AutoCAD Training Presentation
Course Unit Overview:
This course unit introduces the trainee to the techniques and practices of Computer-Aided Design
(CAD) and drafting using AutoCAD. It involves practical exercises focused on the production of
geometrical shapes, orthographic projections, and architectural/engineering drawings through
AutoCAD software.
Summary of Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course unit, the trainee should be able to:
a) Appreciate AutoCAD Interface and its Features
• Understand the AutoCAD workspace, user interface, and toolbars
• Navigate the drawing area and command line
• Customize workspaces and display settings
b) Invoke AutoCAD Commands and Input Geometrical Drawings
• Use command-line and ribbon interface to initiate drawing commands
• Draw basic geometrical shapes: points, lines, circles, arcs, rectangles, polygons
• Use coordinate systems (absolute, relative, polar) for precision input
c) Edit and Modify Drawings
• Use modify commands: Move, Copy, Rotate, Scale, Mirror, Trim, Extend
• Use grips for quick modifications
• Understand undo/redo and history tools
d) Apply Drafting Aids and Settings
• Utilize Object Snap, Grid, Ortho mode, Polar Tracking
• Set drawing limits and units
• Use layers to organize drawings
e) Dimension and Add Text/Notes to Drawings
• Use dimensioning tools: Linear, Aligned, Angular, Radius, Diameter
• Edit and manage dimension styles
• Add text using single-line and multi-line text commands
• Format text styles for clarity
f) Draw Orthographic, Architectural, and Engineering Drawings
• Produce 2D orthographic projections from 3D objects
• Create architectural plans (floor plans, elevations, sections)
• Develop mechanical/engineering components in 2D
• Apply appropriate layers, hatches, and line types
g) Present Drawings in Different Scales and Formats
• Use layout tabs and viewports to set up paper space
• Scale drawings appropriately within viewports
• Apply title blocks and plot configurations
• Plot drawings to PDF or printer with correct paper size and scale
AutoCAD Training Lecture Notes
Unit Title: Computer Aided Design and Drafting with AutoCAD
1. Introduction to AutoCAD and Its Interface
• Definition: AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating 2D and 3D
drawings.
• Interface Elements:
o Title Bar, Menu Bar, Toolbars
o Command Line
o Drawing Area
o Status Bar
o Model and Layout Tabs
• Customizing the Interface: Adjusting workspaces, saving settings, using the Options dialog
box.
2. Using AutoCAD Commands and Input Methods
• Types of Commands: Drawing (Line, Circle), Modify (Trim, Extend), Utility (Zoom, Pan)
• Input Methods:
o Coordinate Entry: Absolute, Relative, Polar
o Object Snap (OSNAP): For precise point selection
o Dynamic Input: Heads-up display for command inputs
3. Drawing Basic Geometrical Shapes
• Line: Most fundamental element
• Circle, Arc, Rectangle, Polygon: Geometric primitives
• Polyline vs. Line: Polyline is a continuous line composed of one or more line segments
4. Editing and Modifying Drawings
• Modify Tools:
o Move, Copy, Rotate, Mirror
o Trim, Extend, Offset, Fillet, Chamfer
• Using Grips: Small squares that allow quick edits
• Undo/Redo: Command history and reversal
5. Drafting Aids and Drawing Settings
• Grid and Snap: Helps in aligning objects
• Ortho Mode: Restricts cursor to horizontal/vertical movement
• Polar Tracking: Angle-based guide for drawing
• Layers:
o Manage drawing components
o Assign colors, line types, line weights
6. Dimensioning and Adding Text/Notes
• Dimension Tools:
o Linear, Aligned, Angular, Radius, Diameter
• Text Tools:
o Single-line (DTEXT)
o Multi-line (MTEXT)
• Dimension Styles and Text Formatting: Consistency and clarity in presentation
7. Orthographic, Architectural, and Engineering Drawings
• Orthographic Projections: Front, top, side views
• Architectural Drawings:
o Floor plans, sections, elevations
o Using blocks, hatches, and line weights
• Engineering Drawings:
o Mechanical parts, assemblies
o Use of templates and standardized symbols
8. Plotting and Presenting Drawings
• Paper Space vs. Model Space
• Layouts and Viewports: Managing views for plotting
• Scaling Drawings: Ensuring appropriate real-world size on paper
• Title Blocks: Standard formats and information
• Plot Settings: Choosing plotters, setting paper sizes, plot styles
Tips for Effective Use of AutoCAD
• Save your work regularly
• Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up workflow
• Use layers and blocks to organize and reuse content
• Keep your drawings clean and well-documented
AutoCAD Training Lecture Notes
Unit Title: Computer Aided Design and Drafting with AutoCAD
1. Introduction to AutoCAD and Its Interface
• Definition: AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating 2D and 3D
drawings.
