AutoCAD 2015 and AutoCAD LT 2015 Bible
Bible Series

AutoCAD 2015 and AutoCAD LT 2015 Bible is the book you want to have close at hand to answer those day-to-day questions about this industry-leading software. Author and Autodesk University instructor Ellen Finkelstein guides readers through AutoCAD 2015 and AutoCAD LT 2015 with clear, easy-to-understand instruction and hands-on tutorials that allow even total beginners to create a design on their very first day. Although simple and fundamental enough to be used by those new to CAD, the book is so comprehensive that even Autodesk power users will want to keep a copy on their desks.

Here is what you'll find inside the book:

• Part I: Introducing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Basics
• Part II: Drawing in Two Dimensions
• Part III: Working with Data
• Part IV: Drawing in Three Dimensions
• Part V: Organizing and Managing Drawings
• Part VI: Customizing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
• Part VII: Programming AutoCAD
• Part VIII: Appendixes
• Appendix A: Installing and Configuring AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
• Appendix B: AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Resources

In addition, the book also explores advanced techniques like programming with AutoLISP and VBA, and demonstrates AutoCAD 2015 customization that can smooth workflow. The companion website contains real-world drawings for each tutorial, plus bonus chapters and video tutorials. If you need to become an AutoCAD guru, AutoCAD 2015 and AutoCAD LT 2015 Bible is the one resource that will get you there quickly.

Acknowledgments ix

Foreword xxxi

Introduction xxxiii

Part I: Introducing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Basics 1

Quick Start: Drawing a Window 3

Chapter 1: Starting to Draw 15

Chapter 2: Opening a Drawing 29

Chapter 3: Using Commands 35

Chapter 4: Specifying Coordinates 53

Chapter 5: Setting Up a Drawing 91

Part II: Drawing in Two Dimensions 107

Chapter 6: Drawing Simple Lines 109

Chapter 7: Drawing Curves and Points 119

Chapter 8: Viewing Your Drawing 135

Chapter 9: Editing Your Drawing with Basic Tools 167

Chapter 10: Editing Your Drawing with Advanced Tools 193

Chapter 11: Organizing Drawings with Layers and Object Properties 259

Chapter 12: Obtaining Information from Your Drawing 295

Chapter 13: Creating Text 325

Chapter 14: Drawing Dimensions 383

Chapter 15: Creating Dimension Styles 437

Chapter 16: Drawing Complex Objects 471

Chapter 17: Plotting and Printing Your Drawing 517

Part III: Working with Data 555

Chapter 18: Working with Blocks 557

Chapter 19: Adding Attributes to Blocks 607

Chapter 20: Referencing Other Drawings 629

Part IV: Drawing in Three Dimensions 657

Chapter 21: Specifying 3D Coordinates 659

Chapter 22: Viewing 3D Drawings 691

Chapter 23: Creating 3D Surfaces 747

Chapter 24: Creating Solids and Editing in 3D 795

Part V: Organizing and Managing Drawings 867

Chapter 25: Keeping Control of Your Drawings 869

Chapter 26: Working with Other Applications 925

Chapter 27: Collaborating and Creating Electronic Output 951

Part VI: Customizing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 983

Chapter 28: Customizing Commands, Toolbars, and Tool Palettes 985

Chapter 29: Creating Macros and Slide Shows 1013

Chapter 30: Creating Your Own Linetypes and Hatch Patterns 1027

Chapter 31: Creating Shapes and Fonts 1039

Chapter 32: Customizing the Ribbon and Menus 1051

Part VII: Programming AutoCAD 1083

Chapter 33: Understanding AutoLISP and Visual LISP Basics 1085

Chapter 34: Exploring AutoLISP Further 1101

Chapter 35: Exploring Advanced AutoLISP Topics 1129

Part VIII: Appendixes 1149

Appendix A: Installing and Configuring AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 1151

Appendix B: AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Resources 1191

Appendix C: What’s on the Companion Website 1197

Index 1201

Bonus Chapters on the Companion Website

Chapter 1: Working with External Databases

Chapter 2: Rendering in 3D

Chapter 3: Programming with Visual Basic for Applications

Chapter 4: Programming with NET

Ellen Finkelstein learned AutoCAD in Israel. Besides writing computer books she created on-line courses for Autodesk and taught at Autodesk University. Her website, www.ellenfinkelstein.com, is replete with AutoCAD information and tips. Lee Ambrosius has been a power-user of AutoCAD for almost two decades. He is best known for his in-depth knowledge of extending the AutoCAD program through customization and custom application development. Lee’s website contains a variety of tips, programming resources, and sample code.