1.1.1 What is AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is one of the engineering software which is used for designing the 2D and 3D aided drawings and models. This software was 1st introduced in 1982 as a part of the desktop application. Now a days it is also available on the various platforms like android and iOS etc. The software is helpful for industries and used by architects, engineers, graphic designers, project managers, and other professionals.
1.1.2 Applications of AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is one of the important software and is required by many industries. The main branches which required AutoCAD are Civil and Mechanical Engineering. Along with that Architectures also has wide use of AutoCAD.
1.1.3 Co-ordinate System of AutoCAD
Everything drawn in the AutoCAD is precise. The objects drawn in the AutoCAD is placed according to the co-ordinates. When we look for 2D plans there are two axis X & Y. Whereas in case of the 3D drawings AutoCAD creates the 3rd axis which is called as "Z". Figure 1.1.1 will help you to understand the co-ordinate system.
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| Figure 1.1.1 : Co-ordinate System |
In AutoCAD if we go for drawing a line from point A to B. AutoCAD will remember the starting point co-ordinates of the line and the ending co-ordinates of the line.
Looking on the figure you must have understood the functioning of AutoCAD. It works on the simple plotting the co-ordinate points in the respective four quadrant.
Due to this this plotting nature of co-ordinates in AutoCAD it is called as World Coordinating System (WCS) .
In case of the 3D modelling it also plots the Z axis co-ordinate.
1.1.4 Angular Measurements
Co-ordinate system helps us to create the object but it is not at all sufficient to make the work done. In case of rotating the object AutoCAD needs another unit to measure. This time co-ordinates are not at all sufficient to be work done.
In AutoCAD the angles are measured in the counter clock wise direction. Figure 1.1.2 will help you understanding the measuring of the angles.
The angles are measured from the 0 degrees which is at 3 O'clock. If the angle is measured in the counter clockwise direction then it is measured in the +ve reading. i.e. the angle is is positive value.
But, if the angle is measured in the clockwise direction from the 0 degrees then it is negative rotation. And the angle measured with it is a negative integer.
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| Figure 1.1.2 : Angular Measurement |
In AutoCAD the angles are measured in the counter clock wise direction. Figure 1.1.2 will help you understanding the measuring of the angles.
The angles are measured from the 0 degrees which is at 3 O'clock. If the angle is measured in the counter clockwise direction then it is measured in the +ve reading. i.e. the angle is is positive value.
But, if the angle is measured in the clockwise direction from the 0 degrees then it is negative rotation. And the angle measured with it is a negative integer.
1.1.5 Using AutoCAD
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| Figure 1.1.3 : Using AutoCAD |
For better understanding i have devided the sections in the various parts and marked in the image above. The function of the each section along with it's name is discussed in the table below:
| No. | Section | Function |
| 1 | Application Button | This button displays commands for printing, saving, drawing utilities and other non-drawing tools. |
| 2 | Quick Access Toolbar | This is for quick access to common commands like New, Open, Save, Plot |
| 3 | Search Bar | Search for text in your drawing or search the help files. |
| 4 | Filename | The name of the current file you are working on. |
| 5 | Panels | Contain a group of tools. Tools are the icons that start the commands you use to draw, modify, etc. |
| 6 | Drawing Space | These is where you draw your designs. |
| 7 | Command line | When you type a command, you will see it here. AutoCAD uses this space to 'prompt' you for information. It will give you a lot of information and tell you where you are in the command. |
| 8 | Status bar | This allows to see and change different modes of drawing such as Ortho, Osnaps, Grid, Otrack, etc. You can right click this area to toggle between icons and text for this area. |
1.1.6 Using WorkSpaces in AutoCAD
As, with AutoCAD we can perform various works like 2D drawing, 3D modelling there are different workspaces are generated by AutoCAD. Each workspace has their unique tools. At this stage AutoCAD provides four workspaces and those are.- Drafting & Annotations
- 3D Basic
- 3D Modelling
- AutoCAD Classic
3D Basic: This Workspace is used for the basic 3d modelling work. The work which does not involve tedious 3d operations in it.(e.g. Wire frames of 3d model)
3D Modelling: This workspace is generally used by professionals to create the 3D models and provides the details functioning to modify the 3d work.
AutoCAD Classic: Before AutoCAD 2009 the look of AutoCAD was different. AutoCAD classic enables the previous look to the persons whom are capable with the lower versions of AutoCAD.
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| Figure 1.1.4 : Changing WorkSpaces |
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