Overview

If you are totally new to AutoCAD, you ll want to read this chapter. It provides an overview of AutoCAD s layout and shows you what to expect when you start to use it. Even if you ve had a class or have used an older version of AutoCAD, you will find this chapter useful.

You ll start by taking a tour of the AutoCAD window to get familiar with the menus, toolbars, and other components. You ll then get a chance to try your hand at drawing, and, in doing so, you ll be introduced to the way AutoCAD s commands work. You ll also learn how to use the Zoom and Pan tools to help you get around in a drawing. And you ll take a look at the ways you can view your drawing using the layout tabs. Finally, you ll be introduced to the Help system for those times when you forget to have this book on hand.

This chapter includes the following topics:

• Understanding the AutoCAD Window

• Starting a Drawing

• Panning and Zooming to Adjust Your View

• Understanding the Layout Tabs

• Understanding How Command Options Work

• Getting Help

Understanding the AutoCAD Window

Autodesk has completely redesigned AutoCAD 2007 s set of 3D modeling features and to show them off, AutoCAD s default opening window prominently display these new features. If you ve used AutoCAD before, it will appear as though AutoCAD has completely changed. Don t worry; it hasn t. As a new user, you may only be slightly confused since AutoCAD is...