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AutoCAD® 2010 and AutoCAD LT® 2010 Bible

Table of Contents

Part I: AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Basics

Quick Start: Drawing a Window

Summary

Chapter 1: Starting to Draw

AutoCAD's Advantages

Comparing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

Starting AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

Creating a New Drawing

Using the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Interface

The drawing area

The ribbon and Quick Access toolbar

Using the Application menu

The command line and dynamic input tooltip

The status bar

Creating a New Folder

Using the Interface

Saving a Drawing

Closing a Drawing and Exiting from AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

Summary

Chapter 2: Opening a Drawing

Creating a New Drawing from a Template

Working with Templates

Customizing the default template

Creating your own templates

Creating a Drawing with Default Settings

Opening an Existing Drawing

Using other ways to open drawings

Switching among open drawings

Saving a Drawing under a New Name

Summary

Chapter 3: Using Commands

The AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Interface

Using the ribbon

Using menus

Using shortcut menus

Using dialog boxes

Using toolbars

Using palettes

Tool palettes

The Command Line and Dynamic Input

Using Dynamic Input

Understanding command names

Responding to commands

Command Techniques

Repeating commands

Using recent input

Canceling commands

Undoing a command

Redoing a command

Using one command within another command

Of Mice and Pucks

Getting Help

Getting help on a command

Finding help with Quickstart links

Using the main Help system

Working with Help screens

Using the InfoCenter

Summary

Chapter 4: Specifying Coordinates

Understanding the X,Y Coordinate System

Drawing units

Types of measurement notation

Typing Coordinates

Using the Dynamic Input tooltip to enter coordinates

Absolute Cartesian coordinates

Relative Cartesian coordinates

Polar coordinates

Direct distance entry

Orthogonal mode

Polar tracking

Displaying Coordinates

Picking Coordinates on the Screen

Snap settings

Object snaps

Running object snaps and Object Snap mode

Overriding Coordinate Settings

Locating Points

Object snap tracking

Using the temporary tracking feature

Point filters

From feature

Summary

Chapter 5: Setting Up a Drawing

Choosing Unit Types

Setting the drawing units

Setting the angle type

Setting the angle measure and direction

Drawing Limits

Understanding Scales

Working with scale formats

Using annotative scales

Customizing the scale list

Deciding on a scale and sheet size

Creating a Titleblock

Specifying Common Setup Options

Customizing with the MVSETUP Command and Setup Wizards

Summary

Part II: Drawing in Two Dimensions

Chapter 6: Drawing Simple Lines

Using the LINE Command

Drawing Rectangles

Drawing Polygons

Creating Construction Lines

Creating Rays

Summary

Chapter 7: Drawing Curves and Points

Drawing Circles

Understanding the circle options

Drawing circles

Drawing Arcs

Understanding arc options

Drawing arcs

Creating Ellipses and Elliptical Arcs

Understanding ellipse options

Drawing ellipses

Making Donuts

Understanding DONUT options

Drawing donuts

Placing Points

Changing the point style

Creating points

Summary

Chapter 8: Viewing Your Drawing

Regenerating and Redrawing the Display

Panning

Using the PAN command

Using the scroll bars

Using the ZOOM Command

Understanding ZOOM options

Using ZOOM Dynamic

Using the SteeringWheel

Creating Named Views

Saving a view

Displaying a view

Managing named views

Creating animated presentations from named views

Using named views to manage a drawing

Working with Tiled Viewports

Configuring tiled viewports

Using tiled viewports

Saving and restoring viewport configurations

Using Snap Rotation

Understanding User Coordinate Systems

Understanding UCS options

Saving and restoring a custom UCS

Controlling the UCS icon

Using a custom UCS

Creating Isometric Drawings

Understanding isometric planes

Drawing in Isometric mode

Summary

Chapter 9: Editing Your Drawing with Basic Tools

Editing a Drawing

Understanding object-selection basics

Erasing objects

Moving objects

Copying objects

Copying and moving objects from one drawing to another

Rotating objects

Scaling objects

Using the CHANGE command

