Datasheet

our introduction to AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT begins with a tour of the

user interfaces of the two programs. In this chapter, you’ll also learn how

to use some tools that help you control their appearance and how to find

and start commands. For the material covered in this chapter, the two

applications are almost identical in appearance. Therefore, as you tour AutoCAD,

I’ll point out any differences between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. In general, LT

is a 2D program, so it doesn’t have most of the 3D features that come with Auto-

CAD, such as solids modeling and rendering. The AutoLISP programming lan-

guage found in AutoCAD is also absent from LT, as is the Action Recorder. The

other differences are minor. As mentioned in this book’s introduction, when I

say AutoCAD, I mean both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. I’ll also specifically refer to

AutoCAD LT as LT throughout this chapter and the rest of the book. Starting

AutoCAD is the first task at hand.

Starting AutoCAD

If you installed AutoCAD using the default settings for the location of the pro-

gram files, start the program by choosing Start

➣ Programs ➣ Autodesk ➣

AutoCAD 2010 ➣ AutoCAD 2010 or by choosing Start ➣ Programs ➣ Autodesk

➣ AutoCAD LT 2010 ➣ AutoCAD LT 2010, depending on your program. (This

command path might vary depending on the Windows operating system and

scheme you are using.) You can also find and double-click the AutoCAD 2010

icon or the AutoCAD LT 2010 icon on your desktop.

The Initial Setup Dialog Box

When you first start AutoCAD, you may encounter the Initial Setup dialog box

shown in Figure 1.1. In this dialog box, you can select the field most closely

associated with the type of drawings you create. AutoCAD then displays the Rib-

bon panels and palettes usually associated with that field.

If you encounter this dialog box, click the Skip button. AutoCAD has several

available configurations, and clicking Skip will be more likely to result in your

setup looking like the one in this book. You’ll next encounter the Initial Setup

dialog box shown in Figure 1.2. Be sure the Remind Me The Next Time AutoCAD

2010 Starts option is checked, and then click the Start AutoCAD 2010 button.

Chapter 1 • Getting to Know AutoCAD2

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