Datasheet

Understanding the AutoCAD Window  3

Quick Access toolbar

Application

Ribbon

Drawing area

UCS

Command

window

Status bar

InfoCenter

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.

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 2010, try the following exercise to see how to get to the 3D

Modeling workspace (this workspace is not available in AutoCAD 2010 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. If

you selected an option in the Initial Setup dialog box,

you will also see the Initial Setup Workspace listed.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go to Chapter 6 to find out more about AutoCAD’s

new 3D tools. LT users will not have the 3D functions.

2. Select 3D Modeling from the list.

The current default ﬁle, Drawing1.dwg, is set up for 2D drafting,

but you can open a new ﬁle by using a ﬁle template already set

up for 3D modeling.

Figure 1.1

AutoCAD when

opened into a 2D

Drafting & Annota-

tion workspace

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