Selecting Objects

Selecting objects after choosing a command

Cycling through objects

Selecting objects before choosing a command

Implied windowing

Customizing the selection process

Summary

Chapter 10: Editing Your Drawing with Advanced Tools

Copying and Moving Objects

Mirroring objects

Using the ARRAY command

Offsetting objects

Aligning objects

Resizing Commands

Trimming objects

Extending objects

Lengthening objects

Stretching objects

Using Construction Commands

Breaking objects

Joining objects

Creating chamfered corners

Creating rounded corners

Creating a Revision Cloud

Hiding Objects with a Wipeout

Constraining Objects with Parameters

Using geometric constraints

Auto-constraining objects

Using dimensional constraints

Working with the Parameters Manager

Double-Clicking to Edit Objects

Grips

Stretching with grips

Moving with grips

Rotating with grips

Scaling with grips

Mirroring with grips

Customizing grips

Editing with the Quick Properties Palette and the Properties Palette

Using the Quick Properties palette

Using the Properties palette

Selection Filters

Using Quick Select to select objects

Using the FILTER command

Naming and editing filters

Using filters

Groups

Creating and modifying groups in AutoCAD

Creating and modifying groups in AutoCAD LT

Using groups

Summary

Chapter 11: Organizing Drawings with Layers, Colors, Linetypes, and Lineweights

Working with Layers

Understanding layers

Creating new layers

Using layers

Using special layer tools

Modifying layers

Changing Object Color, Linetype, and Lineweight

Changing an object's color

Changing the current color

Changing an object's linetype

Changing the current linetype

Changing an object's lineweight

Changing the current lineweight

Working with Linetype Scales

Changing linetype spacing by using a different linetype

Changing linetype spacing by changing the global linetype scale

Changing linetype spacing by changing the object linetype scale

Importing Layers and Linetypes from Other Drawings

Matching Properties

Summary

Chapter 12: Obtaining Information from Your Drawing

Drawing-Level Information

Listing the status of your drawing

Listing system variables

Tracking drawing time

Object-Level Information

Listing objects

Finding coordinates

Measuring objects

Getting information from the Properties palette

Getting information from the Quick Properties panel

Dividing and Spacing Commands

Dividing objects

Measuring objects

AutoCAD's Calculator

Calculating numbers

Using coordinates

Using object snaps

Using the scientific calculator

Converting units

Working with QuickCalc variables

Using QuickCalc in the Properties palette

Summary

Chapter 13: Creating Text

Creating Single-Line Text

Justifying single-line text

Setting the height

Setting the rotation angle

Adding special characters and formatting

Editing single-line text

Understanding Text Styles

Creating a new text style

Renaming and deleting text styles

Modifying a text style

Making a style current or changing a text object's style

Importing a text style

Creating Multiline Text

Using the In-Place Text Editor

Creating text for different scales

Editing paragraph text

Importing text

Creating Tables

Inserting a table

Specifying a table style

Adding data to a table

Modifying a table

Inserting Fields

Creating fields

Editing and updating fields

Managing Text

Using Quicktext

Using AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT fonts

Freezing text layers

Using MIRRTEXT

Finding Text in Your Drawing

Checking Your Spelling

Summary

Chapter 14: Drawing Dimensions

Working with Dimensions

The elements of a dimension

Preparing to dimension

Drawing Linear Dimensions

Specifying the dimensioned object

Using dimension options

Creating jogged dimension lines

Drawing Aligned Dimensions

Specifying the dimensioned object

Using the options

Creating Baseline and Continued Dimensions

Drawing baseline dimensions

Drawing continued dimensions

Dimensioning Arcs and Circles

Marking arc and circle centers

Dimensioning arc lengths

Creating radial dimensions

Creating diameter dimensions

Dimensioning Angles

Creating Ordinate Dimensions

Drawing Leaders

Creating a multileader

Editing multileaders

Creating a multileader style

Aligning and combining leaders

Using Quick Dimension

Creating Inspection Dimensions

Creating Geometric Tolerances

Starting the tolerance frame

