AutoCAD 2012 Launch Demo

01 Introduction to AutoCAD 2012 ............................................................................................................................... 2

02 Content Explorer ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
03 Autodesk Seek ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
04 AutoComplete Command Entry .............................................................................................................................. 4
05 Multifunctional Grips .............................................................................................................................................. 5
06 In-Canvas Viewport Control .................................................................................................................................... 5
07 UCS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
08 3D Associative Array ............................................................................................................................................... 7
09 Offset Edge .............................................................................................................................................................. 9
10 Import ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
11 Autodesk Inventor Fusion ..................................................................................................................................... 10
12 Model Documentation .......................................................................................................................................... 11
13 Rectangular Associative Array............................................................................................................................... 13
14 Polar Associative Array ......................................................................................................................................... 14
15 Path Associative Array .......................................................................................................................................... 15
16 Point Cloud Support .............................................................................................................................................. 15
17 AutoCAD WS - Upload ........................................................................................................................................... 16
18 AutoCAD WS - Content ......................................................................................................................................... 17
19 AutoCAD WS - Share ............................................................................................................................................. 18
01 Introduction to AutoCAD 2012
1. Launch AutoCAD 2012.
2. Open the Sheet Set Manager.
3. From the sheet set drop-down list, choose
Open.
4. Navigate to the AutoCAD 2012 Launch
Demo folder.
5. Open AutoCAD 2012 Demo.dst.
6. In the Sheet Set Manager, open Autodesk
Exchange.
7. From the Infocenter, choose Autodesk
Exchange.
8. In the Autodesk Exchange window, point
out various content.
02 Content Explorer
1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open Content
Explorer.
2. From the Plug-Ins tab, choose Explore.
3. Enter North in the search field.
 Pass the cursor over the blocks to
point out the source drawings.
 Drag the North Arrow block onto the
drawing titleblock.
 Collapse the Block References and
Blocks panels.
4. Select Site Grading Plan.
 Right-click and choose Open and Find
Text.
 Select the Mtext for Proposed Broad
Street Improvements.
 Right-click and choose Open and
Zoom.
5. Choose Back to Previous.
6. Collapse the Files panel.
7. Drag a layer into the drawing.
8. Drag a text style into the drawing.
9. Collapse the Layers and Text Styles panels.
10. Pass the cursor over various instances of
Multiline Text.
 In the search field enter North Wall.
 Double-click on F3 Occupancy.
 Zoom into North Wall under the
Building Code Analysis section.
11. Clear the search field.
12. Point out the Home content option.
AutoCAD® 2012 software offers new and expanded workflows for
model documentation, reality capture, and 3D conceptual design
to help you maximize productivity. Explore your design ideas with
powerful surface modeling tools. Quickly create documents from a
variety of modeling formats, helping to reduce manual
documentation workarounds. Capture and import as-built
information to jumpstart your design process. Plus, you’ll find a
wide range of timesaving enhancements to the features you use
most. AutoCAD 2012 delivers the powerful tools you need to
streamline 3D design workflows, helping drive your projects to
completion more quickly than ever before.
One of the first things you might notice when you launch AutoCAD
2012 is the Autodesk Exchange window. With connected access to
getting started videos, downloadable plug-ins, and help content,
Autodesk Exchange brings the content you need directly to your
AutoCAD workspace.
With Content Explorer in AutoCAD 2012, you can quickly find and
access design content across multiple locations. Find specific block
references or text strings, including block attribute data. Quickly
determine how many references there are in a file or find a
particular reference across multiple files.
Easily drag and drop content from Content Explorer into your
current drawing. You can also right-click or double-click content in
Content Explorer to automatically open the source file and zoom
into relevant objects such as text.
The content you can access with Content Explorer isn’t limited to
geometry such as blocks and text. For example, you can find
relevant layers or text styles with their appropriate properties and
quickly add them to your current drawing; saving time and
increasing consistency across drawings.
Quickly browse through content, changing your search criteria as
needed. The instantaneous results, which allow you to be flexible
and dynamic in your searching, are made possible because
specified search locations are included in an index.
A pull-down menu allows you to choose from the available
locations. By default the Home option searches the Sample and
Downloaded Content folders on your local drive. You can easily
add your own local folders to be included in the index. Their
activity is continually monitored by the Content Service, which is
installed with AutoCAD, and the index is automatically updated to
reflect changes.
 13. Point to the Sample and Downloaded
Content folders.
14. Choose Add Watched Folder.
 Navigate to the AutoCAD 2012 Demo
Folder
 Select Aquarium.
 Choose OK.
15. Point to the newly added Aquarium folder.
Note to Presenter: A live demo for this section In addition to searching content on your local computer, Content
requires you to have access to a network Explorer can also search one or more network computers.
computer with the Autodesk Content Service
installed and watch folders already configured. First, you need to install the Autodesk Content Service on the
1. Choose Configure Settings. network computers. That service is one of the utilities available in
 Choose Add Network Content. the AutoCAD 2012 installer.
 Enter the name or IP address of the
network computer. Then, you can configure shared network folders to be watched;
 Choose OK. automatically building an index for the files in those folders.
 Choose Close
2. Choose the network content option. With watched folders configured on the network computer, you
can add network content in Content Explorer. Simply specify the
name or IP address of the network computer.

The network content is easily searchable form Content Explorer

and, thanks to indexing, produces quick results.
1. Choose Filter Options. In addition to specifying which content is searched, you can
 Choose the Type tab. control what results are displayed and how they appear.
 Turn off Select All.
 Turn on Blocks. Change the Filter Options to specify the type of content to search
 Choose the Date tab. for. For example, maybe you only want to search for blocks. Or,
 Ensure date is set to Any. maybe you want to search for content that was created or
2. In the Search field, enter Canopy. modified within a specific time frame.
 Point out the updated filter results
showing Blocks only. With the View options, you can choose from different sized icons,
 Clear the search results. specify a thumbnail or detail view, and group the results in
3. Choose Filter Options. different ways such as by content type or the date it was created.
 Choose the Type tab.
 Turn on Select All.
4. Choose View Options.
 Select different icon sizes.
 Switch between Thumbnail and Detail
views.
5. Select different group options.

