2009

Imperial and Metric Convention
The exercises in this guide contain both imperial and metric values. This means that when you see an
imperial value, a metric value is displayed in square brackets next to it.
For example: Add a 6' X 6' [1800 mm X 1800 mm] window centered in the top wall of the stairway.
All audiences using imperial measurements should use the imperial values only. All audiences using metric
measurements should use the metric values in brackets only. Note that the imperial and metric values are
not direct conversions, but appropriate values for completing either the imperial or metric project.
Opening the Project
In this exercise, you start AutoCAD Architecture, learn how to access AutoCAD Architecture learning resources,
and open the project that contains the drawings you use to complete the tutorial. In AutoCAD Architecture,
you use projects to store and manage all the drawings that you create to design and document your projects.
1 Start AutoCAD Architecture.
2 If this is the first time you have opened AutoCAD Architecture, a Welcome screen displays.
3 On the right side of the screen, under Essential Task Movies, click each title to view 2-minute
movies that present the concepts you need to know to perform common design and
documentation tasks in AutoCAD Architecture.
The movies correspond to the exercises in this guide, so you can benefit from both conceptual
and hands-on learning.
4 On the left side of the screen, explore the additional learning resources available to you:
■ Click User Interface Overview to interactively explore the AutoCAD Architecture user interface.
(This overview is strongly recommended for new users.)
■ Click Learning Resources to access customized learning paths for different types of users,
including new and upgrading users.
■ Click New Features Workshop to view short animations that describe the new features in
this and recent releases of AutoCAD Architecture.
■ Click AutoCAD to AutoCAD Architecture Task Comparisons to learn how to accomplish
typical design and documentation tasks using the features and workflow of AutoCAD
Architecture.
5 If you do not want the Welcome screen to display each time you start AutoCAD Architecture,
clear Show this dialog at startup.
6 After you view the movies and other learning resources, close the Welcome screen.
2 | Chapter 1 Getting Started