Between the Lines

The First AutoCAD 2009 Books

These books/courseware are written by industry experts and the same courseware used by Autodesk Training Centers (ATC) around the world. These new books/courseware will be available worldwide in about 7-10 days from www.autodesk.com/store

AutoCAD 2009:  Transitioning from AutoCAD 2008 (English)

Using hands-on exercises, students learn about the productivity changes from AutoCAD^® 2008 to AutoCAD^® 2009. Students learn how to efficiently navigate the new ribbon tabs and panels and use the Menu Browser and Quick Access toolbar. This courseware teaches students how the interface works and how to customize it to their specific work style. Students also explore how to create custom action macros using the Action Recorder, which helps save time by automating daily routines. Additionally, students use the ViewCube and the Steering Wheel navigation tools to simplify the navigation of 2D and 3D space. Students learn how to create dynamic presentations by adding camera effects to drawing views using ShowMotion, and finally, students receive an overview of how to use the DWFx file format for sharing designs with the rest of the world.

Course Duration: 1 day.
(160 pages. Includes a 30-day trial of the software).

AutoCAD 2009 / AutoCAD LT 2009: Essentials (English)

Students learn the features, commands, and techniques for creating, editing, and printing drawings with AutoCAD^® 2009 and AutoCAD LT^® 2009. Using hands-on exercises, students explore how to create 2D production drawings.  This Essentials book can also prepare you to take the AutoCAD 2009 Certification Exams.

Course Duration: 3 days
(Volume 1 ~ 340 pages; Volume 2 ~ 250 pages Includes a 30-day trial of the software).

AutoCAD Rendering e-Book

Erhan Toker posted an 18 page detailed AutoCAD Rendering e-Book “Creating Render Materials in AutoCAD" from A to Z, for free on his Daily AutoCAD Blog. e-Book: Creating render materials in AutoCAD

Kudos and many thanks to both Erhan and Orhan for their excellent team in Turkey and all the knowledge they spread! The Daily AutoCAD blog is definitely a must subscribe RSS feed.

Thank You Authors!

I am far from knowing everything especially in design and Autodesk software or CAD Management. While I may know enough to be dangerous and have several years of experience, I am also intelligent enough to know that books, references, and knowing your resources are the true golden part of your knowledge. Many times in my years I have been told it is not what you can remember but knowing where to find the answers that matters.

Occasionally a nice author sends me a book as a courtesy as many have participated in the Autodesk product betas and some have even thanked me in the books forward which has always been a real honor to me. Many of the authors I know personally as the design world is really a small world once you get to know it and you are bound to bump into most anyone involved if they attend conferences or local events. This month I received 2 excellent reference books for my bookshelf of knowledge of which I refer to very often. They have never asked me to mention their books on the blog but I feel personally compelled to as a thank you and to possible assist the many readers of this blog to find great reference books and build their bookshelf of knowledge. While online resources are excellent there is still a special feel and use for a physical book and the portability of being able to take it with you camping or hiking.

• 
  AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 Bible by Ellen Finkelstein
  1296 pages and a DVD
  Available on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/AutoCAD-2008-LT-Bible/dp/0470120495

 

•  
  Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008 by Dana Probert, E.I.T., James Wedding P.E., Mark Scacco P.E., and Jason Hickey. 840 pages plus CD
  Available on Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-AutoCAD-Civil-3D-2008/dp/0470167408/

Thank You

Authors Rock!

Shaan

Back to School Means Autodesk Courseware Sale

The courseware team is having their annual “Back to School” courseware sale at the Autodesk eStore. (http://www.autodesk.com/estore). The Autodesk eStore is now able to sell and ship worldwide.

There’s 15% off on our 2008 titles now through October 15. 

 

 Here are some example titles for AutoCAD 2008 training:

• AutoCAD 2008 / AutoCAD LT 2008: Essentials AOTC

  Course Duration: 3 days
  Volume 1 - 340 pages; Volume 2 - 250 pages; 8.5 x 11
  Includes a 30-day trial CD

• AutoCAD 2008 / AutoCAD LT 2008: Esencial AATC (Spanish/English)
• AutoCAD 2008: Creating and Presenting 3D Models AOTC
• AutoCAD 2008: Intermediate AOTC
• AutoCAD 2008: Transitioning from AutoCAD 2007 AOTC

AutoCAD 2008 New Features Guide Feedback Request

The AutoCAD Team would like to get your feedback on the AutoCAD 2008 New Features Guide documentation. This is a simple simple online survey that can take less than one minute but will help us make decisions based on your feedback regarding the New Features Guide that was included in the AutoCAD 2008 box and as a PDF on the DVD located at \Docs\acad_nfg.pdf.

AutoCAD 2008 New Features Guide Online Survey

The New Features Guide introduces you to what's new in AutoCAD 2008 and if you have not taken a look, please take a moment and check it out as there is some very helpful information and exercises contained in it.

For those that have not tried AutoCAD 2008, see AutoCAD 2008 Features in Action

Or you can download AutoCAD 2008 for free here: 30-Day AutoCAD 2008 Trial Download

Happy Friday the 13th,
Shaan

AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 Bible by Ellen Finkelstein

Catching up from my email  due to recent travel and in taming my inbox I noticed Ellen Finkelstein announced she is releasing her new 1251 page AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD 2008 LT Book.

June 29, 2007 About the book: The new AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 Bible, the 8th edition of Ellen Finkelstein’s indispensable reference-tutorial book, is a comprehensive guide to the latest AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 releases. Published by Wiley, this “Bible” brings veterans up to speed on the latest features and brings novices from the basics right up to programming in AutoLISP and VBA. Some Autodesk employees even keep a copy at their desks. The Quick Start tutorial starts beginners with real-world work immediately. Following chapters cover the basics of creating drawings, complete 2D and 3D drawing techniques, using data in drawings, managing drawings, customization, and programming. The book includes a DVD with before and after drawings for each tutorial, collected from AutoCAD professionals. The DVD also contains a 30-day trial version of AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008, the entire text of the book in a searchable PDF format, and a selection of valuable add-on programs. AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 Bible (ISBN 978-0-470-12049-1, 1251 pages, $49.99) is available in bookstores, from Amazon.com, from Wiley.com, as well as from the author’s Web site at EllenFinkelstein.com.

Congratulations Ellen "cookie lady" Finkelstein!

Quote from my fellow team member Abhi Singh:
“Whether you’re new to AutoCAD or a veteran, you will undoubtedly find this book to be an excellent resource,” Abhi Singh, AutoCAD Product Manager, Autodesk, Inc.

This book is great for beginners as well as those power users and I have several of Ellen's books on my shelf. In addition to the comprehensive book you get a DVD with a trial version of AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008, exercise drawings both before and after, and the entire book in searchable PDF format.

Overview:

• Start drawing right away with the easy Quick Start project

• Master commands and procedures for 2D drawings

• Work in 3D with hiding, shading, and rendering techniques

• Automate drawing annotation and the display of layers in viewports

• Organize and share data

• Customize commands, toolbars, hatch patterns, and more

• Connect to external spreadsheets and extract essential data from your drawing objects

• Draw and display sophisticated 3D models

• Develop flexible, easy-to-use dynamic blocks

Check out her web site for great tips and tricks http://ellenfinkelstein.com/

Cheers,
Shaan

 

Technorati Tags: AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD 2008, AutoCAD LT 2008, AutoCAD Book, Autodesk, AutoCAD Training, Ellen Finkelstein

More AutoCAD 2008 Books Coming Out

Four new books from well respected and known authors are now coming out and Lee Ambrosius goes into greater detail in his blog post AutoCAD Books Coming Soon to a Store (or Web Site) Near You.

• AutoCAD 2008 3D Modeling Workbook For Dummies
  Author: Lee Ambrosius
• AutoCAD 2008 For Dummies
  Author: David Byrnes
• AutoCAD 2008 and AutoCAD LT 2008 Bible
  Author: Ellen Finkelstein
• AutoCAD 2008 Instructor
  Author: James Leach

Cheers,
Shaan

More AutoCAD Tool Palette Resources

Michael Beall wrote me in response to my unofficial Tool Palette themed posts this week on the blog and provided more resources for AutoCAD Tool Palettes.

Lee ( AutoCAD Master and Black Belt) Ambrosius has a Tool Palettes eBook available at http://www.hyperpics.com/eBooks/.  Lee also has a blog Beyond the UI http://hyperpics.blogs.com/beyond_the_ui/ which mentioned yesterday that new AutoCAD books from, several great authors are coming out.

AutoCAD Books Coming Soon to a Store (or Web Site) Near You.

In browsing Michael Beall's own site Michael's Corner, it shows he is an advocate of Tool Palettes and stated "the best thing since Layout tabs"; He has touched on Tool Palettes a total of 13 months in the archives of his monthly emailed (needs a RSS feed) AutoCAD tips and tutorials. http://www.cadtutor.net/corner/archive.php

 

 

Technorati tags: AutoCAD, AutoCAD 2008, Autodesk, AutoCAD Books, AutoCAD Tool Palettes, Michael Beall

New Book "Expert CAD Management – The Complete Guide" Released by Robert Green

Congratulations Robert!

