AUTOCAD 2015 FOR BEGINNERS

Copyright 2013 by CADFolksThis book may not be duplicated in any way without the express written con-sent of the publisher, except in the form of brief excerpts or quotations for the pur-pose of review. The information contained herein is for the personal use of thereader and may not be incorporated in any commercial programs, other books,database, or any kind of software without written consent of the publisher. Makingcopies of this book or any portion for purpose other than your own is a violation ofcopyright laws.Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty:The author and publisher make no representations or warranties with respect tothe accuracy or completeness of the contents of this work and specifically disclaimall warranties, including without limitation warranties of fitness for a particular pur-pose. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situ-ation. Neither the publisher nor the author shall be liable for damages arising herefrom.Trademarks:All brand names and product names used in this book are trademarks, regis-tered trademarks, or trade names of their respective holders. The author and pub-lisher are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

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Table of ContentsIntroductionScopeofthisBookChapter1: IntroductiontoAutoCAD2015IntroductionSystemrequirementsStartingAutoCAD2015AutoCADuserinterfaceChangingtheColorSchemeWorkspacesinAutoCADApplicationMenuQuickAccessToolbarFiletabsGraphicsWindowViewCubeNavigationBarCommandlineStatusBarMenuBarChangingthedisplayoftheRibbonDialogsandPalettesToolPalettesShortcutMenusSelectionWindowStartinganewdrawingCommandList3DCommands

Chapter2: DrawingBasicsDrawingBasicsDrawingLinesErasing,UndoingandRedoingDrawingCirclesDrawingArcsDrawingSplinesDrawingEllipsesDrawingPolylinesDrawingRectanglesDrawingPolygonsExercises

Chapter3: DrawingAidsDrawingAidsSettingGridandSnapSettingtheLimitsofadrawingSettingtheLineweightUsingOrthomodeandPolarTrackingUsingLayersUsingObjectSnapsRunningObjectSnapsCyclingthroughObjectSnapsUsingObjectSnapTrackingUsingZoomtoolsPanningDrawingsExercisesChapter4:EditingToolsEditingToolsTheMovetoolTheCopytoolTheRotatetoolTheScaletoolTheTrimtoolTheExtendtoolTheFillettoolTheChamfertoolTheMirrortoolTheExplodetoolTheStretchtoolThePolarArraytoolTheOffsettoolThePathArraytoolTheRectangularArraytoolEditingUsingGripsModifyingRectangularArraysModifyingPolarArraysExercisesChapter5:MultiViewDrawingsMultiviewDrawingsCreatingOrthographicViewsCreatingAuxiliaryViewsCreatingNamedviewsExercise1Exercise2Exercise3Exercise4Chapter6:DimensionsandAnnotationsDimensioningCreatingDimensionsCreatingaDimensionStyleAddingLeadersAddingDimensionalTolerancesGeometricDimensioningandTolerancingEditingDimensionsbyStretchingModifyingDimensionsbyTrimmingandExtendingUsingtheDIMEDITcommandUsingtheUpdatetoolUsingtheObliquetoolEditingDimensionsusingGripsModifyingDimensionsusingthePropertiespaletteMatchingPropertiesofDimensionsorObjectsExercise1Exercise2Exercise3Chapter7:ParametricToolsParametricToolsGeometricConstraintsDimensionalConstraintsCreatingequationsusingtheParametersManagerCreatingInferredConstraintsExercise1Exercise2Chapter8:SectionViewsSectionViewsTheHatchtoolSettingthePropertiesofHatchlinesIslandDetectiontoolsTextinHatchingEditingHatchlinesExercise1Exercise2Chapter9:Blocks,AttributesandXrefsIntroductionCreatingBlocksInsertingBlocksCreatingAnnotativeBlocksExplodingBlocksUsingthePurgetoolUsingtheDividetoolRenamingBlocksInsertingBlocksinaTableUsingtheDesignCenterUsingToolPalettesInsertingMultipleBlocksEditingBlocksUsingtheWriteBlocktoolDefiningAttributesInsertingAttributedBlocksWorkingwithExternalreferencesFadinganXrefClippingExternalReferencesEditingtheExternalReferencesAddingBalloonsCreatingPartListExerciseChapter10:Layouts&AnnotativeObjectsDrawingLayoutsWorkingwithLayoutsCreatingViewportsinthePaperspaceChangingtheLayerPropertiesinViewportsCreatingtheTitleBlockontheLayoutWorkingwithAnnotativeDimensionsScalingHatchesrelativetoViewportsWorkingwithAnnotativeTextExercise1Chapter11:TemplatesandPlottingPlottingDrawingsConfiguringPlottersCreatingPlotStyleTablesUsingPlotStylesCreatingTemplatesPlotting/PrintingthedrawingExercise

