Mastering Autocad 2017 and Autocad Lt 2017

Mastering AutoCAD 2017 and AutoCAD LT 2017 is the premier guide to the world's leading CAD program. With clear explanation, focused examples, and step-by-step instruction, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to use AutoCAD 2017 and AutoCAD LT 2017 effectively. From basic drafting tools to 3D modeling, this book leaves no stone unturned in exploring the full repertoire of AutoCAD capabilities. Hands-on instruction allows for more productive learning, and provides clarification of crucial techniques. Effective as both a complete tutorial and a dip-in reference, the broadly-applicable concepts and instructions will appeal to AutoCAD users across industries and abilities. This new edition has been thoroughly updated to align with the software's latest features and capabilities, giving you a one-stop resource for getting up to speed.

AutoCAD is the leading software for 2D and 3D technical drawings, and AutoCAD LT makes the software's tremendous functionality more accessible for smaller businesses and individuals. This guide shows you how to take full advantage of this powerful design platform, with expert guidance every step of the way.

• Get acquainted with the interface and master basic tools
• Utilize hatches, fields, cures, solid fills, dynamic blocks, and more
• Explore 3D modeling and imaging for more holistic design
• Customize the AutoCAD workflow to suit your needs

Whether you're learning AutoCAD for the first time, upgrading from a previous version, or preparing for a certification exam, you need a thorough reference designed for the way professionals work. Mastering AutoCAD 2017 and AutoCAD LT 2017 is your ideal guide, with complete tutorials and expert advice.

George Omura is a licensed architect of 30 years, and an Autodesk Authorized Author. With over 20 years of experience using CAD, he has worked on a wide range of projects including resort hotels, metropolitan transit systems, and the San Francisco Library. George is the all-time bestselling AutoCAD author, and was cited as a favorite of Autodesk User Group International members in AUGIWorld magazine's "Best of Everything CAD" issue. Brian C. Benton is a senior engineering technician, CAD consultant, author, trainer, and popular blogger with 20 year of experience in several design fields. He is the Tip Patroller columnist for Cadalyst magazine, the AUGI HotNews production manager, and an annual presenter at Autodesk University.

