About this Course

The objective of AutoCAD/AutoCAD LT 2014 Essentials is to enable students to create a basic 2D drawing in the AutoCAD software. Even at this fundamental level, the AutoCAD software is one of the most sophisticated computer applications that you are likely to encounter. Therefore learning to use it can be challenging.

AutoCAD/AutoCAD LT 2014 Essentials covers the essential core topics for working with the AutoCAD software. The teaching strategy is to start with a few basic tools that enable the student to create and edit a simple drawing, and then continue to develop those tools. More advanced tools are also introduced throughout the training guide. Not every command or option is covered, because the intent is to show the most essential tools and concepts, such as:

• Understanding the AutoCAD workspace and user interface.
• Using basic drawing, editing, and viewing tools.
• Organizing drawing objects on layers.
• Inserting reusable symbols (blocks).
• Preparing a layout to be plotted.
• Adding text, hatching, and dimensions.

Prerequisites:

• A working knowledge of basic design/drafting procedures and terminology.
• A working knowledge of your operating system.

Course Outline

Chapter 1 Getting Started with AutoCAD

• 1.1 Starting the Software
• 1.2 User Interface
• 1.3 Working with Commands
• 1.4 Cartesian Workspace
• 1.5 Opening an Existing Drawing File
• 1.6 Viewing Your Drawing
• 1.7 Saving Your Work

Chapter 2 Basic Drawing & Editing Commands

• 2.1 Drawing Lines
• 2.2 Erasing Objects
• 2.3 Drawing Lines with Polar Tracking
• 2.4 Drawing Rectangles
• 2.5 Drawing Circles
• 2.6 Undo and Redo Actions

Chapter 3 Projects - Creating a Simple Drawing

• 3.1 Create a Simple Drawing
• 3.2 Create Simple Shapes

Chapter 4 Drawing Precision in AutoCAD

• 4.1 Using Running Object Snaps
• 4.2 Using Object Snap Overrides
• 4.3 Polar Tracking at Angles
• 4.4 Object Snap Tracking
• 4.5 Drawing with Snap and Grid (Optional)

Chapter 5 Making Changes in Your Drawing

• 5.1 Selecting Objects for Editing
• 5.2 Moving Objects
• 5.3 Copying Objects
• 5.4 Rotating Objects
• 5.5 Scaling Objects
• 5.6 Mirroring Objects
• 5.7 Editing with Grips

Chapter 6 Projects - Making Your Drawings More Precise

• 6.1 Schematic Project: Electronics Diagram
• 6.2 Architectural Project: Landscape
• 6.3 Mechanical Project (with Polar & Tracking)
• 6.4 Mechanical Project: Surge Protector
• 6.5 Mechanical Project: Satellite

Chapter 7 Organizing Your Drawing with Layers

• 7.1 Creating New Drawings With Templates
• 7.2 What are Layers?
• 7.3 Layer States
• 7.4 Changing an Object’s Layer

Chapter 8 Advanced Object Types

• 8.1 Drawing Arcs
• 8.2 Drawing Polylines
• 8.3 Editing Polylines
• 8.4 Drawing Polygons
• 8.5 Drawing Ellipses

Chapter 9 Getting Information from Your Drawing

• 9.1 Working with Object Properties
• 9.2 Measuring Objects

Chapter 10 Projects - Drawing Organization & Information

• 10.1 Architectural Project
• 10.2 Mechanical Project
• 10.3 Civil Project

Chapter 11 Advanced Editing Commands

• 11.1 Trimming and Extending Objects
• 11.2 Stretching Objects
• 11.3 Creating Fillets and Chamfers
• 11.4 Offsetting Objects
• 11.5 Creating Arrays of Objects

Chapter 12 Inserting Blocks

• 12.1 What are Blocks?
• 12.2 Inserting Blocks
• 12.3 Working with Dynamic Blocks
• 12.4 Inserting Blocks with DesignCenter
• 12.5 Inserting Blocks with Content Explorer

Chapter 13 Projects - Creating More Complex Objects

• 13.1 Mechanical Project 1 - Plate
• 13.2 Mechanical Project 2 - Gasket
• 13.3 Mechanical Project 3 - Plate
• 13.4 Mechanical Project 4 - Rocker Arm
• 13.5 Architectural Project 1 - Floor Plan
• 13.6 Architectural Project 2 - Floor Plan
• 13.7 Civil Project - Parking Lot

Chapter 14 Setting Up a Layout

• 14.1 Printing Concepts
• 14.2 Working in Layouts
• 14.3 Copying Layouts
• 14.4 Creating Layout Viewports
• 14.5 Guidelines for Layouts

Chapter 15 Printing Your Drawing

• 15.1 Printing Layouts
• 15.2 Printing from the Model Tab

Chapter 16 Projects - Preparing to Print

• 16.1 Mechanical Project
• 16.2 Architectural Project

Chapter 17 Text

• 17.1 Working with Annotations
• 17.2 Adding Text in a Drawing
• 17.3 Modifying Multiline Text
• 17.4 Formatting Multiline Text
• 17.5 Adding Notes with Leaders to Your Drawing
• 17.6 Creating Tables
• 17.7 Modifying Tables

Chapter 18 Hatching

• 18.1 Hatching
• 18.2 Editing Hatches

Chapter 19 Adding Dimensions

• 19.1 Dimensioning Concepts
• 19.2 Adding Linear Dimensions
• 19.3 Adding Radial & Angular Dimensions
• 19.4 Editing Dimensions

Chapter 20 Projects - Annotating Your Drawing

• 20.1 Mechanical Project
• 20.2 Architectural Project 1
• 20.3 Architectural Project 2
• 20.4 Civil Project