Beginning AutoCAD® 2025 Exercise Workbook
By Cheryl R. Shrock and Steve Heather
()
About this ebook
With clear explanations, step-by-step instructions, inside tips, and numerous exercises, AutoCAD experts Shrock and Heather help users make real progress in their drawing capabilities. To quick-start working with drawing commands, users can download preset drawing templates from the provided link, or by visiting Industrial Press’s print or eBook website product pages.
The new AutoCAD 2025 software builds on the features of previous releases. Notable changes include a smarter help menu and useful revisions to the Hatch tool, making it easier to fill in AutoCAD drawings. As ever, this new version enables efficient creation, precise revision, and collaborative sharing of layouts for myriad projects.
New and/or Improved Features in Beginning AutoCAD 2025:
- Autodesk Assistant—This artificial intelligence (AI) enhanced help system can help answer AutoCAD-related questions. If the Autodesk Assistant cannot provide the needed answer, it links the user to other sources, including a live Autodesk agent. (Included in Lesson 1)
- Hatch Improvements—The Hatch tool has been enhanced to enable more efficient placement of a hatch pattern without the previous requirement of a closed boundary. (Included in Lesson 15)
- Global AutoCAD 2025 Updates—New illustrations, detailed explanations, and step-by-step instructions throughout this Exercise Workbook reflect the latest AutoCAD tools, dialog boxes, and key elements.
Cheryl R. Shrock
Cheryl R. Shrock recently retired as Professor and Chairperson of Computer Aided Design at Orange Coast College (CA) where she had taught since 1990. She is an Autodesk® registered author. Previous to teaching, she owned and operated a commercial product and machine design company, using CAD to create and document designs. This book draws upon both her teaching and industry experience.
Read more from Cheryl R. Shrock
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Beginning AutoCAD® 2025 Exercise Workbook - Cheryl R. Shrock
LESSON 1
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Start the AutoCAD program.
2. Understand AutoCAD workspaces.
3. Recognize all of the features in the AutoCAD Window.
4. Understand what the keyboard function keys are used for.
5. Use the Artificial Intelligence Autodesk Assistant help system.
Starting AutoCAD
To Start AutoCAD use one of the two methods below. (Be patient it may take a few minutes to load. It is a large program.)
1. Select Start / AutoCAD 2025 (folder) / AutoCAD 2025
or
Double click on the AutoCAD 2025 desktop shortcut icon.
2. The Start
page should appear.
Note: Your computer should be connected to the internet.
The left-hand panel contains the Open drop-down list where you can open an existing drawing file, sheet set, or explore sample drawing files that come pre-loaded. It also contains the New drop-down list where you can start a new drawing file using a recent drawing template, browse for existing templates, or get more templates online.
The center panel contains thumbnails of recently opened drawing files. There are three examples of recently opened drawing files shown in the Recent panel above.
The right-hand panel contains announcements for product updates, surveys you can take part in, and helpful tips and suggestions on using AutoCAD.
You can start a new drawing by selecting the New drop-down list and then selecting Browse templates...
1. Select the New drop-down list.
2. Select Browse templates…
3. In the Select Template dialog box, select a drawing template file.
4. Select Open .
Note:
The drawing template acad.dwt is for inch measurements.
The drawing template acadiso.dwt is for metric measurements.
Note: If your screen does not appear as shown below, go to the Intro section of this Workbook and follow the steps for configuring AutoCAD to match the Workbook configuration.
The following section will describe each area and element of the AutoCAD interface.
While you probably would like to jump ahead to start drawing, please be patient and go through the rest of this lesson. It is very important that you understand and are familiar with AutoCAD’s interface.
AutoCAD Application Window
Important: I have changed my 2-dimensional (2D) background color to white for this Workbook. Yours may be another color.
You may change the color of many areas using: Options / Display Tab / Colors button
AutoCAD comes with Dark and Light Color themes. I have changed to the Light theme, this is just for clarity. You may choose the Light theme.
You may change the Color theme by using: Options / Display Tab / Color theme
If the remainder of your screen does not appear as shown on the next page, go to the Intro section of this Workbook and follow the steps for configuring AutoCAD to match the Workbook configuration.
The following pages discuss the elements of the AutoCAD interface and application window, providing an introduction to workspaces, documents, display options, and various features, terms, options, and ways to find and use different commands.