Part 1 •The Basics 1

Chapter 1 • Exploring the Interface 3

Taking a Guided Tour 3

Launching AutoCAD 4

The AutoCAD Window 4

Using the Application Menu 8

Using the Ribbon 9

Picking Points in the Drawing Area 14

Using the UCS Icon 15

Working in the Command Window 15

Working with AutoCAD 16

Opening an Existing File 16

Getting a Closer Look 18

Saving a File as You Work 22

Making Changes 22

Working with Multiple Files 23

Adding a Predrawn Symbol with the Tool Palettes 27

The Bottom Line 29

Chapter 2 • Creating Your First Drawing 31

Getting to Know the Home Tab’s Draw and Modify Panels 31

Starting Your First Drawing 34

Specifying Exact Distances with Coordinates 38

Specifying Polar Coordinates 40

Specifying Relative Cartesian Coordinates 41

Interpreting the Cursor Modes and Understanding Prompts 43

Understanding Cursor Modes 43

Choosing Command Options 45

Selecting Objects 50

Selecting Objects in AutoCAD 50

Providing Base Points 53

Using Noun/Verb Selection 56

Editing with Grips 61

Stretching Lines by Using Grips 62

Moving and Rotating with Grips 64

Understanding Dynamic Input 66

Displaying Data in a Text Window 71

Displaying the Properties of an Object 72

Getting Help 75

Using the InfoCenter 75

Finding Additional Sources of Help 76

The Bottom Line 77

Chapter 3 • Setting Up and Using the Drafting Tools 79

Setting Up a Work Area 79

Specifying Units 80

Fine-Tuning the Measurement System 82

Setting Up the Drawing Limits 83

Looking at an Alternative to Limits 85

Understanding Scale Factors 85

Using Polar Tracking 87

Setting the Polar Tracking Angle 88

Exploring the Drawing Process 90

Locating an Object in Reference to Others 90

Getting a Closer Look 91

Modifying an Object 91

Planning and Laying Out a Drawing 95

Making a Preliminary Sketch97

Using the Layout 98

Erasing the Layout Lines 103

Putting on the Finishing Touches 106

Aligning Objects by Using Object Snap Tracking 107

Using the AutoCAD Modes as Drafting Tools 113

Using Grid Mode as a Background Grid 113

Using Snap Modes 116

The Bottom Line 117

Chapter 4 • Organizing Objects with Blocks and Groups 119

Creating and Using a Symbol 119

Understanding the Block Definition Dialog Box 121

Inserting a Symbol 123

Scaling and Rotating Blocks 126

Using an Existing Drawing as a Symbol 128

Modifying a Block 130

Unblocking and Redefi ning a Block 130

Saving a Block as a Drawing File 132

Replacing Existing Files with Blocks 133

Understanding the Write Block Dialog Box Options 134

Other Uses for Blocks 134

Understanding the Annotation Scale 135

Grouping Objects 138

Modifying Members of a Group 140

Ungrouping, Adding, and Subtracting from a Group 143

Working with the Object Grouping Dialog Box 144

Working with the AutoCAD LT Group Manager 146

The Bottom Line 147

Chapter 5 • Keeping Track of Layers and Blocks 149

Organizing Information with Layers 149

Creating and Assigning Layers 150

Working on Layers 157

Controlling Layer Visibility 161

Finding the Layers You Want 163

Taming an Unwieldy List of Layers 164

Assigning Linetypes to Layers 171

Adding a Linetype to a Drawing 172

Controlling Lineweights 176

Keeping Track of Blocks and Layers 177

Getting a Text File List of Layers or Blocks 177

The Bottom Line 179

Part 2 • Mastering Intermediate Skills 181

Chapter 6 • Editing and Reusing Data to Work Efficiently 183

Creating and Using Templates 184

Creating a Template 184

