AutoCAD Architecture & Revit Architecture

Building Information Management. Master the new series of parametric building modelers, AutoCAD Architecture and Revit Architecture are invaluable for architects, interior designers, set designers and all those involved in the design and production of architectural drawings. See for yourself how these powerful tools are shaping the future of the AEC industry.

Mechanical Modeling with Inventor Professional

Always a leader in the field of 3D modeling, the Mechanical design industry is pushing the envelope with powerful features that allow mechanical engineers new freedom in exploring and testing designs. Learn why Autodesk Inventor Series and Inventor Professional remain the number one mechanical modeling software in the world. More Info

Rendering and Animation with 3DS Max Design

Modeling and Visualization tools are becoming an increasingly everyday part of our world. From animated feature movies to architectural design; from industrial products to computer game designs, rendering and animation tools are a vital tool for building virtual environments and conveying the intent of a design. 3DS Max Design is a simple, yet powerful rendering and animation software suitable for all design professionals. More Info

Rotate an Object in 3D

With ROTATE, you can rotate objects in 2D about a specified point. The direction of rotation is determined by the current UCS. ROTATE3D rotates objects in 3D about a specified axis. You can specify the axis of rotation using two points; an object; the X, Y, or Z axis; or the Z direction of the current view. To rotate 3D objects, you can use either ROTATE or ROTATE3D.
Align ObjectsYou can move, rotate, or tilt an object so that it aligns with another object.
You can move, rotate, or tilt an object so it aligns with another object. In the following example, align the pieces of piping using a window selection box to select the object to be aligned. Use the Endpoint object snap to align the pieces precisely.
Copy, Offset, or Mirror ObjectsYou can create duplicates of objects in your drawing that are either identical or similar to selected objects.
Copy ObjectsYou can create exact duplicates of objects at a specified distance from the original.
You can create duplicates of objects at a specified distance from the original. You specify the distance and direction by two points, a from point (1) and a to point (2), called the base point and the second point of displacement, respectively. These points can be located anywhere within the drawing.

Rotate an Object by a Specified Angle

You rotate objects by choosing a base point and a relative or absolute rotation angle. Specify a relative angle to rotate the object from its current orientation around the base point by that angle. Specify an absolute angle to rotate the object from the current angle to a new absolute angle.
You can rotate an object by specifying a relative angle using one of two methods:
Enter a rotation angle value from 0 to 360 degrees. You can also enter values in radians, grads, or surveyor bearings.
Drag the object around the base point and specify a second point. Turning on Ortho and Polar Tracking, or using object snaps for the second point, is often useful with this method.
In this example, you rotate the plan view of a house by selecting the object (1), specifying a base point (2), and specifying an angle of rotation by dragging to another point (3).
Rotate an Object to an Absolute Angle
Sometimes it is easier to rotate to an absolute angle with a reference option.
In the following example, you specify the reference angle by selecting two points on the object to rotate. You select the object to be rotated (1), specify the base point (2) by using the Midpoint object snap on the window shown, and then use the Reference option to specify the angle of rotation. For the reference angle, specify two points: the midpoint of the window (2) and the endpoint of the window (3). Rotate the window by dragging it and specify the endpoint of the wall (4).

Muodify Objects

You can easily modify the size, shape, and location of objects.
Overview of Modifying Objects
With AutoCAD, you can easily modify the size, shape, and location of objects. You can either enter a command first and then select the objects to modify, or you can select the objects first and then enter a command to modify them. Double-clicking an object displays the Properties palette or, in some cases, a dialog box that is specific to that type of object.
Remove Objects
There are several methods for removing objects from your drawing.
You can remove objects from your drawing using several methods, including
Erasing them with ERASE
Cutting them to the Clipboard
Pressing DELETE
ERASE works with all the available object selection methods.
You can restore accidentally erased objects using UNDO. The OOPS command restores all objects deleted by the most recent use of ERASE, BLOCK, or WBLOCK.
To remove the plus-shaped markers called blips, refresh the screen with REDRAW.
To remove unused named objects, including block definitions, dimension styles, layers, linetypes, and text styles, use PURGE
Move Objects
You can move objects in your drawing without changing their orientation or size.
You can move objects without changing their orientation or size. By using coordinates and object snaps, you can move objects with precision. You can also recalculate objects by changing coordinate values in the Properties palette.
In this example, you move the block representing a window. After choosing Move, select the object to be moved (1). Specify the base point for the move (2) followed by the point of displacement (3). The object is moved from point 2 to point 3.
You can also move an object using a relative distance by entering coordinate values for the first point and pressing ENTER for the second point of displacement. This instructs AutoCAD to use the coordinate values as a relative displacement rather than a base point. The objects you selected are moved to a new location determined by the relative coordinate values you entered. Do not include an @ as you normally would for relative coordinates, because a relative coordinate is expected.
You can also use STRETCH to move objects if all their endpoints lie entirely within the selection window. Turning on Ortho mode or Polar Tracking helps you move the object at a specific angle.

