Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Windows Vista and Windows 7. Trying to do production drafting on a tablet isn't a great
idea because of limitations in the graphics system, but I know it works, because I'm run-
ning it that way myself!
Because of AutoCAD's MS-DOS heritage and its emphasis on efficiency for production
drafters, it's not the easiest program to master, but it
has
gotten easier and more con-
sistent over the past decade or so. AutoCAD is pretty well integrated into the Windows
environment now, but you still bump into some vestiges of its MS-DOS legacy — espe-
cially the
command line
(that text area lurking at the bottom of the AutoCAD screen —
see Chapter 2 for details). But even the command line — oops! command
window
— is
kinder and gentler in AutoCAD 2012. This topic guides you around the bumps and min-
imizes the bruises.
Why AutoCAD?
AutoCAD has been around a long time — since 1982, which I suspect, dear readers, is
longer than some of you! AutoCAD ushered in the transition from
really expensive
main-
frame and minicomputer CAD systems costing tens of thousands of dollars to merely
somewhat expensive
microcomputer CAD programs costing a few thousand dollars.
AutoCAD's 3D capabilities have grown by leaps and bounds over the last several re-
leases, and 3D modeling is becoming a common way of checking designs
before
they're
drafted. Nevertheless, AutoCAD is, first and foremost, a program for creating
two-dimen-
sional technical drawings:
drawings in which measurements and precision are important
because these kinds of drawings often get used to build something. The drawings that
you create with AutoCAD must adhere to standards established long ago for hand-draf-
ted drawings. The upfront investment to use AutoCAD is certainly more expensive than
the investment needed to use pencil and paper, and the learning curve is much steeper,
too. So why bother? The key reasons for using AutoCAD rather than pencil and paper
are
Precision:
Creating lines, circles, and other shapes of the exact dimensions is easi-
er with AutoCAD than with pencils.
Modifiability:
Drawings are much easier to modify on the computer screen than on
paper. CAD modifications are a lot cleaner, too.
Efficiency:
Creating many kinds of drawings is faster with a CAD program — espe-
cially drawings that involve repetition, such as floor plans in a multistory building.
But that efficiency takes skill and practice. If you're an accomplished pencil-and-
paper drafter, don't expect CAD to be faster at first!