Do you know what is AutoCAD and how to use it? If you are an engineer then you musk aware about AutoCAD. AutoCAD is a Computer-Aided-Drafting software program which uses in creating design blueprints of mechanical parts, bridges, buildings etc.
It’s a 2D and 3D Computer Aided Drafting software
application which is especially designed for creating blueprints of
architecture, manufacturing, and construction’s engineering plans.
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All about AutoCAD |
What is AutoCAD?
Full form of AutoCAD is Automatic Computer Aided Design.
.dwg is the native file format of AutoCAD drawing. This software is especially designed
for creating blueprints of architecture, manufacturing, and construction’s
engineering plans.
It is also known as drafting software. This software was
developed and marketed by Autodesk itself. AutoCAD was first launched in
December 1982 as a desktop software.
It was ran by microcomputers with internal graphic
controllers. Before release of AutoCAD, mostly CAD programs was ran in
mainframe computers or minicomputers.
Every CAD user (operator) works separately in graphics
terminal. In 2010, AutoCAD was released for mobile and web app which known as
AutoCAD 360. Professionals who works on AutoCAD ware known as drafters.
History of AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a technical word derived from a program in 1977
and it was release as Interact CAD in 1979. Before this, it was named as
MicroCAD in Autodesk Documents. First version of AutoCAD was initially demonstrated
in Comdex in 1982 and later it was released in December 1982.
Best computer to use AutoCAD
Not only AutoCAD, all software comes under Autodesk Umbrella
are resource intensive and therefor the need powerful computers to run. Because
many things to be handle in AutoCAD like 3D modeling, civil and architectural
tasks etc., due to which high performance computer system is necessary.
If you are an ordinary user or an AutoCAD student then you need minimum
specifications PC but if you are multi-tasking person then you must go with
high-end PC. In high end PCs, you can work lag-free and seamless which tends to
increase in productivity.
List of computers systems for best suited for AutoCAD
- 1. MacBook Pro 15-inch
- 2. Razer Blade
- 3. HP ZBook Studio G3
- 4. HP ZBokk 17 G3
- 5. Lenovo ThinkPad P40 Yoga
- 6. HP Spectre Pro 13 G1
- 7. MSI WT72 6QK
- 8. Lenovo ThinkPad P70
How to learn AutoCAD
AutoCAD is not small course. If you need full knowledge then
you must join an institute or you can also refer to YouTube. Many YouTube
channels guide you to operate AutoCAD.
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How to learn AutoCAD |
How many courses are related to AutoCAD?
AutoCAD haves many type of courses, it depends on you to
select which type of course you are interested. AutoCAD courses divided
according to expertise.
AutoCAD courses
- 1. Three months certificate program in “Advance course in CADD”
- 2. Two months certificate program in “AutoCAD”
- 3. Three months certificate program in “Advance AutoCAD course”
- 4. Two months diploma program in “Diploma in AutoCAD”
- 5. Two months postgraduate diploma program in “Master diploma in Architectural CADD”
You may interested in : Best CAD software for all levels
Some common AutoCAD courses list
Introductory AutoCAD course
Basic knowledge of AutoCAD's interface, menu options,
toolbars and operational commands are provided to students in introductory
courses. In this Courses students are given that opportunity so that they can
observe how professional drafting projects are made and executed. With this,
they are also educated about how to create their own 2D designs. Apart from
this, basic skills are taught in drawing, editing, layering and plotting.
Intermediate AutoCAD course
After the first introductory instruction is in AutoCAD,
students are provided with intermediate level AutoCAD skills training. It
includes many things like hatching, dimensioning, cross-references, tables and
block attributes. Students are introduced into AutoCAD 3D designs and are also taught
drafting skills with the help of them to prepare themselves for advanced
AutoCAD training.
Advanced AutoCAD course
Advanced AutoCAD courses mainly focus on 3D designs, in
which navigation and modeling tools are also used to create 3D drawings to run
it properly. Students learn many concepts in it such as lighting, mapping and
solid-model creation. In the course, students are also trained about importing
and scanning images of 3D models.
Graphics creating AutoCAD course
This is a course of graphics production in which it is demonstrated how to use AutoCAD in illustration and web design projects. Students are taught jointly with AutoCAD using other software such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Autodesk Impression software. Talking about skills, then training in correcting photographs, manipulating depth of field and creation of special effects etc. is given.