Using a Template 185

Copying an Object Multiple Times 186

Making Circular Copies 186

Making Row and Column Copies 188

Fine-Tuning Your View 190

Finishing the Kitchenette 192

Array Along a Path 193

Making Changes to an Associative Array 194

Developing Your Drawing 198

Importing Settings 199

Using Osnap Tracking to Place Objects 201

Finding an Exact Distance Along a Curve 218

Changing the Length of Objects 220

Creating a New Drawing by Using Parts from Another Drawing 221

Eliminating Unused Blocks, Layers, Linetypes, Shapes, Styles, and Morec222

The Bottom Linec224

Chapter 7 • Mastering Viewing Tools, Hatches, and External References 225

Assembling the Parts 225

Taking Control of the AutoCAD Display 229

Understanding Regeneration and Redrawing 229

Saving Views 230

Understanding the Frozen Layer Option 233

Using Hatch Patterns in Your Drawings 235

Placing a Hatch Pattern in a Specific Area 235

Adding Predefined Hatch Patterns 237

Positioning Hatch Patterns Accurately 239

Updating a Block from an External File 240

Changing the Hatch Area 242

Modifying a Hatch Pattern 243

Understanding the Boundary Hatch Options 245

Controlling Boundaries with the Boundaries Panel 245

Fine-Tuning the Boundary Behavior 245

Controlling Hatch Behavior with the Options Panel 246

Controlling Hatch Default Layer, Layout Scale, and ISO Line Weight 247

Using Additional Hatch Features 248

Using Gradient Shading 249

Tips for Using Hatch 250

Space Planning and Hatch Patterns 251

Using External References 254

Attaching a Drawing as an External Reference 255

Other Differences Between External References and Blocks 259

Other External Reference Options 260

Clipping Xref Views and Improving Performance 262

Editing Xrefs in Place 265

Using the External Reference Tab 268

Adding and Removing Objects from Blocks and Xrefs 268

Understanding the Reference Edit Dialog Box Options 270

The Bottom Line 272

Chapter 8 • Introducing Printing, Plotting, and Layouts 273

Plotting the Plan 273

Understanding the Plotter Settings 277

Paper Size 278

Drawing Orientation 278

Plot Area 278

Plot Scale 280

Shaded Viewport Options 283

Plot Offset 284

Plot Options 285

Exit Options 286

Plotting Using Layout Views 286

Setting Plot Scale in the Layout Viewports 289

Adding an Output Device 291

Editing a Plotter Configuration 293

Storing a Page Setup 295

Using Electronic Plots 299

Exporting to PDF Through the Plot Dialog Box 299

Exporting to PDF Through the Export To DWF/PDF Ribbon Panel 301

Exporting Autodesk DWF and DWFx Files 302

The Bottom Line 302

Chapter 9 • Adding Text to Drawings 305

Preparing a Drawing for Text 305

Organizing Text by Styles 306

Getting Familiar with the Text and Annotation Scale Control Panels 308

Setting the Annotation Scale and Adding Text 308

Inserting Text 309

Exploring Text and Scale 310

Understanding the Text Style Dialog Box Options 313

Styles 313

Set Current/New/Delete 313

Font 313

Size 314

Effects 314

Exploring Text Formatting in AutoCAD 315

Adjusting the Text Height and Font 315

Understanding the Text Editor Tab 317

Adding Symbols and Special Characters 319

Setting Indents and Tabs 321

What Do the Fonts Look Like? 325

Adding Simple Single-Line Text Objects 327

Justifying Single-Line Text Objects 328

Using Special Characters with Single-Line Text Objects 330

Using the Check Spelling Feature 331

How Check Spelling Works 331

