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What is AutoCAD? What is the versions and uses of AutoCAD?

What is AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) program used for 2-D and 3-D design and drafting. This application was developed and marketed by Autodesk.  


Versions of AutoCAD?
Release no. Versions Released Date Description
1 AutoCAD 1.0 Dec-82 It was the first initial release of AutoCAD. It was demonstrated at the Comdex (computer expo trade show). The file format DWG R1.0 was introduced during the time of release.
2 AutoCAD 1.2 Apr-83 It was released after the first initial version. The file format DWG R1.2 was introduced.
3 AutoCAD 1.3 Aug-83 The file format DWG R1.3 was introduced. This version introduced add on features such as configuration, justified text, adjustment of alignment and plot origin, grid spacing, large plotter, standardized color numbers, and addition of header information in the DXF file.
4 AutoCAD 1.4 Oct-83 Some of the features were added, such as text fonts, ZOOM, and block enhancements, new commands (HATCH, UNITS, BREAK, FILLET, AXIS, and SKETCH), arrays, snap mode, aligned text, status line, rotation angle, and control keys.
5 AutoCAD 2.0 Oct-84 This version introduced add on features such as line type, text styles, attributes, the extension of area command, dynamic specifications, angle, commands (SAVE, VIEW, MIRROR, O SNAP, QTEXT, V SLIDE, M SLIDE, and ENDSV), etc.
6 AutoCAD 2.1 May-85 Some of the features were added, such as LIMITS, FILLET extended, 3D Visualization, polylines, layer, freeze command, holding values, new commands (CHAMFER, DXBIN, PRPLOT, BLIPMODE), etc.
7 AutoCAD 2.5 Jun-86 This version introduced add on features such as UNDO/REDO facility, PAN, ZOOM, enhanced keyboard, menu loading and capacity becomes faster than the previous version, COP, TIME, POINT, PLOT, RESUME, MINSERT, extended memory, angles, and commands (OFFSET, POLYGON, EXTEND, EXPLODE, MEASURE, STRETCH, MEASURE, etc.).
8 AutoCAD 2.6 Apr-87 Some of the features were added, such as 3D line and 3D face entities, REDRAW command, enhancement of DIMZIN, and AREA dimensioning variable.
9 AutoCAD R9 Sep-87 The R in these versions stands for Release. This version was based on the 8086 families of microprocessors. The R9 was the first version of AutoCAD that required an 80x87 math coprocessor. The additional features were MULTIPLE command modifier, spline curves, advanced user interface, etc.
10 AutoCAD R10 Oct-88 The added features include several linetypes, PURGE command, and viewports command. It also consists of the additional 3D capabilities commands such as UCSICON, line, DVIEW, 3D polish, 3D mesh, etc.
11 AutoCAD R11 Oct-90 The additional features in the R11 version include multiple viewports, several dimension enhancements commands such as DIMSCALE, DIMBLK, DIMCLRT, DIMCLRE, network support features, TILEMODE system variables, etc.
12 AutoCAD R12 Jun-92 The R12 version is more compatible with the previous (R11) version. After the configuration of this version, the AutoCAD displays the graphics screen, and the main menu has been eliminated. Some features were included, such as object snap, dimensioning, plot, hatch, etc.
13 AutoCAD R13 Nov-94 It includes the enhancement of all the commands.
14 AutoCAD R14 Feb-97 The added features include drawing productive tools (template drawings), customization tools, and management tools.
15 AutoCAD 2000 Mar-99 The introduction of various platforms, such as floating toolbars, screen layout, drawing preview, spelling checker, dimensioning styles, and families. The commands such as lengthen, extend, grouping, parallel lines, Boolean operations, etc.
16 AutoCAD 2000i Jul-00 The new capabilities were introduced from the worldwide design community resulting increase in drawing productivity, performance, usability, speed, design. The commands such as polyline, quick select, color, plot, trim, grips, fillet, etc. were introduced.
17 AutoCAD 2002 Jun-01 This version offers the power of collaborative designs. The introduction of the block, edit, and enhanced attributes, text scaling, spell checking, layer translator, data storage via the web, etc.
18 AutoCAD 2004 Mar-03 It includes new Express tools, a new tool palettes, sharing of files with Ease, and better efficiency.
19 AutoCAD 2005 Mar-04 It introduces new standard to increase the productivity of CAD, the evolution of design technology, etc.
20 AutoCAD 2006 Mar-05 This version introduces drafting and documentation tools, such as hatch, block, multiline text, dimensioning, streamline, tool palettes, etc.
21 AutoCAD 2007 Mar-06 The concept of visualizing, design, share, and documentation was implemented in this version to work efficiently.
22 AutoCAD 2008 Mar-07 It includes enhanced tables, annotation scaling, text, key, and leader enhancements.
23 AutoCAD 2009 Mar-08 The added features include a user interface, navigation bar, commands (block, array, and purge), technology IPv6, modern interface, and enhanced look.
24 AutoCAD 2010 Mar-09 The added features include 3D printing, free-form design, parametric drawing, and pdf enhancements.
25 AutoCAD 2011 Mar-10 The features include 3D Gizmos, updated UCS icon, background and grid colors, extended X and Y origin lines, Workspace menu, Viewcube in 2D frame, new navigation bar, etc.
26 AutoCAD 2012 Mar-11 The features included online storage, new arrays, multifunctional grips, content explorer, Pickauto setting, better snap mode, deletion of duplicate objects, etc.
27 AutoCAD 2013 Mar-12 The additional features such as OFFSET preview, array and online enhancements, improved PRESSPULL command, etc.
28 AutoCAD 2014 Mar-13 It includes command-line improvements, Xref upgrades, natural sort, file tabs, and Merge selected layers.
29 AutoCAD 2015 Mar-14 The features included are drafting, viewport resizing, block galleries, printable online maps and new text alignment.
30 AutoCAD 2016 Mar-15 The additional features of 2016 version are Mtext enhancements, smart dimensioning, easy editing revision clouds, status bar wrap, variable monitor, etc.
31 AutoCAD 2017 Mar-16 The features included are Autodesk app, sharing drawings, centerline, center marks, making 3D print file, migrate custom settings, and enhanced graphics.
32 AutoCAD 2018 Mar-17 The additional features are user interface, PDF Import, object selection, high-resolution monitor, share designs, external file references, etc.
33 AutoCAD 2019 Apr-18 The features included are Map 3D, Mechanical design, electrical design, architecture, new AutoCAD web and mobile app, raster design, and MEP (Mechanical Electrical Pumping).
34 AutoCAD 2020 Mar-19 The features included are block palettes, enhanced DWG, drawing annotation, quick measurements, cloud storage connectivity, etc.



