AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011 Bible [Paperback]

Ellen Finkelstein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 28, 2010 | ISBN-10: 0470608234 | ISBN-13: 978-0470608234 | Edition: 1

In-depth coverage of all new software features of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD is the leading drawing software, used by design and drafting professionals to create 2D and 3D technical drawings. This popular reference-tutorial has once again been revised by AutoCAD guru Ellen Finkelstein to provide you with the most up-to-date coverage of both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.

You'll begin with a Quick Start tutorial so that even if you're brand new to AutoCAD, you can get started working with it right away. You'll then move on to the basics of creating drawings, using commands, and specifying coordinates. After developing a solid foundation on the essentials of AutoCAD, the book gradually builds upon early chapters as it covers more and more complex topics and techniques.

• Presenting the popular AutoCAD reference-tutorial, once again revised by Ellen Finkelstein a long-time AutoCAD instructor and advocate
• Starts with a tutorial on AutoCAD that covers the basics of creating drawings, using commands, and specifying coordinates
• Builds on early chapters to cover more complex 2D and 3D drawing techniques, including using layers, creating dimensions, 3D coordinates, solids, and rendering
• Discusses advanced topics such as customization of commands and toolbars, and programming AutoCAD using AutoLISP and VBA
• The DVD contains before and after drawings for each tutorial, bonus appendices, and a 30-day trial version of AutoCAD

Packed with essential information on both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, this resource is a must-have if you're eager to get started creating 2D and 3D technical drawings.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Even AutoCAD pros keep this book on hand!

Find out what fans of all the previous bestselling editions of this book already know: This all-in-one guide from AutoCAD guru Ellen Finkelstein has everything you need to master AutoCAD. Start with the fundamentals and quickly progress, or, if you already know AutoCAD, here's all the detail you need to sharpen your skills to a fine point. Every feature is covered. If you want to learn AutoCAD inside and out, this is the book.

• Start drawing right away with a Quick Start project

• Draw, view, and edit in 2D, then add text and dimensions

• Build flexible blocks and automate drawings with fields

• Build, view, and present complex 3D drawings

• Customize commands, use shortcuts, and create macros and slideshows

• Program AutoCAD using AutoLISP and .NET

Blend surfaces and more by using the new surfaces

Control objects with the parametric constraints

Create hatches with the new tab on the Ribbon

What's on the DVD?

• Trial versions of both AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011

• Over 130 before-and-after drawings from working AutoCAD professionals

• A selection of helpful add-on programs

• Video tutorials to help you with the basics and new features

• Bonus chapter on programming AutoCAD with VB.NET

System Requirements: Please see the DVD appendix for details and system requirements.

Start drawing today with Quick Start tutorial

Learn extensive 2D and 3D technical drawing skills

Customize and program AutoCAD

About the Author

Ellen Finkelstein learned AutoCAD in Israel, where she always got to pore over the manual because it was in English. After returning to the United States, she started consulting and teaching AutoCAD as well as other computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. She has also taught courses on Web writing and usability. Her Web site, www.ellenfinkelstein.com, contains tips and techniques for AutoCAD, PowerPoint, and presenting, and she publishes the AutoCAD Tips Blog and the AutoCAD Tips Newsletter. Ellen has written extensively on AutoCAD, including articles for Autodesk’s Web site and features for AutoCAD’s Help system. Ellen’s first book was AutoCAD For Dummies Quick Reference. Since then, she has written books on PowerPoint, OpenOffice.org (OpenOffice.org For Dummies), Flash (such as Flash CS4 For Dummies), and Web technologies (Syndicating Web Sites with RSS Feeds For Dummies). You’re holding the eleventh edition (wow!) of this book, which previously appeared for AutoCAD releases 14, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1296 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (June 28, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470608234
• ISBN-13: 978-0470608234
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 1.9 x 9.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #87,244 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #41 in Books > Computers & Technology > Graphic Design > CAD
  • #93 in Books > Professional & Technical > Architecture > Drafting & Presentation

More About the Author

Ellen Finkelstein specializes in training professionals to present effectively. She writes about PowerPoint and presenting. Two of her books are How to Do Everything with PowerPoint 2007 and PowerPoint for Teachers. You can find free tips and sign up for her newsletter on her website, http://www.ellenfinkelstein.com.

Ellen also writes on AutoCAD; her AutoCAD Bible & AutoCAD LT Bible has been a bestseller for years and has been translated into 14 languages.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars So much more than a command refference December 23, 2010

By Jack Terry

Format:Paperback

I picked up the book to find out what's new in 2011 but was pleasantly surprised to find not just that but really great insights about how and when to use the overwhelming number of commands and features of AutoCAD.

This book is unique because she goes out of her way to tell you what the stuff is good for in the process of describing the mechanics of how to do it. In my case I'd been struggling to understand the use of Named Plot Styles and - bingo - the light came on from a single sentence you can find on Pg 516 at the end of the paragraph under the heading "Named Plot Styles" near the top of the page.

While Named Plot Styles probably aren't for everyone they solve a particular problem I have in my practice and that is as an Electrical Engineer I am more often than not working over another Engineers' or Architects' drawing which I typically screen to about 40%. Try that with .ctbs' when trying to screen a base drawing that may have hundreds of layers and almost everything in it is a multi level block of some kind!

I have also enjoyed her many other insights throughout the rest of the book - it's SO MUCH more than a command reference - but it's that to.

Jack Terry, PE
ELECTRO Tech Engineering, Inc.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best AutoCAD Book July 27, 2010

By Loves to Read

Format:Paperback

Ellen has done it again. Whether you are new to AutoCAD or a seasoned CAD Manager this book hits it all. I had immediate use for this book as reference manual. Far more complete than the online AutoCAD help this book goes into the mechanics and the processes of using AutoCAD. When I need to chase down a detail, there it is. When I need a go to source for new employees, I can direct them to the AutoCAD 2011 Bible. It has proven tits value for those who want to learn AutoCAD on their own and as the go to place for encyclopedic AutoCAD facts. If AutoCAD can do it, the Bible shows how. I met Lynn Allen last year and she commented that she has written 5 books on AutoCAD "and if you stacked them all up, they wouldn't be as thick as the AutoCAD Bible!". Lynn is right, Ellen Finkelstein covers it all and does it in a straight forward fashion that invites new learners without boring AutoCAD veterans. Thank you Ellen. I count on the AutoCAD Bible everyday, and I highly recommend this book as the best AutoCAD book ever written.

Todd M. Shackelford
BIM Manager Alvine and Associates
President BIM Board of Omaha
Instructor University of Nebraska, Autodesk University
Blogger The Lazy Drafter, CAD Shack, Revit Basics

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic March 26, 2011

By Brian Benton

Format:Paperback

The AutoCAD 2011 & AutoCAD LT 2011 Bible is quite possibly the best AutoCAD Reference book available. It can be used by beginners or advanced users. It covers every command, setting, and topic. The index makes it easy to find what you need making this an excellent resource for CAD Managers or instructors.

The examples and instructions are thorough and precise. Ellen has done a fantastic job keeping this title up to date with every release. If you want to learn AutoCAD or need a reference manual this is the book to get. I recommend it as a must have.