Autocad and Design

AUTOCAD AND DESIGN
BES 1
AUTOCAD INTERFACE
INTRODUCTION TO CAD
Computer Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer systems (or
workstations) to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or
optimization of a design.
CAD software is used to increase the productivity of the

designer, improve the quality of design, and improve
communications through documentation.
CAD output is often in the form of electronic files for print,
machining, or other manufacturing operations.
CAD may be used to design curves and figures in two-
dimensional (2D) space; or curves, surfaces, and solids in three-
dimensional (3D) space.
HISTORY OF CAD
The beginnings of CAD can be traced to the
year 1957, when Dr. Patrick J. Hanratty developed
PRONTO, the first commercial numerical-control
programming system. In 1960, Ivan Sutherland
MIT's Lincoln Laboratory created SKETCHPAD,
which demonstrated the basic principles and
feasibility of computer technical drawing.
HISTORY OF CAD
2D Time
The first CAD systems served as mere replacements of
drawing boards. The design engineers still worked in 2D to create
technical drawings consisting from 2D wire-frame primitives (line,
arc, B spline ...). Productivity of design increased, but many
argue that only marginally due to overhead – design engineers
had to learn how to use computers and CAD. Nevertheless,
modifications and revisions were easier, and over time CAD
software and hardware became cheaper and affordable for
mid-size companies. CAD programs grew in functionality and
user friendliness.
HISTORY OF CAD
3D Time
3D wireframe features were developed in the
beginning of the sixties, and in 1969 MAGI released
Syntha Vision, the first commercially available solid
modeler program. Solid modeling further enhanced the
3D capabilities of CAD systems. NURBS, mathematical
representation of freeform surfaces, appeared in 1989 --
first on Silicon Graphics workstations. In 1993 CAS Berlin
developed an interactive NURBS modeler for PCs, called
NöRBS.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MANUAL AND CAD
MANUAL DRAFTING CAD DRAFTING

Manual Drafting or hand- CAD is a digital
drawn sketch by the representation of building
draftsmen earlier was a model through
considered as the AutoCAD Software that
backbone for the helps the drafters to
construction industries as accomplish project faster
it provides an accurate and takes less time in
drawing of a building rectifying errors.
model.
Data Storage and Accessibility

Manual drawings storage is CAD drafting is computer-
not that easy as it requires based drawing on software
drafting papers to be stored that can be saved on the
in larger space and imposed server or cloud computing
a risk of being damaged technology which can be
easily. stored easily and can be
accessed in future from
anywhere.
3D Models
In the manual drawing, Before commencing the
based on drawing, we can construction project, the
use our visualization power to owner can view the design
know how the building's and its components in 3D
aesthetic value would look- CAD Models through
like once after construction AutoCAD software that helps
would be challenging to him to know-how about the
interpret. building.
Revisions
Manual drafting method Editing tools can be
requires the need for accessed in CAD software
redrawing and erasing some that eases the process of
aspect of drawings that is modification in the drawings.
not correct hence revision is
at times crucial in the hand-
drawn model.
Accuracy
Manual Drafting is hand- Ideas are easily converted
drawn so can take a lot of into actual concepts when
time to be accurate in designs are drawn on CAD
providing a detailed drawing Software as it is
computerized drawings that
provide accuracy in giving
details.
Speed and Time

Manual Drafting that needs rework CAD software allows tools to solve
on the drawings for resolving any the errors and speed up the design
corrections and is a time- process and its evaluation.
consuming process.
Better Quality Designs

The manual drawing would Better tools are available in
need redrawing of the CAD software for the
components or part of design professionals to carry
building a structure to out design and proposed
improvise any changes in the design analysis easily. It aids
model. in achieving high quality and
accuracy bringing fewer
errors.
TYPES OF CAD
1. Two-dimensional (2D)
• Create simple shapes in the X and Y directions.

• Does not show the Z direction (depth).
• Can be used for drawing, pattern drafting and
for drawing images that appear to have three
dimensions but are still in a 2D format.
TYPES OF CAD
2. 3D Modeling
• Creates shapes in three dimensions (x, y and z).

• Uses intuitive tools such as dimensioning, extruding and
rounding edges to create wireframe and solid models.
• Wireframe models show the product as a coat hanger model
with no solid surfaces, so the features behind and on the rear
of the product are visible.
• Solid modelling shows the product with a skin over the top of
the wireframe. Solid models are easier to visualize because
they look like the real product.
BENEFITS OF CAD SOFTWARE
1. Increase in the productivity of the

designer
2. Improve the quality of the design
3. Better communications
4. Creating documentation of the designing
5. Creating the database for manufacturing
6. Saving of design data and drawings
EXPLORING CAD INTERFACE
APPLICATION MENU/BROWSER – used to search for commands, as well as