Choosing a Dictionary 332

Substituting Fonts 334

Finding and Replacing Text 335

The Bottom Line 339

Chapter 10 • Using Fields and Tables 341

Using Fields to Associate Text with Drawing Properties 341

Adding Tables to Your Drawing 345

Creating a Table 345

Adding Cell Text 346

Adjusting Table Text Orientation and Location 348

Editing the Table Line Work 351

Adding Formulas to Cells 354

Using Formulas Directly in Cells 354

Using Other Math Operations 355

Importing and Exporting Tables 356

Importing a Table 356

Exporting Tables 358

Creating Table Styles 359

Adding or Modifying a Table Style 359

The Table Style Options 361

The Bottom Line 361

Chapter 11 • Using Dimensions 363

Understanding the Components of a Dimension 363

Creating a Dimension Style 364

Setting Up the Primary Unit Style 367

Setting the Height for Dimension Text 368

Setting the Location and Orientation of Dimension Text 369

Choosing an Arrow Style and Setting the Dimension Scale 370

Setting Up Alternate Units 374

Setting the Current Dimension Style 375

Modifying a Dimension Style375

Drawing Linear Dimensions 376

Understanding the Dimensions Panel376

Placing Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions 377

Continuing a Dimension 378

Drawing Dimensions from a Common Base Extension Line 380

Adjusting the Distance Between Dimensions 382

Editing Dimensions 383

Appending Data to Dimension Text 383

Using Grips to Make Minor Adjustments to Dimensions 385

Changing Style Settings of Individual Dimensions 387

Editing Dimensions and Other Objects Together 388

Associating Dimensions with Objects 391

Adding a String of Dimensions with a Single Operation 392

Adding or Removing the Alternate Dimensions 393

Dimensioning Nonorthogonal Objects 394

Dimensioning Nonorthogonal Linear Distances 394

Dimensioning Radii, Diameters, and Arcs 396

Skewing Dimension Lines 400

Using the Dimension Tool 401

Adding a Note with a Leader Arrow 404

Creating Multileader Styles 406

Editing Multileader Notes 409

Breaking a Dimension Line for a Leader 409

Applying Ordinate Dimensions 410

Adding Tolerance Notation 411

Inserting Tolerance and Datum Values 411

Adding Inspection Dimensions 413

The Bottom Line 414

Part 3 • Mastering Advanced Skills 415

Chapter 12 • Using Attributes 417

Creating Attributes 418

Adding Attributes to Blocks 418

Copying and Editing Attribute Definitions 421

Turning the Attribute Definitions into a Block 423

Inserting Blocks Containing Attributes 424

Editing Attributes 428

Editing Attribute Values One at a Time 428

Editing Attribute Text Formats and Properties 429

Making Global Changes to Attribute Values 431

Making Invisible Attributes Visible 432

Making Global Format and Property Changes to Attributes 433

Other Block Attribute Manager Options 434

Redefining Blocks Containing Attributes 435

Extracting and Exporting Attribute Information 436

Performing the Extraction 436

Extracting Attribute Data to an AutoCAD Table 441

The Bottom Line 443

Chapter 13 • Copying Existing Drawings from Other Sources 445

Methods for Converting Paper Drawings to AutoCAD Files 445

Importing a Raster Image 446

Working with a Raster Image 449

Scaling a Raster Image 449

Controlling Object Visibility and Overlap with Raster Images 450

Adjusting Brightness, Contrast, and Fade 452

Clipping a Raster Image 454

Turning Off the Frame, Adjusting Overall Quality, and Controlling Transparency 456

