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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 a line using cartesian coordinate system on graph paper?

The Cartesian coordinate system in two dimensions (also called a rectangular coordinate system) is defined by an ordered pair of perpendicular lines (axes), a single unit of length for both axes and an orientation for each axis. The lines are commonly referred to as the x- and y-axes where the x-axis is horizontal and the y-axis is vertical. The point where the axes meet is taken as the origin for both, thus turning each axis into a number line. For a given point P, a line is drawn through P perpendicular to the x-axis to meet it at X and a second line is drawn through P perpendicular to the y-axis to meet it at Y. The coordinates of P are then X and Y interpreted as numbers x and y on the corresponding number lines. The coordinates are written as an ordered pair (x,y). BACK to Day-1 Lessions CLICK HERE to get CAD HOME Work help or project help (paid)

How to use Cartesian Coordinates in AutoCAD

Cartesian co-ordinate system is used to represent the X and Y coordinate values. We can draw elements by using a Cartesian coordinate system in AutoCAD. Generally in Cartesian coordinate system the x and y coordinate values are separated with comma (“,”). 1. See the two-dimensional cartesian coordinate grid system in the below image. 2. Generally co-ordinate system represents with its x and y co-ordinate values enclose with brackets. The first value in the enclosed brackets is for X value and the second value in the enclosed brackets if for Y value. The below image represents the line from (2,1) to (4,5). Syn: Type "LINE" and press ENTER KEY from key board. (the data we typed is inserted in command window). Then type 2,1 and press ENTER KEY. Then again type 4,5 and press ENTER KEY. Press <Esc> (escape) key to exit from line command. 3. The bellow line is drawn from (-2,-1) to (0,0). Syn: Type "LINE" and press ENTER KEY from key board. (th...

how to freezing and thawing 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 and select Objects layer. 2.Now click on layer drop down arrow and click on sun mark shown near center named layer and see the drawing. Here we can observe the center lines are disappear After clicking the sun mark the elemen...

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.

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...

Procedure to change linetyp spacing in Paper space in AutoCAD

1. a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut icon or start menu. b)Click on “Open icon” and select “CH14_EXERCISE1” file then click on “Open” button to open the document. 2.Type “LAYER” and press ENTER KEY then create two layers with shown properties in the below image. 3.Type “PSLTSCALE” and press ENTER KEY then type “1” for PSLTSCALE value. 4.Type “LTSCALE” and press ENTER KEY then set “1” as linetype scale. 5.Switch the “ANSI D Title Block” by clicking on the layout tab. 6.Now click on “Maximize Viewport” button from status bar. 7.Now select “A-Roof-Otln” layer as current from layer list. 8.Draw the like shown below. 9.Now set “A-Site-Prop” layer from list of layers. 10.Now draw a outer line like shown below. 11.Now click on “ANSI B Title Block” layout tab to switch to it. 12.Now we can observe that newly drawn boxes appeared in 1/8” = 1’-0” scaled viewport. 13.Now save the document by clicking on quick save icon from quick access tool bar.

How to create new layers in AutoCAD

1. a) Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut menu. b) Click on Layer properties icon from home menu ribbon. 2. After clicking new layer icon, a new layer created with default name “Layer 1” now we can edit this name as “Dim” and press Enter Key from key board. Then the layer created with named as Dim. 3. Again press ENTER KEY to repeat the last command i.e. create a new layer. Then change layer name as “Object”. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.Save the drawing by clicking on save icon from quick access tool bar. BACK to Day-2 Lessions

Procedure to publish the drawing set in AutoCAD

1. a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut icon or start menu. b)Click on “Open icon” and select “welding_fx” file from database files then click on “Open” button to open the document. 2.Type “PUBLISH” command and press ENTER KEY. 3.Select “Welding_fix-Model” from sheet name list and click on “Remove” button. 4.Select “DWF” option from Publish to list. 5.Click on “Publish options” button. 6.Make sure “Multi-sheet file” as Type and “Include” as Layer information for general dwf options. 7.Click on Preview button to preview the drawing and click on close preview button. 8.Click on “Publish” button and give name as “CH15_EXERCISE5” and press ok button. 9.Click on “NO” button.

How to start AutoCAD software in windows operating system?

1. Click on window button located near left bottom corner then click on AutoDesk or AutoCAD folder then select "AutoCAD" to open the software. or Type "AutoCAD" in the search box located near bottom left corner of the desktop then right click on the displayed application the select "Run as administrator" option. 2. Then AutoCAD application opened look like bellow image. (it will take time depending upon the system configuration). 3. Basic user interface of the AutoCAD application. BACK to Day-1 Lessions CLICK HERE to get CAD HOME Work help or project help (paid)