access tools to create, open, and publish a file.
QUICK ACCESS TOOLBAR – it display frequently used tools with the Quick
Access toolbar.
WORKSPACE – control the display and order in which user interface
elements are displayed.
Different types of workspace -Drafting and Annotation
-3D Basic
-3D Modeling
DRAWING TITLE/ FILE NAME – shows the file name.
APPLICATION EXCHANGE/ SEARCH BOX – Autodesk Exchange provides a
web-based experience directly within the product. Included are tabs that
access the sources information. Internet is mandatory for this.
RIBBON – is a palette that displays task-based tools and controls.
The ribbon is displayed by default when you open a file, providing a
compact palette of all the tools necessary to create or modify your
drawing.
Ribbon Tabs and Panels
The ribbon is composed of a series of panels, which are organized into
tabs labeled by task. Ribbon panels contain many of the same tools and
controls available in toolbars and dialog boxes.
Some ribbon panels displays a dialog box related to that panel.
Note: The ribbon is displayed horizontally.
The dialog box launcher (see figure 4) is
denoted by an arrow icon , in the lower-
right corner of the panel. The dialog box
launcher indicates that you can display a
related dialog box. Display the related
dialog box clicking the dialog box launcher.
Contextual Ribbon (see figure 5)

When you select a particular type of object
or execute some commands, a special
contextual ribbon tab is displayed instead
of toolbar or dialog box. The contextual tab
is closed when you end the command.
Slideout Panels (see figure 6)
An arrow in the middle of a panel title indicates that you can
slide out the panel to display additional tools and controls.
Click on the title bar of an open panel to display the slideout
panel. By default, a slideout panel automatically closes
when you click another panel. To keep a panel expanded,
click the push pin in the bottom-left corner of the slideout
panel.
Radio Button (see figure 7)

Depending on the available space in the vertical or
horizontal ribbon, radio buttons can collapse into a single
button, A single radio button works as a toggle, allowing you
to cycle through each item in the list, or as a split button,
where the top half of the radio button is a toggle button is a
toggle button and clicking on the arrow icon in the lower
half displays a drop-down of all items in the list.
DRAWING AREA/WORK PLANE – where the actual drawing is made. The
color is black to help with the visibility of lines on the computer
screen.(See figure 2)
Note: You can resize the window to any rectangular shape you need. This
is helpful when you have multiple AutoCAD Drawing files open.
CROSSHAIR – a type of cursor consisting of two lines that intersect. It lets
you point to portions of the drawing area. (See figure 2)
Note: Use OPTIONS command to customize the program settings for
Drawing Area, Crosshair, Command Window and other settings.
TWO TYPES OF AUTOCAD ENVIRONMENTS (See figure 2)
Model tab –is an endless drawing area for any scale ratio of an object. It is
where you do most of your drawing and editing.
Layout tab – specifies a certain sheet size of a paper for plotting purposes.
All model drawings with a specified scale factor are placed here. It
provides a way to set up your drawing for printing.
COMMAND WINDOW (See figure 2) – is the horizontal window

at the bottom of the AutoCAD window. It provides feedback
as you work with AutoCAD commands. It is where you can
type commands and command options. It also lists information
when you query AutoCAD for certain types of information.
(Press Ctrl 9 to turn ON/OFF the command line window)
NAVIGATION BAR – it provides access to navigation and

orientation tools from a single interface. (See figure 2 for
location and 8 for content.)
View cube/ WCS (World Coordinate System) – Indicates
the current orientation of a model and is reorient the
current view of a model.
Full Navigation Wheel – provides access to the general
and specialized navigation tools.
Pan – moves the view to the screen. (3 way to use pan: 1.
by typing PAN or P in the command window, 2. from the
navigation bar, and 3. Long press your mouse scroll.)
Zoom – Increases or decreases the magnification of the
view in the current viewport.
Orbit – rotates the view in 3D space, but constrained to
(Source: Autodesk) horizontal and vertical orbit only.
Show Motion – provides an on-screen display for creating
and playing back cinematic animations for design
review, presentation, and bookmark-style navigation.
MODEL SPACE VIEWPORT CONTROLS - are displayed at the top-
left corner of each viewport, and provide a convenient way of
changing views, visual styles, and other settings. (See figure 2)
You can click within each of the three bracketed areas to
change the settings.
[+] [Top] [2D Wireframe]
• Click + to display options for maximizing the viewport,
changing the viewport configuration, or controlling the display
of navigation tools.
• Click Top to choose between several standard and custom
views.
• Click 2D Wireframe to choose one of several visual styles. Most
of the other visual styles are used for 3D visualization
UCS ICON (See figure 2) - is the L-shaped icon you see at the
lower-left corner of the drawing area. It controls placement and
visibility of UCS icon. It represents the orientation of the UCS axes
and the location of the current UCS origin. It also represents the
current viewing direction relative to the UCS XY plane.
UCS – sets the orientation of the User Coordinate System in 3D
space. It defines the orientation for 2D objects and the extrusion
direction for THICKNESS. It also provides the axis of rotation for
ROTATE and the default projection plane for pointing.
STATUS BAR (See figure 2) – displays the cursor location, drawing
tools, and tools that affect your drawing environment.
Drawing Coordinates - Displays the coordinates of the cursor.