Chapter12:3DModelingBasicsIntroduction3DModelingWorkspacesinAutoCADThe3DModelingWorkspaceTheBoxtoolCreatingtheUserCoordinateSystemCreatingaWedgeCreatingaCylinderUsingDynamicUserCoordinateSystemModelSpaceViewportsFor3DModelingCreatingOtherPrimitiveShapesCreatingConesCreatingaSphereCreatingaTorusCreatingaPyramidUsingthePolysolidtoolUsingtheExtrudetoolUsingtheRevolvetoolUsingtheSweeptoolUsingtheLofttoolUsingthePresspulltoolPerformingBooleanOperationsUsingtheHelixtoolExercisesChapter13:SolidEditing&generating2DviewsIntroductionUsingtheMovetoolUsingthe3DMovetoolUsingthe3DArraytoolUsingthe3DAligntoolUsingthe3DMirrortoolUsingtheFilletEdgetoolUsingtheTaperFacestoolUsingtheOffsetFacestoolUsingthe3DRotatetoolUsingthe3DPolylinetoolCreatinga3DPolarArrayUsingtheShelltoolUsingtheChamferEdgetoolUsingtheSectionPlanetoolUsingtheLiveSectiontoolCreatingDrawingViewsSettingtheDraftingStandardCreatingaBaseViewCreatingaProjectedViewCreatingSectionViewsCreatingtheSectionViewStyleCreatingaFullSectionViewCreatingaDetailedViewExercises

Chapter14:CreatingArchitecturalDrawingsIntroductionCreatingOuterWallsCreatingInnerWallsCreatingOpeningsandDoorsCreatingKitchenFixturesCreatingBathroomFixturesAddingFurnitureusingBlocksAddingWindowsArrangingObjectsofthedrawinginLayersCreatingGridLinesAddingDimensionsExercise

IntroductionCAD is an abbreviation for Computer-Aided Design. It is the process used to de-sign and draft components on your computer. This process includes creating de-signs and drawings of the product or system. AutoCAD is a CAD software packagedeveloped and marketed by Autodesk Inc. It can be used to create two-dimensional(2D) and three-dimensional (3D) models of products. These models can be trans-ferred to other computer programs for further analysis and testing. In addition, youcan convert these computer models into numerical data. This numerical data canbe used in manufacturing equipment such as machining centers, lathes, mills, orrapid prototyping machines to manufacture the product.AutoCAD is one of the first CAD software packages. It was introduced in theyear 1982. Since that time, it has become the industry leader among all CAD prod-ucts. It is the most widely used CAD software. The commands and concepts intro-duced by AutoCAD are utilized by other systems. As a student, learning AutoCADprovides you with a greater advantage as compared to any other CAD software.

Scope of this BookTheAutoCAD2015forBeginnersbookprovidesalearn-by-doingapproachforusers to learn AutoCAD. It is written for students and engineers who are interestedto learn AutoCAD 2015 for creating designs and drawing of components or anyonewho communicates through technical drawings as part of their work. The topicscovered in this book are as follows:Chapter 1, Introduction to AutoCAD 2015, gives an introduction to Auto-CAD. The user interface and terminology are discussed in this chapter.Chapter 2, Drawing Basics, explores the basic drawing tools in AutoCAD.You will create simple drawings using the drawing tools.

Chapter 3, Drawing Aids, explores the drawing settings that will assist youin creating drawings.

Chapter 4, Editing Tools, covers the tools required to modify drawing objects or create new objects using the existing ones.

Chapter 5, Multi View Drawings, teaches you to create multi view drawingsstandard projection techniques.

Chapter 6, Dimensions and Annotations, teaches you to apply dimensions and annotations to a drawing.

Chapter 7, Parametric Tools, teaches you to create parametric drawings.Parametric drawings are created by using the logical operations andparameters that control the shape and size of a drawing.

Chapter 8, Section Views, teaches you to create section views of a component. A section view is the inside view of a component when it is sliced.Chapter 9, Blocks, Attributes and Xrefs, teaches you to create Blocks, Attributes and Xrefs. Blocks are group of objects in a drawing that can bereused. Attributes are notes, or values related to an object. Xrefs are drawingfiles attached to another drawing.

Chapter 10, Layouts and Annotative Objects, teaches you create layouts and annotative objects. Layouts are the digital counterparts of physical drawing sheets. Annotative objects are dimensions, notes and so on which their sizeswith respect to drawing scale.Chapter 11, Templates and Plotting, teaches you create drawing templates and plot drawings.

Chapter 12, 3D Modeling Basics, explores the basic tools to create 3D models.Chapter 13, Solid Editing Tools, covers the tools required to edit solid models and create new objects by using the existing ones.

Chapter 14, Creating Architectural Drawings, introduces you to architecturaldesign in AutoCAD. You will design a floor plan and add dimensions to it.

Chapter1:IntroductiontoAutoCAD2015In this chapter, you will learn about:

AutoCAD user interfaceCustomizing user interfaceImportant AutoCAD commandsIntroductionAutoCAD is legendary software in the world of Computer Aided Designing (CAD).It has completed 32 years by the 2014. If you are a new user of this software, thenthe time you spend on learning this software will be a wise investment. If you haveused previous versions of AutoCAD, you will be able to learn the new enhance-ments. I welcome you to learn AutoCAD using this book through step-by-stepexamples to learn various commands and techniques.