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Draw a line using polar co-ordinate system in AutoCAD

1. Open AutoCAD software from desktop short cut or from start menu.   2. Now type "LINE" and press ENTER KEY. Then enter 0,0 as first point of the line.   3. Then type 5<30 as second point of the line. This "<" symbol is used for the line point moves to 30 degrees from positive x-axis. 4.  Now again type 2.45<270 as next point of the line. 5. After generating the line press <Esc> key from key board to exit from line command. The lines shown like below image. BACK to Day-1 Lessions CLICK HERE to get CAD HOME Work help or project help (paid)

How to draw construction lines with angle in AutoCAD

1. a) Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut icon or start menu. b) Open previously saved document. 2.Click on the drop down arrow near Draw and select “XLINE” tool. 3.Select “Ang” option from command window. 4.AutoCAD prompts for angle to specify. 5.Type “45” as offset angle and press ENTER KEY. 6.Acquired midpoint of inclined line and pick a point of construction line. 7.Press ENTER KEY to exit form XLINE command. 8.Now select XLINE tool from Draw panel. 9.Click on “Offset” tool icon from modify panel. 10.Now AutoCAD prompts for offset distance. 11.Type “.5” as offset distance and press ENTER KEY. 12.Now select the angled construction line. 13.And move the cursor bottom right side and pick a point. 14.Again select angled construction line. 15.Move the cursor top left side and pick a point. 16.Now press ENTER KEY to exit from XLINE command. 17.Save the drawing by click on quick save icon from quick access menu tool bar.

Steps to how we navigate the drawing in AutoCAD

1. a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut menu. b)Select new document icon from quick access toolbar and open “ansi-a” template. c)Now click on model layout tab. d)Click on “LINE” command from draw panel. e)Now move the cursor to 4 units in X axis and 2 units in Y axis and pick the line stating point. f)Now move the cursor 2 units horzontally rights side and pick another point of the line. g)Like wise above steps move the cursor or cross hair to required points shown bellow image and pick the points to get the required shape. h)Finally enter “C” to close the line. i)And draw circle by using Circle command. j)Now select Zoom window command icon from View ribbon Navigate 2D panel. 2. 3. After clicking the opposite corner point now we can see the selected window filled with workspace display. See the image below. 4. After clicking the zoom previous icon from quick access tool bar. Now we can see the drawing with previous zoom. 5. After clicking Zoom Extents o...

