AutoCAD 2008 User's Guide

• Get Information
  • Find the Information You Need
    • Search For and Receive Information
      • Overview of Searching for and Receiving Information
      • Search for Information
      • Receive Product Updates and Announcements
        • Overview of Communication Center
        • Receive New Information Notifications
      • Save and Access Favorite Topics
      • Specify InfoCenter Settings
    • Use the Help System Efficiently
      • Find Information in Help
      • Use Searches
      • Understand How Help Topics Are Organized
      • Print Help Topics
      • Show and Hide the Contents Pane
      • Get Additional Help
    • Learn About New Features
    • Learn the Product
    • Access Subscription Center
      • Overview of Subscription Center
      • Manage Files with Autodesk Vault
    • View the Product Readme
    • Where to Find AutoCAD Express Tools Volumes 1-9
    • Join the Customer Involvement Program
  • Get Information from Drawings
    • Obtain General Drawing Information
    • Count Objects Within a Drawing
• The User Interface
  • Toolbars, Menus, and The Dashboard
    • Toolbars
    • Status Bars
      • The Application Status Bar
      • The Drawing Status Bar
    • The Menu Bar
    • Shortcut Menus
    • The Dashboard
  • The Command Window
    • Enter Commands on the Command Line
    • Enter System Variables on the Command Line
    • Navigate and Edit Within the Command Window
    • Switch Between Dialog Boxes and the Command Line
    • Dock, Resize, and Hide the Command Window
  • DesignCenter
    • Overview of DesignCenter
    • Understand the DesignCenter Window
    • Access Content with DesignCenter
    • Add Content with DesignCenter
    • Retrieve Content from the Web with DesignCenter Online
      • Overview of DesignCenter Online
      • Understand DesignCenter Online Content Types
      • Retrieve Content from the Web
  • Customize the Drawing Environment
    • Set Interface Options
    • Create Task-Based Workspaces
    • Save and Restore Interface Settings (Profiles)
    • Customize Startup
  • Tool Palettes
    • Create and Use Tools from Objects and Images
    • Create and Use Command Tools
    • Change Tool Palette Settings
    • Control Tool Properties
    • Customize Tool Palettes
    • Organize Tool Palettes
    • Save and Share Tool Palettes
• Start, Organize, and Save a Drawing
  • Start a Drawing
    • Start a Drawing from Scratch
    • Use a Wizard to Start a Drawing
    • Use a Template File to Start a Drawing
    • Specify Units and Unit Formats
      • Determine the Units of Measurement
      • Set Linear Unit Conventions
      • