Discovering AutoCAD 2013 presents a hands-on, activity-based approach to the use of AutoCAD as a drafting tool–complete with techniques, tips, shortcuts, and insights that improve efficiency. Topics and tasks are carefully grouped to lead students logically through the AutoCAD command set, with the level of difficulty increasing steadily as skills are acquired through experience and practice. Straightforward explanations focus on what is relevant to actual drawing procedures, and illustrations show exactly what to expect on the computer screen.

Mark Dix began working with AutoCAD in 1985 as a programmer for CAD Support Associates Inc. He helped design a system for creating estimates and bills of material directly from AutoCAD drawing databases for use in the automated conveyor industry. This system became the basis for systems still widely in use today. In 1986, he began collaborating with Paul Riley to create AutoCAD training materials, combining Riley's background in industrial design and training with Dix's background in writing, curriculum development, and programming. Dix and Riley have created tutorial teaching methods for every AutoCAD release since version 2.5. Mr. Dix has a Master of Arts in Teaching from Cornell University and a Masters in Education from the University of Massachusetts.

Paul Riley has been an instructor and designer specializing in graphics and design of multimedia. He is a founding partner of CAD Support Associates, a contract service and professional training organization for computer aided design. His 15 years of business experience and 20 years of teaching experience are supported by degrees in education and computer science. Paul has taught AutoCAD at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and Mt. Ida College in Newton, MA. He has developed a program, Computer Aided Design for Professionals, that is highly regarded and has been an ongoing success for the past 15 years.

Part One Basic Two-Dimensional Entities

CHAPTER 1 Lines and Essential Tools

CHAPTER 2 Circles and Drawing Aids

CHAPTER 3 Layers, Colors, and Linetypes

CHAPTER 4 Templates, Copies, and Arrays

CHAPTER 5 Arcs and Polar Arrays

CHAPTER 6 Object Snap

Part Two Text, Dimensions, and Other Complex Entities

CHAPTER 7 Text

CHAPTER 8 Dimensions

CHAPTER 9 Polylines

CHAPTER 10 Blocks, Attributes, and External References

Part Three Isometric Drawing and Three-Dimensional Modeling

CHAPTER 11 Isometric Drawing

CHAPTER 12 3D Modeling

CHAPTER 13 More Modeling Techniques and Commands

APPENDIX A Drawing Projects

APPENDIX B Creating Customized Panels

APPENDIX C Menus, Macros, and the CUI Dialog Box

APPENDIX D Additional Tools for Collaboration

Glossary

Index