“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and
day out.” – Robert Collier
1. What is Computer Aided Drafting?
is a technological procedure that produces 2D and 3D drawings and models of actual items
using software. Engineers and designers use it to make blueprints for appliances, mechanical
components, architecture, and other things.
2D (2-Dimensional Model)
To create flat drawings, 2D CAD uses fundamental geometric shapes like lines, rectangles, circles,
etc. The earliest software of this kind was created in the 1970s.
3D(3-Dimensional Model)
Realistic 3D graphics may be created with 3D CAD. Because they can be seen and rotated in any
direction—X, Y, or Z—these pictures are known as 3D models. With 3D CAD, you can also show
views from a 3D model, such perspectives or isometrics, from any angle.
Applications
Computer Animation
Design of tools and machineries
Drafting and design of all types of buildings
Detailed engineering of 3D models
2D drawings of physical components
Engineering process from conceptual designs and layouts of products
Strength and dynamic analysis of assemblies
Definition of manufacturing methods of components
Career Opportunities
Project Manager
A project manager organizes, leads, and supervises projects, which may involve negotiating
contracts with clients, assessing building standards and regulations, and sending people to fulfill
labor requirements.
Project Engineer
She/he oversees, plans, coordinates, manages, and assesses the engineering departments, projects,
or company's operations. Along with examining project plans and proposals and consulting with
management, they are also in charge of creating project objectives.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafter
CAD drafters produce intricate designs that are used in building construction and product
manufacture. These comprehensive technical drawings outline measurements, codes, materials,
and production techniques while including the opinions of surveyors, engineers, and architects.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician
Creates design blueprints for machinery and buildings using CAD tools. In order to produce 3D
displays of a part or structure that engineers may use, technicians work with both 2D and 3D
designs.
2. User Interface
The AutoCAD user interface was made to be simple to use and intuitive. Regardless of your level
of AutoCAD proficiency, you should be able to use the program with ease.
3. Quick Access Tool Bar
In above window you are not able to See Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) and Workspace tabs is
because above window is not in Maximize mode. So, if you are unable to see Works space and
QAT then press Maximize window tab. By default this window have some tabs like: New,
Open, Save, Save All, Plot, Undo and Redo. You can customize this QAT by pressing down
key tab next to Workspace list. Also, alternatively you can Right Click on Ribbon (8) tabs and
add any Tabs to QAT
4. Ribbon Tabs
These are a set of tools for making or editing drawings that have been logically grouped together.
The tabs, like Insert, Annotate, and Manage, are arranged according to tasks.
5. Help
You can search the help content and other information as shown below by using the help tabs link
with the help file. Here is where you can adjust the Welcome Screen display settings. You may
also hit "F1" to access this.
6. AutoCAD Menu Button (AutoCAD Logo)
It displays a menu with commands for working with drawings, including file-related commands,
tools for auditing and recovering data, commands for printing and exporting, and commands for
managing the workspace of the Model and Sheet.
7. File Tabs
It shows a list of all the application's open drawings. It is situated at the sketching area's top.
8. Viewports
They are found in each viewport's upper left corner. They let users alter the perspective, visual
style, and other parameters.
9. View Cube
It’s a navigation tool that appears whether working in 3D visual style
or 2D model space. You can alternate between regular and isometric
views with ViewCube. You can switch between regular and
isometric views of your model using the persistent, clickable, and
draggable ViewCube interface.
10. World Coordinate System (WCS)
The "reference" coordinate system is the World Coordinate System
(WCS). Every other coordinate system is defined in relation to the
WCS, which is a fixed coordinate system. All of the model
coordinate geometry has been positioned in this coordinate system
in accordance with its block insert.
11. User Coordinate System (UCS)
In AutoCAD, the XY plane and Z-axis are defined by the moveable User
Coordinate System (UCS), which is used for modeling and drawing. It is
an essential tool for 3D modeling and 2D sketching.
What does the UCS do?
Defines the XY plane, also known as the work plane
Sets the horizontal and vertical directions
Controls the alignment and angle of grid, hatch patterns, text, and
dimension objects
Defines the origin and orientation for coordinate entry
Orients work planes, projection planes, and the Z axis for 3D
operations
12. Navigation Bar
This help you locate on different side of AutoCAD window. This contains some additional tools
like pan.
Full Navigation Wheel
Pan
Zoom Extent
Orbit
Show motion
13. Drawing Area or Graphic Area
This is a main area of a model where you will create new Drawing elements. This is infinite space
area.
14. Command Line
Another way to use AutoCAD features is to run command from command Line. This line Setting
options are as below:
15. Model and Layout Tabs
This is used for model and layout tabs, you can create, rename and delete from here. Also, you
change location of model and layout tabs to status bar by right click and select option to hide.
16. Status Bar Toggle
Quick access to some of the most popular drawing tools is offered by the status bar. Grid, snap, polar tracking,
and object snap are among the options that may be toggled. Some of these tools include drop-down arrows
that you may click to access further settings.
GRIDMODE(F7) ISODRAFT
SNAPMODE(F9)
AUTOSNAP(F11)
ORTHOMODE(F8) OBJECTSNAP/OSNAP(F3)
POLAR TRACKING(F10) SHOW AND HIDE
LINEWEIGHT
DYNAMIC INPUT
17. Mouse
Most people use a mouse as their pointing device but other devices have equivalent controls.
AUTOCAD COMMANDS
