coordinate system 58
Cartesian coordinates 48,60
Chair example 236
Chamfer 154
Change block 217
Circle
3 points 94
center, point 91
center, radius 92
concentric 94,95
offset 95
two opposite points 93
two points and radius 92
with center, point 245
Circle tools 90
Circumference
measuring 174
Clockwise 61
Closed shape
selection of 122
Closing QCAD 26
Color 39
Command line
hiding of 18
Concentric 89,95
Construction 72
Construction lines 13
Index
263
Contour
selection of 122
Control points 98
Coordinate entry 46
Coordinate system 58
absolute Cartesian coordinates 60
absolute polar coordinates 61
absolute zero 58
angle 61
axes 58
Cartesian coordinates 60
negative coordinates 60
origin 58
polar coordinates 61,61
relative Cartesian coordinates 60
relative polar coordinates 61
relative zero point 60,61
Coordinates 48,58
Copy 125,135
Copy and rotate 143
Correcting mistakes 21
Counter-clockwise 61
Creating Block 213
Creating drawing objects 72
Cut 125,157
Cut segment 158
D
Decimal 184
Degree
of spline 98
Degrees 61
Delete 125
polyline nodes 105
polyline segments 106
Delete block 219
Delete small entities 163
Deselect
area 121,121
closed shape 122
connected entities 122
contour 122
intersected 123
layer 124
polygon 121
polygonal area 121
rectangular area 121
window 121
Deselect all 120
Deselect everything 120
Detect zero length entities 163
Diameter dimension 192
Diameter symbol 195
Dice example 238
Dimension
aligned 185
angle 193
architectural 184
architectural ticks 184
arrowheads 183
arrows 184
custom text 194
decimal 184
diameter 192
diameter symbol 195
dimension line 182
drawing of 184
engineering 184
extension lines 183
fixed text label 195
format 184
fractional 184
horizontal 188
label 182
leader 190
linear 186
moving reference points 199
moving text label 198
option toolbar 194
ordinate 188
precision 184
preferences 183,184
prefix 195
radius 191
symbols 196
text 182,194
tolerances 196
tools 184
vertical 188
Dimensions 181
and precision 11
arrowheads 182
parts of 182
text 182
Direction of angles 61
Distance
measuring 173,173
Distance between points 173
Distance to entity 173
Divide 157
Divide 2 158
Draw
arc 84
circle 90
dimension 181
ellipse 96,96
ellipse arc 97
line 22,24,73
polyline 102,103
shape 109
spline 98
Drawing
area 58
preparations 73
Drawing area 17
Drawing preferences
dimension settings 183
Drawing scale 12,230
Drawing tools 72
Duplicate entities 163
DXF export 229
Index
264
E
Edit
bevel 154
break out segment 158,243
break up 160
bring to front 162
chamfer 154
copy 125,135
copy and rotate 143
cut 125,157
cut segment 158
delete 125
divide 157
divide 2 158
explode 160
fillet 156
flip 141
lengthen 151
mirror 141
move 133,135
move and rotate 143
move object grip 130
move object handle 130
move reference point 130
paste 125
polar duplicate 145
redo 21
remove 125
reset 21
rotate 138
rotate and counter-rotate 145
rounding 156
scale 140
send to back 162
split 160
stretching 152
text 161
translate 135
translate and rotate 143
trim 147
trim both 150
undo 21
Edit block 217
Editing
advanced 135
basic 125
Efficiency 13
Ellipse 96
Ellipse arc 97
Ellipse tools 96
Engineering 184
Equal parts 160
Equidistant polyline 107
Escape 22
Examples
chair 236
dice 238
Explode 160
Explode block reference 220
Explode reference 220
Export 225
Bitmaps 225
BMP 225
DXF 229
JPEG 225
PDF 228
PNG 225
SVG 227
Extend 147,151,243
Extension lines 183
F
File
dialog 22
open 28
PDF export 228
quit 26
save 22
save as 22
Fillet 156
First-angle projection 237
Fit points 98
Fit to page 230
Flip 141
Format of dimension text 184
Fractional 184
Freehand line 83
Front View 245
G
GIF
import 222
Graphics tablet 10
Grid 22
dots 17
Grips 130
of dimensions 199
Groups 36,210
GUI 17
application window 16
H
Handles 130
of dimensions 199
Hardware
mouse 10
requirements 10
screen 10
Hatch
tool 203
Hatches 202
boundary 203
creation of 203
Hide all layers 250
Horizontal dimension 188
Horizontal lines 251
Index
265
I
Images 222
Import
bitmaps 222
Info 172
angle 174
circumference 174
distance 173,173
length 174
total length 174
Insert 210
Insert block 215
Introduction 8
Invert selection 121
ISO standard
first-angle projection 237
Isometric projections 255
J
JPEG
export 225
import 222
K
Knots 98
L
Label of dimensions 182
Landscape 230
Layer
add 39
attributes 39,44
color 39
linetype 39
name 39
select 124
width 39
Layer attributes 44
Layer list
hiding of 18
Layer selection 124
Layers 35
hide all 250
preparing 73
show all 251
Leader 190
Length
measuring 174
Lengthen 151,243
Line
45 degree 251
auxiliary 13
bisector 76
freehand 83
from two points 73
horizontal 76,251
offset 77,78
orthogonal 81
parallel 77,78
point, tangent to circle 245
polygon 110,111
rectangle 22
relative angle 82
tangent 79,80
tools 22
