Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Prior to AutoCAD 2012, the UCS icon merely showed you the orientation of
the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. If you used the UCS command to set a new UCS, the icon re-
oriented itself accordingly. In AutoCAD 2012, the new, selectable UCS icon is in the
driver's seat — you can directly manipulate the icon to change the UCS. I intro-
duce you to the new UCS icon in the “Changing Planes” section later in the
chapter.
Warp speed ahead
When you start AutoCAD for the first time after installing it, the program assesses your
computer's graphics card, and — if it's up to the task — enables
hardware acceleration
.
With hardware acceleration, you can change the view of your model — even models
with lighting and applied materials — in real time, without any deterioration in quality.
Hardware acceleration also boosts the overall visual quality of drawing objects, as well
as regeneration performance.
Autodesk tests a wide range of cards and drivers with each new release. To find out
whether your graphics card is supported for AutoCAD, check out the graphics hardware
list online at (
www.autodesk.com/autocad-graphicscard
)
.
Entering the third dimension
If you're new to the 3D game, and you've been working in 2D up until now, there are a
couple of things you need to do before you can start a new 3D model in AutoCAD. You
have to change the workspace, and then you have to open a new file using a 3D tem-
plate. The following steps explain how:
1. Open the Workspaces drop-down list on the Quick Access Toolbar, or click the
Workspace Switching button on the status bar, and choose 3D Modeling.
Toolbars, palettes, and Ribbon panels flash on and off, and soon AutoCAD settles
down to display the Ribbon, as configured for the 3D Modeling workspace with a
few additional panels.
2. Click the Application button and choose New, then click Drawing.
The Select Template dialog box appears.
3. Choose
acad3d.dwt
if you're working in imperial units or
acadiso3d.dwt
if
you're working in metric. Click Open.