Define an Offset Snap or a Rotation Snap

You can place multiple copies at regularly spaced intervals with an offset snap. The offset snap is defined by the distance between an object and the next copy. In the lighting layout below, the first copy of the light fixture symbol is placed at an offset of two units. All subsequent copies are then placed two units apart.
If you hold down SHIFT while you select multiple copy points with the pointing device, the graphics cursor snaps to an offset point based on the last two points you selected. In the illustration below, the midpoint of line 1 is at coordinate 8,5. Based on that midpoint, line 2 was copied using the SHIFT key and Stretch grip mode; its midpoint is at 9,5. The third line snaps to an offset based on the coordinate values 10,5.
Similarly, you can place multiple copies at angular intervals around a base grip with a rotation snap. The rotation snap is defined as the angle between an object and the next copy when you are using Rotate grip mode. Hold down SHIFT to use the rotation snap.

Control Grips in BlocksYou can specify whether a block displays a single grip or multiple grips.
You can specify whether a selected block reference displays a single grip at its insertion point or displays multiple grips associated with the objects grouped within the block.

• Modify Splines

Additional editing options are available for changing the shape of spline objects.
In addition to the general editing operations available for most objects, there are additional options available for editing splines with SPLINEDIT.
Fit Data. Edits the fit point data that defines the spline, including changing the tolerance.
Close. Changes an open spline into a continuous, closed loop.
Move Vertex. Moves a fit point to a new location.
Refine. Modifies a spline definition by adding and weighting control points and elevating the order of the spline.
Reverse. Changes the direction of the spline.
You also can change the tolerance of the spline. Tolerance refers to how closely the spline fits the set of fit points you specify. The lower the tolerance, the more closely the spline fits the points.
Edit Splines with Grips
When you select a spline, grips are displayed on its fit points (the GRIPS system variable must be set to 1). You can use grips to modify the shape and location of the spline.
After certain operations, fit points are discarded and grips are displayed on control points instead. These operations include trimming the spline, moving the control points, and purging the fit data. If the spline's control frame is turned on (the SPLFRAME system variable is set to 1), grips are displayed on both the spline's control points and its fit points, when available.
You can delete fit points of a spline, add fit points for greater accuracy, or move fit points to alter the shape of a spline. You can open or close a spline and edit the spline start and end tangents. Spline direction is reversible. You can change the tolerance of the spline also. Tolerance refers to how closely the spline fits the set of fit points you specify. The lower the tolerance, the more closely the spline fits the points.

Refine the Shape of a Spline

You can refine a spline by increasing the number of control points in one portion of the spline or by changing the weight of specific control points. Increasing the weight of a control point pulls the spline more towards that point. You can also refine a spline by changing its order. A spline's order is the degree of the spline polynomial + 1. A cubic spline, for example, has order 4. The higher a spline's order, the more control points it has.
Consider the following example. You have created a spline to represent a geographic contour. Grips are turned on, and you need to move the fourth fit point to increase accuracy. When you select the spline, grips appear at the control points. If you created the spline by fitting it through a set of points, and you haven't purged this information using the Purge option of the SPLINEDIT command, and you select the Fit Data option, grips appear at the fit points on the selected spline instead of at the control points.
Modify Compound ObjectsAdditional editing operations are available for compound objects, such as blocks, dimensions, hatches, and polylines.
Disassociate Compound Objects (Explode)You can convert a compound object, such as a polyline, dimension, hatch, or block reference, into individual elements.You can explode a compound object, such as a polyline, dimension, hatch, or block reference, to convert it into individual elements. For example, exploding a polyline breaks it down to simple lines and arcs. Exploding a block reference or an associative dimension replaces it with copies of the objects that compose the block or dimension.

Explode Dimensions and Hatches

When you explode a dimension or a hatch, all associativity is lost and the dimension or hatch object is replaced by individual objects such as lines, text, points, and 2D solids.
Explode Polylines
When you explode a polyline, AutoCAD discards any associated width information. The resulting lines and arcs follow the polyline's centerline. If you explode a block that contains a polyline, you need to explode the polyline separately. If you explode a donut, its width becomes 0.
Explode Block References
If you explode a block with attributes, the attribute values are lost, leaving only the attribute definitions. The colors and linetypes of objects in exploded block references can change.
Explode External References
An external reference (xref) is a drawing file linked (or attached) to another drawing. You cannot explode xrefs and their dependent blocks.

Modify Hatches and Solid-Filled AreasYou can modify both the pattern fill and the boundaries of hatches.
You can modify both the pattern fill and the boundaries of hatches. You can also modify solid-filled areas, but the method you use depends on whether the solid-filled area is a solid-filled hatch, a 2D solid, or a wide polyline or donut. You can also modify the draw order of your hatch.

Control Hatch Pattern Density

Hatching can produce a very large number of line and point objects. Although stored as hatch objects, these line and point objects do use disk space and take time to generate. If you use a relatively small scale factor when hatching an area, the hatch could require millions of line and point objects, thus taking a very long time to complete and possibly exhausting the available resources. You can avoid this problem by imposing a limit on the number of objects created by a single HATCH or BHATCH command. If the approximate number of objects needed for a particular hatch (considering the boundary extents, pattern, and scale) exceeds the limit, AutoCAD displays a message indicating that the hatch scale is too small or that its dash length is too short, and the hatch request is rejected. If this occurs, carefully examine your hatch settings. The scale factor may be unreasonable and may need to be adjusted.
The hatch object limit is set by the MaxHatch environment setting, which is stored in the system registry. Its default value is 10000. You can change this limit by setting the MaxHatch system registry variable using (setenv "MaxHatch" "n") where n is a number between 100 and 10000000 (ten million).
Change an Existing Hatch Pattern Fill
You can modify the pattern properties, such as scale and hatch angle, of an existing hatch, or you can choose a new pattern for it. You can also explode a hatch pattern into its component objects.

Modify a Hatch Boundary

Hatch boundaries can be copied, moved, stretched, trimmed, and so on. You can also use grips to stretch, move, rotate, scale, and mirror hatch boundaries and their associated hatches just as you do other objects. If the editing you do maintains a closed boundary, an associative hatch is updated automatically. If the editing produces an open boundary, the hatch loses any associativity with the boundary and remains unchanged. Associativity may also be lost during editing of a hatch boundary if the hatch pattern file is not available at the time of editing.
Note If you trim a hatch area to create a hole within it, the hole is not the same as a hatch island and the hatch loses associativity. To create an island instead, delete the existing hatch and create a new hatch with the new boundary. Also, if you trim a hatch and the hatch pattern (PAT) file is no longer available, the hatch will disappear.
Hatch associativity depends on whether you choose Associative in the Boundary Hatch and Fill (BHATCH) and Hatch Edit ( HATCHEDIT) dialog boxes. Nonassociative hatches are not updated when their original boundary is changed. You can remove hatch associativity at any time, but once it is removed for an existing hatch, it cannot be reestablished. The hatch must be re-created to restore associativity.
Modify Solid-Filled Areas
Solid-filled areas can be represented by
Hatches (with a solid hatch pattern)
2D solids
Gradient fills
Wide polylines or donuts
You modify each of these solid-filled objects just as you would any other hatch, 2D solid, wide polyline, or donut. In addition to PROPERTIES, you can use HATCHEDIT for solid-filled hatches and gradient fills, grip editing for 2D solids, and PEDIT for wide polylines and donuts.

Modify the Draw Order of a Hatch

When you edit a hatch, you can change its draw order, so that it is displayed behind the hatch boundary, in front of the hatch boundary, behind all other objects, or in front of all other objects.
Modify or Join PolylinesAdditional editing operations are available for changing the shape of polyline objects. You can also join separate polylines.
You can edit polylines by closing and opening them and by moving, adding, or deleting individual vertices. You can straighten the polyline between any two vertices and toggle the linetype so that a dash appears before and after each vertex. You can set a uniform width for the entire polyline or control the width of each segment. You can also create a linear approximation of a spline from a polyline.
Joined Polyline Segments
You can join a line, an arc, or another polyline to an open polyline if their ends connect or are close to each other. If the ends are not coincident but are within a distance that you can set, called the fuzz distance, the ends are joined by either trimming them, extending them, or connecting them with a new segment.
Properties of Modified Polylines
If the properties of several objects being joined into a polyline differ, the resulting polyline inherits the properties of the first object that you selected. If two lines meet a polyline in a Y shape, AutoCAD selects one of the lines and joins it to the polyline. Joining also causes an implicit decurve, with AutoCAD discarding the spline information of the original polyline and any polylines being joined to it. Once the joining is completed, you can fit a new spline to the resulting polyline.

