AutoCAD For Dummies

Book excerpt: Simple steps for creating AutoCAD drawings AutoCAD is the ubiquitous tool used by engineers, architects, designers, and urban planners to put their ideas on paper. It takes some AutoCAD know-how to go from a brilliant idea to a drawing that properly explains how brilliant your idea is. AutoCAD For Dummies helps you de-mystify the handy software and put the tools in AutoCAD to use. Written by an experienced AutoCAD engineer and mechanical design instructor, it assumes no previous computer-aided drafting experience as it walks you through the basics of starting projects and drawing straight lines all the way up through 3D modeling. Conquer the first steps in creating an AutoCAD project Tackle drawing basics including straight lines and curves Add advanced skills including 3D drawing and modeling Set up a project and move into 3D It's true that AutoCAD is tough, but with the friendly instruction in this hands-on guide, you'll find everything you need to start creating marvelous models—without losing your cool.