Chapter 1.

Introduction
Computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) is the process of using a computer with CADD software
to design and produce drawings and models according to specific industry and company standards.
The terms computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided drafting (CAD) refer to specific aspects
of the CADD process. This chapter introduces the AutoCAD CADD system. You will begin working
with AutoCAD and learn to control the AutoCAD environment.
Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982, running on micro
computers with internal graphics controllers. Prior to the introduction of AutoCAD, most commercial CAD
programs ran on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with each CAD operator (user) working at a
separate graphics terminal. AutoCAD is used across a wide range of industries, by architects, project
managers, engineers, graphic designers, and other professionals. It is supported by 750 training centres
worldwide as of 1994.
AutoCAD commands and options allow you to draw objects of any size or shape. Use
AutoCAD to prepare two-dimensional (2D) drawings, three-dimensional (3D) models, and
animations. AutoCAD is a universal CADD software program that applies to any drafting, design, or
engineering discipline. For example, use AutoCAD to design and document mechanical parts and
assemblies, architectural buildings, civil and structural engineering projects, and electronics.

Two dimensional (2d) Drawings

2D drawings display object length and width, width and height, or height and length in a fl at
(2D) form. 2D drawings are the established design and drafting format and are common in all
engineering and architectural industries and related disciplines. A complete 2D drawing
typically includes dimensions, notes, and symbols that describe view features and
information. This practice results in a document used to manufacture or construct a product.
2D drawings are the conventional and often required method of communicating a project.
Figure 1-1 shows an example of a 2D architectural floor plan created using AutoCAD. Use
this textbook to learn how to construct, design, dimension, and annotate 2D AutoCAD
drawings.

Three dimensional (3D) Models

3D models allow for advanced visualization, simulation, and analysis typically not possible with 2D
drawings. AutoCAD provides commands and options for developing wireframe, surface, and solid
models. An accurate solid model is an exact digital representation of a product. Add colour, lighting,
and texture to display a realistic view of the model. Use view tools to view the model from any angle.
See Figure 1-2B. Apply animation to a model to show product design or function. For example, you
can perform a walkthrough of a model home or a flythrough of a model civil engineering project.
AutoCAD and Its ApplicationsAdvanced provides detailed instruction on 3D model.

Page | 1

Chapter 4.

Methodology
4.1 Line Command
Creates single straight line segments
1. Choose Draw, Line.
Or
Click the Line icon
Or
Type
LINE from the command prompt
Command: LINE or L
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Press
Pick
Pick
Pick
Press
Type

7. Type

ENTER
From point: (point)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]:(point)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]:(point)
ENTER to end line sequence
Or
U to undo the last segment
To point: U (undo)
C to create a closed polygon
To Point : C (close)

(fig.4.1.1)

4.2 Cartesian Coordinate System

AutoCAD provides the user with an infinite two dimensional area to work with. Any entities
place on the working two dimensional plane can be defined relative to the Cartesian
coordinate system.
The Cartesian coordinate system divides a two dimensional plane with two perpendicular
axis. The X axis runs horizontal across the bottom of the screen. The Y axis runs vertically
Page | 2

along the left side of the screen. These two axis intersect at the bottom left corner of the
screen.
Each of these axis is further divided into segments. Each segment is given a value. The X axis
segments increase in value to the right. The positive X values are to the right of the
intersection of the two axis. The negative X values are to the left. The positive Y values are
above the intersection and increase up. The negative Y values are below.

(fig.4.2.1)

Absolute Coordinates
1. Type

(fig.4.2.2)

x-y coordinate when AutoCAD asks for a

point.
From point: 1,1
To point: 2,1
To point: 2,2
To point: 1,2
To point: 1,1
NOTE: If dynamic input (F12) is on, you must type the #
sign before entering absolute coordinates.

Relative Coordinates
1. Type

@ when AutoCAD asks for a point.

From point pick point
Page | 3

To point: @1,0
To point: @0,1
To point: @-1,0
To point: @0,-1
(fig.4.2.3)

Polar Coordinates
1. Type

@distance<angle when AutoCAD asks for a point.

From point: pick point
To point:@1<0
To point:@1<90
To point:@1<180
To point:@1<270
(fig.4.2.4)

4.3 Orthogonal Lines

Controls lines from being drawn at various angles to straight lines. When the snap grid is
rotated, ortho mode rotates accordingly.
1. Press

Function Key F8
Or
ORTHO from the Status Bar.
Or
CTRL + L.