System requirementsThe following are system requirements for running AutoCAD smoothly on yoursystem.Microsoft Windows8/8.1, Windows7.Intel or AMD Processors.2 GB of RAM (8GB Recommended).6 GB of free space for installation.Microsoft Direct3D-capable workstation-class graphics card and driver.Internet Explorer 9.0 or later.Starting AutoCAD 2015TostartAutoCAD2015,double-clicktheAutoCAD2015icononyourDesktop.Alternatively,clickStart>AllPrograms>Autodesk>AutoCAD2015>AutoCAD2015.

AutoCAD user interfaceWhen you double-click the AutoCAD 2015 icon on the desktop, the AutoCAD 2015initial screen will be displayed.

On the Initial Screen, click Start Drawing to open a new drawing file. The draw-ing file consists of a graphics window, ribbon, menu bar, toolbars, command line,and other screen components, depending on the workspace that you have selected.

Changing the Color SchemeAutoCAD2015isavailableintwodifferentcolorschemes:DarkandLight.YoucanchangethecolorschemebyusingtheOptionsdialog.ClicktherightmousebuttonandselectOptionsfromtheshortcutmenu.OntheOptionsdialog,clicktheDisplaytabandselectaoptionfromtheColorSchemedrop-down.

Workspaces in AutoCADTherearethreeworkspacesavailableinAutoCAD:Drafting&Annotation,3DBa-sics,and3DModeling.Bydefault,theDrafting&Annotationworkspaceisacti-vated. You can create 2D drawings in this workspace or this workspace. You can al-soactivateotherworkspacesbyusingtheWorkspacedrop-downonthetop-leftcornerortheWorkspaceSwitchingmenuonthelower-rightcornerofthewindow.

Drafting & Annotation WorkspaceThis workspace has all the tools to create a 2D drawing. It has a ribbon locatedat the top of the screen. The ribbon is arranged in a hierarchy of tabs, panels, andtools.PanelssuchasDraw,Modify,andLayersconsistoftoolswhicharegroupedbased on their usage. Panels in turn are grouped into various tabs. For example,thepanelssuchasDraw,Modify,areLayersarelocatedintheHometab.

3D Basics and 3D Modeling WorkspacesThese workspaces are used to create 3D models. You will learn more aboutthese workspaces in Chapter 12. The other components of the user Interface arediscussed next.Application MenuTheApplicationMenuappearswhenyouclickontheiconlocatedatthetopleftcornerofthewindow.TheApplicationMenuconsistsofalistofselfexplanatorymenus. You can see a list of recently opened documents or a list of currentlyopeneddocumentsbyclickingtheRecentDocumentsandOpenDocumentsbut-tons, respectively. The Search Bar is used to search for any command. You cantype any keyword in the search bar and find a list of commands related to it.Quick Access ToolbarThis is located at the top left corner of the window. It consists of commonly usedcommandssuchasNew,Save,Open,SaveAs,andsoon.

File tabsFiles tabs are located below the ribbon. You can switch between different drawingfiles by using the file tabs. Also, you can easily open a new file by using the + but-ton.

Graphics WindowGraphics window is the blank space located below the file tabs. You can draw ob-jects and create 3D graphics in the graphics window. The top left corner of thegraphicswindowhasInCanvasControls.Usingthesecontrols,youcansettheorientation and display style of the model.

ViewCubeThe ViewCube allows you to navigate in the 3D Modeling and 2D drafting environ-ments. Using the ViewCube, you can set the orientation of the model. For example,you can select the top face of the ViewCube to set the orientation to Top. You canclick the corner points to set the view to Isometric.

Navigation BarTheNavigationBarcontainsnavigationtoolssuchasSteeringwheel,Pan,Zoom,Orbit,andShowMotion.

Command lineThe command line is located below the graphics window. It is very easy to executea command using the command line. You can just type the first letter of a com-mand and it lists all the commands starting with that letter. This makes you to in-vokecommandsveryeasilyandincreasesyourproductivity.

Also, the command line displays the current state of the drawing. It displaysvarious prompts while working with any command. These prompts are series ofsteps needed to successfully execute a command. For example, when you invokethe LINE command, the command line displays a prompt, Specify the first point.You need to click in the graphics window to specify the first point of the line. Afterspecifying the first point, the prompt, Specify next point or [Undo]: appears.Now, you need to specify the next point of the line. It is recommended that youshould always have a look at the command line to know the next step while exe-cuting a command.

Status BarStatus Bar is located at the bottom of the AutoCAD window. It contains many but-tons which help you to create a drawing very easily. You can turn ON or OFF thesebuttons just by clicking on them. Some buttons are hidden by default. You can dis-play more button on the status bar by clicking the Customization button at the bot-tom right corner and selecting the options from the menu. The buttons availableon the status bar are briefly discussed in the following section.

