AutoCAD 2-D Basics

John Andrew, P.E.

Course Outline

This 6 PDH course summarizes the AutoCAD tools and methods for making typical multi-view two dimensional: manufacturing plant plans, elevations, mechanical and structural engineering drawings, flow charts, process, instrumentation and electrical power and control diagrams.

The techniques described here include all versions of AutoCAD released during the past 10 years, including releases 14 to 2007. AutoCAD LT is 2-dimensional and AutoCAD Professional is 2 & 3 dimensional.

The methods described are applicable to the: Mechanical, Structural, Industrial, Chemical, Electrical, and Civil engineering disciplines.

AutoCAD software is not required to study these notes and answer questions in the quiz.

The course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course the student will:

1. have seen examples of typical AutoCAD drawings.

2. have an engineering drawing check list.

3. be able to create and save drawings within ANSI Title Blocks.

4. know how to:
a. draw horizontal and vertical lines.
b. draw lines at any angle.
c. draw lines of predetermined length.
d. create circles of known diameter.
e. add dimensions to a drawing.
f. add upper and lower limit dimensions to a part.
g. add ± dimensions to a part.
h. open and dock the: Draw, Modify, and Dimension Tool Bars.

5. know how to use the Draw tool bar tools: Line, Polyline, and Circle.

6. know how to use the Modify tool bar tools: Erase, Copy, Mirror, Array, Move, Rotate, Scale, Stretch, Chamfer, and Fillet.

7. know how to use the Dimension tool bar tools: Linear, Aligned, Ordinate, Diameter, and Angle.

8. be able to work with the: "Dimension Style Manager", dialog box, Text and Fit dialogs.

9. Know how to operate the following commands:

a. Line Type Scale.
b. Line.
c. Dimension.
d. Object Snap.
e. Snap to Grid Points.
f. Rotate.
g. Copy.
h. Move.
i. Mirror.
j. Fillet.
k. Chamfer.
l. Trim.
m. Array.
n. Scale.
o. Stretch.
p. Erase.
q. View Resolution
r. Tolerance
s. Text

10. Understand the use of the toggle function keys:
a. f3 to turn Object Snap on and off.
b. f7 to turn Grid on and off.
c. f8 to turn Ortho on and off.
d. f9 to turn Snap to Grid points on and off.

11. Learn the use of the Model Space and Layout areas.

12. Be able to obtain hard copies of drawings using the, "Plot - Model" dialog box.

13. Insert a drawing into an ANSI Title Block using the, "Select Template" dialog box.

14. Have a list of 34 "Quick Key" commands.

Intended Audience

The information will be especially useful to: students, entrepreneurs, engineers, architects, and innovators who want to be able to make Computer Added Drawings (CAD).

Benefit to Attendees

Attendee of this course will know how to make scale dimensioned engineering and architectural drawings and diagrams with all releases of AutoCAD from 14 to 2007.


Course Introduction

The AutoCAD release 2007 manual has over 1000 pages. This lesson has only 60 pages but the most used drawing methods are described, enabling the reader to make all types of two dimensional engineering diagrams and drawings.

Course Content

The course content is in a PDF file (5 MB) AutoCAD 2-D Basics.

Please click on the above underlined hypertexts to view, download or print the documents for your study. Because of the large file size, we recommend that you first save the file to your computer by right clicking the mouse and choosing "Save Target As ...", and then open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Course Content Outline

1. AutoCAD Drawing Examples
2. AutoCAD Toolbars
3. Common AutoCAD Commands
4. Flat Plate With Four Holes
5. Generic Hub
6. Dimensional Tolerances
7. Model Space and Layout
8. Drawing Check List
9. 2-D AutoCAD Command List
10 Related Links

Course Summary

A brief and to the point automation summary is provided in these notes that will provide information that can be used to create AutoCAD drawings and diagrams.

Related Links

For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:

The AutoCAD home page at: http://www.autocad.com.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office Home Page at http://www.uspto.gov Provides links to information about all aspects pertaining to invention patents.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

---

DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

---