03 Autodesk Seek
Note to Presenter: Autodesk Seek integration
for Content Explorer is only available in the
English language versions of AutoCAD 2012.
1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open Autodesk
Seek.
2. Select the Model tab.
3. Restore the Plaza view.
4. From the Plug-Ins tab, choose Explore.
A key feature of Content Explorer in AutoCAD 2012 is the
integration with Autodesk Seek. Not only can you browse and
search local and network content – you can also search online
content.
You can browse product categories on Autodesk Seek, use
descriptions and thumbnails to find the product you want, and
then double-click to examine it further.
 5. Choose the Seek content option.
6. Click Up a Level as necessary to display the
product categories.
 Double-click on Doors.
 Pass the cursor over several of the
results.
7. In the search field, enter bench.
 Pass the cursor over several results.
 Double-click on Carnival Benches,
Tables, Receptacles, and Planters.
 Select Available Files.
 Drag Bench - Thomas Steel – Carnival –
Steel – CRB – 8C onto the drawing.
 Shift and right-click.
 Choose Mid Between Two Points.
 Pick a point at the bottom of the left
and right columns.
 Press Enter twice to accept the default
scale factors.
 Pick a point at the bottom of the right
column.
8. In Content Explorer, scroll down and
double-click on Carnival Bench with Center
Leg – 8’.
04 AutoComplete Command Entry
1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open
AutoComplete.
2. Turn off Dynamic Input.
3. Begin typing ML
 Scroll down the list
 Point out command names and aliases
4. Press the Esc key.
5. Turn on Dynamic Input.
6. Begin typing ML
 Continue typing MLEA
 Select MLEADERSTYLE from the list.
7. Close the Multileader Style Manager.
8. Begin typing MLEA and point out that it
automatically completes with your
previous choice.
9. Begin typing XD
 Right-click on the list
 Point out the first 4 options
 Choose Delay time and enter 2
10. Begin typing XD and point out the delay
before the AutoComplete menu is
displayed.
 Right-click on the list
 Choose Delay Time.
 Enter .3.
In this example, I’m looking for a bench to use in the conceptual
design of my aquarium park.
Rather than build a bench from scratch, I’ll search Autodesk Seek
content. I can browse the available products and double-click on
those that I’m interested in to learn more. This bench includes
manufacturer information and more detailed product information.
Clicking on the Available Files, displays both 2D and 3D AutoCAD
drawings. I can drag one of the 3D drawings into my AutoCAD
model, inserting it as a block.
Use 3D drawings to quickly enhance your 3D conceptual designs.
Or get a jump start on your 2D detail documentation with
drawings supplied directly from the manufacturer.
AutoCAD 2012 offers auto-complete command entry to help you
access commands more efficiently. As you begin typing at the
Command prompt, AutoCAD displays a list of all the commands
that match what you’ve typed including command aliases. The
same autocomplete behavior is also available when you use
Dynamic Input for command entry at the cursor.
As you continue typing a command name, the list narrows
accordingly. You can scroll through the available commands and
select the one you want.
The next time you begin typing the same characters, AutoCAD
automatically appends the remaining characters to match your
previous choice.
Not only does AutoComplete display commands and aliases, it also
displays system variables. That comes in handy for the obscure
variables that you know exist but don’t use often enough to
remember the full name.
Options in the right-click menu of the AutoComplete list enable
you to control the AutoComplete behavior. You can specify
whether you want the Auto-append functionality or whether to
display the suggestion list, icons, and system variables. You can
even specify the delay time for the autocomplete menu to appear.
 For example if you’re a quick keyboarder and only require the
autocomplete functionality on rare occasions, you might increase
the delay time so that it displays only after a significant hesitation.
The default is .3 seconds, which is just right for me!

05 Multifunctional Grips
1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open Multi- The power of multi-functional grips has been extended to more
functional Grips. types of objects in AutoCAD 2012 providing easy access to relevant
2. Select the Model tab. options for the selected object. When you hover the cursor over
3. Restore the MFArcLine view (Hint: You can the endpoint grip of a line, for example, you can choose from the
easily access it from the in-canvas default Stretch behavior or the Lengthen option.
viewport control in the upper left corner
of the AutoCAD window. You have the same options for the endpoint grip of an arc. And,
4. Select the line. the arc’s midpoint grip offers other relevant options.
 Hover over the endpoint grip.
 Select Lengthen. Dimensions in AutoCAD 2012 also provide multifunctional grips.
 Snap to the endpoint of parallel line. Easily add baseline or continuous dimensions without having to
5. Select the arc. look away from the cursor. Flip the dimension arrows or choose
 Hover over the midpoint grip. from many other options depending on the type of dimension and
 Hover over the endpoint grip. which grip you access.
6. Restore the MF Dimensions view.
7. Select the Dimension. The same idea applies to mleaders.
 Hover over the dimension grip.
 Choose Continue Dimension and place And, if you’re working with 3D models, you can access
the dimension. multifunctional grips when editing 3D faces, edges, and vertices.
 Hover over the dimension text Again displaying options relevant to that particular type of object
gripHover over the dimension grip and or sub-object.
choose Flip Arrow.
 Hover over the same grip and choose
Flip Arrow again.
8. Restore the MF Mleader view.
9. Select a leader.
 Hover over a middle grip.
 Choose Add Leader.
 Place a new leader.
 Press ESC.
 Hover over the end grip.
 Choose Remove Leader.
10. Restore the MF Solid view.
 Press Ctrl and click twice on the face.
 Hover over the face grip.
 Press Ctrl and pick twice on the edge.
 Hover over the edge grip.