Additional Editing Options for Polylines

In addition to the general editing operations available for most objects, there are additional options available for editing and joining polylines with PEDIT.
Close. Creates the closing segment of the polyline, connecting the last segment with the first. AutoCAD considers the polyline open unless you close it using the Close option.
Join. Adds lines, arcs, or polylines to the end of an open polyline and removes the curve fitting from a curve-fit polyline. For an object to join the polyline, their endpoints must touch.
Width. Specifies a new uniform width for the entire polyline. Use the Width option of the Edit Vertex option to change the starting and ending widths of segments.
Edit Vertex. Marks the first vertex of the polyline by drawing an X on the screen. If you have specified a tangent direction for this vertex, an arrow is also drawn in that direction.
Fit. Creates a smooth curve consisting of arcs joining each pair of vertices. The curve passes through all vertices of the polyline and uses any tangent direction you specify.
Spline. Uses the vertices of the selected polyline as the control points, or frame, of a spline-fit polyline. The curve passes through the first and last control points unless the original polyline was closed.
Decurve. Removes extra vertices inserted by an arc-fit or spline-fit polyline and straightens all segments of the polyline.
Ltype Gen. Generates the linetype in a continuous pattern through the vertices of the polyline. When this option is turned off, AutoCAD generates the linetype starting and ending with a dash at each vertex.
Modify MultilinesA multiline object consists of several parallel lines. Additional editing opeartions are available to change the vertices, intersections, and other properties of the line elements.
You can edit a multiline by adding and deleting vertices and controlling the display of corner joints. You can make multilines intersect in various ways. You can also edit multiline styles to change the properties of individual line elements or the end caps and background fill of future multilines.

Edit Multiline Styles

Multiline styles control the number of line elements in a multiline and the color, linetype, lineweight, and offset from the multiline origin of each element. You can change any of these properties. You can also modify the display of joints, end caps, and background fill. A modified multiline style retains the changes permanently.
You cannot edit the element and multiline properties of the STANDARD multiline style or any multiline style being used in the drawing. If you try to edit the options in either the Element Properties dialog box or the Multiline Properties dialog box, the options are unavailable. To edit an existing multiline style, you must do so before you draw any multilines in that style.
If you use MLSTYLE to create a multiline style without saving it, and then select another style or create a new style, the first MLSTYLE properties are lost. To maintain the properties, save each multiline style to an MLN file before creating a new one.

Edit Joint

This menu item allows the DRF paths for each joint to be displayed. This menu item can be helpful when predicting vector loops.
Command: EDIT_JSelect joint object to delete: (Select the joint symbol to delete)Path 1 from joint to DRF ARM is shown. (Specified DRF path is displayed)Hit return to continuePath 2 from joint to DRF BASE is shown. (Specified DRF path is displayed)Hit return to continue
Delete Joint
This menu item allows joints to be deleted which have been previously constructed. It is again important to remember that to delete all the information included with the joints the delete joint function must be executed. For example:
Command: DELETE_JSelect joint object to delete: (Select the joint symbol to delete)Delete another joint? /N: No (If no more joints are to be deleted)
Feature datums for the DRF paths may be deleted by using AutoCAD's erase function. BE CAREFUL not to delete feature datums which are used in other datum paths.

DOFcheck

This menu item allows you check the degrees of freedom (DOF) for each part individually or all of the parts at once.
Command: DOFcheckSelect DRF on part to check DOF: (Select part's DRF)
The following prompts will then appear as AutoCATS performs the analysis.
Performing DOF analysis on part PART_1 . . .
If for example PART_1 has the correct number of joints and is constrained the next prompts will appear as follows:
PART_1 constrained and has 0 translational DOF left.PART_1 constrained and has 0 rotational DOF left.Remove all DOF arrows? Y/: (Enter Y, yes, or N, No appropriately)
On the other hand, if PART_1 does not have the correct number of joints (for example, one joint instead of two) then the prompt will appear as below:
Select location to display translational DOF directions:PART_1 is unconstrained in indicated direction and as 1 translational DOF left.Additional joints may be required for accurate tolerance analysis.
After selecting a display location in a readable area an arrow will be inserted with will show the remaining unconstrained DOF direction. AutoCATS will then display the rotational DOF.
Select location to display rotational DOF directions:PART_1 unconstrained about indicated axis and has 1 rotational DOF left.Additional joints may be required for accurate tolerance analysis.Press any key to continue.Remove all DOF arrows? Y/:
Once you have viewed the DOF constraints, the arrows may be either removed, or kept in place for future reference

RELATIVE ORIENTATION OR PARALLELISM:

Select one of two endpoints on a first part's line of interest:Select DRF on first part:Locate next point on path back to DRF :Is this path correct? /N:Select the other endpoint on the first part's line of interest:Creating Specification joint . . .

