Quickly leads the reader to intermediate-level techniques such as 2D and 3D drawing and editing, dimensioning, and plotting. Packed with practical, application-based examples.

The complete tutorial and reference to all user-level features of AutoCAD Release 12 for Windows. Features more than 700 illustrations and includes hundreds of tips, notes, and warnings. Includes easy-to-follow tutorial exercises.

A full-color guide to the #1 architectural drafting program—AutoCAD 2012! AutoCAD is the leading software used to create 2D and 3D technical drawings. Used by engineers, architects, and drafting professionals, it can be complex and is a perfect subject for the tried-and-true For Dummies format. Full-color illustrations make the instructions even easier to follow, because examples in the book appear exactly as they will on the screen. Explains AutoCAD and gets readers quickly up to speed on the latest version Features full-color illustrations that look the same as the AutoCAD 2012 screens, making the interface and the all-important Model view easier to understand Covers all the new features, creating a basic layout, using AutoCAD DesignCenter, drawing and editing, working with dimensions, adding text, and more Newcomers to AutoCAD will easily master the software with help from this full-color edition of AutoCAD 2012 For Dummies.

A full-color guide to the #1 architectural drafting program—AutoCAD 2012! AutoCAD is the leading software used to create 2D and 3D technical drawings. Used by engineers, architects, and drafting professionals, it can be complex and is a perfect subject for the tried-and-true For Dummies format. Full-color illustrations make the instructions even easier to follow, because examples in the book appear exactly as they will on the screen. Explains AutoCAD and gets readers quickly up to speed on the latest version Features full-color illustrations that look the same as the AutoCAD 2012 screens, making the interface and the all-important Model view easier to understand Covers all the new features, creating a basic layout, using AutoCAD DesignCenter, drawing and editing, working with dimensions, adding text, and more Newcomers to AutoCAD will easily master the software with help from this full-color edition of AutoCAD 2012 For Dummies.

AutoCAD is the leading software tool for creating technical and architectural drawings, but it definitely doesn't lead in the "easy to master" category. That's why there's AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies—the perfect way to break a complex topic into bite-size, easy-to-understand pieces. Once you get the hang of using AutoCAD and its slightly less feature-rich cousin, AutoCAD LT, you discover that it offers wonderful advantages. AutoCAD allows you to Create precision to 14 significant digits Re-use portions of your drawings by copying and pasting Draw things full size and print your drawings in any scale Produce drawings that are easier to read when reduced Electronically share and distribute drawings Design in 2D or 3D So obviously, the trick is to speed up that "getting the hang of it" process. That's where AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies comes in especially handy. Ten easy-to-follow minibooks cover every aspect of AutoCAD, including the latest features of AutoCAD 2007, so you can find just what you need to know quickly and easily. You'll get the scoop on AutoCAD basics, such as setting up drawings, finding your way around the interface, and using all the tools Drawing and modifying objects in 2D and annotating your drawings 3D modeling and viewing, working with solids and surfaces, and rendering Understanding how AutoCAD LT differs from AutoCAD and deciding which program you need Advanced drafting skills, including organizing drawings, working with blocks, and using AutoCAD utilities Setting up your drawings for plotting to paper and publishing Sharing your drawings online for collaboration Customizing and programming AutoCAD to make it work the way you want it to In the familiar, friendly For Dummies fashion, AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies gives you plain-English explanations and step-by-step directions. Written by a pair of AutoDesk Authorized Authors, this handy guide will help make your relationship with AutoCAD a happy and productive one.

Simple steps for creating AutoCAD drawings AutoCAD is the ubiquitous tool used by engineers, architects, designers, and urban planners to put their ideas on paper. It takes some AutoCAD know-how to go from a brilliant idea to a drawing that properly explains how brilliant your idea is. AutoCAD For Dummies helps you de-mystify the handy software and put the tools in AutoCAD to use. Written by an experienced AutoCAD engineer and mechanical design instructor, it assumes no previous computer-aided drafting experience as it walks you through the basics of starting projects and drawing straight lines all the way up through 3D modeling. Conquer the first steps in creating an AutoCAD project Tackle drawing basics including straight lines and curves Add advanced skills including 3D drawing and modeling Set up a project and move into 3D It's true that AutoCAD is tough, but with the friendly instruction in this hands-on guide, you'll find everything you need to start creating marvelous models—without losing your cool.