Introducing 3D modeling - Introduction to AutoCAD 2011: 2D and 3D Design - page 224

Introduction
As shown in Chapter 1 the AutoCAD coordinate system includes a third
coordinate direction Z , which, when dealing with 2D drawing in previous
chapters, has not been used. 3D model drawings make use of this third Z
coordinate.
The 3D Basics workspace
It is possible to construct 3D model drawings in the 2D Drafting &
Annotation workspaces, but in Part 2 of this topic we will be working in
either the 3D Basics or in the 3D Modeling workspaces. To set the fi rst of
these workspaces click the Workspace Settings icon in the status bar and
select 3D Introduction from the menu which appears (Fig. 12.1). The 3D
Basics workspace appears ( Fig. 12.2 ).
Fig. 12.1 Selecting 3D Basics from the Workspace Switching menu
The workspace in Fig. 12.2 is the window in which the examples in this
chapter will be constructed.
Methods of calling tools for 3D modeling
The default panels of the 3D Basics ribbon are shown in Fig. 12.3.
When calling the tools for the construction of 3D model drawings, 3D
tools can be called by:
1. A click on a tool icon in a 3D Basics panel.
2. Entering the tool name at the command line followed by pressing the
Return button of the mouse or the Return key of the keyboard.