Workspace
Workspaces control the display of Ribbons, Tabs, Menus, Toolbars, and Palettes. AutoCAD gives you the option of deciding how you would like them displayed. When you use a workspace, only the Menus, Toolbars, and Palettes that are relevant to a task are displayed. For example, if you selected the 3D Modeling workspace, only 3D Menus, Toolbars, and Palettes would be displayed.
There are 3 preset workspaces.
Drafting & Annotation (shown above)
This workspace is the default display. It displays the necessary Ribbons, Tabs, Menus, Toolbars, and Palettes for 2D drafting. We will be using this workspace for all lessons within this Workbook.
3D Basics
This 3D Basics workspace provides a simple workspace with the most basic tools for creating and visualizing 3D models.
3D Modeling
The 3D Modeling workspace provides access to the vast array of 3D tools in AutoCAD. (For more on 3D modeling, see the Advanced AutoCAD® and AutoCAD® 3D Modeling Exercise Workbooks.)
How to select a workspace
1. Selecting a workspace is easy. Select the on the Workspace Switching icon located on the Status Bar at the bottom right corner of the screen.
2. Select one of the workspace names displayed.
Note: The Drafting & Annotation
workspace will be used in this Workbook.
Application Menu
The Application Menu provides easy access to common tools. Each of the tools will be discussed later in the Workbook.
1. Click on the Application Menu button in the upper left corner of the AutoCAD display screen ( A
).
Open Documents
First let me emphasize, this is not a method to open
a drawing file.
Open Documents is a list of all documents that are already open within AutoCAD.
Display choices: The list of documents may be displayed as icons or images. If you hover the cursor over a document name, a preview image will appear.
View Recent Documents
When you select Recent Documents button, a list of the recently viewed documents will appear.
Display choices: This list may be displayed as icons or images and may be sorted in an ordered list or grouped by date or file type. If you hover the cursor over a document name, a preview image will appear.
Pinned Files: You can keep a file listed, regardless of files that you save later, by using the push pin button to the right (shown on the next page). The file is displayed at the bottom of the list until you turn off the push pin button.
How to Pin a File to the Recent Documents List
1. Select the Recent Documents button.
2. Move the Cursor to the right-hand side of the file you want to pin. The push pin will appear.
3. Left click on the push pin button.
4. The file will now be pinned to the Recent Documents List.
You can also remove a file from the Recent Documents List if you no longer need it.
How to Remove a File from the Recent Documents List
1. Select the Recent Documents button.
2. Move the Cursor to the right-hand side of the file you want to remove.
3. Left click on the button with the three vertical filled circles. A menu will appear
4. Left click on Remove from List .
5. The selected file has been removed from the Recent Documents List.
Note: You also can remove a pinned file from the Recent Documents list. You do not have to unpin it first.
Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access Toolbar is located in the top left-hand corner of the AutoCAD Window. It includes the most commonly used tools, such as New, Open, Save, Save as, Print, Undo, and Redo.
How to Customize the Quick Access Toolbar
You can add tools with the Customize User Interface dialog box.
Example:
After you have completed Lesson 4, you will find that you will be using Zoom All
often. So I added the Zoom All tool to the Quick Access Toolbar. If you would like to add the Zoom All tool, or any other tool, to your Quick Access Toolbar, follow the steps below.
1. Place the Cursor on the Quick Access Toolbar and press the right mouse button.
2. Select Customize Quick Access Toolbar
from the menu.
3. Scroll through the list of Commands to Zoom, All
.
4. Press the Left mouse button on Zoom, All
and drag it to a location on the Quick Access Toolbar and drop it by releasing the left mouse button.
5. Select the OK button at the bottom of the Customize User Interface dialog box.
The Customize User Interface dialog box will disappear and the new Quick Access Toolbar is saved to the current workspace.
To Remove a Tool:
Place the cursor on the tool to remove and press the right mouse button. Select Remove from Quick Access Toolbar
.
Ribbon
The Ribbon provides access to the AutoCAD tools. The Tabs contain multiple Panels. Each Panel contains multiple tools. When you select a Tab, a new set of Panels will appear.
Additional Tools: If you select the symbol at the bottom of the Panel, the Panel will expand to access Additional Tools
.
