The Bottom Line - Mastering AutoCAD for Mac - page 713

Use viewports to aid in 3D drawing. In some 3D modeling operations, it helps to have sev-
eral different views of the model through the Viewports feature.
Master It Name some of the predefined standard viewports offered in the Viewports
dialog box.
Solution Two: Vertical; Two: Horizontal; Three: Right; Three: Left; Three: Above;
Three: Below; Three: Vertical; Three: Horizontal; Four: Equal; Four: Right; and Four: Left.
Create complex 3D surfaces. You aren't limited to straight, flat surfaces in AutoCAD. You
can create just about any shape you want, including curved surfaces.
Master It What tool did you use in this chapter's chair exercise to convert a surface into
a solid?
Solution The Thicken tool.
Create spiral forms. Spiral forms frequently occur in nature, so it's no wonder that we
often use spirals in our own designs. Spirals are seen in screws, stairs, and ramps as well as
in other man-made forms.
Master It Name the commands or tools used in the example in the section “Creating
Spiral Forms,” and name two elements that are needed to create a spiral.
Solution The commands are Helix and Sweep. A helix and a profile are needed.
Create surface models. You can create a 3D surface by connecting a series of lines that
define a surface contour. You can create anything from a 3D landscape to a car fender using
this method.
Master It What is the tool or command used to convert a series of open objects into a
3D surface?
Solution L o f t .
Move objects in 3D space. You can move objects in 3D space using tools that are similar to
those for 2D drafting. But when it comes to editing objects, 3D modeling is much more com-
plex than 2D drafting.
Master It What does the Rotate gizmo do?
Solution It lets you graphically determine the axis of rotation for an object being rotated.
Chapter 21: Rendering 3D Drawings
Simulate the sun. One of the most practical uses of AutoCAD's rendering feature is to sim-
ulate the sun's location and resulting shadows. You can generate shadow studies for any time
of the year in any location on the earth.
Master It How do you get to the sun properties?
Solution Make sure nothing is selected in the drawing and then click the All button in
the Properties Inspector palette.
Create effects using materials and lights. You can use materials and lights together to con-
trol the appearance of your model.