vertical 76
with angle 75,251
with two points 24
Line tools 73
Linear dimension 186
Linetype 39
Linetypes 38
Local standards 237
M
Mac OS X
mouse 10
Manual drafting 11
Measuring
angle 174
area 174
circumference 174
distance 173,173
length 174
total length 174
Measuring tools 172
Menu
usage 18
Middle mouse button 30
Mirror 141
Mistakes
correction of 21
Model
scale 12
Modification 114
CAD vs. manual drafting 11
properties 166
Modification tools
advanced 135
basic 125
Modify 125,135
align 164
bevel 154
break out segment 158,243
break up 160
bring to front 162
chamfer 154
copy 135
copy and rotate 143
cut 157
cut segment 158
delete 125
Detect Duplicates 163
Detect Zero-Length Entities 163
divide 157
Index
266
divide 2 158
explode 160
extend 243
fillet 156
flip 141
lengthen 151,243
mirror 141
move 133,135
move and rotate 143
Offset 107
polar duplicate 145
remove 125
reverse 161
rotate 138
rotate and counter-rotate 145
round 245
rounding 156
scale 140
send to back 162
split 160
stretching 152
text 161
translate 135
translate and rotate 143
trim 147
trim both 150
Modify block 217
Mouse 10
middle button 30
Mouse cursor 22
Mouse wheel 10,28
Move 133,135
Move and rotate 143
N
Negative coordinates 60
Neutral state 21
NURBS 98
O
Object grips 130
of dimensions 199
Object handles 130
of dimensions 199
Object snap 47
Offset 107
arc 89
circle 95
line 77,78
Offset polyline 107
Oops 21
Open drawing 28
Ordinate dimension 188
Origin 58
Orthogonal 81
Orthographic projections 236
drawing techniques 239
P
Pan zoom 30
Panning 30
Parallel 77,78
Paste 125
PDF export 228
Pen 10
Photographs 222
Planning 14
PNG
export 225
import 222
Polar coordinates 48,61,61
Polar duplicate 145
Polygon 110,111,112,112
center, side 112
side, side 112
Polyline
add node 104
append node 105
delete node 105
delete segments 106
draw 103
equidistant 107
from segments 104
offset 107
trim segments 107
Polyline tools 102
Portrait 230
Precision 11,45
angle entry 46
coordinate entry 46
definition 45
distance entry 46
factor entry 46
snap tools 46
techniques 46
vs. accuracy 45
Prefix 195
Preparations
before drawing 73
Prerequisites 10
Preview 22
Print preview 230
Printing 25,230
Projections
first-angle projection 237
isometric 255
orthographic 236
third-angle projection 237
Properties 166
Property editor 166
Proportional scaling 140
Q
QCAD
application window 16
download 10
Index
267
getting QCAD 10
web site 10
R
Radius dimension 191
Raster files 222
Rectangle 22,109
Rectangle with Size 110
Red circle 60
Redo 21
Reference 210
Reference points 130
of dimensions 199
Relative Cartesian coordinates 48,60
Relative polar coordinates 48,61
Relative zero point 60,61
Remove block 219
Repetitive work 12
Requirements 10
Reset 21
Reverse 161
Right mouse button 22
Rotate 138
Rotate and counter-rotate 145
Rotational symmetry 12
Rounding 156,245
S
Save 22
Save as 22
Scale 140
of a drawing 12
printing 12
proportional 140
Scripting
automation with 12
Scroll bars 30
Select
area 121,121
closed shape 122
connected entities 122
contour 122
deselect all 120
deselect everything 120
intersected 123
invert selection 121
layer 124
polygon 121
polygonal area 121
rectangular area 121
select all 120
select everything 120
window 121
Select invert 121
Selection 114,116
advanced 119
in neutral state 116
Selection tools 116
Shape
polygon 112,112
polygon (center, side) 112
polygon (side, side) 112
rectangle 109
rectangle with size 110
Shape tools 109
Shorten 147,151
Show all layers 251
Side view 250
Snap
auto 48,245
center 48
center of selection 48
coordinate 48
distance 48
distance manual 48
end 48
free 48
grid 22,48
intersection 48
intersection manual 48
middle 24,48
middle manual 48
on entity 48
orthogonal 48
perpendicular 48
polar coordinate 48
reference 48
selection center 48
tangential 48
Snap tools 24,46
Snap Tools 47
Solid Fills 202
Spline tools 98
Split into equal parts 160
Stretching 152
Styles 38
SVG
import 222
SVG Exports 227
Symbols 195
T
Tablet 10
Tangent 79,80,245
Target audience 8
Terminate tool 22
Text
edit 161
Text of dimensions 182
Texts 176
Third-angle projection 237
Ticks 184
TIFF
import 222
Tolerances 196
Toolbar
lines 22
Toolbars
CAD 19
Tools
Index
268
arcs 84
circles 90
ellipses 96
lines 73
modification 125,135
polylines 102
shapes 109
splines 98
Tooltips 19,20
Top view 243
Total length 174
Trim 147
polyline segments 107
when rounding corner 245
Trim Both 150
Trim Two 150
U
Undo 21
User interface
drawing area 17
menus 18
V
Vertical dimension 188
 View
auto zoom 31
of an object 236
pan zoom 30
window zoom 31
zoom in 28
zoom out 28
W
Wacom 10
Width 39
Window
application window 16
Window zoom 31
X
X-axis 58
Y
Y-axis 58
Z
Zero point
relative 60
Zoom factor 30
Zoom in 28
Zoom out 28
Zooming 28
From Manual Drafting to CAD

