Introduction to Drafting and AutoCAD 2D

Software Requirements

Operating System Software Required

This book was designed to be used on AutoCAD software that was designed for the Windows operating system.

AutoCAD Software Required

This book was written to be used with AutoCAD 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. You must have one of these software packages installed on your computer to complete the lab exercises in the book.

Template Files Required for the AutoCAD 2D book

To complete the lab exercises in this book, you must have the four template files, that accompany it, on your hard drive. Module 2 will teach you how to use them.

About the Book

Philosophy of the AutoCAD 2D book

The AutoCAD 2D Self-paced book was written as a tool to guide and teach you to master AutoCAD. No two students learn at the same pace, therefore the book was written with competency-based modules. The competency-based modules are bite-size pieces that allow you to work at your own pace. They can be used to learn by distance education, correspondence, online, instructor-lead classes, or by individuals teaching themselves to use AutoCAD in their own home or office.

Scope of the AutoCAD books

There are five AutoCAD Self-paced books. They are AutoCAD 2D, AutoCAD 3D, AutoCAD 2D Advanced, AutoCAD 3D Advanced, and AutoLISP.

Suggested Prerequisites

To get the most from this book, it is suggested that you have a working knowledge of Windows operating system. At the very least, you must have the ability to create folders plus move, copy, rename, and delete files.

Book Structure and Components

The modules in the AutoCAD 2D book were written in a very logical step-by-step order. The following information will help you get the most from this book.

The Modules

The modules in the book were written as bite-size pieces in a precise order and contain the information that is required to learn AutoCAD 2D.

Do not skim through the modules. Read each page and ensure that everything is understood in each module. Do not jump around inside the module or from module to module.

Work methodically through each module, page by page.

As you work your way through each module, try to understand all the information it contains. To ensure that it is understood, you must be able to complete the lab exercises to prove it.

Only when everything in the module is understood and you can complete the lab exercises, in the specified time limit, should you go to the next module.

Each module may contain Must Know’s, User Tips, Workalongs, Lessons, Key Principles, and Lab Exercises.

Must Knows

Most modules contain user Must Knows. You must understand and retain each one of these principles as you work your way through the modules. If you cannot understand any one of them, read back through the module. Do not go on until you fully understand it.

Geometry and Drafting Lessons

Some modules contain drafting and/or geometry lessons. They are included to teach users who do not have any previous drafting/design knowledge or experience. They may also be handy for drafters or designers who need a refresher lesson.

If you already know and understand the theory in the lesson, you can skip it and go on to the next topic in the module. Knowing the theory taught in the lessons will help you complete the lab exercises.