How to Learn AutoCAD 2005

AutoCAD 2005's new tool palettes are customizable.

AutoCAD 2005 is a CAD (computer aided design) application used to design buildings and other structures. AutoDesk first released the program in 1982, making it one of the PC's first CAD programs. Over its many versions, AutoCAD's toolset has evolved to enable the design of any practical project. Its user interface has evolved too, enough to make it easier to use for people who aren't architects or engineers. One of AutoCAD 2005's user interface enhancements is the tool palette, which is a window that users can customize with AutoCAD's tools.

Things You'll Need

• AutoCAD 2005

Instructions

1. Start AutoCAD, and display the tool palette: Click "Tools," "Palettes," then "Tool Palettes."

2. Click the "Draw" tab, then click the "Polygon" tool. Enter any number after the prompt in the command window, which reads "Enter number of sides."

3. Click anywhere in the main drawing window to define the polygon's center. Then, press "Enter" to accept the default option that relates to a guide circle within or around the polygon.

4. Drag to grow the polygon, then click to end polygon creation mode.

5. Move the polygon: Click the tool palette's "Modify" tab, then click the "Move" tool. Click the polygon and press "Enter" to select it. Then, click and drag in the window to move the polygon. Click the mouse again to end the move mode.

6. Begin duplicating the polygon with the mirror tool: Click the modify tab's "Mirror" tool, then click the polygon and press "Enter" to select the polygon.

7. Click any screen location to the right of the polygon to define the first point of the mirror line. Then, click another location somewhere below the first point to complete the mirror line.

8. Press "Enter" to accept the default option to preserve the original object. AutoCAD will display a duplicate of the polygon on the other side of the mirror line.

9. Create a 3D object by using the tool palette: Click the partially hidden tabs at the bottom of the tool palette. Then, click "Modeling," which will display a palette tab that contains 3D objects.

10. Click the "Cylindrical Helix" tool, then click in the drawing window to define the Helix's center.

11. Drag, then click to define the helix's radius. Then, click again to end object creation mode.

12. Change the display to a 3D view: Click "View," then "3D Views," then "SW Isometric." AutoCAD will display the helix in 3D.

    Isometric is a type of 3D view that displays objects without perspective (lines that converge as they move away from you).

References

• "AutoCAD 2005 and AutoCAD LT 2005 Bible"; Ellen Finkelstein; 2004