AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011 – No Experience Required published by Sybex under their Serious Skill efforts was written by Donnie Gladfelter.\u00a0 This is a massive collection of information for those that are just starting and those that have years of use under their belts.\u00a0 There are seventeen chapters dedicated to the basic of opening files, creating objects and navigating the interface to rendering and materials.\u00a0 The breadth of topics covered is impressive.<\/p>\n
Some of the basic stuff is very good for those that are uninitiated.\u00a0 He even goes over where to click on objects for specific actions.\u00a0 This is a learned skill, but Donnie does a good job of explaining the little things that cause frustrations and delays for new users.\u00a0 He does not stop at the new user level – far from it.\u00a0 He covers advanced topics with the same prowess that makes the entire book worth having.<\/p>\n
He starts with the things that you would expect to cover in a book like this but does so with greater depth, going into dialog boxes, settings and selections that may confuse those just starting.\u00a0 This basis of foundation builds as the book proceeds.\u00a0 Sprinkled throughout the book are little pullout comments that help those that might notice errors, cautions and erratic behaviors in the program at the beginning.\u00a0 Another nice touch is the pullout conversations about Standards and another on “What to do when you make a Mistake”.<\/p>\n
One really good chapter to me is “Using Layers as an Organizing Tool”.\u00a0\u00a0 The author goes to great lengths to explain the entire perspective of how Layers can make a difference and what impact getting it right.\u00a0 Colors, Linestyles, naming, etc – it is all covered.\u00a0 He goes over what should be assigned to what Layer and why and also how to do it.<\/p>\n
Scattered throughout the book are Warnings and Tips.\u00a0 These are from the many years of using these tools that the author shares with the reader.<\/p>\n
Blocks, Dynamic Blocks, Hatching and Dimensions are covered in depth.\u00a0 Sharing procedures for creating them,using them and placing them.\u00a0 All in the context of an ongoing Architectural drawing process. From creation of the first lines to the final Title Block and then setting up Layouts and plotting (even Sheet Set Manager).\u00a0 Xrefs are addressed as well\u00a0 as images and more.<\/p>\n
The final chapters even get into 3D creation and use.\u00a0 (I like the Right Hand Rule illustration).\u00a0 Topped off with Rendering and Material gives the reader the full tour of the product from start to finish.\u00a0 Add to that the final Glossary of terms will move the novice to avid user quickly.<\/p>\n
This publication is well\u00a0 worth the read and also to study.\u00a0 The wealth of knowledge shared from the authors ample experience will assist everyone who buys and reads this book.<\/p>\n