Introduction to AutoCAD 2020

Book excerpt: Introduction to AutoCAD 2020 addresses advances in technology and introduces students to 2-dimensional drawing skills and commands using the 2020 release of AutoCAD. Straightforward explanations focus on actual drawing procedures, and illustrations show what to expect on the computer screen. It continuously builds on concepts covered in previous chapters, contains exercises combined with in-text notes, and offers examples that provide the “how and why” of AutoCAD fundamentals. Projects are included at the end of each chapter and provide hands-on experience creating various types of mechanical, architectural, civil, and electrical drawings. This text is appropriate for introductory and intermediate AutoCAD courses. Introduces AutoCAD, drafting skills, editing techniques, working with complex objects, annotating drawings, outputting your work, advanced drawing and construction methods, and collaborating with others on the web. Pedagogy reinforces learning objectives throughout, with chapter objectives; key term definitions; command grids that concisely offer multiple ways of achieving task at hand; and discipline icons that identify the field of study throughout. “New” version icons highlight new software features quickly. Hands-on exercises appear throughout the text to reinforce learning, and end-of-chapter projects require students to demonstrate a full understanding of the concepts presented in the chapter. Introduction to AutoCAD 2020 provides students with the tools they need to develop drafting skills with AutoCAD.