Chapter 3

Introduction to 2D CAD
Introduction
Computer-Aided Drafting and Design, also known as CADD, is the

creation of drawings using a computer program rather than a pen, triangle,

square and protractor etc. This topic provides an introduction to computer

graphics using AutoCAD. It was selected as the software for presenting

computer graphic because it is the most widely used computer program.

AutoCAD is a general purpose computer aided drafting application

program designed for use on single-user, desktop personal computers and

graphic workstations. It was initially developed in the early 1980's by

Autodesk Inc., Sausalito, California.

Objectives
The objectives of this chapter is for the students to
be able to:
1. describe the advantages of using AutoCAD;
2. describe on how to start a drawing using
AutoCAD;
3. create a drawing screen.
3.1 Advantages of CADD
Computer-graphics systems offer the designer and
drafter some or all of the following advantages.
▫ Increased accuracy.
▫ Increased drawing speed.
▫ Easy to revise.
▫ Better design analysis.
▫ Better presentation.
▫ Libraries of drawing aids.
▫ Improved filing.
3.2 AutoCAD Screen, Format and
Components
3.3 Toolbars
The initial AutoCAD as screen, contains six
toolbars: Layers, Standard, Properties,
Styles, Draw and Modify. There are more
additional predefined toolbars, and you can
create your own user-specific toolbars as needed.
3.4 The Command Line Box
The size of the Command window, located at the bot­
tom of the screen, may be changed to display more or
fewer command
lines. It is
recommended
that at least two
command lines be
visible at all times.
3.5 Command Tools
A tool is a picture (icon) that represents an
AutoCAD command. Most commands have
equivalent tools.
3.6 Starting a New Drawing
3.7 Naming a Drawing
3.8 Drawing Unit
3.9 Drawing Limits
Standard Drawing Sheet
Sizes-Inches
A = 8.5X11
B = 11X17
C = 17x22
D = 22 x 34
B = 34x44
3.10 Grid and Snap
3.11 Save and Save As
3.12 Open
3.13 Exit
The Exit command allows you to exit Auto CAD.
Select the File pull-down menu, then Exit. The
system will exit the AutoCAD program and
return to Windows
..FINISH OF CHAPTER 3..