Practical Autodesk AutoCAD 2023 and AutoCAD LT 2023: A beginner's guide to 2D drafting and 3D modeling with Autodesk AutoCAD, 2nd Edition

Learn 2D drawing and 3D modeling from scratch using AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 2023 and become a CAD professional

Key Features

• Learn techniques for making, modifying, and managing AutoCAD 2D and 3D drawings
• Understand how to use reusable and named objects like blocks, xRef, and layers
• Scale, annotate, and print drawings from model space and layout

Book Description

AutoCAD is 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 2nd edition guide will take you through everything you need to know to make the most out of this powerful tool, from a simple tour of the user interface 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 plots like a professional. As you progress, the book will show you how to convert your 2D drawings into 3D models and shapes. You'll also discover advanced features, such as isometric drawings, drawing utilities for managing and recovering complex files, quantity surveying, and multidisciplinary drawing files using xRefs. Finally, you'll focus on rendering and visualizing your designs in AutoCAD.

By the end of this 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 creations.

What you will learn

• Understand CAD fundamentals like functions, navigation, and components
• Create complex 3D objects using primitive shapes and editing tools
• Work with reusable objects like blocks and collaborate using xRef
• Explore advanced features like external references and dynamic blocks
• Discover surface and mesh modeling tools such as Fillet, Trim, and Extend
• Use the paper space layout to create plots for 2D and 3D models
• Convert your 2D drawings into 3D models

Who this book is for

This 3D modeling 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

1. An Introduction to AutoCAD
2. Basic Drawing Tools and Commands
3. Learning about Modify Commands
4. Working with Arrays and Reusable Objects
5. Managing Drawings with Layers and Properties
6. Working with Hatches, Text, and Dimensions
7. Tables and Isometric Drawings
8. Customization Tools
9. External References and Dynamic Blocks
10. Introduction to 3D Modeling
11. Creating Primitive 3D Shapes
12. Conversion between 2D and 3D
13. Modifying 3D Objects
14. Paper Space Layouts and Printing
15. Rendering and Presentation

Jaiprakash Pandey is a certified Autodesk AutoCAD professional and a member of the Autodesk Expert Elite community. He has worked in the design, manufacturing, and training industries and primarily delivers training to corporate clients. He has extensive experience in delivering CAD training to clients from Fortune 500 companies, design consulting firms, government organizations, and the military. Jaiprakash lives in India and has also created online courses and CAD training material for colleges and online portals. His articles have appeared in many CADand engineering-related publications.

Yasser Shoukry is an engineering professional with a master's degree in mechanical engineering. He lives in Egypt and has more than 10 years of experience in different fields. He has worked in the construction industry as an MEP engineer, participated as a CFD technical analyst in automotive R&D and building smoke management projects, and worked on 3D modeling projects for oil and gas companies. The countless hours of drafting and modeling spent on all of these projects have given him extensive knowledge and experience in using AutoCAD. Moreover, he has great experience in AutoCAD training as he has successfully published training courses for AutoCAD on different online learning platforms.