"Whether you're new to AutoCAD or a veteran, you will undoubtedly find this book to be an excellent resource." -- Abhi Singh, AutoCAD Product Manager, Autodesk, Inc. Here's the book that makes AutoCAD approachable Even the people at Autodesk look to Ellen Finkelstein for AutoCAD training, so who better to teach you about AutoCAD 2008? This comprehensive guide brings veterans up to speed on AutoCAD updates and takes novices from the basics to programming in AutoLISP(r) and VBA. Every feature is covered in a logical order, and with the Quick Start chapter, you'll be creating drawings on your very first day. Success is in your hands. * Start drawing right away with the easy Quick Start project * Master commands and procedures for 2D drawings * Work in 3D with hiding, shading, and rendering techniques * Automate drawing annotation and the display of layers in viewports * Organize and share data * Customize commands, toolbars, hatch patterns, and more What's on the DVD? * 30-day trial versions of AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 * All drawings needed to complete the exercises in the book, including before-and-after versions * The entire text of the book in searchable PDF format * A selection of add-on programs that will enhance your use of AutoCAD System Requirements: Please see the DVD-ROM appendix for details and complete system requirements Connect to external spreadsheets and extract essential data from your drawing objects Draw and display sophisticated 3D models Develop flexible, easy-to-use dynamic blocks

Presenting you with the perfect step-by-step introduction to the world’s leading CAD software, this this perennial bestseller is completely revised and features comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of the latest AutoCAD features, such as dynamic blocks, external references, and 3D design. You’ll get concise explanations and practical tutorials that you can follow sequentially or jump in at any chapter by downloading the drawing files from the Sybex Web site, www.sybex.com/go/acadner2008. Either way, you’ll master AutoCAD features, get a thorough grounding in its essentials, and see quick results. For Instructors: Teaching supplements are available for this title.

Mastering AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 offers a unique blend of tutorial and reference that includes everything you need to get started and stay ahead with AutoCAD. Rather than just showing you how each command works, this book shows you AutoCAD 2008 in the context of a meaningful activity. You'll learn how to use commands while working on an actual project and progressing toward a goal. Experienced author George Omura provides a foundation on which you can build your own methods for using AutoCAD and become an AutoCAD expert. Coverage includes everything from the basics of AutoCAD to programming in AutoLISP and VBA to installing and setting up AutoCAD. Whether you're an AutoCAD newbie or AutoCAD all-star, Mastering AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 has something for you.

This volume covers the latest drafting tools of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.

"Omura's explanations are concise, his graphics are excellent, and his examples are practical." —CADalyst The Definitive CAD Resource Updated for 2005 Mastering AutoCAD 2005 and AutoCAD LT 2005 is a fully updated edition of Omura's enduring masterpiece. Once again, he delivers the most comprehensive and comprehensible coverage for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT users including information on the Sheet Set Manager, field command, table tool and the software's other productivity enhancers. If you've never used AutoCAD, the tutorial approach and step-by-step instruction will help you get started right away. If you're an AutoCAD veteran, in-depth explanations of AutoCAD's newest and most advanced features will help you become an AutoCAD expert. Whatever your experience, however you use AutoCAD, you'll refer to this indispensable resource again and again. Coverage includes: Finding your way around the AutoCAD interface Creating and developing an AutoCAD drawing Keeping track of your projects with the new sheet set manager Importing spreadsheets and editing tables with the new Table tool Updating text automatically with the new field command Controlling your drawings' printed output Discovering hidden features Mastering the 3D modeling and rendering process Customizing AutoCAD Linking drawings to databases and spreadsheets Managing custom symbols Securing and authenticating your files Aligning and coordinating Layout views Using Publish to share files with non-AutoCAD users Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

A gentle, humorous introduction to this fearsomely complex software that helps new users start creating 2D and 3D technical drawings right away Covers the new features and enhancements in the latest AutoCAD version and provides coverage of AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD's lower-cost sibling Topics covered include creating a basic layout, using AutoCAD DesignCenter, drawing and editing, working with dimensions, plotting, using blocks, adding text to drawings, and drawing on the Internet AutoCAD is the leading CAD software for architects, engineers, and draftspeople who need to create detailed 2D and 3D technical drawings; there are more than 5 million registered AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT users

Taking the reader step-by-step through the features of AutoCAD, Alf Yarwood provides a practical, structured course of work matched to the latest release of this software. After introducing first principles and the creation of 2D technical drawings, he goes on to demonstrate the construction of 3D solid and surface model drawings and rendering in the second part. All the new features of the 2008 software release are taken into account, in particular the new workspace for 2D drafting, faster rendering, new rendering methods, more materials, and improved lighting methods. The 2D chapters are also suitable for those learning how to use AutoCAD LT 2008. Introduction to AutoCAD 2008 includes: Hundreds of full-colour drawings and screen shots illustrating the stages within the design process Worked examples and exercises throughout the text, linking the use of AutoCAD to real-world engineering practice Start of chapter learning outcome summaries and end of chapter revision notes and exercises to check the readers' understanding Readers can also visit a free companion website at http://books.elsevier.com/companions/9780750685122, where they will find worked solutions and AutoCAD drawing files of stages and results for the exercises in the book, as well as further exercises and multiple-choice questions with answers. Suitable for all new users of AutoCAD, this book is particularly applicable to introductory level undergraduate courses and vocational courses in engineering and construction. Further Education students in the UK will find this an ideal textbook to cater for the relevant CAD units of BTEC National and BTEC Higher National Engineering schemes from Edexcel, and the City & Guilds 4353 and 2303 qualifications.