Exploring the AutoCAD user interface

When working with any application we must need to know the User interface for getting speed up the work with all tools in the application. 1. Open AutoCAD application from desktop short cut or start menu. 2. Now click on the big “A” icon locatated near top left corner of the application interface. 3. Now using mouse select the each option from the list displayed. 4. Click on Home menu to view the Home menu ribbon. 5. Click on drop down arrow near Draw panel to view the total draw tools. See the below image with expanded draw tools. 6. Now click on the drop down arrow near Circle to view circle sub options list. 7. Now select 3-Point Circle. 8. Now press “Esc” key from key board to exit from circle command. 9. Then see the circle icon again, it looks like 3 point circle icon setted as default. See the bellow image. 10. Right click on home ribbon to view pop up menu and move the cursor on to “Show panels” and turn off the “Draw” option. Now observe draw panel is di...

Change the layers to drawing elements in AutoCAD

1. a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut menu. b)Select new document icon from quick access toolbar and open “ansi-a” template. c)Now click on model layout tab. d)Click on “LINE” command from draw panel. e)Now move the cursor to 4 units in X axis and 2 units in Y axis and pick the line stating point. f)Now move the cursor 2 units horzontally rights side and pick another point of the line. g)Like wise above steps move the cursor or cross hair to required points shown bellow image and pick the points to get the required shape. h)Finally enter “C” to close the line. i)And draw circle by using Circle command. Now pick a point, that bellow left to the created object by usinng left mouse button and move the cursor upwards left. 2.After picking a point top right to the created object then we can see the all entities in the enclosed window appeared with blue boxes. 3.Now hold down the key from key board and select the blue colored center lines by using left mouse but...

step by step procedure to locking and unlocking layers in AutoCAD

1. a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut menu. b)Select new document icon from quick access toolbar and open “ansi-a” template. c)Now click on model layout tab. d)Click on “LINE” command from draw panel. e)Now move the cursor to 4 units in X axis and 2 units in Y axis and pick the line stating point. f)Now move the cursor 2 units horzontally rights side and pick another point of the line. g)Like wise above steps move the cursor or cross hair to required points shown bellow image and pick the points to get the required shape. h)Finally enter “C” to close the line. i)And draw circle by using Circle command. j)And draw the center lines. k)Then apply it’s layers accordingly. Now select layers drop down arrow to see the total layer types. Now click on Lock icon of object layer and we can observe lock to be closed. See the image bellow. 2.Now double click circle element then AutoCAD shows the quick properties dailog box. 3.Now click on radius box in quick properti...

Step by step procedure to select an object in AutoCAD 2015

1. a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut menu. b)Select new document icon from quick access toolbar and open “ansi-a” template. c)Now click on model layout tab. d)Click on “LINE” command from draw panel. e)Now move the cursor to 4 units in X axis and 2 units in Y axis and pick the line stating point. f)Now move the cursor 2 units horzontally rights side and pick another point of the line. g)Like wise above steps move the cursor or cross hair to required points shown bellow image and pick the points to get the required shape. h)Finally enter “C” to close the line. i)And draw circle by using Circle command. j)And draw the center lines. k)Then apply it’s layers accordingly. Pick a point (point 1 shown in below iamge) above the circle element and move the cursor left downwards. 2.Now we can observe the dashed rectangle filled with green color. 3.Now pick another point of selection below the circle. 4.Select Erase tool from modify panel. 5.Now click on Undo ic...

how to edit objects with multiple grips in AutoCAD 2015

1. a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut menu. b)Select new document icon from quick access toolbar and open “ansi-a” template. c)Now click on model layout tab. d)Click on “LINE” command from draw panel. e)Now move the cursor to 4 units in X axis and 2 units in Y axis and pick the line stating point. f)Now move the cursor 2 units horizontally rights side and pick another point of the line. g)Like wise above steps move the cursor or cross hair to required points shown bellow image and pick the points to get the required shape. h)Finally enter “C” to close the line. i)And draw circle by using Circle command. j)And draw the center lines. k)Then apply it’s layers accordingly. Press <ESC> key from key board to deselect all elements and commands. 2.Select the lines by sequence like shown below. 3.Now hold down the key from key board and select the two grips.   4.Release the shift key and pick highlighted grip and move the cursor. 5.Move the c...

How to edit objects with help of Grips in AutoCAD 2015

1. a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut menu. b)Select new document icon from quick access toolbar and open “ansi-a” template. c)Now click on model layout tab. d)Click on “LINE” command from draw panel. e)Now move the cursor to 4 units in X axis and 2 units in Y axis and pick the line stating point. f)Now move the cursor 2 units horzontally rights side and pick another point of the line. g)Like wise above steps move the cursor or cross hair to required points shown bellow image and pick the points to get the required shape. h)Finally enter “C” to close the line. i)And draw circle by using Circle command. j)And draw the center lines. k)Then apply it’s layers accordingly. After selecting circle we can observe the selection grip boxes on circle. 2.Now select two center lines also by clicking on it with left mouse button. 3.Now pick the center grip box of circle. 4.Now move the cursor right side horizontally and enter the value “3.5”. Then press Enter key from...