ETD 1330 CAD
Introduction to AutoCAD
Features
Professor: Dr. Miguel Alonso Jr.
Fall 2008
Outline
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Syllabus
Introduction
AutoCAD Screen
Command and Input Method
Dialog boxes
New Drawing Command
Changing Units and Limits,
Saving
Printing
Exiting
Introduction
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CAD (Computer Aided Design)
Develop designs and drawings and plot them
on paper or film
3D display
AutoCAD Toolbox
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Drawings and models are constructed usign
XYZ coordinates (Cartesian or rectangular
coordinate system)
Angles measured in a counter clockwise
direction
Text annotation and dimensions
Objects can be given colors, patterns, and
textures
Tools to create isometrics, 3D and surface
models
Applications of AutoCAD
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Construct, layout, dimension, and annotate
2D drawings
Colors and layers convey information
2D, 3D, or exploded assemblies
Wireframe, surface, rendered
Animation and virtual reality
AutoCAD Drawing Method
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Learn the XYZ coordinate system
Plan your work and organize your thoughts
Learn and use classroom or office standards
Save your work often
Planning Checklist
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Analyze the problem
Study all engineering sketches
Locate and list all available resources
Determine standards applicable to project
Sketch the problem
Decide on the number and kinds of views desired
Determine the final plotted scale of the drawing and
of all views
Determine drawing sequence
List the AutoCAD commands to be used
Follow the standard and refer to the resources as
you work
See Working procedures checklist
Exercise 1
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Using a piece of paper and a pen or pencil,
make a sketch similar to Figure 1-4. Label the
origin, +X axis, and +Y axis. Sketch a dot
located at the intersection of three units in the
+X axis and three units in the +Y axis.
Starting AutoCAD
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Double Click Icon
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Start->Programs->AutoCAD 2008->AutoCAD
2008
Standard Screen Layout
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Figure 1-7
Standard Screen Layout
Bordered by toolbars, command window at
the bottom
Floating and docking
Workspaces
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2D Drafting & Annotation, and others…
Locking toolbars and windows
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Window->Lock Location->
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Pg 27
Command Window
Menu Bar
Scroll Bars
Crosshairs
Coordinate System Icon
Toolbars
Standard Toolbar
Layers and Properties
Workspaces
Status Bar
Coordinate Display
Dialog Boxes
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Insert->Block
Command Buttons
Text Box
Check Box
Radio Buttons
Tabs
List Box
Drop Downs
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Preview Box
Scroll Bars and
Buttons
Alerts
Help
Modeless Dialog Boxes
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Some features are presented on screen in a special
type of window called a modeless dialog box
Title Bar, AutoHide, Properties
Examples include:
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The DesignCenter
Properties Window
Sheet Set Manager
Tool Palettes
QuickCalc calculator
Exercise 2
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Open the Properties window by pressing the [Ctrl]+[1]
key combination.
Dock the Properties window to the right of the screen.
Open DesignCenter by pressing the [Ctrl]+[2] key
combination.
Make the Properties window and DesignCenter floating.
Move them around on the screen.
Use the [Ctrl] key to position the Properties window and
DesignCenter to the left of the screen without docking
them.
Close DesignCenter.
Set the Properties window to auto-hide.
Selecting AutoCAD Commands
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Picking a toolbar button
Selecting a pull-down menu item
Shortcut menu item
Typing at the keyboard
Dynamic Input
Command window
Command Entry Shortcuts
RECTANGLE Example
Saving, Printing, and Misc.
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File-> Save
File-> Save As
File-> Open
File-> Close
File-> Print
Using Help
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Exercise:
 Use help to find how to change units and limits
 Use help to draw (via the menu, command, and toolbar)
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4 Lines
5 Polygons
3 Large Squares
2 Rectangles
Enclose them all in a Revision Cloud
Set the color of each object to red, green, or blue
Save file as classwork1.dwg and Exit.
Get into groups of two and use these basic shapes, draw one of the
following
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House
Car
Your Cell phone
A Clock
Save this file as classwork2.dwg