Select one of two endpoints on a second part's line of reference:Select DRF on second part:Locate next point on path back to DRF :Is this path correct? /N:Select the other endpoint on the second part's line of reference:Creating Specification joint . . .Select two points which define the characteristic length:

DEPENDENT LENGTH

Dependent length and dependent angle, discussed next, are slightly different because they are specifications for closed loops and must be created after closed loops are created.
Select a dependent vector: (Select the dependent vector to constrain)
DEPENDENT ANGLE
A dependent angle specification places a design specification on an angle in the vector loop.
Select angle's first vector:Select angle's second vector:
The two vectors must be in the same loop and connected with a common endpoint.
The tolerance can be specified once the second endpoint has been created. For GAP, Dependent LENgth, and DEPendent angles, the tolerance can be applied in one of three ways: symmetrical, nonsymmetrical, or by max/min limits. The last two options can be selected from the default SymTols pop-up menu. For POSition, Relative ORIentation, and PARallelism, the tolerance applied is a circular tolerance zone or bandwidth rather than a dimensional tolerance.
Enter symmetrical tolerance on indicated dimension, <+/- 0.00000>
Nominal length 7.6450 +/- (Enter in desired tolerance.)
-OR-
Enter the width of the tolerance band.
Nominal orientation 60.0000 deg : (Enter in desired tolerance.)
Inserting specification . . .
Select Specification Name Location: (Enter the desired location)

Edit Specification

Like other model elements, specifications may be edited. Only the tolerance may be edited. The default tolerances will be the old specification tolerances.
Command: EDIT_SSelect specification to modify:Enter symmetrical tolerance on indicated dimension, <+/-0.002>Nominal length 0.632 +/- (Enter desired tolerance)Edit another specification? /N:
Delete Specification
Like other model elements, specifications may be deleted.
Command: DELETE_SSelect specification to deleteDelete another specification? /N:
AutoCATS will automatically delete any endpoints which are associated with the specification

New Loop

Although the user will generally want to use AutoLoop, this option allows the user to manually create open and closed loops. The loops can be defined by sequentially selecting the joints which determine the loop path. The loop is complete when the first joint in the loop is selected again. Inputs are checked for errors to prevent incorrect loops. An example is shown below:
Command: NEW_LSelect type of loop, Open/ :
If the loop is a closed loop, just enter return. Closed loops start and end at the same location and represent kinematic constraints on the assembly. If the loop is an open loop, type OPEN and then select a specification as follows:
Select a specification:Starting loop at specification joint 12:Obtaining joint location . . .
After selecting a specification, the loop will automatically begin at the second specification joint created (the point of reference). The loop sequence then follows as with closed loops.
Select a contact joint:
Select contact joints going from one part to the next until the loop is complete. AutoCATS returns "Obtaining Joint Location . . . " after each joint is selected. AutoCATS also indicates which part the contact joint is on.
Starting loop on part ROLLERTransferring to part HUB

Autoloop

Automatic loop generation completely automates the loop generation process for loops. This is especially helpful for the AutoCATS user. Usually it is difficult to know which path a loop should follow. Once Autoloop has been selected, the program shells out of the AutoCATS Modeler to run a program which generates an optimum vector loop. The user is then prompted for controlled dimension tolerances for both lengths and angles. Tolerances may be either typed in or selected from a pop-up tolerance menu. The pop-up tolerance menu is the same as for the GAP, LEN, and DEP specifications.
Command: AutoloopGenerating Loops. . .Is this loop correct? /N: (Enter "Y" or "N" appropriately)Determining dependencies. . .Enter symmetrical tolerance on indicated dimension, <+/- 0.02500>
Nominal length: ##.## ±(Enter symmetrical tolerance)
Tolerances may be inputted either symmetrically, non-symmetrically, or by max/min limits. To change from symmetrical tolerances to non-symmetrical tolerances, select the appropriate symbol on the default SymTols pop-up menu. If the controlled dimension is an angle, the prompt will be as follows:
Enter symmetrical tolerance on indicated dimension, <+/- 0.0000>
Nominal angle (in degrees): ##.# ± (Enter angle tolerance in degrees)
Once all control dimensions have been toleranced, the program prompts for the location of the loop name and then continues with the next loop until all loops have been generated.
Select location to display loop name:Creating Loop...Generating Loops...
Edit Tolerance
After loops are created the vector tolerances may be edited.
Command: EDIT_TOLSelect vector to modify: (Select the vector you want to modify)
AutoCATS does not allow the user to change the tolerance if the vector is a dependent variable.
Enter symmetrical tolerance on indicated dimension, <+/- 0.0000>
Nominal angle (in degrees): ##.# ± (Enter angle tolerance in degrees)
Modify another vector /N?
Delete Loop
After loops are created they may be deleted by selecting this side menu option. Remember to use this command to delete all of the information related to the loop.
Command: DELETE_LSelect loop name to delete:Delete another loop /N?