06 In-Canvas Viewport Control

1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open In-Canvas
Viewport Control.
2. Select the Model tab.
3. Double-Click the in-canvas viewport
control (-).
4. Point to the in-canvas viewport control in
each viewport.
New in-canvas controls in AutoCAD 2012 provide easy access to
view, viewport, and visual style tools.
Double-click on the viewport control to quickly display multiple
modelspace viewports. Each viewport has its own set of controls
within the drawing canvas providing easy access to frequently
used tools without having to type commands or change ribbon
 5. Select the lower right viewport. tabs. You can maximize the current viewport, select from standard
6. Click the in-canvas viewport control. viewport configurations, or create and access custom viewport
 Point out Maximize Viewport and configurations.
Viewport Configuration List.
 Point out the ViewCube and Control the display of the ViewCube and Navigation bar for the
Navigation bar and turn them off. active viewport and even access the SteeringWheels to navigate
7. Click the in-canvas viewport control. around and through your model.
 Select SteeringWheels.
 Move the cursor to the center of the Double-click the viewport control to maximize the current
model and choose Walk. viewport. Just as easily return to the previous viewport
 Navigate through the Dolphin Theater. configuration with another double-click.
 Right-click and choose Close.
8. Double-click the in-canvas viewport The in-canvas view control provides easy access to standard views
control (+) such as top, bottom, left, and right.
9. Double-click the in-canvas viewport
control (-) Create custom views with the View Manager and easily access
10. Click the in-canvas view control them from the View control.
 Point out the view options.
 Choose Right. In addition to viewports and views, the in-canvas control provides
 Point out Parallel/Perspective easy access to visual styles. Choose from the many predefined
visual styles to easily display your model in different modes such
 Point out the View Manager.
as shaded, wireframe, or partially transparent. Access the Visual
 Point out the custom views.
Styles manager to create and modify custom visual styles and
11. Click the in-canvas visual style control.
easily select your custom visual styles with the in-canvas control.
 Select different visual styles.
 Point out the Visual Style Manager.
As is typical with most AutoCAD interface elements, you can
 Point out the Custom Visual Styles. control the display and appearance of the in-canvas viewport
12. Right-click and choose Options. control. You can change its color in the Drawing Windows Color
 Select the Display tab. dialog box for each of the relevant contexts. If you don’t need
 Choose Colors. these controls at all, you can turn them off on the 3D Modeling tab
 Select Viewport Control. of the Options dialog box.
 Set the color to cyan.
 Choose Apply and Close.
 Choose OK.
13. Right-click and choose Options.
 Select the 3D Modeling tab
 Turn Display the Viewport Controls off
and then On.
 Choose OK.

07 UCS
1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open UCS Icon. AutoCAD 2012 offers significant improvements for manipulating
2. Ensure the 3D Modeling workspace is set. the User Coordinate System making it faster and easier to use.
3. Select the Model tab.
4. Restore the UCS Icon view. The UCS icon has been updated to allow direct manipulation. You
5. Zoom into the seating platform. can select the UCS icon and then use the multi-functional grips to
6. Select the UCS Icon. change the UCS. Easily move the origin, and automatically align
 Select the origin grip and move the the UCS with objects as you place it in its new location. An option
UCS icon across different faces. on the origin grip enables you to move the UCS origin without
 Place the UCS icon at the corner of a changing its alignment.
face.
 Hover the cursor over the origin grip You can easily rotate the UCS around the X, Y, or Z axis using grips;
and choose Move Origin Only. without having to access the UCS command.
  Move the UCS icon to another
location. The powerful new UCS functionality is not limited to flat faces.
 Select an axis grip and rotate the axis. Even as you pass the cursor over curved faces, the UCS
7. Select the UCS icon. automatically aligns. Fast and intuitive UCS tools combined with
 Hover the cursor over the origin grip AutoCAD powerful 3D modeling functionality allow you to
and choose Move and Align. maximize your creativity with minimal effort.
 Select the origin grip and move the
UCS icon over the observation tunnel. Easily set the UCS back to the world coordinate system using the
 Pick a point. origin grip or access additional UCS options from the right-click
8. From the Home tab, choose Circle. menu.
 Enter 0,0 for the center point.
 Enter 1 for the radius. You can view and modify relevant UCS properties using the
9. Select the circle. familiar Properties palette when the UCS Icon is selected.
10. From the Surface ribbon tab, choose
Extrude. To take advantage of the powerful new UCS functionality, you’ll
 Enter 1 for the height. want to be sure to allow selecting of the UCS Icon using a new
11. Select the extruded surface. control on the Settings tab of the UCS Dialog box.
 Select the taper angle grip
 Drag in and enter .3.
12. Hover over the Origin grip and choose
World.
13. Right-click over the UCS icon to show
additional options.
14. Type PR to open the Properties palette.
15. Select the UCS icon.
16. From the View ribbon tab, select the
dialog box launcher in the lower right
corner of the Coordinates panel.
 Toggle the Allow Selecting UCS Icon off
and on.
 Choose OK.