Double-click
Press

Line
drawn
with
ORTHO
ON

Line drawn
with
ORTHO
OFF

(fig.4.3.1)

Page | 4

4.4 Polar Tracking

Polar Snaps work independently from snaps. With Polar Snaps on, AutoCAD shows the
distances and angles being displayed as the cursor moves.
1. Type

DSETTINGS at the command

Prompt. Command: DSETTINGS

2. Choose

the Polar tracking TAB from the dialog box.

3. Select
dropdown list
4. Click

the desired incremental angle from the

OK to exit the dialog box.

5. Draw
references.

a LINE using the Polar

Snap

(fig.4.4.1)

TIP: you can type a new angle in

the dialog box.

Page | 5

(fig.4.4.2)

4.5 Circles
Circle Command
Choose

Draw, Circle.
Or
the Circle icon.
Or
CIRCLE at the command prompt.
Command: CIRCLE
One of the following options:
3P/2P/TTR/<<center point>>:
Or
A center point.
A radius or diameter.
Or
A radius or diameter
Diameter/<<radius>

Click
Type
1. Type
Pick
2. Type
3. Pick
Circle, Canter Radius

Circle, Canter Diameter

Circle, Tangent, Tangent Radius

(fig.4.5.1)
TIP:

To create circles that are the same size, press ENTER when asked
for the circle radius.

4.6 Arc Command

1. Choose

Draw, Arc.
Or

Click

the Arc icon.

Or
Page | 6

Type

ARC at the command prompt

Command: ARC

2. Draw

One of the arcs.

4.7 Erase Command

1.

Deletes objects from a drawing.

Choose
Modify, Erase.
Or
Click

the Erase icon.

Or

Type

ERASE at the command prompt.

Command: ERASE or E
Pick
Object at the select object

2.
prompt.

Select objects: (pick object)

3.

Press

ENTER when you are done choosing objects.

Select objects: ENTER

Select objects with

pick box

TIP:

If the cursor is not

object, AutoCAD will
or window selection as
following pages.

touching
an
create a crossing
defined on the

Page | 7

(fig.4.7.1)

4.8 ZOOM
Increases or decreases the apparent size of objects in the current viewport
1. Choose

View, Zoom.
Or

2. Type

ZOOM at the command prompt.

Command: Zoom or Z

3. Type

One of the following zoom options:

The following are basic zoom options:

All
Places entire drawing (all visible layers) on display at once. Forces a
regeneration.
Extents
Displays current drawing content as large as possible.
Previous
Restores previous view.
Window
Designates rectangular area to be drawn as large as possible.
Number
Magnification relative to ZOOM All
display Number X
Magnification relative to current
display (1X)
Canter
Specifies canter point and new display height.
Dynamic
Permits you to pan a box representing the viewing screen around the entire
generated portion of the drawing and enlarge or shrink it.

4.9 SNAP Command

1. Choose
2. Type

Tools, Drafting Settings...

Or
SNAP at the command prompt.
Command: SNAP or SN

3. Type

One of the following options: Snap

[ON/OFF/Aspect/Style/Type]:

spacing or

Page | 8

(fig.4.9.1)

Turn Snap On/OFF

3. Press

Function Key F9 to turn the snap

ON/OFF.

Or
4. Double Click

SNAP on the Status Bar.

Or

5. Press

CTRL + B.

TIP:

Click with the right mouse button on the SNAP option from the status bar as a
shortcut to changing the snap settings

4.10 Grid Command

1.

Choose

Tools, Drafting Settings...

or

2.

Type

DSETTINGS at the command prompt.

Command : DSETTINGS (DS)
or

3.

Type

GRID at the command prompt.

Command: GRID

4.

Type

One of the following options:

Grid spacing(X) or ON/OFF/Snap/Aspect
Page | 9

(fig.4.10.1)

4.11 Move Command

1. Choose

Modify, Move.
Or

Click
Type

the Move icon.

Or
MOVE at the command prompt
Command: MOVE or M

2. Pick

Objects to move
Select objects: (select)

3. Pick

A point to move from

Base point or displacement: (p ick point)

4. Pick

A point to move to
Second point of displacement: (pick point)

Circle before move

Circle after move

Page | 10

(fig.4.11.1)

(fig.4.11.2)

TIP:

To move an object a specified distance, type a distance at the second

point of displacement prompt: @1<0

4.12 Copy Command

1. Choose

Click
Type
2. Pick

Modify, Copy.
Or
the Copy icon.
Or
COPY at the command prompt. Command:
COPY or CP
Objects to copy.
Select objects: (select)

3. Pick

A point to move from.

