Datasheet

2  Chapter1•GettingtoKnowAutoCAD

Starting AutoCAD

If you installed AutoCAD by using the default settings for the location of the

program ﬁles, start the program by choosing Start

➢ Programs➢ Autodesk➢

AutoCAD 2012

➢ AutoCAD 2012 or by choosing Start➢ Programs➢ Autodesk➢

AutoCAD LT 2012

➢ AutoCAD LT 2012, depending on your program. (This com-

mand path might vary depending on the Windows operating system and scheme

you are using.) Alternatively, you can find and double-click the AutoCAD 2012

icon or the AutoCAD LT 2012 icon on your desktop.

NOTE

You can also use AutoCAD-based products such as AutoCAD

Architecture or AutoCAD Civil 3D to learn the topics covered in this book. To

use one of these vertical products, choose Start ➢ Programs ➢ Autodesk ➢

AutoCAD Product Name 2012 ➢ AutoCAD Product Name As AutoCAD 2012.

Accessing Autodesk Exchange for AutoCAD

Autodesk Exchange for AutoCAD opens when the application is ﬁrst launched,

and provides integrated access to the popular AutoCAD Exchange (

http://

autocad.autodesk.com

). Similar to the Welcome screen found in earlier

releases, the Autodesk Exchange window shown in Figure1.1 leads to several

resources including application downloads, help content, videos, and even

community-generated content such as blogs and discussion forums.

The following elements make up the Autodesk Exchange For AutoCAD window:

Home Tab The most prominent component of the Home tab is a feature slider

highlighting the latest tips, tricks, and information related to AutoCAD. As seen

in Figure1.1, below the feature slider are several links to additional resources,

including a list of productivity enhancing Featured Videos and Featured Topics.

On the right edge of the Autodesk Exchange For AutoCAD window are several

links. Starting from the top, you will ﬁnd direct links to the top-selling AutoCAD

products from the store. Just below are several Important Links to resources

such as Product Support and the Subscription Center.

Help Tab Providing easy access to the AutoCAD help system, the Help tab brings

several learning resources together in one place. Here a long list of resources

including product documentation, product support, blog articles, tips and tricks,

expert responses to questions, and more may be browsed and searched simultane-

ously (see Figure1.2).

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