The new book is tiled “Expert CAD Management – The Complete Guide” and is published by Sybex. Robert is a real expert in the field of CAD Management. Robert presents and writes on the subject in an easy to understand way and also teaches on how to communicate with management that may not understand CAD Management which is a real important topic for management buy-in for CAD Standards etc. I sat in on Robert's CAD Management class last week at AUGI CAD Camp in Salt Lake City.

"You're sure to find helpful techniques within this book to make your CAD management role more effective and productive." —Lynn Allen, Autodesk Technical Evangelist and Cadalyst columnist

"Robert Green draws on many years of real-world experience as a CAD manager and consultant to deliver recommendations that work for any size and type of organization. He's the top resource for CAD managers looking to increase performance and efficiency." —Sara Ferris, technology writer and editor, former editor of Cadalyst

"With over 20 years of experience, Robert Green is an accomplished expert who understands the issues and pressures revolving around CAD management. He has developed a strategy that is clear, concise, and direct in solving those issues." —Matt Murphy, speaker, trainer, and author, ACADventures

"In order to be effective as a CAD Manager, you must stay current and knowledgeable, and Robert Green has the subject covered for you." —Shaan Hurley, Worldwide MyFeedback Programs Manager, Autodesk, Inc.

"His timely tools and ideas have consistently placed him as one of the highest rated instructors and consultants in the Autodesk community, and now, we get a recap of those tools and ideas presented in a book. FINALLY!! Fantastic!!" —Dan Dolan, President, CADLearning by 4D Technologies

"Robert Green has a great combination of philosophy, real life experience, and raw data that can give you the insight and advantage over your competition." —Yoshi Honda, President, Pacific CADD Services, Inc.

Expert CAD Management is available at Robert's web site at http://www.cad-manager.com/book or from Amazon. Any books purchased from his web site will be imprinted with a personal note and signed.

Cheers,
Shaan

Technorati tags: CAD Management, Robert Green, Book, CAD, Sybex, Design

The First 2008 Series of AOTC Courseware are now Available

The first Autodesk Official Training Courseware (AOTC) titles are now available on the Autodesk eStore.

• AutoCAD® 2008: Transitioning from AutoCAD 2007
• AutoCAD® Architecture 2008: AutoCAD for Architects

The following titles will be available next week:

• AutoCAD® 2008 / AutoCAD® LT 2008: Essentials
• AutoCAD® 2008: Creating and Presenting 3D Models
• Autodesk® Inventor™ 2008: Essentials

These are the same training materials used by most Autodesk Authorized Training Centers (ATC) and Resellers, and they work quite well for self-paced, standalone learning. Most titles include 30-day trial discs, and all are chock-full of hands-on exercises to give you practice with the latest features and most important capabilities of Autodesk software.

At least 50 more titles will be available over the coming months, including dozens of local language versions of the most popular titles.

For more information on Courseware from Autodesk: www.autodesk.com/aotc
To purchase these and other titles in North America: www.autodesk.com/store Outside North America, contact your local ATC (www.autodesk.com/atc) or reseller

 

Technorati tags: Autodesk, AutoCAD.AutoCAD 2008, AutoCAD LT 2008, Autodesk Inventor 2008, AutoCAD Architecture 2008, Training, Books

AutoCAD 2008 DXF Reference - free download

A whopping 287 pages full of DXF Geek filled fun on the Autodesk DXF (Drawing eXchange Format) structure to allow the exchange of AutoCAD data with other products. I can almost hear the DXF geeks squealing outloud at the fun topics like "Persistent Inter-Object Reference Handles", "Arbitrary Axis Algorithm" and the ever popular "Group Codes". I hear some saying "but DXF files are larger and slower than the DWG", this is true of most any ASCII based file format compared to its binary sibling just look at XML or many other human readable formats compared to binary files. The nice part about a DXF file is that it allows exchange to other systems, programming, or data parsing all in a documented exchange format. DXF has been a good method for over 20 years now.

