Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1. Introduction to 3D Design
Welcome to the fantastic world of 3D! AutoCAD is an excellent software for creating
2D projects in all technical areas, but instead of 2D representation, isn't it much better
if we could create accurate 3D models, view them from all perspectives (even from
inside), and get 2D drawings easily? With AutoCAD we can!
The topics covered in this chapter are as follows:
• The importance of the third coordinate
• How to choose and manage 3D workspaces
• Why object properties are fundamental in 3D
• How auxiliary tools (osnap, ortho, and others) can ease the work in 3D
• 2D commands in a 3D world
• How to use linear 3D commands
• How to create great 3D models
The Z coordinate
3D is all about the third Z coordinate. In 2D, we only care for the X and Y axes, but
never used the Z axis. And most of the time, we don't even use coordinates, just the
top-twenty AutoCAD commands, the Ortho tool, and so on. But in 3D, the correct use
of coordinates can substantially accelerate our work. We will first briefly cover how to
introduce points by coordinates and how to extrapolate to the third dimension.