Introducing the QCAD Application

The First Start 16
The Application Window 16
Using CAD Tools 19
The CAD Toolbar 19
Starting Tools 20
Correcting Mistakes 21
The Neutral State of QCAD 21
Hands-on: Drawing a Rectangle 22
Hands-on: A Line through the Middle 24
Hands-on: Printing a Drawing 25
Closing QCAD 26
Part III: Basic CAD Concepts 27
Viewing 28
The Viewing Tools 28
Hands-on: Zooming in and out 28
Hands-on: Panning 30
Hands-on: Auto Zoom 31
Hands-on: Window Zoom 31
Notes 33
Exercises 34
Layers 35
What are Layers? 35
Layers, Groups and Blocks 36
Example Uses for Layers 37
The Layer List 38
Layers and Line 38
Hands-on: Using Layers 39
Precision 45
Precision in CAD 45
The Importance of Being Precise 45
Precision Techniques 46
Exercises 46
Snap Tools 47
What are Snap Tools? 47
Snap Restrictions 55
Exercises 57
Coordinates 58
The Cartesian Coordinate System 58
Absolute Cartesian Coordinates 60
Relative Cartesian Coordinates 60
Absolute Polar Coordinates 61
Relative Polar Coordinates 61
Notes 62
Hands-on: Drawing a Triangle from Three Absolute
Coordinates
62
Notes for Advanced Users 63
Hands-on: Drawing a Shape Using Relative Coordinates 64
Hands-on: Drawing a Shape Using Absolute Polar
Coordinates
65
Hands-on: Drawing a Rhombus Using Relative Polar
Coordinates
67
Exercises 69
Part IV: Drawing and Editing with QCAD 71
Drawing Tools 72
Choosing a Drawing Tool 72
Preparations before Drawing 73
Line Tools 73
Arc Tools 84
Circle Tools 90
Ellipse Tools 96
Spline Tools 98
Polyline Tools 102
Shape Tools 109
Selection and Modification 114
Introduction 114
Modification Tools Which Operate on a Selection 114
Modification Tools Which Operate without a Selection 115
Basic Selection Tools 116
Advanced Selection Tools 119
Basic Modification Tools 125
Advanced Modification Tools 135
The Property Editor 166
Filtering Entity Types 169
Measuring Tools 172
Introduction 172
Texts 176
Texts in CAD 176
Fonts 176
Text Height 177
Creating Text Entities 177
Subscript and Superscript 179
Dimensions 181
What Are Dimensions? 181
The Parts of a Dimension 182
Dimension Preferences 183
Creating Dimensions 184
Choosing a Different Text Label 194
Moving the Text Label 198
Moving Reference Points 199
Stretching Dimensions 200
Hatches and Solid Fills 202
What Are Hatches? 202
What Are Solid Fills? 203
Creating Hatches and Solid Fills 203
Part V: Blocks 209
Creating and Using Blocks 210
What is a Block? 210
The Block List 212
Creating New Blocks 213
Inserting Blocks 215
Modifying Blocks 217
Deleting Blocks 219
Exploding Block References 220
Part VI: Import, Export and Printing 221
Import 222
Bitmap Import 222
SVG Import 224
Export 225
Exporting Drawings 225
Bitmap Export 225
SVG Export 227
PDF Export 228
DXF Export 229
Printing 230
Printing a Drawing 230
Printing a Drawing to Scale 232
Part VII: Projections 235
Orthographic Projections 236
Views of an Object 236
Local Standards 237
Drawing Techniques 239
Hands-on: Orthographic Projections 242
Exercises 253
Isometric Projections 255
What are Isometric Projections? 255
Creating Isometric Projections 256
The Scale of Isometric Projections 260

