AutoCAD: Secrets Every User Should Know [Paperback]

Dan Abbott (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470109939 | ISBN-13: 978-0470109939 | Publication Date: January 10, 2007 | Edition: 1

"I've been using AutoCAD for 22 years and have written a hundred books on the subject. I reviewed many CAD books back in the days when book reviews were common in CAD publications; some were innovative, others were just sad. But for nearly a decade, it's been mostly silence on the book review front. Then earlier in the summer, a book arrived in the mail from Sybex: AutoCAD Secrets Every User Should Know by Dan Abbott. Reading it, I got excited: here's a book for every AutoCAD user, even old-timers like me." - Ralph Grabowski, Editor, upFront.eZine.com: The Business of CAD

Learn the "why" behind the "how" in this one-of-a-kind reference packed with tips and techniques from award-winning AutoCAD expert Dan Abbott. This info-packed guide reveals some of the best kept AutoCAD secrets on technical standards, AutoLISP programming, DOS functions, scripts, 3D, and everything in between. Based on his popular "Things Every AutoCAD User Should Know" session at Autodesk University and other industry events, Dan gives you the answers to frequently asked AutoCAD questions in his direct and entertaining style while using real-world case studies to put your skills into practice. Read it cover to cover or dive right in to the sections you need most, then get ready to improve your productivity, save more time, and become an AutoCAD all-star.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Let's face it... I have read just about every book that I could on AutoCAD over the years and thought that there was nothing new under the sun. Well... I stand corrected. Dan Abbott has created a MUST READ book that you need to add to your book shelf.

AutoCAD Secrets is a refreshing change from the usual presentation of AutoCAD information, tips and tricks that is found in most of the book written. He leaves no stone unturned in his attempt to tell you just about everything you need to know from basic to very advanced topics.

The eleven chapters of info starts off with a great chapter on AutoCAD productivity. Every topic was discussed in plain English and directly to the point (my kind of guy!). He covers the unspoken "boot camp" level principles and best practices of CAD with an in depth look at each topic. As I read it - I discovered nuggets of gold that renewed my enthusiasm for "common sense" CAD. (see my blog on this topic). He covers the foundational precepts and practices of sound file creation and data input.  As I read I kept wondering - "Is he going to mention this or that?" and sure enough, there it was. The bottom line guidelines that the whole world needs to be reminded of. Chapter One alone is worth the price of the book.

He continues in chapters covering the management of your files, customization issues, graphic standards, and more. He reviews the basics of Paper Space and Model Space, what goes where and offers sidebar tips at every turn of the page.

Covering the basics is just the starting point for him to launch into the advanced topics. There is a complete LISP programming class that is presented in logical steps for all to use. Plus there is actual full working code in the book - just type it in and use it. Or better yet the book tells you where to go online to get the code. It's like getting two books in one, plus online resources. He finishes up with 3D topics and finally AutoCAD Puzzlers.

AutoCAD Puzzlers is a compilation of real world problems and stumpers (he got me on quite a few). Each taken from real questions from the many interactions he has had with students and users. These Puzzlers are often the submittal busters that we all face at crunch time. He presents them as questions and then provides the answer at the end of the book. Thirty Five of the toughest questions and weird behaviors (and the answers to them all).

This ranks very very high on my list of must have books. I applaud him for his succinct language, honest approach and real world emphasis.Forget the new Harry Potter novel... Go buy this book!--Review by Mark Kiker, Editor, CADD Manager (www.caddmanager.com)

I've been using AutoCAD for 22 years, and have written a hundred books on the subject. I reviewed many CAD books back in the days when book reviews were common in CAD publications; some were innovative, others were just sad. But for nearly a decade, it's been mostly silence on the book review front.

Then earlier in the summer, a book arrived in the mail from Sybex: 'AutoCAD Secrets Every User Should Know' by Dan Abbott. Reading it, I got excited: here's a book for every AutoCAD user, even old-timers like me.

