How to Learn Autocad LT 2009
AutoCAD LT 2009 is an application used to design furniture, appliances, and other durable goods requiring high-precision graphics. The program is a spin-off of AutoCAD, which AutoDesk first released in 1982. Learning AutoCAD 2009 LT isn't difficult if you keep the following in mind: You'll learn more quickly if you have a specific design goal in mind, such as specs for a bike or a chair, than if you have no such goal.
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Instructions
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Work through all of the videos introduced in the help file first, as this media format is generally easiest to learn from (see Resources). While some of the features described in the video may not apply to AutoCAD LT 2009, many of them will.
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Learn AutoCAD LT's essential functions: Start by trying out each of the commands under the "Draw" menu, paying close attention to the polyline, polygon, and spline commands, as these are used in many different types of drawings. Consider not learning commands that have an effect that can be achieved by a more comprehensive command. For example, avoid learning the rectangle command, because the polygon command allows you to make rectangles. Take notes on each command you try, and be sure to try each command using the keyboard and the mouse. Although a command will generally behave the same regardless of the means you used to activate it, differences do pop up.
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Learn the commands under the "Modify" menu next. These commands let you shape the objects you made with the "Draw" commands. Focus especially on the "Scale", "Rotate" and "Move" commands, which you'll use on every AutoCAD LT design. After learning the "Draw" and "Modify" commands, you have the functions needed to draw many designs.
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Make and then work through a list of design projects, where each project is slightly more difficult than the previous one. For example, draft a design for a simple desk in one project; draw a desk with a roll-top for the subsequent project.
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Learn the commands under the "View" heading, after you've done several projects. The "View" commands allow you to create different display configurations to see your drawings most clearly. Learn these commands in this order: "Pan", which lets you slide the drawing viewport left and right, and up and down; "Zoom," which lets you magnify all objects in the viewport.
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Learn layers after learning the "View" commands: Layers are a boon to all AutoCAD users because they give you a means of organizing the many elements of your drawing. For example, if you are designing a cellphone, you might place the design for the back of the phone on one layer, the circuit board design on another layer, and the phone's front on a third layer.
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Take classes, if you need further instruction. Also, consider the following additional learning paths: Read through the help file, trying out all the examples, and join online user groups; Work through a short tutorial repeatedly until you no longer need to read it; Read books on AutoCAD, especially those by Ellen Finkelstein, who has written about AutoCAD since at least the 2005 version.
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References
Resources
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