Coordinate systems
learn what coordinates are
 Different types of coordinates supported by AUTOCAD
Learn how to define positions by entering coordinates

Installation & checking of installation

Check whether AutoCAD is installed : Start> Programs> AutoCAD 2014.

If not:
Double-click the software center icon on the desktop
Select AutoCAD 2014 from the list
Click Install

Introduction to AutoCAD
Learning outcomes & Aims

Proficiency with AutoCAD package

Ability to produce drawings with
engineering detail
Communicate through visual presentation
AutoCAD Programme Drawing Aids

Ortho - cursor movement is constrained to the horizontal or vertical

directions only
predefined X & Y axis

Grid - Rectangular pattern of dots regularly spaced to aid drawing. The spacing
between grid dots is adjustable. Grid dots are not plotted.
SNAP
useful for specifying precise points with the arrow keys or the pointing device
OSNAP
used to select commonly needed points while creating or editing a drawing end point,
centre of a circle
Dynamic Input

Helpful dimensioning tool.

If typing in commands turn this OFF
3 options to construct elements in AutoCAD
Co-ordinate Entry
Rectangular (X,Y) or Polar (d & )
 Absolute Relevant to 0,0 (origin)
Relative to a particular point (use @)
Closing a polygon use shortcut - C

Erase command can be used to clear drawing area

Computer-
Aided Design (CAD)
http://www.slideshare.net/rfzah/autocad-introduction

COMPUTER AIDED DRAWING (CAD) Computer Aided Drawing /Drafting is a

process of preparing a drawing of an object on the screen of a computer. There are
various types of drawings required in different fields of engineering and science. In
the field of mechanical engineering the drawing of machine components and layouts
are prepared. In the field of civil engineering plans and layouts of buildings are
prepared. In all other fields of engineering use of computer is made for drawing and
drafting.

4. The use of CAD process provides enhanced graphics capabilities which allows any
designer to Conceptualize his ideas Modify the design very easily Perform
animation Make design calculations Use colures, fonts and other aesthetic
features

5. In modern CAD systems, Interactive (two-way) computer graphics (ICG) is used.

The ICG denotes a user oriented system in which the computer is employed to
create, transform and display data in the form of pictures or symbols. The image is
constructed out of basic geometric element points, lines circles etc. It can be
modified according to the demand of the designer enlarged, reduced in size, moved
to another location on screen ,rotated and other transformations also can be performed.

6. BENEFITS OF CAD Improved productivity in drafting. Shorter preparation time

for drawing. Reduced manpower requirements. Customer modifications in
drawing are easier. More efficient operation in drafting. Low wastage in
drawing. Minimized transcription errors in drawing. Improved accuracy of
drawing. Assistance in preparation of documentation Better designs can be
evolved. Cont.

7. Revisions are possible. Colures can be used to customize the product. Production
of orthographic projections with dimensions and tolerances. Hatching of all sections
with different filling patterns. Preparation of assembly or sub-assembly drawings.
Preparation of part list. Machining and tolerance symbols at the required surfaces.
Hydraulic and pneumatic circuit diagrams with symbols. Isometric views.
BENEFITS OF CAD

8. LIMITATIONS OF CAD It require large amount of computer memory. The size of

the software package is large. Skill and judgment are required to prepare the
drawing. Huge investment.

9. CAD SOFTWARES The CAD software is an interpreter or translator which allows the
user to perform specific type of application or job related to CAD. Following are the
various type of software used for drafting: Auto-CAD Pro-E IDEAS CATIA
Fluent Hyper mesh Abacus Transys

10. AutoCAD AutoCAD package is suitable for accurate and prefect drawing of
engineering designs. The drawing of machine parts, isometric views and assembly
drawings are possible in Auto-CAD. This package is suitable for 2 D & 3 D
drawings.