This book's conversational tone makes for easy reading. But you won't want to read it through. It's too overwhelming with one useful tip after another after another. I suggest reading a couple of pages a day, marking items with a yellow highlighter. Such as these tips:

• You can use wildcards in the Rename dialog box.
• Use Ctrl+R to find viewports that the mouse cursor cannot.
• Use Lengthen to extend an arc to a specific length.

Worthwhile for the cost to order from Amazon.com. Good job, Mr Abbott!-- Book Review by Ralph Grabowski, upFront.eZine (upfrontezine.com)

From the Back Cover

Discover Powerful Techniques and Features That Most Users Overlook

Whether you're designing houses, landscapes, or machines, there are AutoCAD tricks-of-the-trade that even seasoned users don't know—tips that can improve your skills, understanding, and productivity. This practical, in-depth book reveals those secrets. You'll find smart ideas on customization, applying graphics standards, managing symbol libraries, leveraging 3D, and more. It even includes an insider's look at features that are used in the field but often ignored in other books, such as DOS functions, scripts, and AutoLISP® programming. The final chapter, AutoCAD Puzzlers, challenges readers to solve real problems from real AutoCAD users.

• Explore real-world solutions and best practices. Is it faster to produce an accurate drawing or an inaccurate one? Find out why you should take technical graphics standards seriously and how to make AutoCAD apply them
• Harness information rarely found in other books, such as how to rapidly change thousands of drawings using scripts and batch files, how to use the Visual LISP® editor to produce and debug AutoLISP programs, and more
• Take full advantage of AutoCAD's interface to improve your productivity
• Enjoy bonus extras, including the AutoLISP programs, other code used in the book, and a review of key features by release

www.sybex.com

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Product Details

• Paperback: 446 pages
• Publisher: Sybex; 1 edition (January 10, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470109939
• ISBN-13: 978-0470109939
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,388 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #76 in Books > Computers & Technology > Graphic Design > CAD

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FINALLY I get Paper Space!!, January 12, 2007

By 

MW (Portland, ME) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AutoCAD: Secrets Every User Should Know (Paperback)

This is a great guide for everyday users. The chapter on Paper Space and Model Space alone is worth the price (very reasonable) of this book. The author has a friendly style, excellent examples, and great puzzlers at the end of the book. Most AutoCAD books are either "tips" books or "how to" books. This one is for people who already know and use the software. I attended one of Dan's presentations at AutoDesk University, and the book is just as great as his workshops. Thanks Dan!!!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great AutoCAD Resource, July 12, 2007

By 

D. Stockton (Fairfax, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: AutoCAD: Secrets Every User Should Know (Paperback)

This book is a great source of tips and guidelines for any AutoCAD user, beginner or experienced. Dan's thorough explanation of the tabs and settings in the Options menu along with the recommendations for settings is worth the price of the book. The chapters on scripts and LISP will help anyone new to customization to start getting a grasp of how to use these tools to get AutoCAD to do be a more productive tool in their particular work environment.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Old school tips for all users!, December 4, 2007

By 

Volker Cocco (Portland OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: AutoCAD: Secrets Every User Should Know (Paperback)

I've been a user of AutoCAD since release 10 (1991), at one time I used to purchase 2 to 4 reference books per AutoCAD release. I have not purchased a book on AutoCAD since AutoCAD 2000. Until now. Mr. Abbott's book is by far the best AutoCAD Productivity book on the market! If you have had formal or informal training for AutoCAD, or are a seasoned user of AutoCAD, get this book! Although Mr. Abbott packs this book full of real-world tips and tricks and enough examples to give one a good jump-start with customizing AutoCAD, my enthusiasm for this book is based on the fact that Mr. Abbott explains how and why AutoCAD works without being geeky. "AutoCAD: Secrets Every User Should Know", is a well written reference and tutorial book which will not become obsolete with the next release of AutoCAD.