Control the display of Tabs and Panels
Right click on the Ribbon and select which Tabs or Panels you choose to display. The check mark confirms the Tab or Panel is already displayed.
Control the Tab order
If you would like to change the order of the Tabs, click and drag the Tab horizontally to the new location.
Floating Panels
If you prefer to separate a Panel from the Ribbon, you may drag the Panel off the Ribbon to a new location on the screen.
Status Bar
The Status Bar is located on the bottom of the screen. It displays the current settings. These settings can be turned on or off by clicking on one of the buttons or by pressing a corresponding function key. For example,
When an icon is turned on, it will be displayed in blue.
Status Bar Icons
The Status Bar provides you with a set of commonly used drawing tools like Grid Display, Snap, Object Snap, and Isometric Drafting. You can choose to remove some or all of them, or you can choose to add more tools.
To add or remove Tools from the Status Bar
1. Select and click on the Customization button.
2. Check or uncheck the tools you want to add or remove from the menu.
3. Left click in the main drawing area to close the menu.
Note: The tools on the Status Bar may change, depending on whether you are in Model Space or Paper Space.
A brief description of each tool will be shown on the next four pages. Each tool will be discussed in more detail in future lessons.
Status Bar Tool Button Descriptions
I have enabled all the tool buttons and broken them down into two sections starting from the left-hand side.
Coordinates
The coordinates display the location of the cursor in reference to the Origin. The Origin is currently in the lower left corner of the drawing area. These numbers will change as you move the cursor.
First set of numbers represents the horizontal movement of the cursor (X axis).
Second set of numbers represents the vertical movement of the cursor (Y axis).
Third set of numbers represents the Z axis, which is used for 3D and not discussed in this book.
Model
The Model / Paper button allows you to work in either Model Space or Paper Space without leaving the Layout Tab. When you switch to a Layout Tab, this button automatically switches to Paper.
Grid (You may also use
The criss-cross lines in the Drawing Area are called the Grid. It is only a drawing aid and will not print. The default spacing is 1 unit of measurement. You may change the Grid spacing at any time by typing DS, then press
Snap Mode (You may also use
Increment Snap controls the incremental movement of the cursor. If it is on, the cursor will snap
in an incremental movement. If it is off, the cursor will move smoothly. You may set the increments by clicking on the down arrow and selecting Snap Settings…
You can also choose whether to use
Grid Snap or Polar Snap on the same menu.
Infer Constraints (Note: Not used in this Workbook.)
Inferred Geometric Constraints automatically applies coincident constraints for Endpoint, Midpoint, Center, Node, and Insertion Object Snaps.
Dynamic Input (You may also use
When Dynamic Input is on, you can enter coordinate values in tooltips near the cursor. More on this in Lesson 11.
Ortho Mode (You may also use
Ortho restricts the movement of the cursor to horizontal or vertical. When Ortho is on, the cursor moves only horizontally or vertically. When Ortho is off, the cursor moves freely in any direction.
Polar Tracking (You may also use
Polar Tracking restricts cursor movement to specified increments along a Polar angle. More on this in Lesson 11.
You may set the increments by clicking on the down arrow and selecting Tracking Settings…, or you can select one of the predefined angles from the list.
Isometric Drafting
Isometric drawing allows you to simulate a 3D object by aligning along 3 axes; these are Top, Right, and Left, and are called Isoplanes. When the button is enabled, you can toggle through the Isoplanes by pressing the
You may also change Isoplanes by clicking the down arrow and selecting from the menu.
Object Snap Tracking (You may also use
Object Snap Tracking controls the display of Object Snap reference lines, AutoSnap marker, tooltip, and magnet.
2D Object Snap (You may also use
When 2D Object Snap is on, the cursor will snap
to preset locations on 2D objects. More on this in Lesson 4.
You may also add or remove Object Snaps by clicking the down arrow and selecting from the menu.
Lineweight
Lineweight displays the width assigned to each object. When it is on, the lineweights are visible. You can change the lineweight settings by right clicking on the button and selecting Lineweight Settings. More on this in Lesson 3.
Transparency
When Transparency Show/Hide is on, all transparent layers will be displayed. If it is off, no transparent layers will be displayed. More on this in Lesson 3.