11. The Auto-CAD is used by the designers, painters, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical,
Electronics, Civil engineers in their field. Line, curves, text and filling point are the
essential elements used for preparation of any drawing on the screen. Computer
aided drafting is done by the operators by placing the mouse pointer at the desired
location and then executing the command to draw the graphic elements using different
methods.

12. Fig 1.1 File Edit View Insert Format Tools Auto-CAD 2001 Drawing1.dwg
Command Area Menu area Tool Boxes AutoCAD package utilize four areas on the
screen: (I) Drawing area, (II) Command area, (III) Menu area, (IV) Tool boxes.

13. Drawing area: To provide space to prepare a drawing. Command area: To allow
the entry of various commands for preparing the drawings. Menu area: It consists
number of dialog boxes which can be utilized for preparing the drawings. Tool
boxes: To allow selection of various options for the drawing.

14. The drawing is prepared in the drawing area by sequence of individual commands
supplied in command area or selection in menu in windows. The Auto-CAD drawing
area provides cross hairs, which are the two lines at right angles and the crossing
point is a point of selection. The cross hairs are connected to mouse and the
crossing point can be scrolled up-down and right-left. The operation of drawing can
either be performed by menus operated by mouse or by using commands.

15. There are different types of menus used in Auto-CAD package: (I) Window menus
(II) Pull-down menus (III) Icon menus (IV) Dialog boxes Pop-up menu Icon menu
File Edit View Insert Format Tools Edit Copy Cut Paste Pull down menu Dialog box
Save as Auto-CAD 2001 Drawing1.dwg Command : Fig 1.2 Window menu Title bar

16. The major functions performed by CAD system are: Basic setup of drawing
Drawing of objects using various elements Changing of properties of object
Transformations on object Text Dimensioning Filling of objects with different
patterns Creating libraries The drawing area of Auto-CAD is designated by x and
y co-ordinates measured in terms of decimal values. The screen area can be reduced
or enlarged by use of the Zoom tool and the display of drawing can be reduced or
enlarged on the screen.

17. Auto-CAD provides two drawing environment for creating laying out your drawing:
(I) Model space (II) Paper space Auto-CAD usually allows creating drawing, called
a model, in full scale in an area known as model space without regard to the final
layout or size when the drawing is plotted on paper. When the printing is carried out,
it is possible to arrange the elements of drawing on sheet of paper in paper space.
Conceptually, paper space represents the paper on which the drawing is to be plotted.

18. UTILITY COMMANDS The utility commands are those commands which control
the basic functions of AutoCAD. HELP: Lists all the Auto-CAD commands. END:
Returns to the main menu and updates (saves) the drawings file. QUIT: Returns to
 the main menu without updating the drawing file. SAVE: Saves the current drawing
and remains in the drawing editor screen for further editing. LIMITS: Allows
changing the upper and lower limits of the drawing area while working on a
drawing. For example to set the screen for A3 size (420x297), following steps are to
be carried out: Command: limits ON/OFF/ lower left corner 0.000, 0.000 or current :
Upper right corner 12.000, 9.000 : 420,297 This will set the drawing screen of A3
size. Note: Sign shows press enter.

19. GRIDS: It displays a dot grid in the current view port. Command: grid Grid spacing
(x) or ON/OFF/Snap/Aspect/<current>: specify a value or enter an option. Snap- Sets
the grid spacing to the current snap interval as set by the snap command. Aspect- Sets
the grid to a different spacing in x & y. SNAP: It restricts cursor movement to
specified intervals. Command: snap Snap spacing or
ON/OFF/Aspect/Rotate/Style/<current>: specify a distance, enter an option or press
enter. Spacing- Activates snap mode with the value you specify. Rotate- Sets the
rotation of the snap grid. Style- format of the snap grid, standard or isometric.

20. ORTHO: Constrains cursor movement to the horizontal or vertical. OSNAP: Allows
to select specify points on an object. e.g. endpoints, midpoints, intersection etc.
POLAR: Allows cursor movement to the horizontal or vertical.

