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Professional CAD/CAM tools built on Inventor and AutoCAD
Integrated BIM tools, including Revit, AutoCAD, and Civil 3D
Professional CAD/CAM tools built on Inventor and AutoCAD
Learn the AutoCAD interface and basic navigation techniques, as well as how to start projects and save your work.
Type:
Tutorial
Length:
3 min.
Transcript
00:00
Welcome to AutoCAD!
00:03
This short video will set the stage for your trial.
00:06
From crafting precise architectural plans to designing intricate mechanical components,
00:12
AutoCAD gives you the power to accelerate your creativity.
00:16
The key to learning AutoCAD is first understanding the interface,
00:20
starting with the Start tab, your home base.
00:23
Here you can access recent projects, explore templates, or kick things off with a brand new drawing.
00:30
Clicking New opens a blank canvas ready for your next idea.
00:35
At the top, you'll find the ribbon, your toolbox for everything from drawing and editing to annotating and managing layers.
00:41
Each tab groups tools by function, so you always know where to look.
00:46
And at the bottom, the command line is your direct link to AutoCAD features.
00:50
Just type the command and AutoCAD springs into action.
00:54
It can even help predict what you're looking for.
00:56
Now let's get you moving around your workspace.
00:59
Within AutoCAD, your mouse is your navigation tool.
01:02
Use a left click to select objects or activate tools and commands.
01:07
Right click opens a helpful contextual menu.
01:10
Use the scroll wheel to zoom in and out of your design.
01:13
Need to reposition your view?
01:15
Just click and hold the wheel to pan across the workspace.
01:19
Want to zoom into a specific detail?
01:21
Use the scroll wheel while hovering over that area.
01:25
AutoCAD adjusts instantly to your focus as you zoom in.
01:28
Starting a project is simple.
01:30
Click New to create a blank workspace or Open to pick up where you left off.
01:35
AutoCAD also provides templates to help you jump start specific types of designs.
01:40
Once you've started, saving your work is critical.
01:43
Just click the save icon in the top corner or press Control S.
01:47
For the first save, AutoCAD will prompt you to name your file and choose a location.
01:51
After that, saving is seamless,
01:53
just a quick click and your progress is secure.
01:56
Now let's talk about the Model and Layout tabs,
01:59
two essential tools for organizing your work.
02:02
The Model tab is where all the action happens.
02:06
Think of it as your infinite drawing space, where you create and edit your designs in full scale.
02:11
Switching to the Layout tabs, you'll see a whole new view.
02:14
Layouts let you prepare your drawings for printing or a presentation by setting up viewports, title blocks, and scales.
02:21
This is where your design goes from workspace to a polished deliverable.
02:25
Switching between them is easy,
02:27
just click the tabs at the bottom of your screen.
02:29
Need to edit your design?
02:31
Jump back to the Model tab.
02:32
Ready to present? Head to your layouts.
02:35
You've just taken your first steps into AutoCAD and learned the basics:
02:39
navigating the interface, starting projects, and saving your work.
02:44
In our next video, we'll show you how to start drawing with precision,
02:47
transforming simple lines into something extraordinary.
Video transcript
00:00
Welcome to AutoCAD!
00:03
This short video will set the stage for your trial.
00:06
From crafting precise architectural plans to designing intricate mechanical components,
00:12
AutoCAD gives you the power to accelerate your creativity.
00:16
The key to learning AutoCAD is first understanding the interface,
00:20
starting with the Start tab, your home base.
00:23
Here you can access recent projects, explore templates, or kick things off with a brand new drawing.
00:30
Clicking New opens a blank canvas ready for your next idea.
00:35
At the top, you'll find the ribbon, your toolbox for everything from drawing and editing to annotating and managing layers.
00:41
Each tab groups tools by function, so you always know where to look.
00:46
And at the bottom, the command line is your direct link to AutoCAD features.
00:50
Just type the command and AutoCAD springs into action.
00:54
It can even help predict what you're looking for.
00:56
Now let's get you moving around your workspace.
00:59
Within AutoCAD, your mouse is your navigation tool.
01:02
Use a left click to select objects or activate tools and commands.
01:07
Right click opens a helpful contextual menu.
01:10
Use the scroll wheel to zoom in and out of your design.
01:13
Need to reposition your view?
01:15
Just click and hold the wheel to pan across the workspace.
01:19
Want to zoom into a specific detail?
01:21
Use the scroll wheel while hovering over that area.
01:25
AutoCAD adjusts instantly to your focus as you zoom in.
01:28
Starting a project is simple.
01:30
Click New to create a blank workspace or Open to pick up where you left off.
01:35
AutoCAD also provides templates to help you jump start specific types of designs.
01:40
Once you've started, saving your work is critical.
01:43
Just click the save icon in the top corner or press Control S.
01:47
For the first save, AutoCAD will prompt you to name your file and choose a location.
01:51
After that, saving is seamless,
01:53
just a quick click and your progress is secure.
01:56
Now let's talk about the Model and Layout tabs,
01:59
two essential tools for organizing your work.
02:02
The Model tab is where all the action happens.
02:06
Think of it as your infinite drawing space, where you create and edit your designs in full scale.
02:11
Switching to the Layout tabs, you'll see a whole new view.
02:14
Layouts let you prepare your drawings for printing or a presentation by setting up viewports, title blocks, and scales.
02:21
This is where your design goes from workspace to a polished deliverable.
02:25
Switching between them is easy,
02:27
just click the tabs at the bottom of your screen.
02:29
Need to edit your design?
02:31
Jump back to the Model tab.
02:32
Ready to present? Head to your layouts.
02:35
You've just taken your first steps into AutoCAD and learned the basics:
02:39
navigating the interface, starting projects, and saving your work.
02:44
In our next video, we'll show you how to start drawing with precision,
02:47
transforming simple lines into something extraordinary.
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