How to Learn AutoCAD 2007

AutoCAD 2007 features tools for more intuitive 3D object creation.

AutoCAD 2007 is a program that architects and engineers use to design precision structures such as buildings. AutoDesk first released AutoCAD in 1982, when few CAD (computer aided design) programs existed for the PC. Though many CAD programs have been developed since that time, AutoCAD continues to be widely used. Prior to AutoCAD 2007, the program's toolset was geared primarily for creating 2D designs. Now, AutoCAD's tools promote faster and easier 3D object creation. A key factor in this enhancement is object creation via the mouse and screen, as opposed to the keyboard.

Things You'll Need

• AutoCAD 2007

Instructions

1. Start AutoCAD, then begin creating a line segment: Choose the "Line" command from the "Draw" menu, then hover your mouse pointer over any part of the main window. AutoCAD will display the coordinates of the pointer.

2. Type "10," press "Tab," type another "10," then press "Enter" to specify the line's starting point. AutoCAD's prompt will display a line segment along with new prompts--those for the line's angle and length.

3. Type "6," press "Tab," type "45," then press "Enter" to specify a line segment of length 6 and angle 45 degrees. This completes one line segment.

4. Create another line segment connected to the first: Drag your mouse pointer to any screen location, then click the mouse to create a second line segment. Notice that you didn't need to use the keyboard to create this segment. In general, use the keyboard when you need to specify precise measurements. Use the mouse when you need to create designs quickly.

5. Create a triangle that contains the two line segments: Right-click the mouse, then select "Close" to make AutoCAD create a new segment that connects the last segment you made with the first.

6. Create a polygon from the shape by clicking "Modify," "Object," then "Polyline."

7. Click any of your triangle's edges, then press "Enter" at the prompt that asks if you want to create a polyline.

8. Select "Join" from the pop-up menu that appears, then click the remaining two edge of the triangle. Press "Enter" to complete the conversion to a polygon.

9. Move the polygon by clicking any of the polygon's edges to select the polygon. Then, click and drag the edge to move the whole polygon. Click again to end the move function.

10. Change the display to view your object in 3D space: Click "View," "3D Views," then "SW Isometric." This is a pre-defined 3D view that displays the front, left and top views of an object.

11. Click your polygon to select it. Then, type "Extrude" at the command prompt at the bottom of the application window. When you press "Enter," AutoCAD will convert your polygon into a 3D object by pulling (AKA extruding) the polygon through 3D space. Press "Enter" again to complete the extrusion.

References

• "AutoCAD 2007 and AutoCAD LT 2007 Bible"; Ellen Finkelstein; 2007