21. DRAW/BASIC COMMANDS OF AutoCAD (Drawing Entities) (10, 10) (5, 5)

POINT Plot a point at the location (8, 6) Command: point Point: 8, 6 LINE Lines can
be drawn by any one of the following three methods using LINE command. (a) Using
Absolute Co-ordinates: Drawing a line from point (5, 5) to point (10, 10). Command:
Line From point: 5, 5(select the point by mouse or Enter the Co-ordinates by
keyboard) To Point: 10, 10 To Point: (0, 0 ) (8,6)

22. (7, 10) (2, 2) (1, 2) (1, 8 ) (b) Using Relative Co-ordinates Draw a line from point (2,
2) to point 5 units in X-axis and 8 units in Y-axis relative to first co-ordinate.
Command: Line From point: 2, 2 To point: @ 5, 8 To point: (c) Using Polar Co-
ordinates Draw a line from point (1, 2) to a length of 6 units at 90 degree. Command:
Line From point: 1, 2 To point:@6 90 To point:

23. (10, 10) (30, 20) PLINE A polyline is a connected sequence of line and arc segments.
Draw a thick line of width 2 units from (8, 4) to (6, 7) using pline command.
Command: pline From point: 8, 4 Arc/close/Half width/length/undo/width/ Endpoint
of line : width Width: 2 Next point: 6, 7 Next point: A box drawn by using pline will
act as one object instead of four discrete lines. RECTANGLE Draw a rectangle
defined by diagonal points (10, 10) and (30, 20). Command: Rectang First Corner: 10,
10 Second Corner: 30, 20

24. CIRCLE Circle can be drawn by any one of following five methods using circle
command. (a)Using Centre and Radius: Draw a circle with centre (6, 6) and radius 5
units. Command: circle 3P/2P/TTR/ centre point : 6, 6 Diameter/ radius : 5 (b) Using
Centre and diameter: Draw a circle with centre (6, 17) and diameter 10 units.
Command: circle 3p/2p/TTR/ centre point : 6, 17 Diameter/ radius : D Diameter: 10

25. (c) Using given three points: (3P) Draw a circle with using given three points (5, 30),
(7, 26), (10, 25). Command: circle 3P/2P/TTR/ centre point : 3 P First point: (5, 30)
Second point: (7, 26) Third point: (10, 25) (d) Using given two points: (2P) Draw a
circle with using given two points (7, 35) & (7, 47). Command: circle 3P/2P/TTR/
centre point : 2 P First point on diameter: (7, 35) Second point on diameter: (7, 47) (7,
26 ) (10, 2 5) (5, 30 ) (7, 47) (7, 35)

26. (e) Using Tangent, Tangent and Radius (TTR): Draw a circle with radius 2 units and
two existing line as tangents. Take: For line 1: (16, 4) to point (19, 9) For line 2: (20,
2) to point (21, 7) Command: circle 3P/2P/TTR/ centre point : TTR Enter Tangent
spec: line 1 (pick up using mouse) Enter Tangent spec: line 2 (pick up using mouse)
Radius: 2 (Spec means specifications) Line 1 Line 2

27. ELLIPSE: ELLIPSE can be drawn by any one of following two methods using ellipse
command. (a) Using first axis end points and other axis distance: Draw an ellipse
using major axis end point (10, 20) (65, 20) and minor axis end point (35, 35).
Command: ellipse <Axis end point 1>/ Centre: 10, 20 Axis end point 2: 65, 20 <Other
axis distance>/ Rotation: 35, 35 .

28. (b) Using Centre of ellipse axis, end point and other axis distance: Draw an ellipse
using with centre (100, 20), major axis end point (125, 20) and minor axis end point
(100, 35). Command: ellipse <Axis end point 1>/ Centre: C Centre of ellipse: 100, 20
Axis end point 2: 125, 20 <Other axis distance>/ Rotation: 100, 35 Note: Also the
ellipse can be drawn by using arc, Isocircle, rotation & perimeter options

29. ARC Arcs are partial circles and can be drawn in eight different methods using ARC
command. Some of them are follows: (a) Using three given points Draw an arc using
the given three points: (75, 50), (55, 90), (105,110). Command: arc Centre/<Start
point>: 75, 50 Centre/end/<Second point>: 55, 90 End point: 105,110 (b) Using Start
points, centre and end point (SCE) Draw an arc using start point (240, 20), centre
point (250, 60) and end point (250,100). Command: arc Centre/<Start point>: 240, 20
Centre/end/<Second point>: C Centre point: 250, 60 Angle/length of chord/<end
point>: 250,100

30. (c) Using Start points, centre and length of chord (SCL) Draw an arc using start point
(140, 10), centre point (100, 10) and chord length 45 units. Command: arc
Centre/<Start point>: 140, 10 Centre/end/<Second point>: C Centre point: 100, 10
Angle/length of chord/<end point>: L Length of chord: 45 (d) Using Start points, end
point and Radius (SER) Draw an arc using Start points (230, 80), end point (190, 80)
and radius 22 units. Command: arc Centre/<Start point>: 230, 80 Centre/end/<end
point>: E End point: 190, 80 Angle/Direction/Radius/<centre point>: R Radius: 22