Drawing Tools/ Aids - Status bar
The status bar provides quick access to some of the most used
drawing tools. You can toggle settings such as grid, snap, polar
tracking, and object snap. You can also access additional
settings for some of these tools by clicking their drop-down
arrows.
Note: You can also toggle some of these settings with the
function keys on your keyboard (F1 - F12).
Drawing Tools/ Aids
Drawing Tools/ Aids
Drawing Tools/ Aids
Drafting Settings Dialog Box (DSETTINGS or DS)
- It specifies drafting settings organized for drawing aids such as snap and
grid, tracking, object snaps, dynamic input, quick properties, and
selection cycling.
Toolbars – are collections of buttons or tools that show icons that
represent commands.
Tool Tips – are short descriptions that help you understand what the icons
represent.
Tool Palettes – let you keep your favorite tools and drawing components
in one convenient place for quick access.
Docked position – is the default location of the toolbars, which just means
that they are merged with the outer edge of the window to save space.
Floating toolbars – when toolbars are moved away from the edge of the
window and appear “free floating” as opposed to docked.
Using Button Functions of a Mouse
1. Left Button
- Pick or Point button to specify a point location/position
- To select objects/commands/menu
2. Right Button/Right Click Shortcut
- Frequently opens a menu that contains options that
are context sensitive.
- If there are no applicable options at the time of the
right-click, AutoCAD treats the right-click as Enter
button.
3. Scroll
- Pan
- Zoom in
- Zoom out
OBJECT SNAPS TOOLS

- An object snap mode specifies a point at an exact
location on an object.
- You can use an object snap once in the middle of
a command, or you can set running object snaps.
- Running object snap modes can be toggled on
and off with the OSNAP button on the status bar or
the function key F3.
OBJECT SNAPS TOOLS
OBJECT SNAPS TOOLS
OBJECT SNAPS TOOLS
DISPLAY AND VIEW COMMANDS
1. ZOOM is a command to modify drawing magnification.
Real Time – zooms interactively to a logical extent. The cursor changes to
a magnifying glass with plus(+) and minus(-) signs
All – displays all objects and limits fit to screen
Center – requires a center point and a magnification factor; the center
point becomes the center of monitor and the magnification factor the
height of screen.
Dynamic – pannable zoom-window
Extents – displays all objects fit to screen
Previous – restores last displayScale – Zooms to change the magnification
of a view using a scale factor.
Window – windowed area is shown fit onscreen
Object – display selected object and fit to screen.
2. VTOPTIONS is to control the animated behavior of Zoom and
Pan
3. PAN shifts drawing display without changing drawing
magnification
4. REDRAW removes blips
5. REGEN forces a complete drawing regeneration. It can be
used after FILL=ON/OFF or TEXTFILL=1/0 or QTEXT
6. VIEWRES control fast zoom mode and screen resolution of
curves
USING DIFFERENT SELECTION METHODS
A. LAST – selects the most recently created visible object.
Command: E (enter)
Command: OOPS (enter) - restores objects erased by the last ERASE
command.
Select objects: L (enter)
Select objects: press Enter (to delete the selected lines/objects)
B. PICKBOX – a small box, called the pickbox replaces the crosshairs on the
graphics cursor. You can select objects individually with the pointing device.
Command: PICKBOX (enter) – to resize the pickbox
Note: Pickbox will appear on-screen. This will allow you to select individual
objects.
C. WINDOW – selects all objects completely inside a rectangle defined by
two points. Specifying the corners from left to right creates a window
selection.
D. CROSSING – select objects within and crossing an area
defined by to points. A crossing selection is displayed as dashed
lines or otherwise highlighted to differentiate it from window
selection. Specifying the corners from right to left creates a
crossing selection.
E. LASSO – allows you to select objects and components by
drawing a free form shape around them.
F. ALL – selects all objects (except objects in Locked or Frozen
Layers) (CRTL+A)
G. UNDO – cancels the selection of the object most recently
added to the selection set. (CRTL+U or command U)

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CAD software is used to increase the productivity of the

MANUAL DRAFTING CAD DRAFTING

Data Storage and Accessibility

Speed and Time

Better Quality Designs

• Create simple shapes in the X and Y directions.

• Creates shapes in three dimensions (x, y and z).

1. Increase in the productivity of the

APPLICATION MENU/BROWSER – used to search for commands, as well as

Contextual Ribbon (see figure 5)

Radio Button (see figure 7)

COMMAND WINDOW (See figure 2) – is the horizontal window

NAVIGATION BAR – it provides access to navigation and

Drawing Coordinates - Displays the coordinates of the cursor.

OBJECT SNAPS TOOLS

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