 

AutoCAD 2008 DXF v.u.22.1.01 PDF 1.80 MB
More documented DXF versions HERE

 

Technorati tags: Autodesk, DXF, AutoCAD, AutoCAD 2008, CAD, DWG

AutoCAD 2007 & AutoCAD LT 2007 Essentials Training

Do you perform training in a classroom environment or a group for AutoCAD 2007? The AOTC produces student and  instructor training content all packaged and ready to go for a low price. The content is written by AutoCAD professional instructors and authors. The user guides are also a training resource for someone to learn AutoCAD on their own in a structured format. This courseware is designed for the new user of AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.

http://www.autodesk.com/aotc

Courseware Description
This courseware is designed for the new AutoCAD^® & AutoCAD LT^® user who requires comprehensive training in AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT. It incorporates the features, commands, and techniques for creating, editing, and printing drawings with AutoCAD 2007 & AutoCAD LT 2007.

Hands-on exercises throughout the courseware explore how to create 2D production drawings. The exercises are provided in both a printed format as well as an onscreen format that can be viewed next to AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.

Suggested Course Duration:  3 days
Pages:   
Volume 1: 328
Volume 2: 228
AutoCAD Trial CD:  Yes
Onscreen Exercises Included?      Yes

Objectives
The primary objective of this courseware is to teach students the basic commands necessary for professional 2D drawing, design, and drafting using AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT. 

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Navigate the AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT user interface.
• Use the fundamental features of AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT.
• Use the precision drafting tools in AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT to develop accurate technical drawings.
• Present drawings in a detailed and visually impressive manner.

Course Outline

Day 1
Taking the AutoCAD Tour
• Navigating the Working Environment
• Working with Files
• Displaying Objects
Creating Basic Drawings
• Inputting Data
• Creating Basic Objects
• Using Object Snaps
• Using Polar Tracking and PolarSnap
• Using Object Snap Tracking
• Working with Units
• Using Function Keys
Manipulating Objects
• Selecting Objects in the Drawing
• Changing an Object’s Position
• Creating New Objects from Existing Objects
• Changing the Angle of an Object’s Position
• Creating a Mirror Image of Existing Objects
• Creating Object Patterns
• Changing an Object’s Size

Day 2
Drawing Organization and Inquiry Commands
• Using Layers
• Changing Object Properties
• Matching Object Properties
• Using the Properties Palette
• Using Linetypes
• Using Inquiry Commands
Altering Objects
• Trimming and Extending Objects to Defined Boundaries
• Creating Parallel and Offset Geometry
• Joining Objects
• Breaking an Object into Two Objects
• Applying a Radius Corner to Two Objects
• Creating an Angled Corner Between Two Objects
• Changing Part of an Object’s Shape
• Using Grips
Annotating Drawings
• Creating Multiline Text
• Creating Single Line Text
• Using Text Styles
• Editing Text
Hatching Objects
• Hatching Objects
• Editing Hatch Objects
Dimensioning
• Creating Dimensions
• Using Dimension Styles
• Editing Dimensions

Day 3
Working with Reusable Content
• Using Blocks
• Working with DesignCenter™
• Using Tool Palettes
Creating Additional Drawing Objects
• Working with Polylines
• Creating Splines
• Creating Ellipses
• Using Tables
Layouts and Plotting
• Using Layouts
• Using Page Setups
• Using Viewports
• Plotting Drawings
Template Drawing Creation
• Using Drawing Templates

 

Technorati tags: Autodesk, AOTC, AutoCAD 2007 Course, AutoCAD Training

Missed AU? Everyone can get the AU discounts on training courseware

The Autodesk Bookstore debuted at AU 2006, with specials on the dozens of Autodesk Official Training Courseware and Autodesk Learning Tools titles. Bookmarks in attendees bags advertised an AU special discount on the Autodesk e-store for 20% off. Books flew off the shelf and many titles quickly sold out.

If you didn't make it to AU, or if the title you wanted sold out before you could get your hands on it, you can still take advantage of this discount until December 31, 2006. Just use Promo Code "AU2006" when buying courseware from the Autodesk Store www.autodesk.com/eStore.

For more information on courseware from Autodesk, including a catalog of current titles, visit www.autodesk.com/aotc.

 

Technorati tags: Autodesk, Training, Courseware, Autodesk Official Training Courseware

Placing a String of Dimensions in AutoCAD

The following steps give an overview of semi-automating the placement of a string of dimensions with the Qdim command. This command only works for model space dimensioning.

1. Start the Qdim command.
2. Select the geometry to dimension using standard selection methods.

3. By default, a series of continuous dimensions is previewed. Right-click anywhere in the drawing to change the dimension types or options. Available options are: Continuous, Staggered, Baseline, Ordinate, Radius, Diameter, Datumpoint, Edit, and Settings.

4. Click to position the dimensions.

The dimensions are created.