Inserting the tolerance frame

Editing a tolerance frame

Editing Dimensions

Editing associativity

Using the DIMEDIT command

Using the DIMTEDIT command

Flipping dimension arrows

Editing dimension text

Using the Properties palette to edit dimensions

Changing annotative scales

Spacing dimensions equally apart

Breaking dimensions

Using Quick Dimension to edit dimensions

Using grips to edit dimensions

Editing objects and dimensions together

Summary

Chapter 15: Creating Dimension Styles

Understanding Dimension Styles

Defining a New Dimension Style

Managing dimension lines

Defining symbols and arrows

Managing dimension text

Fitting dimensions into tight spaces

Defining primary units

Defining alternate units

Formatting tolerances

Changing Dimension Styles

Choosing a new current dimension style

Creating a variant of a dimension style

Modifying a dimension to use a new dimension style

Modifying dimension styles

Overriding a dimension style

Updating dimensions

Comparing dimension styles

Copying dimension styles from other drawings

Summary

Chapter 16: Drawing Complex Objects

Creating and Editing Polylines

Using the PLINE command

Editing polylines with the PEDIT command

Editing polylines with the Properties palette or Quick Properties palette

Drawing and Editing Splines

Creating splines

Editing splines

Creating Regions

Creating Boundaries

Creating Hatches

Understanding hatch patterns

Defining a hatch

Determining the hatch boundary

Dragging and dropping hatch patterns

Creating gradient fills

Editing hatches

Using the SOLID command

Creating and Editing Multilines

Creating a multiline style

Drawing multilines

Editing multilines

Creating Dlines in AutoCAD LT

Using the SKETCH Command

Digitizing Drawings with the TABLET Command

Summary

Chapter 17: Plotting and Printing Your Drawing

Preparing a Drawing for Plotting or Printing

Doing a draft plot

Plotting a drawing from model space

Creating a Layout in Paper Space

Entering paper space

Using the Layout Wizard

Laying out a drawing in paper space on your own

Annotating a layout

Saving a layout template

Working with Plot Styles

Setting the plot-style mode

Creating a plot-style table

Attaching a plot-style table to a layout

Setting the plot-style property for a layer or object

Plotting a Drawing

Specifying plot settings

Previewing your plot

Creating a plot stamp

Creating the plot

Summary

Part III: Working with Data

Chapter 18: Working with Blocks and Attributes

Combining Objects into Blocks

Understanding base points and insertion points

Creating a block

Redefining a block

Saving blocks as files

Replacing an existing file

Inserting Blocks and Files into Drawings

Using the Insert dialog box

Using the DesignCenter

Managing Blocks

Working with layers

Exploding blocks

Using the XPLODE command

Editing blocks

Creating and Using Dynamic Blocks

Understanding action-based parameters

Understanding the work flow of dynamic blocks

Defining a dynamic block with action-based parameters

Inserting and modifying dynamic blocks

Using Windows Features to Copy Data

Manipulating objects with the Windows Clipboard

Using drag-and-drop

Working with Attributes

Creating attribute definitions

Inserting blocks with attributes

Editing attributes

Extracting a database from attributes

Summary

Chapter 19: Referencing Other Drawings

Understanding External References

Attaching an external reference

Opening an xref

Using the External References palette

Editing an Xref within Your Drawing

Choosing the xref or block to edit

Editing the xref

Controlling Xref Display

Xrefs and dependent symbols

Circular references

Clipping xrefs

Speeding up the display of large xrefs

Managing Xrefs

Xref notification

DesignCenter

The xref log file

Working with DWF, DGN, and PDF Underlays

Attaching a DWF underlay

Attaching a DGN underlay

Attaching a PDF underlay

Modifying an underlay

Summary

Chapter 20: Working with External Databases

Understanding External Database Access

Preparing for Database Connectivity

Organizing the database structure

Configuring a data source

Connecting to Your Database

Connecting a database to a drawing

Opening a data table

Editing data in the Data View window

Linking Data to Drawing Objects

Creating a link template

Creating a link

Creating Labels

Creating label templates

Creating attached labels

Creating freestanding labels