Menu BarMenu Bar is not displayed by default. However, you can display the Menu Bar inother workspaces by clicking on the down-arrow located at the right side of theQuickAccessToolbarandselectingtheShowMenuBaroption.TheMenuBarislocated at the top of the window just below the title bar. It contains various menussuch as File, Edit, View, Insert, Format, Tools, Draw, Dimensions, Modify, and soon. Clicking on any of the word on the Menu Bar displays a menu. The menu con-tains various tools and options. There are also sub-options available on the menu.These sub-options are displayed if you click on an option with an arrow. If you clickon an option with (...), a dialog will be displayed.

Changing the display of the RibbonYou can change the display of the ribbon by clicking the arrow button located atthe top of it. The ribbon can be displayed in three different modes as shown below.

Dialogs and PalettesDialogs and Palettes are part of AutoCAD user interface. Using a dialog or a palette,you can easily specify many settings and options. Examples of dialoges and pal-ettes are a shown below.

Tool PalettesTool Palettes provide you with another way of selecting tools and placing objects.YoucandisplayToolPalettesbyclickingView>Palettes>ToolPalettesontherib-bon. A Tool Palette is similar to a palette except that it has many palettes groupedin the form of tabs. You can select tools from the Tool Palettes as well as drag andplace objects (blocks) into the drawing. You can also create a new Tool Palette andadd frequently used tools and objects to it.

Shortcut MenusShortcut Menus are displayed when you right-click in the graphics window. Auto-CAD provides various shortcut menus in order to help you access tools and op-tions very easily and quickly. There are various types of` shortcut menus availablein AutoCAD. Some of them are discussed next.Default menuThis shortcut menu is displayed whenever you right-click in the graphics win-dow without activating any command or selecting any object.Edit Shortcut menuThis shortcut menu is displayed when you select an object from the graphicswindow and right-click. It consists of editing and selection options.

Command Mode shortcut menuThis shortcut menu is displayed when you select a command and right-click. Itdisplays options depending upon the selected command. The shortcut menu be-low shows the options related to the POLYLINE command.

Grip shortcut menuThis shortcut menu is displayed when you select a grip of an object, move thepointer and right-click. It displays various operations that can be performed usinggrip.

Selection WindowA selection window is used to select multiple elements of the drawing. In AutoCAD2015, you can select multiple elements by using two types of selection windows.The first type is a rectangular selection window. You can create this type of selec-tion window by defining its two diagonal corners. When you define the first cornerof the selection window on the left and second corner on the right side, the ele-ments which completely fall under the selection window will be selected.

However, if you define the first corner on the right side and second corner ofthe left side, the elements, which fall completely or partially under the selectionwindow, will be selected.

The second type of selection window is the Lasso. Lasso is an irregular shapecreated by clicking and dragging the pointer across the elements to select. If youdrag the pointer from the left to right, the elements falling completely under thelasso will be selected.

If you drag the pointer from right to left, the elements, which fall completely orpartially under the lasso, will be selected.

Starting a new drawingYoucanstartanAutoCADdocumentbyusingtheGetStartedsectionorbyusingtheSelecttemplatedialog.Get Section on the Initial ScreenTo start a new drawing, click Create at the bottom of the initial screen, and thenselectatemplatefromGetStarted>Templatesdrop-down.

The Select Template dialogTostartanewdrawing,clicktheNewbuttononanyoneofthefollowing:Quick Access ToolbarApplication MenuTheSelectTemplatedialogappearswhenyouclicktheNewbutton.Inthisdia-log,selecttheacad.dwt(inchunits)oracadiso.dwt(metricunits)templateforcre-atinga2Ddrawing.Selecttheacad3D.dwtoracadiso3D.dwttemplateforcreating3D models.

Command ListVarious commands in AutoCAD are given in the table below:CommandAliasDescription

APPLOADInvokestheLoad/UnloadApplicationsdialog.

ADCENTERDCOpenstheDesignCenterpalette.

ALIGNALUsed to align objects with other objects.

ARCAUsed to create an arc.

AREADisplays the area of a selected closed object.

ARRAYARCreates Rectangular, Path or Polar 2D arrays.

ASEDisplaysthedbConnectManagerpalette.

ATTDEFATTDisplaystheAttributeDefinitiondialog.

ATTEDITATEUsed to edit Attributes.

AUDITUsed to check and fix errors.

AUTOCONSTRAINUsed to apply constraints automatically.

AUTOPUBLISHUsed to create a DWF file.

BACTIONACUsed to add an action to a dynamic block. This command is available in Block Editor.

BLOCKUsed to create a block.

BMAKEBUsed to create a block.

BMPOUTUsed to create a Raster image out of the drawing.

BOUNDARYBOUsed to create a hatch boundary.

BREAKBRUsed to break an object.

CALUsed to calculate mathematical expressions.

CHAMFERCHAUsed to create chamfers.

CHPROPCHChanges the properties of a selected object.

CIRCLECUsed to create a circle.

COLORCOLDisplaystheSelectColordialog.

COPYTOLAYERUsed to copy objects from one layer to another.

COPYCOUsed to copy objects inside a drawing.

COPYCLIPCTRL+CUsed to copy objects from one drawing to another.

