Getting Started with AutoCAD 2021: A Comprehensive Guide

When starting to learn AutoCAD 2021, it's essential to familiarize yourself with its interface and basic controls. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the program and get started with creating 3D designs.

Navigating the Interface

Most people use a mouse as their pointing device, but other devices have equivalent controls. When several possibilities are available, such as in the example below, you can make your choice by clicking it or using the arrow keys and then pressing Enter or the Spacebar. Notice that as you start to type a command, it completes automatically.

Working with the Command Window

The heart of the program is the Command window, which is normally docked at the bottom of the application window. The Command window displays prompts, options, and messages. You can enter commands directly in the Command window instead of using the ribbon, toolbars, and menus.

Using the Ribbon and Tabs

AutoCAD includes a standard tabbed ribbon across the top of the application. You can also drag the drawing tabs to reorder them. Go ahead and experiment with starting and opening drawings, and switching between the tabs. A quick way to close any drawing is to click the X control on its tab.

Working with Drawings

You can access nearly all the commands presented in this guide from the Home tab. The new drawing, Drawing1, starts on a new tab that's just above the drawing area. After you launch AutoCAD, click New on the Start tab to begin a new drawing, or Open to work on an existing drawing.

Tips and Tricks

* If the Home tab is not the current tab, go ahead and click it.

* You can access nearly all the commands presented in this guide from the Home tab.

* The Quick Access toolbar shown below includes familiar commands such as New, Open, Save, Print, and Undo.

* An asterisk (*) next to the drawing name indicates that the drawing needs to be saved.

By following these simple steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning 3D designs with AutoCAD 2021. Remember to practice regularly to become more comfortable with the program's interface and controls.

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