Base point or displacement/Multiple: (pick point).

Page | 11

4. Pick

Type

A point to copy to.

Second point of displacement: (pick point)
0r
A point to copy to.
Second point of displacement: @ 1<0

Duplicate objects copied

Multiple objects copied

(fig.4.12.1)

(fig.4.12.2)

TIP:

To copy many objects in the same copy command, type M for Multiple at the Base
point or displacement/Multiple option

4.13 Previous Selection

Places selected objects in the previous selection set

1. Choose

Modify, Move. or

Click

the Move icon.

or

Type

MOVE at the command prompt.

Command :MOVE or M

2. Pick

Objects move. Select

objects: (P)

Page | 12

(fig.4.13.1)
TIP:

AutoCAD requires that objects be selected in order to be processed. The

Select Objects prompt occurs after many commands, including the
SELECT command itself.

4.14 Offset Command

Offset Distance
To offset a specified distance:
1. Choose

Modify, Offset.
or

2. Choose

the Offset icon.

Page | 13

3. Type
4. Type
5. Pick

6. Pick
7.
8. Pick

9. Press

or
OFFSET at the command prompt. Command:
OFFSET or O
The distance to offset.
Offset distance or <Through point>: (number)
The object to offset.
Select object to offset: (select object)
A side to offset object to. Side to offset:
(pick side)
Another object to offset
Select object to offset: (pick side)
or
Enter to end the command.

Offset Through Point

To offset through point :
1. Type

OFFSET at the command prompt

Command: OFFSET

2. Type

T to specify a through point

Offset distance or <Through point>: (T)

3. Pick
A point to offset through (HINT: use object snaps) Select object to
offset: (pick) Through point: (select object)

Page | 14

4.15 EXTEND

1. Choose
Extend.or

Modify,
2.

Click

the Extend icon.

Type

3. Pick
4. Press
5. Pick

6. Press

EXTEND at the command prompt

Command: EXTEND
Select boundary edge(s)...
The BOUNDARY edge to extend to Select objects: (select)
ENTER to accept the boundary edge Select objects: (press enter)
The objects to extend
<Select object to extend> / Project / Edge / Undo: Select
an object, enter an option, or press enter : (select)
ENTER when you are done choosing objects

Page | 15

Lines Extended
to an Arc
(Arc is boundary edge)

TIP:

Use the object selection option FENCE to choose

multiple objects

4.16 TRIM
The TRIM command allows you to trim objects in a drawing so they
end precisely at a cutting edge defined by one or more other objects in
the drawing.
1. Choose
Modify, Trim.
or
2. Click

the Trim icon.

TRIM at the command prompt
Command: TRIM
Select cutting edge(s)...
Pick
The CUTTING edge to extend to Select objects: (select)
Press
ENTER to accept the cutting edge
Select objects: (press
enter)
Pick
Objects to trim
<Select object to trim> / Project / Edge / Undo:
Select an object, enter an option, or press enter
Press
ENTER when you are done choosing objects

3. Type

4.
5.
6.

7.

Page | 16

Selec
t objecttotr im/Undo:
(press ente
r)
Lines Trimmed
to an Arc
(Arc i s cutting
edge)

TIP: Hold the SHIFT key to interactively extend

instead of trim.

Edge mode
Controls how the TRIM and EXTEND commands determine cutting
and boundary edges.

4.17 MIRROR
1. Choose

2. Click

3. Type
4. Pick
5. Pick
6. Pick
7. Type

Modify, Mirror.
or

the Mirror icon.

or
MIRROR at the command prompt. Command:
MIRROR
Objects to mirror.
Select objects:(select)
First point of mirror line: (point)
Second point: (point)
Yes to delete the original objects and
No to keep them.
Delete old objects? Y or N

Page | 17

Mirror Line

Mirror text
Mirror reflects (mirrors) text if 1, retains text direction if 0.
Type
Type

MIRRTEXT at the command prompt.

Command: MIRRTEXT
1 to reflect the text and 0 to retain the text.
Current value <0> New value: 1 or 0

MIRRTEXT=ON

MIRRTEXT=OFF

4.18 ROTATE
1. Choose

Modify, Rotate.
Or

2. Click

the Rotate icon.