CUSTOMIZEUsed to customize tool palettes.

DDEDITEDUsed to edit a note or annotation.

DIMSTYLEDUsed to create or modify a dimension style.

DDMODIFYDisplays the Properties palette.

DELCONSTRAINTUsed to delete constraints.

OSNAPOSUsed to set Object Snap settings.

DDPTYPEUsed to set the point style and size.

VIEWVUsed to save views by names.

DGNEXPORTUsed to export the drawing to Microstation (DGN) format.

DGNIMPORTUsed to import a Microstation (DGN) format file.

DIMCONSTRAINTDCONUsed to apply dimensional constraints to objects.

DIMLINEARDLIUsed to create a linear dimension.

DIMALIGNEDDALUsed to create an aligned dimension.

DIMARCDARUsed to dimension the arc length.

DIMRADIUSDIMRADUsed to create at radial dimension.

DIMJOGGEDJOGUsed to create a jogged dimension.

DIMDIAMETERDIMDIAUsed to create a diameter dimension.

DIMANGULARDANUsed to create an angular dimension.

DIMORDINATEDORUsed to create ordinate dimension.

DIMCONTINUEDIMCONTUsed to create continuous dimensions from an existing one.

DIMBASELINEDIMBASEUsed to create baseline dimensions.

DIMINSPECTUsed to create an inspection dimension.

-DIMSTYLEUpdate a dimension according the dimension style.

DIMSPACEUsed to adjust space between dimensions.

DIMBREAKUsed to break the extension line of a dimension when it intersects with another dimension.

DIMOVERRIDEUsed to override the system variables of a selected dimension.

DIMCENTERUsed to create a center mark of a circle.

DIMEDITDIMEDUsed to edit a dimension.

DIMTEDITDIMTEDUsed to edit the dimension text.

DIMDISASSOCIATEDisassociates a dimension from the object.

DISTDIUsed to measure the distance between two points.

DISTANTLIGHTUsed to create distant light.

DIVIDEDIVPlaces evenly spaced objects on a line segment

DONUTDOUsed to create a donut.

DVIEWUsed to get the aerial view of a drawing.

DXBINUsed to open a DXB file.

DXFINUsed to open a DXF file.

DXFOUTUsed to save a file in DXF format.

ELLIPSEELUsed to create an ellipse.

ERASEEUsed to erase objects.

EXITUsed to close AutoCAD.

EXPLODEXUsed to explode or ungroup objects.

EXPLORERDisplays Windows Explorer.

EXPORTEXPUsed to export data.

EXTENDEXUsed to extend an object up to another.

FILLETFUsed to create a fillet at the corner.

FILTERUsed to set object selection filters.

GEOMCONSTRAINTGCONUsed to apply geometric constraints.

GRADIENTUsed to apply gradient to a closed area.

GROUPGUsed to group objects.

HATCHHUsed to apply hatch to a closed area.

HATCHEDITHEUsed to edit hatch.

HELPDisplay the Help window.

HIDEHIChanges the Visual Style to Hidden.

IDDisplays the coordinate values of a selected point.

IMAGEADJUSTIADUsed to adjust images.

IMAGECLIPUsed to crop an image.

IMPORTUsed to import other forms of CAD data.

INSERTIUsed to insert a block.

INSERTOBJUsed to insert an object into the drawing.

ISOPLANECTRL+EUsed to set the current isometric plane.

JOINJUsed to join end points of two linear or curved objects.

LAYCURThe Layer of the selected objects will be made current.

LAYERLAUsed to create a new layer and modify its properties.

LAYOUTUsed to modify layouts.

LENGTHENLENUsed to increase the length of an object.

LIMITSUsed to set the drawing limits.

LIMMAXUsed to set the maximum limit of a drawing.

LINELUsed to create a line.

LINETYPELTUsed to set the linetype.

LISTLILists the properties of a selected object in the text window.

LOADImports the shapes that can be used by the SHAPE command.

LTSCALELTSUsed to set the linetype scale.

MEASUREMEUsed to place points or blocks at measured intervals on an object.

MENUUsed to load a customization file.

MENULOADUsed to load or unload a customizable file.

MIRRORMIUsed to create a mirror image of an object.

MLEDITUsed to edit a multiline.

MLINEMLUsed to create multiple parallel lines.

MLSTYLEUsed to create and modify a multiline style.

MOVEMUsed to move selected objects.

MSLIDEUsed to create slide out of a drawing.

MSPACEMSUsed to switch from paper space to model space.

MSTRETCHUsed to stretch multiple objects at a time.

MTEXTMT or TUsed to write text in multiple lines.

MVIEWMVUsed to create and modify layouts.

MVSETUPUsed to set drawing specifications for printing purpose.

NEWCTRL+NUsed to open a new file.

NOTEPADUsed to edit file in Notepad.

OFFSETOCreates a parallel copy of a selected object at a specified distance.

OOPSUsed to undo the ERASE command.

OPENUsed to open an existing file.

OPTIONSOPUsed to set various options related to the drawing.