Querying with the Query Editor

Using the Quick Query tab

Using the Range Query tab

Using the Query Builder tab

Using the SQL Query tab

Creating selection sets with Link Select

Working with Query Files

Storing queries

Importing and exporting queries

Summary

Part IV: Drawing in Three Dimensions

Chapter 21: Specifying 3D Coordinates

Working in a 3D Environment

Using 3D Coordinates

Absolute and relative Cartesian coordinates in 3D

Cylindrical and spherical coordinates

Using editing commands with 3D wireframes

Using point filters, object snaps, object tracking, and grips in 3D

Creating 3D polylines

Creating helixes

Using Elevation and Thickness

Creating surfaces with thickness

Using the HIDE command

Controlling the display of hidden lines and objects

Adding elevation to objects

Working with the User Coordinate System

Using the UCS icon

UCSs and viewpoints

Using UCS options to change the UCS

Changing the UCS dynamically

Summary

Chapter 22: Viewing 3D Drawings

Working with the Standard Viewpoints

Using the VPOINT command

Looking at a drawing from the standard viewpoints

Using DDVPOINT

Using the ViewCube to View Your Drawing

Creating a Named View with a Camera

Creating a camera

Editing a camera

Adding a Background to a Named View

Working with the Tripod and Compass

Displaying a Quick Plan View

Displaying Parallel and Perspective Projections

Using 3D Orbit

Starting 3D Orbit

Navigating with 3D Orbit

Refining your 3D Orbit view

Using ShowMotion to Cycle Through Views

Creating shots

Displaying shots

Walking Through a Model

Navigating in Walk mode

Specifying Walk mode settings

Flying through a model

Saving the walk as a movie file

Using a motion path to save a movie file

Navigating with the Wheel

Using DVIEW to a Create a Perspective View

Using DVIEW

Understanding the DVIEW options

Working with Visual Styles

Displaying visual styles in AutoCAD

Creating custom visual styles

Using the shading options in AutoCAD LT

Display materials, textures, and lights as you work

Laying Out 3D Drawings

Using SOLVIEW to lay out paper space viewports

Using SOLDRAW to create hidden lines and hatching

Using SOLPROF to create profiles

Flattening 3D drawings

Printing in 3D

Summary

Chapter 23: Creating 3D Surfaces

Drawing Surfaces with 3DFACE

Using the 3DFACE command

Making 3D face edges invisible

Drawing Surfaces with PFACE

Creating Plane Surfaces

Creating Polygon Meshes with 3DMESH

Drawing Standard 3D Shapes

Box

Wedge

Pyramid

Cone

Sphere

Dome

Dish

Torus

Mesh

Drawing Revolved Surfaces

Understanding the REVSURF command

Working with the REVOLVE command

Drawing an Extruded Surface

Working with the TABSURF command

Working with the EXTRUDE command

Sweeping objects along a path

Drawing Surfaces Between 2D Objects

Creating ruled surfaces

Lofting objects

Drawing Edge Surfaces

Working with Multiple Types of Objects

Converting 2D objects to surfaces

Converting meshes to smooth surfaces

Thickening a surface into a solid

Extracting edges from a surface or a region

Summary

Chapter 24: Creating Solids and Editing in 3D

Drawing Basic Smooth Solids

Drawing a box

Drawing a wedge

Drawing a cone

Drawing a sphere

Drawing a cylinder

Drawing a torus

Drawing a pyramid

Creating Extruded Solids

Managing objects used to make other objects

Using the EXTRUDE command

Drawing Swept Solids

Drawing Revolved Solids

Drawing Lofted Solids

Drawing Polyline-Like Solids

Manipulating Solids

Grip-editing solids

Selecting sub-objects

Moving, rotating, and scaling with the gizmos

Working with Mesh Shapes

Creating meshes

Editing meshes

Converting solids and meshes

Creating Complex Solids

Combining solids

Subtracting solids

Creating a solid from the intersection of two solids

Creating a new solid by using INTERFERE

Pressing or pulling a region

Using solid history

Sectioning and Slicing Solids

Using the SECTION command

Creating an interactive section object

Using the SLICE command

Using Editing Commands in 3D

Mirroring in 3D

Arraying in 3D

Rotating in 3D

Aligning in 3D

Trimming and extending in 3D

Filleting in 3D

Chamfering in 3D

Exploding and converting 3D objects

Using the SOLIDEDIT Command

Editing faces

Editing edges

Editing bodies

Listing Solid Properties

Summary

Chapter 25: Rendering in 3D

Understanding Rendering

Learning the steps

Doing a default rendering

Creating Lights

Setting the default light

