Datasheet

Understanding the AutoCAD Window  3
3. The default document appears to be an empty 2D space. You’ll also see a special tool
palette, called the Ribbon, along the top, as shown in Figure 1.1. This is a set of 2D
drafting and annotation tools that gives you ready access to the most common draft-
ing functions.
If you are using AutoCAD 2009, try the following exercise to see how to get to the 3D
Modeling workspace (this workspace is not available in AutoCAD 2009 LT):
1. In the lower-right corner of the AutoCAD window, you’ll see a gear-shaped
icon. This is the Workspace Switching tool. Click it to open a list that shows
2D Drafting & Annotation, 3D Modeling, and AutoCAD Classic.
Figure 1.1
AutoCAD when
opened into a 2D
Drafting & Annota-
tion workspace
InfoCenter Quick Access Toolbar
Menu Browser
Ribbon
Drawing area
UCS
Command window
Status bar
In some installations, you might see a Startup dialog box. If this happens to you, click Cancel,
and AutoCAD will display the blank default document.
If this is a completely new installation, you might see the Autodesk Impressions toolbar in
the middle of the AutoCAD window. Autodesk Impressions, an adjunct program to Auto-
CAD, enables you to edit your drawings using tools similar to those found in Adobe Illustra-
tor. You can close this toolbar; I will not discuss this Autodesk product in this book.
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