Practical Autodesk AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021: A no-nonsense, beginner’s guide to drafting and 3D modeling with Autodesk AutoCAD

Book Description
AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are one of the most versatile software applications for architectural and engineering designs and the most popular computer-aided design (CAD) platform for 2D drafting and 3D modeling. This hands-on guide will take you through everything you need to know to make the most out of this powerful tool, starting from a simple tour of the user interface through to using advanced tools.

Starting with basic drawing shapes and functions, you’ll get to grips with the fundamentals of CAD designs. You’ll then learn about effective drawing management using layers, dynamic blocks, and groups and discover how to add annotations and plot like professionals. The book delves into 3D modeling and helps you convert your 2D drawings into 3D models and shapes. As you progress, you’ll cover advanced tools and features such as isometric drawings, drawing utilities for managing and recovering complex files, quantity surveying, and multidisciplinary drawing files using xRefs, and you’ll learn how to implement them with the help of practical exercises at the end of each chapter. Finally, you’ll get to grips with rendering and visualizing your designs in AutoCAD.

By the end of the book, you’ll have developed a solid understanding of CAD principles and be able to work with AutoCAD software confidently to build impressive 2D and 3D drawings.

What you will learn
Understand CAD fundamentals using AutoCAD’s basic functions, navigation, and components
Create complex 3d solid objects starting from the primitive shapes using the solid editing tools
Working with reusable objects like Blocks and collaborating using xRef
Explore some advanced features like external references and dynamic block
Get to grips with surface and mesh modeling tools such as Fillet, Trim, and Extend
Use the paper space layout in AutoCAD for creating professional plots for 2D and 3D models
Convert your 2D drawings into 3D models
Who this book is for
The book is for design engineers, mechanical engineers, architects, and anyone working in construction, manufacturing, or similar fields. Whether you’re an absolute beginner, student, or professional looking to upgrade your engineering design skills, you’ll find this AutoCAD book useful. No prior knowledge of CAD or AutoCAD is necessary.

Table of Contents
An Introduction to AutoCAD
Basic Drawing Tools
Learning about Modify Commands
Working with Arrays and Reusable Objects
Managing Drawings with Layers and Properties
Working with Hatches, Text, and Dimensions
Tables, Isometric, and Parametric Drawings
Customization Tools
External References and Dynamic Blocks
Introduction to 3D Modeling
Creating Primitive 3D Shapes
Conversion between 2D and 3D
Modifying 3D Objects
Surfaces and Mesh Modeling
Paper Space Layouts and Printing
Rendering and Presentation