• Interface Elements:
o Title Bar: Displays the name of the open drawing and application title.
o Menu Bar: Provides drop-down menus for accessing commands and features.
o Toolbars: Contain icons for quick access to frequently used commands.
o Command Line: A dynamic area where you can type commands, view prompts, and
receive feedback from AutoCAD.
o Drawing Area: The main workspace where designs and drawings are created.
o Status Bar: Located at the bottom; provides access to drawing aids like grid, snap,
ortho, and object snap.
o Model and Layout Tabs: Switch between model space (for drafting and design) and
layout space (for plotting and sheet arrangement).
• Customizing the Interface:
o Adjusting Workspaces:
1. Click on the gear icon on the status bar or type WORKSPACE in the command
line.
2. Choose a default workspace (e.g., Drafting & Annotation, 3D Basics).
3. Customize toolbars, palettes, and ribbons as needed.
4. Save your customized workspace by typing WSSAVE and giving it a name.
o Saving Settings:
1. Use the OPTIONS command or right-click the drawing area and choose
Options.
2. In the Options dialog box, adjust display, open/save, user preferences, and
plotting settings.
3. Click 'Apply' and 'OK' to save changes.
o Using the Options Dialog Box:
1. Open with OPTIONS command.
2. Navigate tabs (Files, Display, Open and Save, Plot and Publish, etc.).
3. Make changes to system behavior, interface layout, and file paths.
4. Save and export settings for future use or to replicate across machines.
2. Using AutoCAD Commands and Input Methods
• Types of Commands: Drawing (Line, Circle), Modify (Trim, Extend), Utility (Zoom, Pan)
• Input Methods:
o Coordinate Entry: Absolute, Relative, Polar
o Object Snap (OSNAP): For precise point selection
o Dynamic Input: Heads-up display for command inputs
3. Drawing Basic Geometrical Shapes
• Line: Most fundamental element
• Circle, Arc, Rectangle, Polygon: Geometric primitives
• Polyline vs. Line: Polyline is a continuous line composed of one or more line segments
4. Editing and Modifying Drawings
• Modify Tools:
o Move, Copy, Rotate, Mirror
o Trim, Extend, Offset, Fillet, Chamfer
• Using Grips: Small squares that allow quick edits
• Undo/Redo: Command history and reversal
5. Drafting Aids and Drawing Settings
• Grid and Snap: Helps in aligning objects
• Ortho Mode: Restricts cursor to horizontal/vertical movement
• Polar Tracking: Angle-based guide for drawing
• Layers:
o Manage drawing components
o Assign colors, line types, line weights
6. Dimensioning and Adding Text/Notes
• Dimension Tools:
o Linear, Aligned, Angular, Radius, Diameter
• Text Tools:
o Single-line (DTEXT)
o Multi-line (MTEXT)
• Dimension Styles and Text Formatting: Consistency and clarity in presentation
7. Orthographic, Architectural, and Engineering Drawings
• Orthographic Projections: Front, top, side views
• Architectural Drawings:
o Floor plans, sections, elevations
o Using blocks, hatches, and line weights
• Engineering Drawings:
o Mechanical parts, assemblies
o Use of templates and standardized symbols
8. Plotting and Presenting Drawings
• Paper Space vs. Model Space
• Layouts and Viewports: Managing views for plotting
• Scaling Drawings: Ensuring appropriate real-world size on paper
• Title Blocks: Standard formats and information
• Plot Settings: Choosing plotters, setting paper sizes, plot styles
Tips for Effective Use of AutoCAD
• Save your work regularly
• Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up workflow
• Use layers and blocks to organize and reuse content
• Keep your drawings clean and well-documented
End of Lecture Notes