Creating a point light

Creating a target point light

Creating a spotlight

Creating a Free spotlight

Creating a distant light

Simulating the sun

Managing lights

Working with Materials

Attaching a material from the Tool Palettes window

Using the Materials palette

Creating your own materials

Attaching materials

Using backgrounds

Doing the Final Render

Statistics

Saving rendered images

Summary

Part V: Organizing and Managing Drawings

Chapter 26: Keeping Control of Your Drawings

Accessing Drawing Components with the DesignCenter

Navigating with the DesignCenter

Accessing named drawing components

Controlling the DesignCenter display

Accessing Drawing Content with Tool Palettes

Creating a new tool palette

Adding content tools

Adding command tools

Copying a tool

Setting tool properties

Organizing tool palettes

Using a tool palette

Setting Standards for Drawings

Using the CAD Standards tools

Using layer notification

Translating layers

The Communication Center

Renaming named objects

Working with Sheet Sets

Understanding sheet sets

Creating a sheet set

Setting up sheet set references

Using a sheet set

Organizing Your Drawings

Archiving drawings

Finding drawings

Specifying drawing properties

Maintaining Security

Password protection

Digital signatures

Keeping Track of Referenced Files

Handling Errors and Crashes

Taking care of temporary files

Repairing corrupted drawing files

Using backup drawings

Recovering from a crash

Managing Drawings from Prior Releases

Summary

Chapter 27: Working with Other Applications

Importing and Exporting Other File Formats

Exporting drawings

Importing files

Working with Raster Images

Attaching images

Managing images

Clipping images

Controlling image display

Pasting, Linking, and Embedding Objects

Embedding objects into a drawing

Using Paste Special

Linking data

Summary

Chapter 28: Creating Electronic Output

Sending Drawings

Using eTransmit

Specifying transmittal settings

Opening Drawings from the Web

Using the Browse the Web – Open dialog box

Using i-drop to drag objects into a drawing

Creating Object Hyperlinks

Creating a hyperlink

Using a hyperlink

Editing a hyperlink

Publishing Drawings

Understanding DWF and DWFx files

Creating 2D DWF and DWFx files

Creating 3D DWF and 3D DWFx files

Using the Publish to Web Wizard

Posting DWF and DWFx files directly

Editing Web pages

Viewing DWF and DWFx drawings

Summary

Part VI: Customizing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

Chapter 29: Customizing Commands, Toolbars, and Tool Palettes

Working with Customizable Files

Editing customizable files

Backing up customizable files

Using the command-line form of commands

Documenting your files

Creating Shortcuts for Commands

Creating shortcuts to Windows programs

Creating keyboard shortcuts to commands

Customizing Toolbars

Customizing classic toolbars

Removing buttons from an existing toolbar

Creating a new toolbar

Removing custom commands

Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar

Creating and displaying a Quick Access toolbar

Adding a drop-down menu

Customizing Tool Palettes

Summary

Chapter 30: Creating Macros and Slide Shows

Creating Macros with Script Files

Creating the script file

Running a script file

Recording Actions

Creating an action macro

Editing an action macro

Playing back a macro

Creating Slide Shows

Creating slides

Viewing slides

Using scripts to create slide shows

Creating Slide Libraries

Summary

Chapter 31: Creating Your Own Linetypes and Hatch Patterns

Creating Linetypes

Creating simple linetypes

Creating complex linetypes

Creating Hatch Patterns

Summary

Chapter 32: Creating Shapes and Fonts

Creating Shapes

Using shape files

Creating shape files

Editing shape files

Creating Fonts

Summary

Chapter 33: Customizing the Ribbon and Menus

Working with the Customization File

Understanding the Customization file

Loading and unloading customization files

Customizing the Interface

Looking at a ribbon panel

Writing macros

Customizing the ribbon

Customizing the drop-down menu

Customizing mouse buttons and tablet buttons

Customizing image-tile menus

Customizing tablet menus

Working with the Screen menu

Creating keyboard shortcuts

Customizing the double-click behavior

Customizing the Quick Properties palette and rollover tooltips

Summary

Part VII: Programming AutoCAD