31. Polygon The polygon command draws regular polygons with 3 to 1024 sides. Any
polygon can be drawn by following three method using polygon commands. (a) Using
radius of given circle in which polygon is inscribed: Draw a polygon of eight sides
with centre (50, 50) inscribed in a circle of radius 40 units. Command: polygon
Number of sides: 8 Edge/<centre of polygon>: 50, 50 Inscribed in circle/circum-
scribed about circle (I/C): I Radius of circle: 40

32. (b) Using radius of given circle in which polygon is circumscribed: Draw a polygon
of eight sides with centre (140, 50) circumscribed in a circle of radius 40 units.
Command: polygon Number of sides: 8 Edge/<centre of polygon>: 50, 50 Inscribed in
circle/circle-scribed about circle (I/C): C Radius of circle: 40 (C) Using Edge method
Draw a polygon of ten sides using Edge method. The first end point of the edge is
(90,100) and Second end of the edge is (120,100). Command: polygon Number of
sides: 10 Edge/<centre of polygon>: E First end point of edge: 90,100 Second end
point of edge: 120,100

33. EDIT COMMANDS AND OTHER ADDITIONAL COMMANDS These commands
are used to edit or modify the drawing. 1) ERASE- This command removes objects
from a drawing. Command: erase Select objects: click on objects 2) MOVE: This
command displaces objects to a specified distance in a specified direction. Command:
move Select objects: click on objects Base point or displacement: specify a base point
Second point or displacement: specify a point or

34. 3) COPY: - This command is similar to move command, but it places copies of the
related object at the specified displacements. Command: copy Select objects: click on
objects <Base point or displacement>/multiple: specify a point for a single copy or
enter m for multiple copies <Second point of displacement>: specify a point or P (For
placement multiple copies) 4) ROTATE: - This command moves object about a base
point. Command: rotate Select objects: click on objects Base point: specify a point
<Rotation angle>/Reference: Specify an angle or enter or specify a point
35. 5) MIRROR: - This command creates a mirror image of objects. Command:
mirror Select objects: click on objects First point of mirror line: Specify a point
Second point: Specify a point Delete old objects? <N>: Enter Y or N, or 6) SCALE:
This command enlarges or reduces selected objects equally in X, Y, Z direction.
Command: Scale Select objects: click on objects Base point: specify a point < Scale
factor>/ Reference: specify a scale or enter R. Scale factor>1 Enlarges the objects.
Scale factor<1 Shrinks the objects. Reference length<1>: specify a distance or New
length: specify a distance If the new length is longer than the reference length, the
objects are enlarged.
36. 7) ARRAY: This command creates multiple copies of objects in pattern.
Command: array Rectangular or polar array (R/P) <current>: enter an option or
Option: I) RECTANGULAR: Creates an array defined by a number of rows and
columns of copies of selected objects. II) POLAR - Creates an array defined by
specifying a center point about which the selected object is replicated. (Angle: + =
CCW. -CW) 8) BREAK: - This command creates part of objects or splits on object
into two. Command: break Select objects: click on objects or specify the first break
point on an object Enter second point (or F for first point): Specify the second break
point or enter F
37. 9) TRIM: - This command trims objects at a cutting edge defined by other
objects. Command: trim Select cutting edges: Click on cutting edges (lines) Select
edges: Click on object to be trimmed. <Select object to trim>/project/ edge/undo:
select an object, enter an option or 10) DIMENSIONING The dimensions are inserted
in the drawing by use of Dim command. There are various types of dimensions used
their AutoCAD. (I) Linear Dimensions: Horizontal, Vertical, aligned (for inclined
dimensions), Rotated (for inclined dimensions). (II) Angular dimensions: For angular
 dimensioning of objects. (III) Radial dimensions: For radial dimensioning of arc or
circle. (IV) Diametral dimensions: For diametral dimensioning of circle. (V) Ordinate
dimensions: For ordinate dimensioning of objects.
38. For dimensioning of objects, the first point and second point has to be specified.
The dimension text must be written and then the position of dimension must be
specified. (I) Linear Dimensioning Command: Dim Dim
(HOR/VER/ALIGNED/ROT): HOR First extension line origin: (select corner P using
cursor) Second extension line origin (Text/angle): (select corner Q) Dimension line
location (Text/Angle): (select the position of dim. Line using cursor) Dimension text:
8 Dim: Exit Command: Dim Dim: ROT Dimension line angle <0>:115 (Note- 00 for
horizontal & 900 for vertical dimensions) First extension line origin: (select the point)
Second extension line origin: (select the point) Dimension line location < text/angle>:
(select the location) Dimension text<5.5>:

39. (II) Angular dimensioning: Command: Dim Dim: Angular Select First line: (Pick
point 1) Select Second line: (Pick point 2) Dimensions are line location (text/angle):
(Pick point 3) Dimension text: 45 Enter text location: (pick a location for dimension
text) Command: Dim Dim: Leader Leader start (specify starting point, A) To Point:
(specify the end point, B) To Point: (specify the next point, C) Dimension text: R6

40. (III) Dimetral Dimensioning Dim: Dia Select arc or circle: (pick point P) Dimension
text: %%C8 (% % C for symbol) Enter leader length for text: (pick Q and then R and
press enter) (IV) Radius Dimensioning Dim: Radius Select arc or circles :( pick point
P) Dimension Text: R5

41. 11) Text This command creates text on the drawing with a variety of character
patterns or fonts. These fonts can be stretched, compressed, oblique, mirrored or
aligned in a vertical column by applying a style to the font. Command: Text
Justify/style/<start point>: specify a point or enter an option The start point is the
default. 12) Layer A layer is like an overlay that allows us to separate different types
of information. AutoCAD allows an unlimited number of layers on new drawings the
default layer is 0. This command creates new layer, selects the current layer, sets the
color and line type for designated layers, turns layers on and off, locks or unlocks
layer, freezes or throws layers and lists defined layers. Command:
layer ?/make/set/new/on/off/color/Ltype/Freeze/Thaw/lock/unlock: enter an option.

42. Problem: Draw the figure of Bracket and Open Bearing using AutoCAD. Solution: To
draw Bracket Command: line From point: 11, 3 To point: @ 47.5<0 To point: @ 2.5,
2.5 To point: @ 10<90 To point: @ 17.5<180 To point: @10<90 To point: @ 17.5<0
To point: @10<90 To point: @ -2.5, 2.5 To point: @ 47.5<180 To point: @ -2.5, - 2.5
To point: @30<270 To point: @ 2.5, -2.5 To point: 47. 5 (11,3) 2.5 2.52.5 17. 5
101010 BRACKET

43. To draw the Open Bearing Command: line From point: 10, 10 To point: @180<0 To
point: @20<90 To point: @45<180 To point: @55<90 To point: @15<180 To point:
@25<270 To point: Command: arc Centre/<start point>: 130, 60 Centre/end/<second
point>: E End point: 70, 60 Angle/direction/radius/<centre point>: A Included Angle:-
180 Command: line From point: 70, 60 To point: @25<90 To point: @15<180 To
point: @55<270 To point: @45<180 To point: @20<270 To point: 180 15 20 45 25 55
(10,10) OPEN BEARING
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mechanical-engineering/2-007-design-and-manufacturing-i-
spring-2009/lecture-notes/

Starting procedure

Launch AUTOCAD.AUTOCAD shows its application window and creates a new,

empty drawing. Although it is not necessary to first save the empty drawing, it is
good practice to do so as it forces you to think about where you want to store the
file before you start drawing.

Before you start drawing anything, save this empty drawing to a file on your disk.
To do so, choose the menu File - Save As...

The dialog for saving a drawing is shown. The dialog automatically suggests a
location for your file.You might want to use a sub-folder drawings in this location
instead, but to keep things simple the following steps assume that you use this
default location for saving your drawing.

Type the filename example into the input field with the label File name, then click
the Save button to save the empty drawing. The dialog window closes and you are
now ready to start drawing.
AutoCAD Electrical is a purpose built controls design software is used to create
electrical schematic drawings & panel drawings. AutoCAD Electrical contains
various schematics & panel symbols. These symbols, which are mostly the
AutoCAD blocks with the attributes, carry the intelligence of AutoCAD Electrical
drawings. While installing AutoCAD Electrical, the standard symbol libraries such
as JIC, IEC, JIS & GB are also installed. Besides containing all tools of the
AutoCAD software, it also contains other electrical tools. You can use these tools
for designing control systems accurately & speedily with less time & cost.

As AutoCAD Electrical is compatible with AutoCAD, it is recommended to use the

AutoCAD Electrical tools instead of AutoCAD tools, when you are designing
electrical circuits.However, AutoCAD Electrical drawings can be edited by using
AutoCAD LT or AutoCAD. The all inclusive symbol libraries and mechanized
tasks help in increasing productivity & removing errors & provide exact
information to the users.