Selection Cycling
Selection cycling allows you to select objects that are overlapping. This is most useful when creating 3D models as discussed in the Advanced AutoCAD® Exercise Workbook.
3D Object Snap (You may also use
When 3DOsnap is on, the cursor will snap
to preset locations on 3D objects. This option is discussed in the Advanced AutoCAD® Exercise Workbook.
Dynamic UCS (You may also use
Dynamic User Coordinate System changes the grid plane to follow the XY plane of the dynamic UCS. It is used for 3D; refer to the Advanced AutoCAD® Exercise Workbook and AutoCAD® 3D Modeling Exercise Workbook.
Selection Filtering
Selection filtering allows you to filter whether certain faces, edges, vertices, or solid history subobjects are highlighted when you roll over them, very useful in complex 3D.
Gizmo
Gizmo tools help you move, rotate, or scale an object or set of objects along a 3D Plane, and are discussed in the Advanced AutoCAD® Exercise Workbook.
Annotation Visibility
When switched on, the Annotation Visibility tool displays or hides the visibility of annotative objects at the current scale.
AutoScale
When switched on, the AutoScale tool automatically updates annotative objects to support the annotation scale when the annotation scale is changed.
Annotation Scale
The Annotation Scale tool displays the current annotation scale. You can change the scale by clicking on the down arrow and selecting from the list of predefined scales or you may create a custom scale. You can also display the scale in percentages by selecting Percentages from the list.
Workspace Switching
Workspace Switching allows you to change the workspace environment: you can choose between Drafting & Annotation, 3D Basics, and 3D Modeling. You can change the workspace by clicking on the down arrow and selecting from the list.
Annotation Monitor
Provides feedback regarding the state of Associative annotations when using parametric dimensioning; it is discussed in the Advanced AutoCAD® Exercise Workbook.
Units
The Units tool allows you to change the display style of the Drawing Units. You can choose between Decimal, Architectural, Engineering, Fractional, and Scientific. You can change the drawing unit display by clicking on the down arrow and selecting from the list.
Quick Properties
If on, Quick Properties displays the properties of the object selected. If off, the Quick Properties box will not appear. More on this in Lesson 12.
Lock User Interface
The Lock User Interface tool allows you to lock or unlock Toolbars, Panels, Windows, and Floating Toolbars, Panels, and Windows. Click on the down arrow to select from the 4 options.
Isolate Objects
You can choose to isolate objects by keeping them visible on the screen, all other objects will be hidden. Or you can choose to hide objects. To isolate or hide objects, left click on the Isolate Objects tool button and select either Isolate Objects or Hide Objects from the list. To restore all hidden objects, left click on the Isolate Objects tool button and select End Object Isolation from the list.
Graphics Performance
The Graphics Performance tool examines your graphics card and 3D display driver and determines whether to use software acceleration or hardware acceleration. You can change the performance settings by right clicking on the tool button and selecting Graphics Performance, then changing any settings required in the dialog box.
Clean Screen (You may also use
When Clean Screen is selected, it will hide all tool Palettes, Windows, and Ribbons from the screen, leaving you with a larger drawing area to work with. You can restore all the Palettes, Windows, and Ribbons by selecting the Clean Screen tool button again.
Keyboard function keys and what they are used for.
F1 - Opens the Help Window.
F2 - Displays an Extended Command History list.
F3 - Turns the 2D Object Snaps on or off.
F4 - Turns the 3D Object Snaps on or off.
F5 - Toggles Isoplanes between Top, Right, or Left.
F6 - Turns the Dynamic UCS on or off.
F7 - Turns the Grid on or off.
F8 - Turns Orthographic Mode on or off.
F9 - Turns Snap Mode on or off.
F10 - Turns Polar Tracking on or off.
F11 - Turns Object Snap Tracking on or off.
F12 - Turns Dynamic Input on or off.
Floating Command Line
When you first start AutoCAD, if the software has not been modified, the Command Line will be displayed at the bottom of the screen, as shown below.
This is where AutoCAD will prompt you for information and you will enter commands, values, and select options. Basically, this is how you communicate with AutoCAD.
You may dock
the Command Line at the top or bottom of the AutoCAD Window or let it float in the drawing area. To move the Command Line, place the cursor on the left end grip, press the left mouse button, and drag the Command Line to a desired location.
Click and drag to move.