WRITE Neutral File

A file will be created called dwgname.nf or the name you specify. This name may have any extension and be a maximum of eight characters long. The file will be located in the current directory with a default extenstion .nf.
Command: WRITE_NFEnter file name to be saved : (Enter the desired name)
If a filename already exists then the following prompt will appear:
File dwgname.nf already exists, overwrite? Y/ :
Messages at the bottom will show which information is being written to the neutral file at that moment.

DISPLAY

The display feature allows the user to toggle on and off each individual layer of AutoCATS. When a layer is drawn on it automatically toggles on. The menu is shown below:
AutoCATS
DISPLAY
* * * *
CatsOn
CatsOff
DRFs
FeatDtms
Joints
Features
Specs
Loops
--------
MV Label
--------
PARTS
JOINTS
FEATURES
SPECS
LOOPS
CATSFILE
-------
AutoCAD
CATS ON turns all AutoCATS layers on while CATS OFF turns all AutoCATS layers off. AutoCATS layers are identical to AutoCAD layers.
The MV Label option allows the user to "unclutter" the display by moving DRF, joint, and datum labels from their default locations

HELP

You can use the HELP (or "?") command to obtain a list of both AutoCAD and AutoCATS commands in case you have forgotten a command name. Format or options available with each command are also available. The help command is accessed just like the AutoCAD help command. For detailed information about a specific command, reply with the desired command name:
Command: HELP (or ?)Command name (RETURN for list): NEW_P
If there is more help information than will fit on the screen at once, this prompt will appear:
Press RETURN for further help.
When you enter return, the help display will continue. If you would rather abort, enter CTRL-C. Just as in AutoCAD, if you simply enter `help in the middle of the command AutoCAD displays help for the current command and pauses before resuming the command.
Another way to access help command is to select the four stars (* * * * ) under each sub-menu of AutoCATS. You may also select the command name from the menu instead of typing in the command name.

Zoom In

The Zoom Out option of the AutoCATS menu allows the user to zoom out, or go to the previous zoom of the assembly drawing. This function does not interrupt the running function.
Pan
The pan option of the AutoCATS menu allows the user to pan a section of the assembly drawing. This function does not interrupt the running function.
Redraw
The redraw option of the AutoCATS menu allows the user to redraw the assembly drawing. This function does not interrupt the running function and is identical to AutoCAD's redraw function.
Cancel
The cancel option of the AutoCATS menu allows the user to cancel out of any command. This may also be done by typing CTRL-C.
AutoCAD
The AutoCAD option of the AutoCATS menu allows the user to return to AutoCAD. This may also be done by typing "cad".

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In this 64 hour, online CAD training course, students will learn to create a variety of complex models in both Mechanical and Architectural disciplines. New concepts include: 3D coordinate systems, 3D Navigation techniques, visualization tools, solid modeling tools, surface modeling tools, automatic 2D drawing creation and layout techniques, assembly modeling, and an introduction to rendering.
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3D Architectural & Civil drawings, modeling and renderings

Tools used: We use latest tools and technologies, from grassroots levels to large installations for CAD, GIS, CADD, Full integration, Office Automation, specialized applications based on* SolidWorks 2005 2006 2007, AutoCAD* ObjectARX* Java, VC++ / VB6 / VB.net and higher* Scripting technologies like VBA, Perl, Python, PyCADProcedure to execute a project for 2D 3D CAD AutoCAD Solidworks 2006:- Netgains co-ordinates all the projects internally and follow a 2-tier work and checking process, to ensure that the output is of a very high quality.- Netgains assigns a drafting office manger who will interact with the client regarding project updates and status- Netgains will also provide client with project status login where a client can track the status on project on daily basis- Client projects are received as zip files with .dxf or .dwg or IGES or STL or SAT or .STEP on CD/VCD's via FedEx/UPS. - We also can receive drawings/sketches by ftp, email or fax..- Drawings are drafted as per your requirements and schedule and send them back to you via email or ftp or even on a CD by courier.
Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics 3D AutoCAD Solidworks drawings, modeling Conceptual Product Design, Illustration, 3D modeling, 2D Drafting, 2D to 3D conversion, Data conversion migration, Reverse Engineering, Rapid Prototyping, and Engineering Services