Working with PDF Files 458

Importing a PDF 458

Scaling and Osnaps with PDFs 460

Controlling the PDF Display 461

Importing a PDF as an AutoCAD Drawing 463

Coordinating Geographic Locations 465

Making Adjustments to the Map 468

Finding Measurements and Distances 470

The Bottom Line471

Chapter 14 • Advanced Editing and Organizing 473

Using External References 473

Preparing Existing Drawings for External Referencing 474

Assembling Xrefs to Build a Drawing 476

Updating Blocks in Xrefs 480

Importing Named Elements from Xrefs 482

Controlling the Xref Search Path 485

Managing Layers 485

Saving and Recalling Layer Settings 486

Other Tools for Managing Layers 489

Using Advanced Tools: Filter and Quick Select 492

Filtering Selections 492

Using Quick Select 496

Using the QuickCalc Calculator 499

Adding Foot and Inch Lengths and Finding the Sum of Angles 500

Converting Units with QuickCalc 503

Using QuickCalc to Find Points 504

Finding Fractional Distances between Two Points 507

Using QuickCalc While in the Middle of a Command 510

Storing Expressions and Values 511

Guidelines for Working with QuickCalc 513

The Bottom Line 515

Chapter 15 • Laying Out Your Printer Output 517

Understanding Model Space and Paper Space 517

Switching from Model Space to Paper Space 518

Setting the Size of a Paper Space Layout 520

Creating New Paper Space Viewports 522

Reaching Inside Viewports 523

Working with Paper Space Viewports 525

Scaling Views in Paper Space 526

Setting Layers in Individual Viewports 528

Creating and Using Multiple Paper Space Layouts 531

Creating Odd-Shaped Viewports 532

Understanding Lineweights, Linetypes, and Dimensions in Paper Space 535

Controlling and Viewing Lineweights in Paper Space 535

The Lineweight Settings Dialog Box 538

Linetype Scales and Paper Space 538

Dimensioning in Paper Space Layouts 539

Other Uses for Paper Space 542

The Bottom Line 543

Chapter 16 • Making “Smart” Drawings with Parametric Tools 545

Why Use Parametric Drawing Tools? 545

Connecting Objects with Geometric Constraints 546

Using AutoConstrain to Add Constraints Automatically 547

Editing a Drawing Containing Constraints 548

Using Other Geometric Constraints 551

Using Constraints in the Drawing Process 552

Controlling Sizes with Dimensional Constraints 552

Adding a Dimensional Constraint 553

Editing a Dimensional Constraint 555

Using Formulas to Control and Link Dimensions 556

Adding a Formula Parameter 557

Testing the Formula 559

Using Other Formulas 559

Editing the Constraint Options 561

Putting Constraints to Use 563

The Bottom Line 564

Chapter 17 • Using Dynamic Blocks 565

Exploring the Block Editor 565

Opening the Block Editor 565

Editing a Block and Creating New Blocks 567

Creating a Dynamic Block 568

Adding a Parameter 569

Adding an Action 570

Adding an Increment Value 572

Editing Parameters and Actions 574

Keeping an Object Centered 574

Using Constraints in Dynamic Blocks 576

Adding a List of Predefi ned Options 580

Creating Multiple Shapes in One Block 584

Rotating Objects in Unison 589

Filling In a Space Automatically with Objects 593

Including Block Information with Data Extraction 595

The Bottom Line 597

Chapter 18 • Drawing Curves 599

Introducing Polylines 599

Drawing a Polyline 599

Setting Polyline Options 601

Editing Polylines 602

Setting Pedit Options 606

Smoothing Polylines 606

Editing Vertices 608

Creating a Polyline Spline Curve 617

Using True Spline Curves 619

Drawing a True Spline 620

Understanding the Spline Options 621

Fine-Tuning Spline Curves 623

Marking Divisions on Curves 625

Dividing Objects into Segments of Equal Length 626

Dividing Objects into Specified Lengths 628

The Bottom Line 629

Chapter 19 • Getting and Exchanging Data from Drawings 631

Finding the Area of Closed Boundaries 631

Finding the Area of an Object 632

Using Hatch Patterns to Find Areas 633

Adding and Subtracting Areas with the Area Command 635

Getting General Information 638

Determining the Drawing’s Status 639

Keeping Track of Time 641

Getting Information from System Variables 641

Keeping a Log of Your Activity 642

Capturing and Saving Text Data from the AutoCAD Text Window 643

Understanding the Command Window Context Menu 644

Storing Searchable Information in AutoCAD Files 644

Searching for AutoCAD Files 646

Recovering Corrupted Files 646

Using the DXF File Format to Exchange CAD Data with Other Programs 647

