AutoCAD 2004

Introduction

01-AutoCAD and Architecture
02-The GUI and Windows
03-Customizing the Interface
04-Drawing Lines
05-Starting a New Drawing
06-Saving a Drawing

Practice Drawing

07-Drawing Straight Lines
08-Modify Commands
09-Zoom Commands
10-Pan and Zoom Features
11-Selecting Objects/Entities
12-Grips
13-Develop Drawing Style

Creating an Architectural Drawing - Method A

14-Sketch File
15-Format Units and Point of Origin
16-Drawing Exact Length Lines
17-Save and Offset Lines
18-Copy Lines and Object Snap
19-Using Object Snaps
20-Save and Trim Command
21-Trim and Undo
22-Fillet Command
23-UCS Icon and Distance Command
24-Circle and Move Command
25-Line and Trim Command
26-Drawing Comments and Close File

Printing a Drawing - Part I

Basic Printing Features
Review Printing and the Scale Factor

Creating an Architectural Drawing - Method B

Common Steps and Regen Command
Modifying Lines
Extend Command
Mirror Command
Rotate Command

Introduction to Layers

Drawing a Kitchen Table
Introduction to Layers
Creating Entities and Layers
Layer Properties
Modifying Entities and Layers
Polar Tracking and Mirror Command
Express Tools: Layers
List Command and Layer Standards

Drawing with Layers and Linetypes

Creating a Sketch and Drawing a Kitchen
Creating Layers
Drawing Techniques
Continue Drawing and Modifying
Drawing the Window
Drawing the Door
Drawing the Cabinets
Drawing the Refrigerator
Drawing the Sink
Drawing the Stove

Linetypes

Formatting the Linetype
Modifying Lines
Autosave Feature and Closing the Drawing

Hatch Patterns

Adding a Hatch Pattern to the Floor
Adding a Hatch Pattern to the Walls
Modifying a Hatch Pattern
Using Snapbase when Hatching

The Architectural Scale Factor

What is the Scale Factor?
Calculating the Scale Factor - Three Methods
Calculating the Scale Factor - Two Methods
The Scale Factor Chart

Text

Preparing a Sketch and Formatting Text
Drawing Text Using the Scale Factor
Modify Text Location
Object Snap Tracking
Text Properties
Dtext and Mtext

Dimensions

Anatomy of a Dimension
Formatting a Dimension Style
Entering Values for Dimension Style
Entering Values Continued
Drawing Dimension Lines
Editing Dimension Lines
Continuous Dimensions
Creating a New Dimension Style
Dimensioning Tips

Creating Blocks and Wblocks

What are Blocks and Wblocks?
Creating a Block
Inserting a Block
Redefine a Block
Creating a Wblock
Inserting a Wblock
Purging Block Definitions
Using DesignCenter to Insert Blocks/Wblocks

Polylines

Creating Polylines
Creating a Border Using Polylines
Adding Text
Stretch Command

Model Space and Paper Space

Purpose of Model Space and Paper Space
Composing the Final Drawing - Model Space
Composing the Final Drawing - Paper Space
Psltscale System Variable

Printing a Drawing - Part II

Printing the Final Drawing Using Plot Styles
Printing Options
Model Space and Paper Space Printing

Conclusion

Final Words on AutoCAD

Sketch File

CAD Tutorials: AutoCAD 2004 for Architects - Main Page

Sketching is a very important tool for a designer. Not only is it possible to make visual records of existing designs, but it is also useful to work out new design ideas. A sort of visual brainstorming, to consider first thoughts in greater depth and refine initial ideas.

It can also be used to communicate design ideas to other people. Words on their own are not enough to describe an idea. In fact it can lead to confusion because what a description means in someone's mind might mean something quite different in someone else's.

Often designers begin to explain an idea and usually agree that it would be best if they'd sketch it. It then becomes very easy to see what they mean. For the same reasons, sketches are great to use when discussing a project with a client. It keeps matters clear and simple and never fails to impress.

Sketches do not have to be works of art. Their primary function should be informative and communicate design ideas. It is important to consider this point because I often see students who almost refuse to use sketches to help them develop and communicate their ideas because they do not have a lot of confidence in their drawing abilities. Often however, when they do produce sketches, they are good and very useful. So you shouldn't shy away from sketching.

AutoCAD drawings require input of dimensions and more details than required at this stage, while in sketches accuracy and details are not what is important.

Sketching is a faster way to develop design ideas.

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