Chapter 34: Understanding AutoLISP and Visual LISP Basics

Introducing Visual LISP

Opening Visual LISP

Opening and loading an AutoLISP file with Visual LISP

Loading an AutoLISP file

Using an AutoLISP routine in AutoCAD

Looking at an AutoLISP routine

Using the Visual LISP editor

Closing a file and Visual LISP

Getting Help in Visual LISP

Working with AutoLISP Expressions

Understanding AutoLISP syntax

Working with numbers and text

Using AutoLISP on the Command Line

Creating AutoLISP Files

Summary

Chapter 35: Exploring AutoLISP Further

Creating Variables

Working with AutoCAD Commands

Accessing AutoCAD commands

Creating functions

Creating functions with arguments

Working with system variables

Working with Lists

Using lists for coordinates

Creating dotted pairs

Setting Conditions

Conditional statements

Loop statements

Managing Drawing Objects

Getting information about an object

Modifying objects

Creating selection sets

Getting Input from the User

Putting on the Finishing Touches

Summary

Chapter 36: Exploring Advanced AutoLISP Topics

Understanding Global and Local Variables

Working with Visual LISP ActiveX Functions

Reviewing AutoLISP retrieval and modification

Using ActiveX with Visual LISP

Debugging Code

Using the Error Trace window

Working with breakpoints

Using the Watch window

Summary

Chapter 37: Programming with Visual Basic for Applications

Starting to Work with VBA

Opening the VBA environment

Getting acquainted with VBA

Investigating the hierarchy model

Accessing help

Writing VBA Code

Looking at VBA syntax

Saving a VBA routine

Loading a VBA routine

Running a VBA routine

Using the Visual Basic Editor

Understanding variables

Creating VBA statements

Getting User Input

Creating Dialog Boxes

Understanding the Toolbox toolbar

Changing dialog box properties

Adding dialog box controls

Modifying Objects

Using constants

Using functions

Debugging and Trapping Errors

Moving to Advanced Programming

Summary

A Final Word

Part VIII: Appendixes

Appendix A: Installing and Configuring AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

Preparing to install

Starting installation

Installing the VBA enabler

Installing network licenses and CAD Manager tools

Changing an installation

Authorizing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

Creating and modifying a workspace

Switching between workspaces

Customizing the status bar

Configuring options

Using command-line switches

Understanding configuration files

Creating multiple configurations

Using the Plotter Manager

Editing a plotter configuration

Appendix B: AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Resources

Using AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Help resources

Learning from your dealer

Taking a course

Learning from other users

Reading magazines and newsletters

Appendix C: What's on the DVD-ROM

Using the Drawings folder

Using the Results folder

Using the Links folder

Using the Software folder

Applications

Using the eBook version of AutoCAD 2010 and AutoCAD LT 2010 Bible

AutoCAD® 2010 & AutoCAD LT® 2010 Bible

AutoCAD® 2010 & AutoCAD LT® 2010 Bible

Ellen Finkelstein

WileyTitlePageLogo.eps

Dedication

To MMY, for teaching me that there's more to life than meets the eye and that the deeper levels of life are the most intelligent, powerful, and blissful.

About the Author

Ellen Finkelstein learned AutoCAD in Israel, where she always got to pore over the manual because it was in English. After returning to the United States, she started consulting and teaching AutoCAD as well as other computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. She has also taught courses on Web writing and usability. Her Web site, www.ellenfinkelsteincom, contains tips and techniques for AutoCAD, PowerPoint, and presenting, and she publishes the AutoCAD Tips Blog, and a monthly AutoCAD Tips Newsletter. Ellen has written extensively on AutoCAD, including articles for Autodesk's Web site and features for AutoCAD's Help system. Ellen's first book was AutoCAD For Dummies Quick Reference. Since then, she has written books on PowerPoint, OpenOffice.org (OpenOffice.org For Dummies), Flash (such as Flash CS4 For Dummies), and Web technologies (Syndicating Web Sites with RSS Feeds For Dummies). You're holding the tenth edition (wow!) of this book, which previously appeared for AutoCAD releases 14, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.