The proceeding is an excerpt from the Autodesk Official Training Courseware "AOTC" for AutoCAD 2007.  You can purchase courseware from the Autodesk eStore on a number of products and topics. Many titles include excellent exercises to teach or learn Autodesk products.  The 15% discount sale continues through October 31st, 2006.
http://www.autodesk.com/aotc

AutoCAD 2007: Join Command Basics

When you use the Join command to join objects, the following rules apply.

Lines:
• Segments must be collinear.
• Segments can overlap.
• Segments can have a gap between them.

Polylines and splines:
• Must be coplanar.
• Must share a common endpoint.
• Segments cannot overlap.
• Lines and arcs can be joined to polylines if a polyline is selected as the source object.

Arcs:
• Must share the same circular path.
• Segments can overlap.
• Segments can have a gap between them.

Elliptical Arcs:
• Must share the same elliptical path.

Joining Arcs or Elliptical Arcs
When you join arcs or elliptical arcs together, the source object is always extended to the other objects in a counterclockwise direction. In the following image, the source arc is selected at point (1) while the other arc is selected at point (2). The source arc is extended counterclockwise to meet the other arc.

Procedure: Joining Lines with the Join Command

The following steps give an overview of joining lines using Join.
Procedure: Converting an Arc to a Circle with the Join Command
The following steps give an overview of converting an arc to a circle using Join.
1. On the Modify toolbar, click Join.
2. Select the source line.

3. Select the other lines to join to the source line and press ENTER.

 
The selected line segments are joined together.

Procedure: Converting an Arc to a Circle with the Join Command
1. On the Modify toolbar, click Join.
2. Select an arc.

3. Right-click and select Close on the shortcut menu.
4. The arc is converted to a circle.

The proceeding is an excerpt from the Autodesk Official Training Courseware "AOTC" for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 2007.  You can purchase courseware from the Autodesk eStore on a number of products and topics. Many titles include excellent exercises to teach or learn Autodesk products.  The 15% discount sale continues through October 15th, 2006.
http://www.autodesk.com/aotc

Back to School sale on the Autodesk e-Store

Save 15% on all Autodesk Official Training Courseware (AOTC) as well as select Media & Entertainment titles covering 3ds Max, Maya and StudioTools.

Below is a list of the AutoCAD 2007 AOTC titles

AutoCAD 2007 Creating 3D Models Released 12-Apr-06
AutoCAD & LT 2007 Essentials Released 18-Apr-06
AutoCAD 2007 Transitioning From AutoCAD 2006 Released 24-Apr-06
AutoCAD 2007 Conceptual Design Released 2-Jun-06
AutoCAD 2007 Designing & Managing Dynamic Blocks Released 22-Jun-06
AutoCAD 2007 Customizing the Interface Released 25-Jul-06
AutoCAD 2007 Transitioning from AutoCAD 2002 Released 31-Aug-06
AutoCAD 2007 CAD Management Released 27-Jul-06
AutoCAD 2007 Creating Intelligent Tables and Schedules Released 2-Aug-06
AutoCAD 2007 Printing and Plotting Your Drawings Released 1-Sep-06
AutoCAD 2007 Customizing with Tool Palettes Released 5-Sep-06

AutoCAD 2007 CAD Management Training

There is a newly released AOTC (Autodesk Official training Courseware) on CAD Management by well respected CAD Management figure Robert Green. The courseware is 377 pages and a CD of training designed for those that manage AutoCAD as a CAD Manager.

Contents:
Chapter 1: The CAD Management Mission (2 lessons)
Chapter 2: Installation Topology (2 lessons)
Chapter 3: Optimizing the Installation (4 lessons)
Chapter 4: Customizing the Installation (10 lessons)
Chapter 5: File Library Management (9 lessons)
Chapter 6: Standardizing the Installation (2 lessons)
Appendix A: Tools and Resources
Appendix B: Additional Resources

The book should be available soon from the AOTC eStore as I just got my copy as well as the AOTC courseware for AutoCAD 2007 Creating Intelligent Tables and Schedules.

Another AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT Book: AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies

I just spotted a new book authored by two people I know Lee Ambrosius and David Byrnes. Congratulations on the new book!

I love the statement on the front “10 Books in 1”.

AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies
David Byrnes, Lee Ambrosius
ISBN: 0-471-75260-6
816 pages

Ellen Finkelstein's AutoCAD 2007 and AutoCAD LT 2007 Bible is Released

Congratulations Ellen!

Amazon.com link AutoCAD 2007 and AutoCAD LT 2007 Bible