08 3D Associative Array
1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open 3D
Associative Array - Polar.
2. Ensure the 3D Modeling Workspace is set.
3. Select the Model tab.
4. Restore the Array view.
5. Zoom into the stadium seat.
6. From the Home tab, choose Polar Array.
 Select the stadium seat.
 Select the center of the stadium
platform.
 Enter 100 for number of items.
 Pick near the opposite end of the
seating platform.
 Press Enter to complete the operation.
7. Select the array.
 Hover over the end grip.
 Select Item Count.
 Drag the cursor back and forth to add
Save valuable editing time by establishing and maintaining a set of
relationships between arrayed objects in 2D or 3D space. New
associative array functionality in AutoCAD 2012 offers three
different types of arrays including familiar rectangular and polar
arrays as well as a new path array.
Creating an associative array is easy and flexible. Depending on the
type of array, you can choose from relevant options as you create
the array. For example, the number of items and fill angle for a
polar array.
But, the real power of associative arrays is the ability to
dynamically edit array properties even after the array has been
created.
Multifunctional grips offer relevant editing options. Automatically
add and remove items as the fill angle changes or maintain the
number of items while modifying the fill angle.
 and remove seats.
 Pick to accept the item count. Just as easily modify the angle between items; dynamically
 Hover over the end grip. exploring your design ideas.
 Select Fill Angle.
 Drag the cursor back and forth to In addition to easy editing with multifunctional grips, you can
change the Fill Angle. modify array properties in the context-sensitive Array ribbon tab
 Pick to accept the fill angle. which is automatically displayed when you select an array object.
8. Zoom to the beginning of the array.
9. Ensure the array is selected. For example, you can toggle the Rotate Items property on and off,
 Select the Angle Between Items grip. instantly seeing the results and without having to recreate the
 Drag the cursor back and forth to array. In this example, AutoCAD determined a basepoint for the
change the angle between items. seat object, I want to change the basepoint to the middle of the
 Pick to accept the fill angle. lower front edge.
10. Ensure the array is selected.
 From the context sensitive Array Additional controls on the Array ribbon tab enable you to enter
ribbon tab, toggle Rotate Items off. values to drive the items, rows, and levels. For example, I’ll change
the number of items to 6 and the fill angle to 10.
 Zoom as needed to show the seats.
 Toggle Rotate Items on.
By default, it created a single row of objects. I need eleven rows
 Choose Basepoint.
for the stadium seating. If I wanted to stack the seats vertically, I
 Snap to the Midpoint of the lower
could simply increase the number of levels.
front edge of the seat.
11. Ensure the array is selected, and point to
While this is creative, it’s not exactly the design I’m looking for.
the Items, Rows, and Levels panels of the
Instead, I only want one level of seats but I want the elevation of
context sensitive Array ribbon tab.
each row of seats to increment to match the rise of the platform.
 Set the number of items to 6.
 Set the Fill Angle to 10. If I know the spacing between each platform, I could enter that for
 Set the number of rows to 11. the row spacing. Since I don’t, I’ll use the row spacing grip to snap
 Set the number of levels to 6. to the right location.
12. Orbit to show the 3D seat array.
13. Ensure the array is selected. With powerful new associative array functionality, I can continue
 Set the number of levels to 1. to explore my design ideas with ease and efficiency.
 Expand the Rows panel.
 Set the Increment Elevation to .18
 Select the Row Spacing grip.
 Snap perpendicular to the second
seating platform.
14. Zoom out.
15. Ensure the array is selected.
 Set the Item Count to 140.
 Set the Fill Angle to 140.
16. Deselect the array and orbit the model.
1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open 3D So far I’ve focused on associative polar arrays but you can use
Associative Array - Path. similar associative array functionality to create and edit
2. Select the spiral ramp. rectangular arrays as well as new Path arrays.
 Right-click and choose Open Xref.
3. Zoom into the top of the ramp. In this drawing, I have a spiral ramp and glass railing that was
4. From the Home ribbon tab, choose Path created using a helical path. Using that same helix, I want to create
Array. an array of posts for the railing.
 Select the railing post block.
 Select the helix path. I can specify relevant properties as I create the path array. For
 Enter 30. example, I’ll enter the number of items to be arrayed evenly
 Pick the opposite end of the helix. between the endpoints of the helix.
  Choose Rows.
 Enter 2
 Enter 2.5
 Press enter twice to
5. Select the path array.
 In the Array ribbon tab, toggle Z
Direction off.
 Point out the angled railing posts.
 Toggle Z Direction on.
 Point to Align Items.
 Choose the Divide method.
 Set the item count to 40.
 Press ESC to deselect the array.
6. Select the Helix.
 Open the Properties palette.
 Set the number of turns to 5.
 Set the twist to CW.
 Set the twist back to CCW.
While I’m at it, I want to include a second row of posts with the
spacing equal to the width of the ramp.
Selecting the array displays the Array ribbon tab with tools that are
relevant for a path array. You can specify whether arrayed objects
maintain their z direction or automatically align as they follow a 3D
path.
Choose between array methods, similar to the Measure and Divide
commands, requiring items to maintain their spacing or evenly
distribute along the full length of the path.
In addition to the dynamic editing capability of an associative path
array, the arrayed objects maintain a relationship with the original
path.
When you edit the path, the array automatically updates to reflect
the changes.

09 Offset Edge
1. From the Sheet Set Manager, open Offset The new Offset Edge tool in AutoCAD 2012 brings greater
Edge. efficiency to the conceptual design process by allowing you to
2. Select the Model tab. offset planar edges.
3. Restore the Lobby Bench view.
4. From the Solid ribbon tab, choose Offset In this model, the base of a lobby bench already exists but in order
Edge. to add more detail such as an extended seat cushion and a glass
 Select the top surface of the bench. partition, I need some offset profiles.
 Drag the cursor out
 Pick to define the boundary for the With the offset edge tool, I can create the required profiles in just
seat cushion. a few clicks. The simplicity of this tool minimizes interruptions to
 Select the top surface again. your creative workflow enabling you to focus on your design.
 Drag the cursor in
 Pick to define the boundary for the
glass partition.
 Press enter to finish the operation.
5. From the Solid ribbon tab, choose Extrude.
 Select the boundary for the glass
partition
 Drag the cursor up and pick
6. Repeat the Extrude tool
 Select the seating boundary.
 Drag the cursor up and pick.
7. Type MA to launch Match Properties.
 Select the glass counter top.
 Select the glass partition.
 Press enter to complete the operation.

10 Import
1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open Import. Use existing 3D models from a variety of file formats as a starting
2. Select the Model tab. point for your designs in AutoCAD. The Import tool in AutoCAD
3. From the Insert ribbon tab, choose Import. 2012 supports CATIA, NX, Parasolid, Pro/Engineer, Rhino, and
4. In the Import File dialog box: SolidWorks, and more.
  Navigate to the AutoCAD 2012 Launch
Demo>Monorail>Bell Housing folder. The translation process happens in the background and an Import
 Open the Files of Type list and scroll icon is displayed on the status bar tray. When the translation
through the options. process is complete, a bubble notification provides a link to the
 Choose CATIA V5. translated file. Selecting that link automatically imports the file
 Double-click Bell Housing.CATPart. into your AutoCAD drawing.
5. Close the Import – Processing Background
The data is translated to native AutoCAD geometry and inserted
Job message box.
into the drawing as a block. You can modify the data using
6. Point to the Import icon on the status bar.
standard AutoCAD editing tools.
7. Point to the Import bubble notification
and click the link. With AutoCAD 2012 you can even bring the imported model into
8. Zoom Extents. Autodesk Inventor Fusion for more flexible editing and validation
9. Orbit the model. of your 3D models. Easily bring the edited model back into
10. Change the visual style to Shades of Gray. AutoCAD.
11. Orbit and zoom to the lower left side of
the model. When you’re ready to document your 3D designs in AutoCAD, you
12. Explode the block. can quickly create standard 2d views using new model
13. From the Solid ribbon tab, choose Fillet documentation tools in AutoCAD 2012.
Edge.
 Set the Radius to .1
 Enter C for the Chain option.
 Select edges for the fillet.
14. Select the model.
15. From the ribbon tab, choose Edit in Fusion.
 Point out the Fusion window and
tools.
 Choose Return to AutoCAD.
16. Select Layout 1.
17. From the Annotation ribbon tab, choose
Base View.
18. Place the base view and several projected
views.