Page | 18

Or
3. Type

ROTATE at the command prompt

Command : ROTATE

4. Pick

Objects to rotate: Select objects:(select)

5. Pick

A pivot point to rotate around

Base point: (point)

6. Type

A rotation angle<Rotation angle>/Reference:

(number)
Or

7. Pick

A rotation angle<Rotation angle>/Reference:

(point)

(fig.

4.19 Break
1. Choose

Modify, Break.
Or

2. Click

the Break icon.

3. Type

Or
BREAK at the command prompt.
Command: BREAK

4. Pick

Object to break.

Select object: (select one object)

5. Pick

A second break point.

Page | 19

Enter second point : (point)

or
6. Type

F to choose a different break point

Enter second point (or F for first
point

7. Pick

The first break point on the object

Enter first point: (point)

8. Pick

A second break point

4.20 Stretch
1. Choose
2. Click

Modify, Stretch.
Or
the Stretch icon.

3. Type

STRETCH at the command prompt.

Command : STRETCH Select objects to
stretch by window...

4. Type

C to choose CROSSING window Select objects: C

5. Pick

A first corner to stretch. First corner: (point)

6. Pick

The opposite corner to window the

objects to stretch.
Page | 20

Other corner :(point)

Must be a crossing
window

7. Press

ENTER to accept objects to stretch.

8. Pick

A base point to stretch from Base point:

(point)

9. Pick
10. Type

A point tostretch to Newpoint: (point)

A distance to stretch. New point: @1<0

or

TIP:

The Stretch command must use a CROSSING window or a CROSSING

POLYGON window.

4.21 Fillet
1. Choose
2. Click
3. Type

Modify, Fillet.
or
the Fillet icon.

or

FILLET at the command prompt.

Command: FILLET

4. Pick
First object to fillet. Polyline/Radius/Trim<Select two
select first object.
5. Pick
6. Type

objects>:

Second object to fillet.

Select second object:select second object.
or
One of the following options:

Page | 21

Fillets an entire Polyline.

Sets the fillet radius.
T
Sets the trimmode (trim cuts the fillet
corne r and no trim keeps the fillet corner)
R

TIP:

You can also fillet PARALLEL lines as well as PLINES with LINES
Type a radius of zero (0) to create a clean 90 degree corner

4.22 Array
Rectangular Array
To draw rectangular array:
1.
Choose
Modify, Array.
or
2.

Click

the Array icon.

3.

Type

or
ARRAY at the command prompt.
Command : ARRAY

4.

Pick

Objects to array. Select

5.

Type

6.

Type S to change the spacing distance between each

and/or row.
Type COL to change the number of columns.

7.
8.

Type

objects : (select)

R for a rectangular array.

Enter array type [Rectangular/PAth/POlar] <Rectangular>: R
Type = Rectangular Associative = Yes
Select grip to edit array or [ASsociative/Base
point/COUnt/Spacing/COLumns/Rows/Levels/eXit]<eXit>:

column

R to change the number of rows.

Page | 22

Polar Array
To draw a polar array:
1. Choose

Modify, ARRAY.
or

2. Click

the Array icon.

or
ARRAY at the command prompt.
Command:
ARRAY
Objects to array.
Select objects:(select)
P to draw a polar array. Enter array type
[Rectangular/PAth/POlar] <Rectangular>: PO
(R/P): PO
A center point for the array. Center point of array: pick point
one of the following options or press ENTER
Select grip to edit array or [ASsociative/Base
point/Items/Angle between/Fill

3. Type
4. Pick
5. Type
6. Pick
7. Type

Page | 23

angle/ROWs/Levels/ROTate items/eXit]<eXit>:

4.23 Polygon
1. Choose

2. Click
3. Type

Draw,
Polygon.
or
the Polygon icon.
or
Polygon at the command
prompt. Command: POLYGON

4. Type

The number of sides for the polygon

(3-1024)
Number of sides <default>: number

5. Pick

The center o f the polygon. Edge/<Center o f

polygon>:pick
or
E to define the polygon by two edges.

6. Type
7. Type

I or C to place the polygon inside or outside

of an imaginarycircle. Inscribed in
circle/Circumscribed about circle (I/C):
Page | 24

Polygon Inscribed in an

Polygon drawn with an edge

imaginary
circle

Polygon circumscribed
around
animagi
narycircle

4.24 Rectangle
1. Choose
or

Draw, Rectangle.

Page | 25

or
3.

4.

2. Click

Type

Rectang at the command prompt

Command: RECTANG Chamfer/Elevation/Fillet/
Thickness/Width/<First corner>:
Pick
first corner. 5. Pick
other corner or type
coordinates (i.e. @4,2).

the Rectangle icon.