Exporting DXF Files 647

Opening or Importing DXF Files 649

Using AutoCAD Drawings in Page Layout Programs 650

Exporting Raster Files 650

Exporting Vector Files 654

WMF Output 654

Using OLE to Import Data 656

Editing OLE Links 658

Importing Worksheets as AutoCAD Tables 659

Understanding Options for Embedding Data 661

Using the Clipboard to Export AutoCAD Drawings 661

The Bottom Line 662

Part 4 • 3D Modeling and Imaging 663

Chapter 20 • Creating 3D Drawings 665

Getting to Know the 3D Modeling Workspace 665

Drawing in 3D Using Solids 667

Adjusting Appearances 668

Creating a 3D Box 669

Editing 3D Solids with Grips 670

Constraining Motion with the Gizmo671

Rotating Objects in 3D Using Dynamic UCS 672

Drawing on a 3D Object’s Surface 674

Pushing and Pulling Shapes from a Solid 676

Making Changes to Your Solid 678

Creating 3D Forms from 2D Shapes 680

Isolating Coordinates with Point Filters 685

Moving Around Your Model 688

Finding Isometric and Orthogonal Views 688

Rotating Freely Around Your Model 689

Changing Your View Direction 689

Using SteeringWheels 692

Changing Where You Are Looking 694

Flying through Your View 694

Changing from Perspective to Parallel Projection 696

Getting a Visual Effect 696

Using Visual Styles 696

Creating a Sketched Look with Visual Styles 697

In-Canvas Viewport Controls 700

Turning a 3D View into a 2D AutoCAD Drawing 700

Using the Point Cloud Feature 703

The Bottom Line 704

Chapter 21 • Using Advanced 3D Features 707

Setting Up AutoCAD for This Chapter 707

Mastering the User Coordinate System 708

Defi ning a UCS 709

Saving a UCS 711

Working in a UCS 712

Building 3D Parts in Separate Files 713

Understanding the UCS Options 716

UCS Based on Object Orientation 716

UCS Based on Offset Orientation 718

UCS Rotated Around an Axis 719

Orienting a UCS in the View Plane 721

Manipulating the UCS Icon 721

Saving a UCS with a View 722

Using Viewports to Aid in 3D Drawing 723

Using the Array Tools 727

Making Changes to an Associative Array 728

Creating Complex 3D Surfaces 728

Laying Out a 3D Form 729

Spherical and Cylindrical Coordinate Formats 730

Using a 3D Polyline 731

Creating a Curved 3D Surface 733

Converting the Surface into a Solid 737

Shaping the Solid 737

Finding the Interference between Two Solids 739

Creating Tubes with the Sweep Tool 742

Using Sweep to Create Complex Forms 744

Creating Spiral Forms 746

Creating Surface Models 749

Slicing a Solid with a Surface 751

Finding the Volume of a Cut 752

Understanding the Loft Command 754

Moving Objects in 3D Space 758

Aligning Objects in 3D Space 758

Moving an Object in 3D 760

Rotating an Object in 3D 761

The Bottom Line 762

Chapter 22 • Editing and Visualizing 3D Solids 765

Understanding Solid Modeling 765

Creating Solid Forms 768

Joining Primitives 768

Cutting Portions Out of a Solid 769

Creating Complex Solids 772

Tapering an Extrusion 772

Sweeping a Shape on a Curved Path 773

Revolving a Polyline 774

Editing Solids 777

Splitting a Solid into Two Pieces 777

Rounding Corners with the Fillet Tool 778

Chamfering Corners with the Chamfer Tool 779

Using the Solid-Editing Tools 781

Streamlining the 2D Drawing Process 790

Drawing Standard Top, Front, and Right-Side Views 790

Creating 2D Drawings with the Base View Command 793

Adding Dimensions and Notes in a Layout 798

Using Visual Styles with a Viewport 799

Visualizing Solids 801

The Bottom Line 811

Chapter 23 • Exploring 3D Mesh and Surface Modeling 813

Creating a Simple 3D Mesh 813

Creating a Mesh Primitive 814

Understanding the Parts of a Mesh 815

Smoothing a Mesh 816

Editing Faces and Edges 817

Stretching Faces 818

Moving an Edge 821

Adding More Faces 824

Rotating an Edge 826

Adding a Crease 828

Splitting and Extruding a Mesh Face 830

Creating Mesh Surfaces 833

Revolved Surface 833

Edge Surface 834

Ruled Surface 835

Tabulated Surface 836

Converting Meshes to Solids 837

Understanding 3D Surfaces 838

Editing Surfaces 840

Using Extrude, Surface Trim, and Surface Fillet 842

Using Surface Blend, Patch, and Offset 844

Understanding Associativity 848

Editing with Control Vertices 851

Editing with the CV Edit Bar 854

Making Holes in a Surface with the Project Geometry Panel 857

Visualizing Curvature: Understanding the Analysis Panel 858

The Bottom Line 860

Part 5 • Customization and Integration 863

Chapter 24 • Customizing Toolbars, Menus, Linetypes, and Hatch Patterns 865