11 Autodesk Inventor Fusion

1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open Fusion. Autodesk Inventor Fusion adds to the 3D conceptual design
2. Select the 3D model. capabilities of AutoCAD and sets a new standard for professional
3. On the ribbon, choose Edit in Fusion. 3D modeling ease of use.

In Autodesk Inventor Fusion:
4. Zoom, Pan, and Orbit around the model.
5. Point to the Navigation bar.
6. On the ViewCube, select the Top Front
Right corner.
7. Zoom into the flange.
8. Press the Ctrl key and select each of the 4
small holes.
 Right-click
 Choose Delete.
9. Press the Ctrl key and select the counter
bore depth.
 Click and drag the offset manipulator -
5mm.
When you select a 3D solid or surface in your AutoCAD drawing,
the Edit in Fusion tool is displayed in the AutoCAD ribbon.
Choosing to Edit in Fusion automatically launches the Autodesk
Inventor Fusion application, which is optional install included with
AutoCAD 2012.
In Fusion you can zoom, pan, and orbit to navigate around your
model similar to AutoCAD. You’ll even find the familiar Navigation
bar and ViewCube.
Autodesk Inventor Fusion enables you to intuitively edit and
validate models from almost any source. Click on a model edge or
face to select it for editing. Pressing the Ctrl key allows you select
multiple objects just as you would expect.
  Press Enter.
10. Select the outer face of one of the middle
holes.
 Choose Presspull
 Click and drag the offset manipulator
to 10mm.
 Select the outer face of the other
middle hole.
 Click twice on the first hole (don’t
double-click).
 Press Enter.
11. Select the edge of the face.
 Pass the cursor over the selection tool
and choose Neighbor>Tangent Chain.
 Pass the cursor over the Fillet tool and
choose Chamfer.
 Zoom into the Chamfer Distance
Manipulator.
 Click and drag the Chamfer Distance
manipulator to 1mm.
12. On the ribbon tab, choose Return to
AutoCAD.
13. In AutoCAD, zoom into the updated part
12 Model Documentation
1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open Model
Documentation.
2. Choose the Model tab.
3. Orbit the model.
4. Choose the Model Documentation layout
tab.
5. From the Annotate ribbon tab, choose
Base View.
 Place the base view in the middle of
the sheet.
 From the cursor menu, choose Scale.
 Enter a scale of .5
 Press enter to accept the base view.
 Place projected views to the right,
bottom and lower right.
 Press enter to complete the operation.
6. From the Annotate ribbon tab, choose
Projected View.
 Select the base view.
 Place the remaining five standard
views.
 Press Enter to complete the operation.
7. From the Annotate ribbon tab, choose
Projected View.
 Select the right view.
 Place a projected view to the right.
8. From the Drawing Views panel of the
The ribbon interface as well as a context-sensitive right-click
options provide easy access to relevant editing tools. In this
example, it just takes a few clicks to remove holes from the model.
Direct manipulation tools like the Offset manipulator support rapid
design changes without limitations.
Here I’ve easily modified the counter bore depth of two holes.
And, I can just as easily modify the radius. After changing the
radius of one hole, I realize I want the other hole to match. There’s
no need for me to launch a special command. Just a few clicks
between the two holes automatically applies the radius of one to
the other.
For my final edit, I want to chamfer the edges around the face of
the flange. With one edge selected, I can quickly find all the
neighboring edges within the tangent chain. I can then enter a
chamfer distance or use the Chamfer Distance Manipulator to
dynamically modify it.
After finishing my edits in Autodesk Inventor Fusion, it’s just a
simple click to send the model back to AutoCAD drawing where it’s
maintained as native AutoCAD DWG geometry.
Save time in AutoCAD 2012 by automatically generating intelligent
documentation for AutoCAD, Inventor, and other 3D models.
If your drawing includes 3D solids or surfaces, whether they were
created in AutoCAD or imported from other file formats, you can
use the new model documentation tools to quickly create 2D
drawing views.
The Base View tool automatically displays a scaled preview of the
model attached to the cursor. As you place the base view on the
drawing layout, a contextual ribbon tab displays relevant controls.
With the base view created you can continue on to automatically
place projected views. By simply dragging in the right direction,
you can place any of the 8 standard views. You can even create
new projected views from existing ones.
Drafting Standard options enable you to control the projection
type, shading, and preview type as you create new drawing views.
You can easily erase and move drawing views using familiar
AutoCAD tools.
The projected views are associated with the base view. If you
move the base view the relevant associated views also move to
maintain their alignment. A
Multi-functional grip at the center of each view enables you to
 ribbon tab, open the Drafting Standard
dialog box.
 Select 3rd Angle projection.
 Choose OK.
9. From the Annotate ribbon tab, choose
Projected View.
 Select the base view.
 Place the view in the upper left corner
of the sheet.
10. Erase the 3rd angle projected view.
11. Select the base view.
 Select the grip.
 Move the base view to different
locations.
 Press ESC to deselect the base view.
12. Select the top view.
 Hover the cursor over the grip.
 Choose Break Alignment.
 Press ESC to deselect the view.
13. Select the base view.
 Select the grip.
 Move the base view to different
locations.
 Press ESC to deselect the base view.
14. Select the top view.
 Hover the cursor over the grip.
 Choose Repair Alignment.
 Press ESC to deselect the view.
15. Double-click on the base view.
 On the ribbon tab, change the scale to
1:4.
 Change the view style to Shaded.
 Change the scale back to 1:2.
16. Double-click on the right view and change
the view style to Wireframe.
17. Choose the Model tab.
18. From the Solid ribbon tab, choose Fillet
Edge.
 Ensure Radius is set to 2.
 Enter C for the Chain option.
 Select edges for the fillet.
19. Choose the Model Documentation layout.
20. Point out the icon and red glyphs.
21. Select several views and choose Update
Views from the ribbon tab.
22. In the bubble notification, click the update
link.
23. From the Sheet Set Manager, open Model
Documentation – Inventor.
24. From the Annotation ribbon tab, choose
Base View.
 Expand the Files of Type list.
easily break or repair the view alignment as well as rotate or
stretch the view. With the alignment broken, you can freely move
the base view without affecting the location of the projected view.
Fortunately it’s just as easy to repair the alignment.
You can easily modify drawing views after they’ve been created by
double-clicking on an existing view. The Drawing View Editor
contextual ribbon tab is displayed allowing you to change view
properties such as the scale or style.
The changes you make to the base view are automatically applied
to views which were generated from it. If you select a projected
view, you can change the scale and style properties to differ from
the base view.
All the drawing views maintain an association with the original 3D
model. So, even after you’ve created the 2D views, you can
continue making design changes to the model. In this design, I’ll
quickly create a fillet around one of the edges.
An icon in the status bar tray indicates when a drawing contains
drawing views and alerts you when drawing views are out of date.
Red glyphs at the corners of the drawing views indicate which
ones are out of date. You can update selected views with the
update tool. Or, easily update all the drawing views by selecting
the update link in the bubble notification.
While the model documentation functionality in AutoCAD 2012
provides the flexibility to create 2D documentation from any
imported 3D model, it is even more powerful when working with
Autodesk Inventor models.
When you use the Base View tool in a drawing with no 3D solid or
surface models, you’re automatically offered the option to select
an Inventor Assembly, Part or Presentation. Depending on the
model you select, you may choose from additional options such as
Design View, Positional Representation, and Level of Detail.
Enjoy the same easy-to-use creation tools for 2D base and
projected views. When an Inventor model is the source for the
drawing views, an additional panel is displayed in the Drawing
View Creation and Editor ribbon tabs enabling you to further
control the view representation relevant to that specific Inventor
model.
  Choose Autodesk Inventor Files.
 Navigate to the Monorail>Bell Housing
folder.
 Double-click Bell Housing.ipt.
 Place the base view.
 Press Enter
 Place several projected views.
 Press Enter
25. Double-click on one of the views.
26. Point to the Representation panel of the
Drawing View Editor ribbon tab.
27. Press Esc.