AutoCAD training programs
AutoCAD courses are also available in AutoCAD and Autodesk
certificate programs. Students have to complete these training programs online
or in a traditional classroom format. There can be only one comprehensive
course in AutoCAD training programs that consists of progressive instruction
from basic level to advanced skill levels. These training programs have to be
completed during a specific period only.
Some of the most popular topics in AutoCAD that Engineers love most.
- 1. 3D sketch and Boolean operations
- 2. 3D parts, UCS, Boolean operation, Solid Editing, etc.
- 3. Creating & Editing Text
- 4. Equations, Design Table & Configurations
- 5. Introduction, Walls, Flanges, Bending
- 6. Design Center & Tool Palettes
- 7. Inquiry tools & Parametric Drafting
- 8. Surface Creation & Modification tools
- 9. Sketch Visualization & Sketch Analysis
- 10. Drafting Settings
- 11. Dimensions & Dimension Styles
- 12. Geometry & Dimensional Constraints
- 13. Sketch Entities & Sketch Tools
- 14. Block, W-block, X-attach & X-Ref
Engineering is necessary or not to use AutoCAD?
There is no need to have an engineering degree for AutoCAD.
For this, you should only have the understanding of running a computer. If you
have a little technical knowledge then you can easily run AutoCAD Software. By
the way, if you have an engineering degree, then it will make it easier for you
to run AutoCAD because it is already taught in the course of Engineering. Also
you can help in some diagrams designs.
What is AutoCAD's career options
AutoCAD is most commonly used by drafters and other
professions who focus more on design and construction. Let's know about some
such career options that you can choose once you have learned to run AutoCAD
properly.
Drafter
Drafters prepare technical illustrations in which all
engineering and manufacturing specifics are given importance to create any
structure or a product. In this, the AutoCAD software program helps those
drafters to develop and store technical drawing.
But in this too, a drafter should have knowledge of all
those things, in which drafting techniques, manufacturing theory and
engineering are prominent. One advantage that drafters get by using this
AutoCAD software program is that it can drafter designs very quickly and can
also bring variations if needed based on specific data.
Architect
The task of architects is to present designs of
architectures like buildings, houses, bridges, monuments. They work directly
with clients so that they can fulfill all their needs and requirements. With
this, they also develop the plans needed for construction. Most architects use
AutoCAD only.
Interior Designer
Main work of an interior designer is to design internal
appearance of a building. Also they have to focus on building codes and safety
regulations. Mostly interior designers use AutoCAd because its easy to
operates.
Commands list of AutoCAD
F1 | Display Help |
F2 | Toggle text screen |
F3 | Toggle object snap mode |
F4 | Toggle 3D Osnap |
F5 | Toggle Isoplane |
F6 | Toggle Dynamic UCS |
F7 | Toggle grid mode |
F8 | Toggle ortho mode |
F9 | Toggle snap mode |
F10 | Toggle polar mode |
F11 | Toggle object snap tracking |
F12 | Toggle dynamic input mode |
Ctrl+d | Toggle coordinate display |
Ctrl+g | Toggle Grid |
Ctrl+e | Cycle isometric planes |
Ctrl+f | Toggle running object snaps |
Ctrl+h | Toggle Pick Style |
Ctrl+Shift+h | Toggle Hide pallets |
Ctrl+i | Toggle Cords |
Ctrl+Shift+i | Toggle Infer Constraints |
Ctrl+0 | (zero) Clean Screen |
Ctrl+1 | Property Palette |
Ctrl+2 | Design Center Palette |
Ctrl+3 | Tool Palette |
Ctrl+4 | Sheet Set Palette |
Ctrl+6 | DBConnect Manager |
Ctrl+7 | Markup Set Manager Palette |
Ctrl+8 | Quick Calc |
Ctrl+9 | Command Line |
Ctrl+n | New Drawing |
Ctrl+s | Save drawing |
Ctrl+o | Open drawing |
Ctrl+p | Plot dialog box |
Ctrl+Tab | Switch to next |
Ctrl+Shift+Tab | Switch previous drawing |
Ctrl+Page Up | Switch previous tab to current drawing |
Ctrl+Page Down | Switch next tab to current drawing |
Ctrl+q | Exit |
Ctrl+a | Select all objects |
Ctrl+c | Copy object |
Ctrl+x | Cut object |
Ctrl+v | Paste object |
Ctrl+Shift+c | Copy in clipboard with base point |
Ctrl+Shift+v | Paste data as a block |
Ctrl+z | Undo last action |
Ctrl+y | Redo last action |
Ctrl+[ | Cancel current command (or ctrl+\) |
ESC | Cancel current command |
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