Credits

Senior Acquisitions Editor

Stephanie McComb

Project Editor

Jade L. Williams

Technical Editors

Lee Ambrosius, Darren Young

Copy Editor

Marylouise Wiack

Editorial Director

Robyn Siesky

Editorial Manager

Cricket Krengel

Business Manager

Amy Knies

Senior Marketing Manager

Sandy Smith

Vice President and Executive Group Publisher

Richard Swadley

Vice President and Executive Publisher

Barry Pruett

Project Coordinator

Kristie Rees

Graphics and Production Specialists

Samantha K. Allen

Ana Carrillo

Carrie A. Cesavice

Andrea Hornberger

Jennifer Mayberry

Ronald Terry

Proofreading

Bonnie Mikkelson

Indexing

BIM Indexing & Proofreading Services

Media Development Project Manager

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Media Development Assistant Project Manager

Jenny Swisher

Media Development Associate Producer

Joshua Frank

Foreword

Congratulations!

Whether you are a new or expert user with AutoCAD, you have truly made a worthwhile investment with the AutoCAD 2010 & AutoCAD LT 2010 Bible. This book will be a valuable addition to your library that you will use on a regular basis as a reference and guide to using AutoCAD. With each release of AutoCAD and its new feature set, the AutoCAD Bible is an excellent resource for learning and getting up to speed quickly on all things AutoCAD.

Everything from the basics of AutoCAD to 3D and programming is covered in this book. The information is well organized, and a comprehensive index makes retrieving information that you need a cinch.

You'll see real-world examples and AutoCAD drawings on the DVD that will quickly help you to understand and learn new concepts through the exercises. Even more helpful is the fact that the drawings are available in both a before and after format, allowing you to use the after format as a reference.

Ellen has been writing books about AutoCAD for so long that she is practically a household name here at Autodesk and in the AutoCAD world. She is an active participant in our beta program and helps shape the direction of future releases of AutoCAD. You are truly learning from one of the finest and most experienced professionals in this field.

Although the in-depth coverage of this book may seem overwhelming, do not feel discouraged by the book's thickness. Pick out the tools that you want to learn about and then proceed from there. If you are interested in learning new features, pick a different topic each week to learn about it.

Thank you, Ellen, for creating another great edition of the AutoCAD Bible. I know our customers will benefit from reading it as I have.

Kathy O'ConnellAutoCAD Product ManagerAutodesk, Inc.

Acknowledgments

I would like to offer special thanks to Stephanie McComb, my acquisitions editor, who was very supportive throughout the writing of this book.

A huge thank-you goes to Jade Williams, whose infinite organizing power kept the book on track. Jade kept up with a seemingly infinite number of versions of text documents and images, coordinating the writing, editing, and production of the entire book.

My thanks to Lee Ambrosius, (www.hyperpicscom), the highly knowledgeable technical editor for most of the book. Lee's comments improved the book throughout. In addition, Lee and Brian Benton both took on chapters to update; their expert help made this huge project a lot easier. Finally, Darren Young did a superb job of technical editing for Lee's chapters. These three are AutoCAD authorities and you, the reader, benefit.

I also thank Marylouise Wiack for her precise editing of this very technical book, and all of the people at Wiley who helped with the production of this book and its DVD.

Thanks to Kathy O'Connell, AutoCAD Product Manager at Autodesk, Inc., for the excellent Foreword for this book. I also want to express my great appreciation to the members of Autodesk's beta and product teams who were very supportive throughout the beta period. They include Shaan (the great) Hurley, Nate Bartley, Eric Stover, Matt Stein, and many others.

Many people contributed drawings and software for this book. I'd like to thank all of them. They have helped to make this book the most comprehensive book on AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT available.

Finally, I would like to thank my husband, Evan, who helped out around the house while I was writing, writing, and writing. Without his support, I could not have completed this book.