Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPtER 1
Getting to Know
AutoCAD
Opening either AutoCAD or
AutoCAD LT for the very first time can be
an intimidating experience. Faced with such an expansive collection of tools,
settings, and more, where is one to start? To help you answer that question,
this chapter will break down the many components of the user interface into
manageable segments and introduce you to basic operations such as opening
drawings. Even if you've used earlier versions of AutoCAD, you'll still want to
review this chapter to become acquainted with some of the changes from
recent years.
Although the 2011 release does have some subtle user interface improvements,
the interfaces are almost identical in AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. Generally speak-
ing, both platforms offer the same 2D drafting experience. (The biggest difference
is that AutoCAD LT has no 3D capability. AutoCAD offers many powerful tools for
modeling in 3D that are not found in AutoCAD LT. These tools are the topic of
Chapter 16, “Creating 3D Geometry,” and Chapter 17, “Rendering and Materials.”)
With so little separating the two platforms, for most purposes in this topic I'll
refer to both interchangeably as AutoCAD unless otherwise specified.
Opening a new drawing
Becoming familiar with the autoCaD and autoCaD Lt application
windows
Modifying the display
Displaying and arranging autoCaD tools
