Datasheet

solid modeling and visualization, access to external databases, intelligent dimensioning, importing and
exporting of other file formats, Internet support, and much more.
The major disciplines that use AutoCAD are:
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Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC)
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Mechanical
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
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Surveying and Civil Engineering
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Facilities Management
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Electrical/electronic
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Multimedia
However, AutoCAD has many other lesser-known uses, such as pattern making in the garment industry,
sign making, and so on. In this book, I try to provide examples from many fields. The world of AutoCAD is
very broad, and you can learn from seeing the many approaches that AutoCAD makes possible.
Comparing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
AutoCAD LT’s advantages are its lower cost and its compatibility with AutoCAD. The programming code
that is used to create AutoCAD LT is a subset of the code used in AutoCAD. Here are the major differences
between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT:
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AutoCAD includes features that enable CAD managers to hold drawings to certain standards,
such as for layer names and text styles. AutoCAD LT doesn’t contain these features.
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AutoCAD LT is not as customizable as AutoCAD, which is both programmable and fully
customizable.
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AutoCAD LT includes minimal options for 3D; AutoCAD includes a full-featured 3D capability.
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AutoCAD LT has fewer presentation features than AutoCAD, which includes gradient fills, true
color display, and 3D rendering.
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AutoCAD LT is deployable on a network but does not have AutoCAD’s network license manage-
ment feature that includes reporting and flexible licensing.
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AutoCAD LT does not offer the database connectivity feature, but you can now use tables to con-
nect to data in a Microsoft Office Excel file; AutoCAD offers the flexibility to connect to other
types of databases, create labels from the data, and so on.
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AutoCAD LT does not include AutoCAD’s quick-dimensioning feature, which allows you to
quickly insert a number of dimensions, one after the other.
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AutoCAD LT does not come with Express Tools, a set of additional routines that ship
with AutoCAD.
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AutoCAD LT does not include sheet sets and fields, two features that were introduced
in AutoCAD 2005.
AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT have a few other minor differences, as well. Some of these differences are only
in the user interface, so that you can accomplish the same task but the procedure is slightly different.
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AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Basics
Part I
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