Discovering AutoCAD 2024

Book excerpt: Designed for introductory AutoCAD users, Discovering AutoCAD 2024 presents a hands-on, activity-based approach to the use of AutoCAD 2024 as a drafting tool–complete with techniques, tips, shortcuts, and insights that improve efficiency. Topics and tasks are carefully grouped to lead students logically through the AutoCAD command set, with the level of difficulty increasing steadily as skills are acquired through experience and practice. Straightforward explanations focus on what is relevant to actual drawing procedures, and illustrations show exactly what to expect on the computer screen. This edition features updates for the latest release of AutoCAD 2024, projects, and test questions for each chapter. Lessons are broken down into tasks listed at the beginning of each section, introducing students to the AutoCAD commands using a structured, intuitive approach and helping students anticipate what information will be needed at each new phase of the learning process. General Procedure boxes appear as new commands are introduced, providing a simple overview of basic command sequences in a step-by-step format. Detailed graphics demonstrate what students should expect to see on their screens, encouraging self-paced study. Each chapter concludes with drawing problems to help students apply newly learned techniques immediately to realistic drawing situations. The problems include drawing suggestions, timesaving tips, and explanations of how to use techniques in actual situations. Working drawings accompany the end-of-chapter drawing problems, appearing in a large, clearly dimensioned format on each right-hand page, with drawing suggestions on the accompanying left-hand page. This includes mechanical, architectural, civil, and electrical drawings. End-of-chapter review questions to test the student's knowledge. Discovering AutoCAD 2024 will be a valuable resource for any student wanting to learn drafting skills.