CAD Drafting's (2D 3D CAD AutoCAD .dwg .dxf IGES STL SAT .STEP Solidworks 2005, Solidworks 2006, Solidworks 2007 Services

Netgains having its full fledged drawing office for both mechanical and architectural 3D AutoCAD drafting solution in India, Asia which includes experienced draftsmen, headed by a drafting office manger with more than 20 years of experience in Architectural, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, GIS work in India and aboard. Our extensive experience in task automation with word processors, packages, spreadsheets, revision control using CADS/AutoCAD. We work on a 1:1 scale on the model space and scale the drawing on the paper space and apply your company's Title Block. The completed 3D drawings can be given in AutoCAD .dwg, .dxf, IGES, STL, SAT, .STEP Solidworks 2005 2006 2007, and Microstation .dgn format.Civil & Architectural 2D/3D CAD AutoCAD drafting services: 1.Conversion of Blue Prints into Cad format drawings.2. 2D renderings in Photoshop For Architectural presentations. (drawings are rendering in Computer instead of conventionally used method example by hand)3. 3D perspective Views (We are an expert and have a very quick turn around time in this)4. Architectural walkthroughs: We have completed many walkthroughs for multiple cliental)Civil & Architectural 2D 3D CAD AutoCAD using MAYA NURBS, Softimage, Lightwave 3D Studio Max, Renderman, Mental Ray, VRAY Services:1. All types of CAD and drafting works including: Architectural, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, and GIS work.2. We follow CAD standards as per your requirements to ensure seamless integration of the output with your company standards, i.e. various elements on the drawings will be layered as per your requirements.3. All drawings are re-drawn manually. Where dimensions are shown on the drawings the dimensions will be followed. Where the dimensions are not indicated, the drawings would be scaled exactly. All work is done on raster images, which ensures accuracy in all work done. 4. Document Conversion: re-draft old/existing paper drawings into CAD files.5. We do scanning work on existing paper drawings, images and photos, of any size and in any volumes.6. We scan your drawings, old paper records, sketches etc. into digital images, and then arrange them in a data base as per your needs.7. Compliance of all work done, to standards specified by you (line types, blocks, layers etc).8. Free Sample Work - which will allow you to experience our quality of service.Tools Used: AUTOCAD, 3DStudio MAX, MAYA, Softimage, Maya NURBS, Lightwave 3D Studio Max, Renderman, Mental Ray, VRAY (advanced rendering Engine), ADOBE PHOTOSHOP, COREL DRAW

3D Renderings

Civil & Architectural 2D/3D CAD autoCAD drawings drafting services
Mechanical, electrical, electronics 2D 3D CAD autoCAD solidworks modeling services:
Product Design and Engineering Services: Conceptual Design, Illustration, 3D modeling, 2D Drafting, 2D to 3D conversion, Data conversion/migration, Reverse Engineering, Rapid Prototyping)
- 3D Renderings Netgains Architectural & Civil 3D drawings, 3D modeling and renderings are cost effective was to display or views for your 3D architecture.We will design and develop 3d renderings, including applying color, texture and lighting to the 3d renderings view and pallate.Do visit our digital content library portfolio for ideas buildings, parks, skies and landscaping for your 3d renderings.While most of our clients request the final 3d renderings in digital file format - which we email or post to our ftp site, we are more than happy to print your 3d renderings out and overnight it to you.We work on 3D Computer Rendering, Architectural Rendering, Architectural Illustration Renderings, Architectural Illustrations, Please view our portfolio.

• Modify Faces of 3D Solids

You can edit a 3D solid object by performing operations on selected faces of the object.
You can edit a 3D solid object by performing operations on selected faces of the object.
Overview of Modifying Faces on 3D Solids
You can edit your solid object by extruding, moving, rotating, offsetting, tapering, deleting, or copying it, or by changing the color of the faces.
You can select individual faces on a 3D solid object or use one of the following AutoCAD selection methods:
Boundary set
Crossing polygon
Crossing window
Fence
Boundary sets are sets of faces defined by a closed boundary, which consists of lines, circles, arcs, elliptical arcs, and spline curves. When defining a boundary set on a solid object, you first select an internal point on the solid, highlighting the face. If you select the same point on the face again, AutoCAD highlights the adjoining face.
You can also select individual faces or edges with your pointing device or use a crossing window, an irregular shaped polygon, or a fence that selects faces or edges that it passes through.