13 Rectangular Associative Array

1. Ensure the Drafting and Annotation
workspace is set current.
2. In the Sheet Set Manager, open
Rectangular Associative Array.
3. From the Home ribbon tab, choose
Rectangular Array.
 Create a window selection around the
car and parking space.
 Press Enter to complete the selection.
 Drag the cursor to show the dynamic
preview and the current basepoint.
 Right-click and choose Basepoint.
 Pick the lower left corner of the
parking space.
 Drag out to select 2 columns and
multiple rows.
 Right-click and choose Spacing.
 Snap to the inner corner of the row on
the opposite side.
 Press enter to complete the array.
4. Zoom out to show the entire parking lot.
5. Ensure the array is still selected.
 Hover the cursor over the row grip.
 Choose Row Count.
 Pick near the top of the parking lot.
6. Ensure the array is still selected.
 Zoom to the lower half of the parking
lot.
 Press the Ctrl key and select the lower
right parking space.
 Select the grip and move it to another
location.
 Right-click and choose Erase.
7. Select the array.
8. On the Array ribbon tab, choose Edit
Source.
 Select one of the array items.
 Select the car block.
Save valuable editing time with AutoCAD 2012 by establishing and
maintaining a set of relationships between arrayed objects.
After you select the objects you want to array, dynamically
preview the array while you modify its properties. In this example,
I’m creating a rectangular array of parking spaces and I want to
change the base point from the center of the parking space to a
corner.
I can enter values for the number of rows and columns or simply
drag the cursor to visually specify the number. While I’m at it, I’ll
snap to existing geometry to specify the row and column spacing.
The great news is that exact numbers don’t really matter! In
AutoCAD 2012 the array is associative which means the many
different array properties are maintained with the array and can
be easily edited after the array is created.
Simply select the array object and you’ll have instant access to its
properties. On a rectangular array, you’ll find multi-functional
grips to adjust relevant properties such as column and row
spacing. In this example, I’ve appropriately set the row spacing but
I add more row items to fill up the parking lot.
The rectangular array is looking pretty good but zooming into the
lower half of the parking lot, it looks like one of the parking spaces
interferes with the building design. With associative arrays in
AutoCAD 2012, this irregularity is no problem.
Pressing the control key I can select individual items in the array. If
I had somewhere else to put this parking spot, I’d move it. But,
since I don’t, I’ll just erase it.
In addition to erasing or relocating individual array items, you can
edit the source geometry to update all items in the array. In this
example, I’ve decided the car block is too overwhelming in my
parking lot design. So, editing the source objects, I’ll erase the car
block and draw a simple diagonal line through the parking space.
  Right-click.
 Choose erase.
 Select the rectangle.
 Right-click.
 Choose Add Selected.
 Draw a diagonal line across the
parking space.
9. In the Edit Array panel of the ribbon,
choose Save Changes.