ORTHOTurns ON/OFF the Ortho Mode.

OSNAPOSUsedtotheObjectSnapsettings.

PAGESETUPUsed to specify the printing properties of a layout.

PANPUsed to drag a drawing to view its different portions.

PARAMETERPARUsed to assign expressions to a dimensional constraint.

PBRUSHOpenstheWindowsPaintapplication.

PEDITPEUsed to edit polylines.

PLINEPLUsed to create a polyline. A polyline is a single object which can have continuous lines and arcs.

PLOTCTRL+PUsed to plot a drawing.

POINTPOUsed to place a point in the drawing.

POLYGONPOLUsed to create a polygon.

PREVIEWPREUsed to preview the plotted drawing.

PROPERTIESPRDisplaysthePropertiespalette.

PSOUTUsed to create a postscript file.

PURGEPUUsed to remove the unwanted data from the drawing.

QDIMUsed to create a quick dimension.

QSAVEUsed to save the current drawing.

QUICKCALCQCDisplays the QuickCalc calculator.

QUITUsed to close the current drawing session.

RAYUsed to create a line that starts from a selected point and extends upto infinity.

RECOVERUsed to repair and open the damaged files.

RECOVERALLUsed to repair a damaged file along with the attached external references.

RECTANGUsed to create a polyline rectangle.

REDEFINEUsed to restore an AutoCAD command which has been overridden.

REDRAWRRefreshes the current viewport.

UNDEFINEUsed to override an existing command with a new one.

REDOUsed to cancel the previous UNDO command.

REDRAWALLRARefreshes all the viewports in a drawing.

REGENRERegenerates the current viewport of a drawing.

REGENALLREARegenerates all the viewports of a drawing.

REGIONREGConvert the area enclosed by objects into a region.

RENAMERENUsed to rename blocks, viewports, dimension styles and so on.

REVCLOUDUsed to highlight a portion of drawing by creating a cloud around it.

RIBBONDisplays the ribbon.

RIBBONCLOSEHides the ribbon.

SAVECTRL+SSaves the currently opened drawing.

SAVEASSaves the drawing with another name and location.

SAVEIMGUsed to save a rendered output file.

SCALESCUsed to increase or decrease the size of a drawing.

SCRIPTSCRUsed to load a script file. A script is used to run various commands in a sequential manner.

SETVARSETUsed to list or change a system variable.

SHAPEUsed to insert a shape into a drawing.

SHELLUsed to enter MS-DOS commands.

SKETCHUsed to draw freehand sketches.

SOLIDSOUsed to create filled triangles or quadrilaterals.

SPELLSPUsed to check the spelling of a text.

SPLINESPLUsed to create a spline (curved object).

SPLINEDITSPEUsed to edit a spline.

STATUSUsed to display the details of a drawing such as limits, model space usage, layers and so on.

STRETCHSUsed to stretch objects.

STYLESTUsed to create or modify the text style.

TABLETTAAllows using a tablet for creating drawings.

TBCONFIGUsed to customize user interface.

TEXTUsed to enter text in the drawing.

THICKNESSTHUsed to set a thickness value to 2D objects.

TOLERANCE Used to apply geometric tolerances to the drawing.

TOOLBARTOUsed to customize toolbars.

TRIMTRUsed to trim unwanted portions of an object.

UCSUsed to specify the location of the user coordinate system.

UNDOCTRL+Z (or) UUsed to undo the last operation.

UNITSUNSet the units of the drawing

VIEWUsed to save and restore model space, layout, and preset views.

VPLAYERUsed to control the layer visibility in paper space.

VPORTSUsed to create multiple viewports in model space of paper space.

VSLIDEUsed to show an image slide file.

WBLOCKWUsed to convert a block into a drawing.

WMFINUsed to import a Windows Metafile. This file contains drawing data and image data. But only drawing data is imported.

WIPEOUTUsed to wipeout a portion of the drawing.

WMFOPTSUsed to specify options for importing a Windows Metafile.

WMFOUTUsed to save objects as Windows Metafile.

XATTACHXAUsed to attach a drawing as an external reference.

XLINEXLUsed to create construction lines. Construction lines extend to infinity and help in drawing objects.

XREFXRUsed to attach a drawing as an external reference.

ZOOMZUsed to Zoom in or out of a drawing.

3D CommandsCommandShortcutDescription

3DARRAY3AUsed to create three-dimensional arrays of a objects.

3DALIGN3ALUsed align 3D objects.

3DFACE3FUsed to create three sided or four 3D surface.

3DMESHUsed to create freeform 3D mesh.

3DCORBITUsed to rotate a view in the 3D space with continuous motion.

3DDISTANCEUsed to control the distance.

3DEDITBARUsed to add and edit control vertices on a NURBS surface or spline.

3DFLYUsed to view the 3D model as if you are flying through.

3DFORBITUsed to freely rotate a view in 3D space.

3DMOVE3MUsed to move the objects in 3D space.

3DORBIT3DOUsed to rotate the view constrained along horizontal or vertical axis.

3DORBITCTRUsed to set the center for rotating view in 3D space.