Using Workspaces 865

Customizing the User Interface 867

Taking a Quick Customization Tour 867

Understanding the Customizations In All Files Panel 871

Getting the Overall View 874

Finding Commands in the Command List 876

Opening Preview, Button Image, and Shortcuts 876

Getting to the Core of Customization in the Properties Group 877

Creating Your Own Ribbon Panels and Menus 878

Customizing Ribbon Panel Tools 879

Creating Macros in Tools and Menus 883

Pausing for User Input 884

Opening an Expanded Text Box for the Macro Option 885

Editing Keyboard Shortcuts 886

Saving, Loading, and Unloading Your Customizations 888

Understanding the DIESEL Macro Language 891

Using DIESEL at the Command Line 891

Using DIESEL in a Custom Menu Macro 892

Using DIESEL as a Menu Bar Option Label 893

Using DIESEL and Fields to Generate Text 896

Creating Custom Linetypes 897

Viewing Available Linetypes 897

Creating a New Linetype 899

Understanding the Linetype Code 900

Creating Complex Linetypes 901

Creating Hatch Patterns 903

The Bottom Line 906

Chapter 25 • Managing and Sharing Your Drawings 907

Sharing Drawings Online 907

Sharing Project Files with eTransmit 908

Protecting AutoCAD Drawing Files 912

Publishing Your Drawings 916

Exchanging Drawing Sets 916

Exploring Other Publish Options 918

Creating a PDF or DWF File by Using the Plot Dialog Box 921

Sharing Files with A360 Drive 923

Getting Started with A360 Drive 923

Sharing Files 926

Viewing Drawings Online 927

Controlling File Access 929

Tracking File Versions 929

Collaborating with Others Using Design Feed 930

Adding Hyperlinks to Drawings 932

Creating Hyperlinks 932

Editing and Deleting Hyperlinks 934

Taking a Closer Look at the Hyperlink Options 934

Managing Your Drawings with DesignCenter and the Tool Palettes 935

Getting Familiar with DesignCenter 936

Opening and Inserting Files with DesignCenter 939

Finding and Extracting the Contents of a Drawing 940

Exchanging Data between Open Files 943

Loading Specific Files into DesignCenter 944

Customizing the Tool Palettes with DesignCenter 944

Establishing Office Standards 948

Establishing Layering and Text Conventions 948

Checking Office Standards 949

Converting Multiple Layer Settings 954

Exploring Other Layer Translator Options 956

The Bottom Line 957

Appendixes 959

Appendix A • Th e Bottom Line 961

Chapter 1: Exploring the Interface 961

Chapter 2: Creating Your First Drawing 962

Chapter 3: Setting Up and Using the Drafting Tools 963

Chapter 4: Organizing Objects with Blocks and Groups 963

Chapter 5: Keeping Track of Layers and Blocks 964

Chapter 6: Editing and Reusing Data to Work Efficiently 965

Chapter 7: Mastering Viewing Tools, Hatches and External References 966

Chapter 8: Introducing Printing, Plotting, and Layouts 966

Chapter 9: Adding Text to Drawings 967

Chapter 10: Using Fields and Tables 968

Chapter 11: Using Dimensions 969

Chapter 12: Using Attributes 970

Chapter 13: Copying Existing Drawings from Other Sources 971

Chapter 14: Advanced Editing and Organizing 972

Chapter 15: Laying Out Your Printer Output 972

Chapter 16: Making “Smart” Drawings with Parametric Tools 973

Chapter 17: Using Dynamic Blocks 974

Chapter 18: Drawing Curves 975

Chapter 19: Getting and Exchanging Data from Drawings 977

Chapter 20: Creating 3D Drawings 978

Chapter 21: Using Advanced 3D Features 979

Chapter 22: Editing and Visualizing 3D Solids 980

Chapter 23: Exploring 3D Mesh and Surface Modeling981

Chapter 24: Customizing Toolbars, Menus, Linetypes, and Hatch Patterns 982

Chapter 25: Managing and Sharing Your Drawings 983

Appendix B • Installing and Setting Up AutoCAD 985

Before Installing AutoCAD 985

Proceeding with the Installation 985

Configuring AutoCAD 986

The Files Tab 986

The Display Tab 989

The Open And Save Tab 992

The Plot and Publish Tab 995

The System Tab 995

The User Preferences Tab 997

The Drafting Tab 1000

The 3D Modeling Tab 1002

The Selection Tab 1006

The Profiles Tab 1009

The Online Tab 1010

Configuring the Tablet Menu Area 1011

Turning On the Noun/Verb Selection Method 1012

Turning On the Grips Feature 1012

Setting Up the Tracking Vector Feature 1012

Adjusting the AutoCAD 3D Graphics System 1013

Finding Folders That Contain AutoCAD Files 1014

Setting Up AutoCAD with a White Background 1014

Appendix C • The Autodesk AutoCAD 2017 Certification 1015

Index 1019

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