14 Polar Associative Array

1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open Polar
Associative Array.
2. From the Home ribbon tab, choose Polar
array.
 Select the chair.
 Select the center of the circle.
 Drag the cursor to show the preview
 Enter 12 for the number of items.
 Pick to specify the angle to fill.
 Press enter to complete the operation.
3. Select the array.
 Use grips to modify various properties
of the array.
 On the Array ribbon tab, set Item
Count to 24.
 Set Fill Angle to 360.
 Press Esc to deselect the array.
4. Press CTRL and the 8 chairs that interfere
with the passage.
 Right-click.
 Choose Erase.
5. Press the Ctrl key and select one of the
middle chairs.
 Select the chair grip.
 Right-click and choose Rotate.
 Pick to specify the rotation angle.
6. Press the Ctrl key and select the chair next
to rotated one.
 Select the chair grip and move the
chair outside the circle.
7. Press the Ctrl key and select a different
chair.
 Select the chair grip.
 Right-click and choose Scale.
 Pick to scale the chair down slightly.
8. Hover the cursor over the Base grip.
 Choose Fill Angle.
 Drag it around.
 Press the Esc key to leave the fill angle
at 360.
9. From the Array ribbon tab, choose Replace
The new Polar Array tool in AutoCAD 2012 enables you to create a
polar array that can be easily edited and updated based on design
changes.
Specify array properties as you create the array by entering values
or by visualizing the design based on the dynamic preview. Easily
modify relevant polar array properties using multi-functional grips
or the context-sensitive ribbon tab.
In this example, where I’ve arrayed chairs around a circular
counter, I’ll change the number of chairs to 24 and set the fill
angle to a full 360 degrees.
In this particular design, there’s a walkway through the circular
counter and I obviously can’t have chairs in the way. Using the
control key I can select individual items in the array and simply
erase them.
I can just as easily modify the position of individual objects,
rotating or moving them. Even though I’ve erased and modified
individual objects, they’re still associated with the array. When the
array properties change, the modified objects obey the changes.
In this design, I want to get a feel for how many chairs I can fit
along the circular counter. Using the current chair style would be
pretty tight but maybe I can explore a design that alternates these
larger chairs with a simple circular stool.
Using the associative array functionality in AutoCAD 2012, you can
replace individual items of the array with selected objects. After
specifying a basepoint on the new objects, you can simply select
each instance in the array that you want to replace.
If, after considerable experimentation, you decide you don’t like
any of your design changes, you can simply reset the array. The
array properties are maintained while the individual array items
revert back to the original selection.
 item.
 Select the circle near the bottom of
the array.
 Select the Center of the circle.
 Pick every other chair in the array.
 Press Enter to complete the replace
operation.
10. Ensure the array is still selected.
11. From the Array ribbon tab, choose Reset
array.

15 Path Associative Array

1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open Path The powerful associative array functionality in AutoCAD 2012 is
Associative Array. available for the new Path array type as well as the familiar
2. From the Home ribbon tab, choose Path rectangular and polar arrays.
Array.
 Select the tree block near the spline After selecting the items to array and the path you want them to
path. follow, you can specify various array properties such as the number
 Press Enter to finish selecting objects. of items and the base point of the arrayed item relative to the path.
 Select the Spline path.
 Pick a point to include approximately Items in a path array can be spaced equally along the entire length
12 trees. of the path using the Divide method. Or, use the Measure method
 Pick a point to specify the distance to control the distance between items and the total item spacing.
between items.
 Choose Base Point. You can press the control key to select specific items in the array to
 Press the Shift key and right-click. modify their size and location. Or, in this case the first item in the
 Choose the Nearest object snap. array interferes with other geometry in my design, so I’ll erase it.
 Pick a point on the spline
approximately perpendicular to the Since the arrayed items are associated with the path geometry,
original tree. they maintain their relationship with the path. When the path
changes, the items automatically update.
 Press Enter to complete the array
operation.
3. Zoom out to see the full path.
4. Select the array.
 On the Array ribbon tab, set the
method to Divide.
 Set the method to Measure.
 Select the Item Spacing grip and drag
it until the trees are aligned between
the pond and the building.
 Press Esc to deselect the array.
5. Press Ctrl and select a tree.
 Select the item grip.
 Choose scale and enter 2.
6. Press Ctrl and select the first tree.
 Select the item grip.
 Choose Erase.
7. Select the spline and grip-edit several
points.

16 Point Cloud Support

1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open Point Jumpstart projects In AutoCAD 2012 by capturing and using
 Clouds. accurate point cloud data from 3D laser scanning devices.
2. Select the Model tab.
3. From the Insert ribbon tab, choose Index. The Index tool enables you to index popular formats of scan data
 Point out the different data file types. files. And, an updated indexing algorithm in AutoCAD 2012
 Select .FLS. improves the generation of PCG point cloud files.
 Navigate to the PointClouds folder.
 Select Mandalay058.1.fls. In this example, I have two point cloud files generated from the
 Choose Cancel. same data file. The first point cloud file was indexed in AutoCAD
4. Select the Model tab. 2011. The second point cloud file was indexed in AutoCAD 2012.
5. From the Insert ribbon tab, choose
Attach. Even though they’re based on the same source data, notice the
 Navigate to the PointClouds folder. increased level of detail in the point cloud file on the right. The one
 Double-click on Mandalay058- produced with the enhanced indexing algorithm in AutoCAD 2012.
2011_Index.pcg.
 Set Path type to Relative path. Point cloud functionality in AutoCAD 2012 also offers optimized
 Disable all options to specify on- viewing at changing zoom levels.
screen.
With the ability to index and attach 3D point cloud data in AutoCAD
 Choose OK.
2012, you can use an accurate representation of the existing part or
6. Right-click and choose
environment to create and edit 3D models without having to start
REPEATPOINTCLOUDATTACH.
from scratch.
 Double-click on Mandalay058-
2012_Index.pcg.
 Set Path type to Relative path.
 Disable all options to specify on-
screen.
 Set the Insertion Point Y to 100.
 Choose OK.
7. Slide the Point Cloud Density to 100.
8. Zoom and pan to compare the point
cloud files from AutoCAD 2011 and
AutoCAD 2012.