3DPANUsed to pan the 3D models horizontally or vertically. This is used when working in perspective view.

3DPOLY3PUsed to create a 3D polyline.

3DPRINT3DPUsed to print the model in 3D (plastic prototype).

3DROTATEUsed to rotate 3D objects in 3D space.

3DSCALE3SUsed to increase or decrease the size of 3D object along the X, Y, Z directions.

3DSINUsed to import a 3ds Max file.

3DDWFExport the 3D model to a 3D DWF file.

3DWALKUsed to view the 3D model as if you are walking through it.

ANIPATHUsed to create an animation when you are navigating through the model.

BOXUsed to create a 3D box.

CONEUsed to create a 3D cone.

CONVERTOLDLIGHTSUsed to convert lights created in previous releases to the current format.

CONVERTOLDMATERIALSUsed to convert old materials to new format

CONVTONURBSUsed to convert a surface to NURBS. You can edit can easily edit a NURBS by using control vertices displayed on it.

CONVTOSOLIDUsed to convert 3D meshes, polylines and circles to 3D solids.

CONVTOSURFACEUsed to convert objects to surfaces.

CVADDUsed to add control vertices to a NURBS surface or spline.

CVREMOVEUsed to remove control vertices from a NURBS surface or spline.

CVHIDEUsed to hide the control vertices of a NURBS surface or splines,

CVSHOWUsed to display the control vertices of a NURBS surface or splines.

CVREBUILDUsed to rebuild the control vertices of a NURBS surface.

CYLINDERUsed to create a 3D Cylinder.

EDGESURFUsed to create a mesh surface from four adjacent edges.

EXTRUDEEXTUsed to extrude a closed region or polyline.

FLATSHOTUsed to create a 2D representation of a 3D model.

FREEPOINTUsed to create point light that emits light in all directions.

FREESPOTUsed to create a spot light without any target.

HELIXUsed to create a helical or spiral curve.

INTERFEREUsed to create a 3D solid at the interference point of the various solid objects.

INTERSECTINUsed to create a 3D solid at the intersection portion of solid.

LIGHTUsed to create a light.

LIGHTLISTDisplays the lights available in the current 3D model.

LOFTUsed to create 3D solid or surface between various cross sections.

MATERIALSDisplays the Material Browser.

MATERIALASSIGNUsed to assign a material to the model.

MATERIALMAPUsed to the control the texture.

MATERIALATTACHUsed to associate materials with layers.

MESHUsed to create 3D mesh objects.

MESHREFINEUsed to refine the mesh of 3D mesh objects.

MESHSMOOTHUsed to increase the smoothness of mesh objects.

MIRROR3DUsed to mirror 3D objects in 3D space.

OFFSETEDGEUsed to create a parallel copy of an edge at a specified distance.

PFACEUsed to create a 3D Polyface mesh by specifying vertices.

PLANDisplays the top view of the 3D model.

PLANESURFUsed to create a planar surface.

POINTLIGHTUsed to create point light that emits light in all directions.

PRESSPULLUsed to extrude or subtract material.

PYRAMIDUsed to create a pyramid.

-RENDERUsed to specify settings for rendering.

RENDERCROPUsed to render a rectangular portion of a 3D model.

RENDERENVIRONMENTUsed to control visual properties rendered image.

RENDEREXPOSUREUsed to control the lighting of a rendered image.

RENDERONLINEUsed to render an image in Autodesk 360 (cloud).

RENDERPRESETSUsed to specify preset values for rendering an image.

RENDERWINDisplays the render window.

REVOLVEREVUsed to create a revolved solid.

REVSURFUsed to create a revolved surface.

RMATDisplays the Material Browser.

RPREFRPRUsed to specify advanced render settings.

SECTIONSECUsed to create section plane in a 3D model.

SLICESLUsed to slice a 3D model.

SOLPROFCreate a profile from a 3D model in a paperspace.

SOLIDEDITUsed to edit faces and edges of a 3D solid.

SPACETRANSUsed to calculate equivalent model space and paper space distance.

SPHEREUsed to create a 3D sphere.

SPOTLIGHTUsed to create a spotlight that emits light like a torch.

STLOUTUsed to export a file to STL format.

SUNPROPERTIESDisplays the Sun properties palette.

SURFBLENDBLENDSRFUsed to create a continuous blend surface between two surfaces.

SURFEXTENDUsed to lengthen a surface upto another surface.

SURFEXTRACTCURVEUsed to create Isoline curves on a surface, solid, or a face in U and V directions.

SURFFILLETUsed to create a surface fillet between two surface.

SURFOFFSETUsed to create parallel surface at a specified distance.

SURFNETWORKUsed to create a surface from various curves in U and V directions.

SURFPATCHUsed to create a surface using the edges forming a closed loop.

SURFSCULPTUsed to create a closed surface by trimming and combining the surfaces that form a region together.

SURFTRIMUsed to trim portions of a surface at intersections with other surfaces.

SURFUNTRIMUsed to untrim the trimmed surface.