4.25 Spline
The SPLINE command creates a particular type of spline known as a
nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curve. A NURBS curve produces a
smooth curve
between
controlpoints

1. Choose
2. Click
3. Type

4. Pick

Draw, Spline.
or
the Spline icon.
or
SPLINE at the command prompt
Command: SPLINE
Specify first point or
[Method/Knots/Object]:
A start point for the spline
Enter next point or [end
Tangency/toLerance/Undo/Close]:
Page | 26

5. Pick
6. Press

(pick point)
Points until done drawing splines
(pick points)
Enter or close to complete the spline

Chapter 3.

Design and Implementation

Designing and drafting effectively with a computer requires a skilled CADD
operator. To be a proficient AutoCAD user, you must have detailed knowledge of
AutoCAD commands and processes and know which command and process is
best suited for a specific task. You must also understand and be able to apply
design and drafting systems and conventions when using AutoCAD. As you begin
your CADD training, develop effective methods for managing your work. First,
plan your drawing sessions thoroughly to organize your thoughts. Second, learn
and use industry, classroom, or office standards. Third, save your work often. If
you follow these procedures, you will find it easier to use AutoCAD commands
and methods, and your drawing experience will be more productive and
enjoyable.
Design is the broad-based integration of art and engineering. It combines
the study of science, language, math, business, and society. Applied design and
the systematic application of its principles are the basis behind using and
teaching technological design. Todays educator must travel beyond the confines
of the classroom to teach real-world learning. Teachers know they must bridge
the gap between concept and application. They must teach more than just
drafting in order to prepare their students for the real world of industry. They
must teach the complete design process: drafting, problem solving, testing,
presentation, production, and post-production.

Starting AutoCAD
One of the quickest methods to start AutoCAD is to double-click on the AutoCAD
2013 Windows desktop icon. A second option is to pick the Start button in the
lower left corner of the Windows desktop, then hover over or pick All Programs.
Then select Autodesk, followed by AutoCAD 2013, and finally AutoCAD 2013.
Interface items include devices to input data, such as the keyboard and mouse,
and devices to receive computer outputs, such as the monitor. AutoCAD uses a
Windows style graphical user interface (GUI) with an Application Menu, ribbon,
dialog boxes, and AutoCAD-specific items. You will explore specific elements of
the unique AutoCAD interface in this chapter and throughout this textbook. Learn
the format, appearance, and proper use of interface items to help quickly master
AutoCAD.
Welcome Screen the Welcome Screen appears by default when you first launch
AutoCAD. The Welcome Screen provides access to AutoCAD resources online,
including the AutoCAD help system. The Work column includes options for
beginning a new drawing or opening a saved fi le. You will learn more about
starting new drawings and opening existing files in Chapter 2. The Learn column
Page | 27

provides access to online AutoCAD learning tools developed by Autodesk. The

Extend column offers links to additional AutoCAD and Autodesk resources online.
Deselect the Display at Start up.

Accessing Commands
Commands are available by direct access from the ribbon, shortcut menus,
Application Menu, Quick Access toolbar, palettes, status bar, viewport controls,
view cube, and navigation bar. An alternative is to enter the command using
dynamic input or the command line. To activate a command by typing, type the
single-word command name or the command alias and press [Enter] or the space
bar, or right-click. You can use uppercase, lowercase, or a combination of
uppercase and lowercase letters. You can only issue one command at a time. You
can activate any command or option by typing. Each command name and alias,
along with other access techniques available in the Drafting & Annotation
workspace, appear in a graphic in the margin of this textbook. The example
displayed in this margin shows the command name (LINE) and alias (L) you can
use to access the LINE command. AutoComplete settings are active by default to
help locate and access any AutoCAD command listed in the Customize User
Interface (CUIx) file. Begin typing a command name using dynamic input or the
command line. Commands that match the letters you enter appear in a
suggestion list as you type. Type additional letters to narrow the search, with the
best-matched command listed first. The lowercase l auto-appends to an
uppercase L by default. Hover over a command in the suggestion list to display a
tooltip and select the command you want to activate. Use the AUTOCOMPLETE
command to adjust AutoComplete preferences. An easy way to access
AUTOCOMPLETE command settings is to right-click on the dynamic input
suggestion list or on the command line, or pick the Customize button on the
command line and choose from the AutoComplete cascading menu. Figure 1-19B
briefly describes AutoComplete settings.
A benefit of accessing a command using a method other than typing is that you
do not need to memorize command names or aliases. Another advantage is that
commands, options, and drawing activities appear on-screen as you work, using
visual icons, tooltips,