17 AutoCAD WS - Upload
Note to presenter: This section requires that
you have already established an AutoCAD WS
account and have online access to demo.
1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open AutoCAD
WS.
2. From the Online ribbon tab, choose
Upload.
 Point to the date and time.
 Click Auto-upload changes off and
then on.
 Choose Close.
3. From the Online ribbon tab, choose
Manage Uploads.
 Choose Resume All Uploads.
 Choose Stop All Uploads.
 Toggle on the upload for several
DWG files.
 Choose Close
4. Choose Upload Multiple Files.
AutoCAD WS is an easy-to-use web and mobile application for
AutoCAD that gives you the freedom and flexibility to work
anywhere, and with anyone. Only AutoCAD WS enables you to stay
connected to your DWG files on any platform—desktop, web, or
mobile device.
Integrated tools in AutoCAD 2012 provide in-product access to the
AutoCAD WS application.
With a drawing open in the AutoCAD window, you can quickly
upload it to your AutoCAD WS online account. AutoCAD
automatically launches your Web browser and logs you into
AutoCAD WS using your pre-established account information. A
message box indicates when the drawing was last updated and
enables you to control whether changes are automatically
uploaded.
You can easily manage which files are automatically uploaded from
AutoCAD. View a list of drawings that are included in the automatic
  Navigate to the AutoCAD 2012
Launch Demo>Aquarium folder.
 Select Plan List.xlsx
 Select Site Photo.jpg.
 Choose Open.
5. Choose Open Online.
In AutoCAD WS
6. From the View tab, choose Manage
Layers.
 Choose New Layer.
 Enter Mark-ups
 Set the color to red.
 Set the Mark-ups layer current.
 Close the Layer Properties Manager.
7. From the Home tab, choose Cloud and
draw a revision cloud around the
minimum height dimension.
8. From the Home tab, choose Text.
 Add a note.
 Choose Apply.
9. Point to the Save tool.
10. Point to the Download tool.
11. Minimize the AutoCAD WS window.
18 AutoCAD WS - Content
Note to presenter: This section requires that
you have already established an AutoCAD WS
account and have online access to demo.
In AutoCAD:
1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open AutoCAD
WS.
2. Choose Open Online.
In AutoCAD WS
3. From the View tab, choose Manage
Layers.
4. Choose New Layer.
5. Enter Mark-ups
6. Set the color to red.
7. Set the Mark-ups layer current.
8. Close the Layer Properties Manager.
9. From the Home tab, choose Cloud and
draw a revision cloud around the
minimum height dimension.
10. From the Home tab, choose Text.
11. Add a note.
12. Choose Apply.
13. Point to the Save tool.
14. Point to the Download tool.
upload and quickly resume or stop uploads for the entire list of
files. You can also select individual drawings to resume or stop
uploading.
The AutoCAD WS application provides a secure method for you to
store AutoCAD drawings online. But you are not limited to storing
only DWG files. You can upload any type of file for sharing, backup,
and download. For example, you might want to upload
spreadsheets, images, or ECOs that are relevant to the project.
With a drawing currently open in AutoCAD, you can choose to Open
the drawing online in order to share or collaborate with other
project members.
Once again, AutoCAD launches the web browser and logs in to your
existing AutoCAD WS account. It automatically uploads the current
drawing, or updates an existing version of the drawing on the web,
and then opens the drawing in the AutoCAD WS drawing editor. In
here you have access to the many drawing, editing and
collaboration tools that make AutoCAD WS such a powerful web-
based drawing application. The tools are familiar and easy to use
and the geometry is stored in native DWG drawing format.
After making changes to the drawing, you can save them to the
online version or download directly to your local AutoCAD 2012
application where you can continue working in your familiar
AutoCAD environment.
While in AutoCAD 2012, you can easily access all your AutoCAD WS
files and folders. The full AutoCAD WS application is launched with
your Drawings folder active. You can navigate through your online
files or access any of the editing and collaboration tools in the
AutoCAD WS application. When you’re ready to return to AutoCAD
2012, simply close AutoCAD WS or leave it open and just switch to
the AutoCAD 2012 application.
 15. Minimize the AutoCAD WS window. The timeline tool leverages the web’s infinite storage to provide a
fully detailed design history of the current drawing. This includes
In AutoCAD 2012: previous versions and changes by other collaborators all
16. From the Online ribbon tab, choose automatically placed on a design timeline for reviewing and
Online Drawings. auditing. View a previous version of the drawing file online with
AutoCAD WS or download it use AutoCAD 2012.
In AutoCAD WS:
17. Navigate through the files and folders.
18. Choose Editor and point to some of the
Editor tabs.
19. Switch to AutoCAD 2012.

In AutoCAD 2012:
20. From the Online ribbon tab, choose
Timeline.
21. Scroll through the history.
22. Point to the View and Download options.
23. Close the Timeline window.

19 AutoCAD WS - Share
Note to presenter: This section requires that
you have already established an AutoCAD WS
account and have online access to demo.
In AutoCAD 2012:
1. In the Sheet Set Manager, open AutoCAD
WS.
2. From the Online ribbon tab, choose Share
Drawing.
 Enter an email address.
 Select Choose from my contacts.
 In the email message, enter Please
review this drawing.
 Point to the Edit and Download
options.
 Choose Share.
 Turn off the option to Edit in
AutoCAD WS.
 Choose Close.
3. From the Online ribbon tab, choose Get
Link.
 Ensure Share Link is selected.
 Point to the Edit and Download
permissions.
 Choose Copy.
 Choose OK.
4. From the Online ribbon tab, choose
Messages.
Easily share the currently opened AutoCAD drawing with colleagues
and clients for accelerated collaboration.
Specify the email address for those you want to invite to share the
drawing or choose from your list of contacts. You can control
whether collaborators are limited to viewing the drawing or
whether they can also edit and download the drawing to their
desktop.
You can automatically open the drawing for editing online in
AutoCAD WS as soon as the share invitation is sent. Or, simply send
the invitation and continue working in your local version of
AutoCAD 2012.
In addition to using the Share tool to share the current AutoCAD
drawing, you can get the link to the corresponding online version of
the current drawing, and then copy it to send or post via other
methods. For example, you might embed the link in web pages or
documents. When copying the link, you can, again, control the edit
and download permissions.
Using the Messages tool in AutoCAD 2012, you can view messages
related to the drawings and folders that you’ve shared or that
others have shared you.
With integrated access to AutoCAD WS, the online tools in AutoCAD
2012 support fast-paced, collaborative design built on the AutoCAD
tools and DWG file format you rely on.