Introduction to AutoCAD 2015: A Modern Perspective

This book addresses advances in technology and introduces students to 2-dimensional drawing skills and commands using the current release of AutoCAD. It continuously builds on concepts covered in previous chapters, contains exercises combined with in-text notes, and offers examples that provide the "how and why" of AutoCAD fundamentals. Projects are included at the end of each chapter and provide hands-on experience creating various types of mechanical, architectural, civil and electrical drawings. This text is appropriate for Introductory and Intermediate AutoCAD courses.

Features:

AutoCAD's 2-D tools-are presented from the basic concepts to the most powerful tools used in design and engineering.- Presents material (in seven parts) that advances with complexity.- Introduces AutoCAD, drafting skills, editing techniques, working with complex objects, annotating drawings, outputting your work, and advanced drawing and construction methods.

Advanced drawing and construction methods-appear after teaching the tools used in design and engineering.- Explains blocks and block attributes, working with external references, and file management and object linking and embedding.

A "Quick Start" chapter-appears early in the text (see Chapter 2).- Allows students to get up to speed in no time to create and even plot AutoCAD drawings.- References corresponding chapters later in the book, allowing readers to delve into topics at their own pace and level.

Chapter Objectives-provide a bulleted list of key concepts for each chapter.- Provides students with a roadmap of important concepts and practices that will be introduced in the chapter.

Key Terms-highlight important vocabulary throughout.- Defines key terms in the margins and in more detail in the Glossary at the end of the book.

Command Grids-appear in the margin alongside the discussion of the command.- Presents a visual of the action options using either: Standard Toolbar, Pull-Down Menu, Command Line, or Command Alias, ensuring that students are in the right place at the right time, correctly following the authors' direction.

Discipline Icons-identify whether the project applies to a General, Mechanical, Architectural, Electrical, Plumbing/HVAC, or Civil field.- Enables instructors to quickly select homework assignments that will appeal to the varying interests of their students.- Allows students to work on projects that have the most interest and relevance to their own course of study.

Icon Flags-highlight features that are new to the latest version of the AutoCAD software.- Creates a quick "study guide" for instructors and students who need to familiarize themselves with the newest features of the software.

Tips, Notes, and For More Details Boxes-appear throughout the text.- Highlights additional information for students.

In-text exercises-appear throughout the chapters.- Provides students with step-by-step walk-through activities.- Gives students immediate practice and reinforcement of newly learned skills.

Chapter projects organized by discipline-provide additional challenges that require students to use all the commands and skills they have learned. Offers projects from a variety of disciplines including mechanical, architectural, electrical, civil.

Paul Richard (Portland, Oregon) has worked in the CAD field for almost 30 years. Paul started his career as a CAD Drafter in 1985 and has since worked his way up through the ranks of the industry, holding positions as a CAD Designer, CAD Manager, and, most recently, CAD Software Developer and author. When not sitting in front of a computer, Paul likes to ride and work on motorcycles. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he has lived in Portland, Oregon since 1992.