The bestselling AutoCAD reference, with all new bonus video content

Mastering AutoCAD 2016 and AutoCAD LT 2016 is a complete tutorial and reference, helping you design accurately and efficiently while getting the most out of the AutoCAD 2016 software. Concise explanations and focused examples strengthen your understanding of AutoCAD concepts, while step-by-step instruction and hands-on projects help you develop the skills you need for real-world projects. This new edition covers the latest AutoCAD capabilities, and gives you access to videos demonstrating crucial techniques. The companion website provides all of the project files necessary for the tutorials, and features additional video tutorials and other bonus content. You'll start with the basics of AutoCAD drafting, and gradually build your skills to an advanced level as you learn 3D modeling and imaging. Whether you're preparing for the Autodesk certification or just want to be an AutoCAD guru, this book provides the comprehensive information you need.

* Get acquainted with the AutoCAD 2016 interface and drafting tools

* Work with hatches, fields, tables, dynamic blocks, solid fills, and more

* Build an accurate, scalable 3D model of your design for reference

* Customize your AutoCAD and integrate it with other software

Packed with expert tips, tricks, techniques, and tutorials, Mastering AutoCAD 2016 and AutoCAD LT 2016 is your essential guide to get up to speed quickly.

George Omura is a licensed architect and Autodesk Authorized Author, with more than 30 years of experience in the field and 20 years of experience with AutoCAD. As a CAD specialist, he has worked on projects ranging from resort hotels to metropolitan transit systems to the San Francisco Library project. George is the
all-time bestselling CAD author. Brian Benton is a Senior Engineering Design Technician, CAD Service Provider, trainer, technical writer and blogger. He has over 20 years of experience in various design fields (Mechanical, Structural, Civil, Survey, Marine, Environmental), has a degree in Design Drafting and is well versed in many design software packages (CAD, GIS, Graphics). He has been Cadalyst Magazine's Tip Patroller and writer, an AUGI HotNews Production Manager, is a contributing author, and an AutoCAD training video author as well as a member of the Autodesk Expert Elite Program.

Mastering AutoCAD 2016 and AutoCAD LT 2016 is a complete tutorial and reference, helping you design accurately and efficiently while getting the most out of the AutoCAD 2016 software. Concise explanations and focused examples strengthen your understanding of AutoCAD concepts, while step-by-step instruction and hands-on projects help you develop the skills you need for real-world projects. This new edition covers the latest AutoCAD capabilities, and gives you access to videos demonstrating crucial techniques. The companion website provides all of the project files necessary for the tutorials, and features additional video tutorials and other bonus content. You'll start with the basics of AutoCAD drafting, and gradually build your skills to an advanced level as you learn 3D modeling and imaging. Whether you're preparing for the Autodesk certification or just want to be an AutoCAD guru, this book provides the comprehensive information you need.

• Get acquainted with the AutoCAD 2016 interface and drafting tools
• Work with hatches, fields, tables, dynamic blocks, solid fills, and more
• Build an accurate, scalable 3D model of your design for reference
• Customize your AutoCAD and integrate it with other software

Packed with expert tips, tricks, techniques, and tutorials, Mastering AutoCAD 2016 and AutoCAD LT 2016 is your essential guide to get up to speed quickly.

Introduction xxvii

Part 1 The Basics 1

Chapter 1 Exploring the Interface 3

Taking a Guided Tour 3

Launching AutoCAD 4

The AutoCAD Window 5

Using the Application Menu 7

Using the Ribbon 9

Picking Points in the Drawing Area 14

Using the UCS Icon 14

Working in the Command Window 15

Working with AutoCAD 15

Opening an Existing File 16

Getting a Closer Look 17

Saving a File as You Work 21

Making Changes 21

Working with Multiple Files 22

Adding a Predrawn Symbol with the Tool Palettes 26

The Bottom Line 28

Chapter 2 Creating Your First Drawing 29

Getting to Know the Home Tab's Draw and Modify Panels 29

Starting Your First Drawing 32

Specifying Exact Distances with Coordinates 36

Specifying Polar Coordinates 38

Specifying Relative Cartesian Coordinates 39

Interpreting the Cursor Modes and Understanding Prompts 41

Understanding Cursor Modes 41

Choosing Command Options 43

Selecting Objects 48

Selecting Objects in AutoCAD 48

Providing Base Points 51

Using Noun/Verb Selection 54

Editing with Grips 59

Stretching Lines by Using Grips 60

Moving and Rotating with Grips 62

Understanding Dynamic Input 64

Displaying Data in a Text Window 69

Displaying the Properties of an Object 70

Getting Help 73

Using the InfoCenter 73

Finding Additional Sources of Help 74

The Bottom Line 75

Chapter 3 Setting Up and Using the Drafting Tools 77

Setting Up a Work Area 77

Specifying Units 78

Fine-Tuning the Measurement System 80

Setting Up the Drawing Limits 81

Looking at an Alternative to Limits 83

Understanding Scale Factors 83

Using Polar Tracking 84

Setting the Polar Tracking Angle 86

Exploring the Drawing Process 87

Locating an Object in Reference to Others 88

Getting a Closer Look 89

Modifying an Object 89

Planning and Laying Out a Drawing 93

Making a Preliminary Sketch 94

Using the Layout 96

Erasing the Layout Lines 102

Putting on the Finishing Touches 104

Aligning Objects by Using Object Snap Tracking 106

Using the AutoCAD Modes as Drafting Tools 111

Using Grid Mode as a Background Grid 111

Using Snap Modes 114

The Bottom Line 115

Chapter 4 Organizing Objects with Blocks and Groups 117

Creating and Using a Symbol 117

Understanding the Block Definition Dialog Box 120

Scaling and Rotating Blocks 125

Using an Existing Drawing as a Symbol 127

Modifying a Block 130

Unblocking and Redefining a Block 130

Saving a Block as a Drawing File 132

Replacing Existing Files with Blocks 132

Understanding the Write Block Dialog Box Options 134

Other Uses for Blocks 134

Understanding the Annotation Scale 135

Grouping Objects 138

Modifying Members of a Group 140

Ungrouping, Adding, and Subtracting from a Group 143

Working with the Object Grouping Dialog Box 144

Working with the AutoCAD LT Group Manager 146

The Bottom Line 147

Chapter 5 Keeping Track of Layers and Blocks 149

Organizing Information with Layers 149

Creating and Assigning Layers 150

Working on Layers 158

Controlling Layer Visibility 162

Finding the Layers You Want 163

Taming an Unwieldy List of Layers 164

Assigning Linetypes to Layers 171

Adding a Linetype to a Drawing 172

Controlling Lineweights 176

Keeping Track of Blocks and Layers 1...