Extrude Faces on 3D Solids
You can extrude planar faces of a 3D solid along a path, or you can specify a height value and a tapered angle.
You can extrude planar faces along a path, or you can specify a height value and a tapered angle. Each face has a positive side, which is the side in the direction of the face's normal (the current face you're working on). Entering a positive value extrudes the face in its positive direction (usually outward); a negative value extrudes in the negative direction (usually inward).
Tapering the selected face with a positive angle tapers the face inward, and a negative angle tapers the face outward. The default angle, 0, extrudes the face perpendicular to its plane. If you specify a large taper angle or a long extrusion height, you can cause the face to taper to a point before it reaches the extrusion height; AutoCAD rejects the extrusion. Face extrusion along a path is based on a path curve (lines, circles, arcs, ellipses, elliptical arcs, polylines, or splines).
You can also extrude the face of a solid object along the path of a specified line or curve. All profiles of the selected face extrude along the chosen path to create the extrusion. You can select lines, circles, arcs, ellipses, elliptical arcs, polylines, or splines as paths. The path should not lie on the same plane as the selected face or have areas of high curvature.

Modify 3D Solids

After creating a 3D solid model, you can use the ShapeManager modeler in AutoCAD to change the form and appearance of the model.

Overview of Modifying 3D Solids
After creating a solid model, you can change its appearance by filleting, chamfering, sectioning, slicing, and separating.
You can also edit faces and edges on your solid model. You can easily remove blends created by FILLET or CHAMFER. You can change the color or copy a face or edge of a solid as a body, region, line, arc, circle, ellipse, or spline object. Imprinting geometry on existing solids creates new faces or merges redundant faces. Offsetting changes the faces relative to the original faces on the solid model, for example, making the diameter of a hole larger or smaller. Separating disjointed composite solids creates 3D solid objects. Shelling creates thin walls with a specified thickness.

Fillet and Chamfer 3D Solids
You can add rounds and fillets to selected edges of 3D solids.
With FILLET, you can add rounds and fillets to selected 3D solids. The default method is specifying the fillet radius and then selecting the edges to fillet. Other methods specify individual measurements for each filleted edge and fillet a tangential series of edges.
Similarly, with CHAMFER, you can bevel the edges along adjoining faces of selected 3D solids.
Section and Slice 3D Solids
You can create a cross section through a 3D solid. The result can be a two-dimensional object representing the shape of the section, or it can be a 3D solid chopped in half.
With SECTION, you can create a cross section through a solid as a region or an anonymous block. The default method is specifying three points to define the plane. Other methods define the cross-sectional plane by another object, the current view, the Z axis, or the XY, YZ, or ZX plane. AutoCAD places the cross-sectional plane on the current layer.
With SLICE, you can create a new solid by cutting the existing solid and removing a specified side. You can retain one or both halves of the sliced solids. The sliced solids retain the layer and color properties of the original solids. The default method of slicing a solid is to specify three points that define the cutting plane and then select which side to retain. You can also define the cutting plane by using another object, the current view, the Z axis, or the XY, YZ, or ZX plane.

Architectural Drafting

Decks - I designed many of the custom decks for http://www.deckplans.com/ . I designed plans for the special decks as well. #5,#6,#7,#8,#9, #10, #11, and #12 are my designs. Please visit the website if you would like to purchase any of the plans. All of special plans on this website are designed for the homeowner to build. They include prints that layout all of the steps to build a deck and a materials list that shows all of the lumber and fasteners required.

Practical Drafting Workbook

Practical Drafting™
By Melvin G. Peterman, Insight™ Technical Education
Starts at the beginning with lines and sketching and quickly builds to a level that goes beyond standard high school drafting courses. With over 136 pages, Practical Drafting includes thirty pages of reference materials and focuses on the things that are important in today's engineering world.
The student will learn to read and understand engineering drawings and drawing concepts by reading and doing the work. The book promotes drafting as a stepping stone to other career options such as engineering, architecture, industrial design, etc. All lessons in the book may be accomplished both by hand and with CAD. Jr, High to Senior High.
See a brochure in pdf format from the publisher's website: Practical Drafting Brochure
See sample pages in pdf format from the publisher's website: Practical Drafting Sample Pages