Creating Basic Drawings:

Every drawing begins with the creation of basic geometry, objects such as lines,
circles, arcs, and rectangles. These objects serve as building blocks for complex
drawings and, as a result, you must master the use of the commands that create
these objects.
Mastering these commands involves more than just knowing where the
command is and how it works. You must also develop an understanding of the
underlying coordinate system, and the settings such as object snaps, object snap
tracking, and other features that are designed to assist you in creating basic
objects.
There is generally more than one way to accomplish a task in the software. After
you learn about the commands and features available, you can determine the
methods that work best for you.
This chapter, and all subsequent chapters of the book, assume that you will be
using the 2D Drafting & Annotations workspace with the toolbar ribbon at the top
of the AutoCAD window. If you are using AutoCAD LT, while you might see
slight interface differences, every attempt has been made to retain the fidelity of
the learning experience when using this book.

1) Design of drawing by using line command

Page | 28

1. Open a new drawing. Click New

2. Open new drawing. Make sure youre in 2D Drafting & Annotation workspace.
3. Type z [Space bar], type e [Space bar]. This will zoom extents your drawing area.
4. From the ribbon tools, click LINE
5. Specify first point of the line at 0,0. Type 0,0 [Enter]

6. Specify next (last point) at 8,8. Type 8,8 [Enter]. Press [Esc] to end LINE command.
By the using of line command we can make more drawings easily
By the using of line commands:

(fig.3.1)

By the using of line commands:

Page | 29

(fig.3.2)
By the using of line commands:

(fig.3.3)

Page | 30

Page | 31

Page | 32

Chapter 4.

Methodology
A drawing plan involves thinking about the entire process or project in which you
are involved and determining how to approach it. Your drawing plan focuses on
the content you want to present, the objects and symbols you intend to create,
and the appropriate use of standards. You may want processes to be automatic
or to happen immediately, but if you hurry and do little or no planning, you may
become frustrated and waste time while drawing. Take as much time as needed
to develop drawing and project goals so that you can proceed with confidence.
During your early stages of AutoCAD training, consider creating a planning sheet,
especially for your first few assignments. A planning sheet should document the
drawing session and all aspects of a drawing. A freehand sketch of the drawing is
also a valuable element of the planning process. The drawing plan and sketch
help you establish:
1. Drawing layout: area, number of views, and required free space

2.

Drawing settings: units, drawing aids, layers, and styles

3. How and when to perform specific tasks
4. What objects and symbols to draw
5. The best use of AutoCAD and equipment
6. An even workload

Drawing Standards:

Most industries, schools, and companies establish standards. Drawing standards

apply to most settings and procedures, including
1. File storage, naming, and backup
2. Drawing template, or template, files
3. Units of measurement
4. Layout characteristics
5. Borders and title blocks
6. Symbols
7. Layers
8. Text, dimension, multi leader, and table styles
9. Plot styles and plotting
Company or school drawing standards should follow appropriate national
industry standards whenever possible. Although standards vary in content, the
most important aspect is that standards exist and are understood and used by all
CADD personnel. When you follow drawing standards, your drawings are
consistent, you become more productive, and the classroom or office functions
more efficiently.
This textbook presents mechanical drafting standards developed by the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and accredited by the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This textbook also references
International Standards Organization (ISO) mechanical drafting standards and
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discipline-specific standards when appropriate, including the United States

National CAD Standard (NCS) and American Welding Society (AWS) standards.

Working Procedures Checklist:

Proficient use of AutoCAD requires several skills. Use the following checklist to
become comfortable with AutoCAD, and to help you work quickly and efficiently
1. Carefully plan your work
2. Frequently check object and drawing settings, such as layers, styles, and
properties, to see which object characteristics and drawing options are in effect.
3. Follow the prompts, tooltips, notifications, and alerts that appear as you work.
4. Constantly check for the correct options, instructions, or keyboard entry
5. Right-click to access shortcut menus and review available options
6. Think ahead to prepare for each stage of the drawing session
7. Think ahead to prepare for each stage of the drawing session.
8. Learn commands, tools, and options that increase your speed and efficiency
9. Save your work at least every 10 to 15 minutes.
10. Learn to use available resources, such as this textbook, to help solve
problems and answer questions.

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