To dock
the Command Line, drag it to the top or bottom of the drawing area. It will snap to the edge. You can’t dock the Command Line to the sides. You may also drag it below the drawing area as shown below.
Command Line
How to enter a command on the Command Line
1. Type the first letter of a command, such as c for circle .
2. A list of commands that begin with the letter C will appear. Select the desired command from the list.
3. When you enter a command such as Circle, the prompt and options will be displayed on the Command Line.
4. The prompt for the Circle command asks you to:
Specify center point for circle
or [ 3P 2P Ttr (tan tan radius) ]:
Clickable options are displayed in blue. Options displayed in black must be typed or selected from the option menu.
This will be discussed more in Lesson 2.
Command and Prompt History
As you enter commands, AutoCAD records them as history
. You may display this history by pressing
Command Line Tools
The Recent Commands tool displays recently selected commands.
The Customize tool allows you to select options for the AutoComplete by selecting Input Settings
. You can also control how many lines of history are displayed and the degree of transparency for the Command Line.
Dynamic Input
Dynamic Input is another method of inputting commands and values and selecting options. To use Dynamic Input, you must turn on the Dynamic Input button in the Status Bar, shown on page 1-12.
If you choose to use Dynamic Input, the command will be entered in the tooltip box beside the cursor.
How to enter a command using Dynamic Input
1. Place the cursor in the Drawing Area.
2. Type the first letter of a command, such as c for circle.
3. A list of commands that begin with the letter C will appear. Select the command from the list.
4. If you press the i arrow, the options will appear below the prompt.
Notice that the command entry also is being displayed on the Command Line. Whether to use the Command Line or Dynamic Input is your choice. This will be discussed more in Lesson 2.
Drawing Area
The Drawing Area is the large open area of the screen. This is where you will draw. Consider this your paper. The color of this area can be changed using Options / Display Tab / Color.
Origin Icon
The Origin icon or UCS icon indicates the location of the Origin. The Origin is where the coordinates X, Y, and Z originate. The X and Y coordinates for the Origin is 0,0. This will be discussed more in future Lessons.
Cursor
The Cursor is located within the Drawing Area. The movement of the pointing device, such as a mouse, controls the movement of the cursor. You will use the cursor to locate points, make selections and draw objects. The size can be changed using Options / Display Tab / Crosshair Size.
InfoCenter
The InfoCenter is a tool to search for information. It is located in the upper right corner of the screen.
Search Box
The InfoCenter allows you to search for information by typing key words or a question in the Help Box
. After typing, press
Search
Displays multiple search options.
Autodesk Account
Sign in to your Autodesk online account to access services that integrate with your desktop software.
Autodesk App Store
Launches the Autodesk App Store website.
Connect with Autodesk
Allows you to connect to the Autodesk online community.
Help Menu
Displays the Help Window.
Autodesk Assistant
Opens the Autodesk Assistant Palette.
ViewCube and Navigation Bar
The ViewCube and the Navigation Bar are used primarily in the 3D mode. They enable you to view and rotate the 3D model. We will not be using these tools in this Workbook. Refer to the Advanced AutoCAD® Exercise Workbook and AutoCAD® 3D Modeling Exercise Workbook.
Since we are not using these tools, you may choose to turn their display off. Follow the easy instructions below to turn the display off or on.
How to turn off the ViewCube and Navigation Bar
There are 2 methods.
Method 1.
1. Type navbardisplay and then press
2. Type 0 and then press
3. Type navvcubedisplay and then press
4. Type 1 and then press
Note: navvcubedisplay has 4 settings:
0 = Not displayed in 2D or 3D.
1 = Displayed in 3D only (Select this one for the Workbook).
2 = Displayed in 2D only.
3 = Displayed in both 2D and 3D.
Method 2.
1. Select the View Tab.
2. Left click on the ViewCube and Navigation Bar buttons.
Note: The buttons will be displayed in blue when switched on.
ToolTip Help
Basic ToolTip
When you hover your cursor over a tool, an initial ToolTip will appear telling you the name of the tool with a brief description.
Extended ToolTip
If you hover just a little longer, a graphic display, directly from the Help system, will appear.
How to turn off ToolTips
After you become familiar with AutoCAD, you will want to turn these off. Or you may just want to delay the extended ToolTips.