SWEEPUsed to create 3D solid or surface by sweeping a profile along a path.

TABSURFUsed to create a mesh from an line or curve swept along a straight path

TORUSTORUsed to create a torus.

UNIONUNIUsed to combine various solids into one.

VISUALSTYLESUsed to create and modify visual styles.

VPOINTUsed to set the viewing direction of the 3D model.

WEDGEWEUsed to create a wedge shape.

XEDGESUsed to create a 3D wireframe from a 3D solid.

Introduction to AutoCAD 2015Chapter2:DrawingBasicsIn this chapter, you will learn to do the following:Draw lines, rectangles, circles, ellipses, arcs, polygons, and polylinesUse the Erase, Undo and Redo toolsDraw entities using the absolute coordinate pointsDraw entities using the relative coordinate pointsDraw entities using the tracking methodDrawing BasicsThis chapter teaches you to create simple drawings. You will create these drawingsusingthebasicdrawingtools.ThesetoolsincludeLine,Circle,Polyline,andRec-tangleandsoonandtheyareavailableintheDrawpaneloftheribbon,asshownbelow. You can also activate these tools by typing them in the command line.

Drawing LinesYoucandrawalinebyspecifyingitsstartpointandendpointusingtheLinetool.However, there are various methods to specify start and end of a line. These meth-ods are explained in the following examples.Example 1 (using the Absolute Coordinate System)In this example, you will create lines by specifying points in the absolute coor-dinate system. In this system, you specify the points with respect to the origin(0,0). A point will be specified by entering its X and Y coordinates separated by acomma, as shown in figure below.

StartAutoCAD2015byclickingtheAutoCAD2015icononyourdesktop.OntheWelcomescreen,clickStartDrawing>Templates>acadISO-NamedPlotStyles.dwt.ThisstartsanewdrawingusingtheISOtemplate.ClickZoom>ZoomAllontheNavigationBar;theentireareainthegraphicswindow will be displayed.

TurnOFFtheGridDisplaybypressingtheF7key.ClicktheCustomizationbuttononthestatusbar,andthenselectDynamicIn-putfromtheflyout.ThisdisplaystheDynamicInputicononthestatusbar.

TurnOFFtheDynamicInputicon.YouwilllearnaboutDynamicInputlaterin this chapter.

Todrawaline,clickHome>Draw>Lineontheribbon,orenterLINEorLinthe command line.Follow the prompt sequence given next.Specifyfirstpoint:Type50,50andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Undo]:Type150,50andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Undo]:Type150,100andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Close/Undo]:Type50,100andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Close/Undo]:SelecttheCloseoption.Thiscreatesarec-tangle, as shown below.

ClickSaveontheQuickAccessToolbar.SaveasLine-example1.dwg.Close the file.

Example 2 (using Relative Coordinate system)In this example, you will draw lines by defining its end points in the relativecoordinate system. In the relative coordinate system, you define the location of apoint with respect to the previous point. For this purpose the symbol, @ is usedbefore the point coordinates. This symbol means that the coordinate values are de-fined in relation with the previous point.

ClickNewontheQuickAccessToolbar.

SelectacadISO-NamedPlotStyles.dwttemplate.ClickOpen.Type-inZinthecommandlinetoactivatetheZOOMcommand.ClicktheAlloptioninthecommandline.Thisdisplaystheentireareainthegraphics window.TurnOFFtheGridicononthestatusbar.

TurnOFFtheDynamicInputmode,ifactive.ClickHome>Draw>Lineontheribbon,orenterLINEorLinthecommandline.Follow the prompt sequence given next.Specifyfirstpoint:Type100,100andpressENTER.Thisdefinesthefirstpointof the line.Specifynextpointor[Undo]:Type@50,0andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Undo]:Type@0,20andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Close/Undo]:Type@100,0andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Close/Undo]:Type@0,-20andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Close/Undo]:Type@50,0andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Close/Undo]:Type@0,120andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Close/Undo]:Type@-50,0andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Close/Undo]:Type@0,-20andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Close/Undo]:Type@-100,0andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Close/Undo]:Type@0,20andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Close/Undo]:Type@-50,0andpressENTER.Specifynextpointor[Close/Undo]:SelecttheCloseoption.

SavethefileasLine-example2.dwg.Close the file.

Example 3 (using Polar Coordinate system)In the polar coordinate system, you define the location of a point by enteringtwo values: distance from the previous point and angle from the zero degrees. Youenter the distance value along with the @ symbol and angle value with the < symbol. You have to make a note that AutoCAD measures the angle in anti-clockwisedirection.

Drawing Task

OpenanewfileusingtheacadISO-NamedPlotStyles.dwttemplate.ClickZoom>ZoomAllontheNavigationBar.TurnOFFtheGridicononthestatusbar.TurnOFFtheDynamicInputmode,ifactive.ClickHome>Draw>Lineontheribbon,orenterLINEorLinthecommandline.Follow the prompt sequence given next.

Specifyfirstpoint:Type50,50andpressEnterkeySpecifynextpointor[Undo]:Type@110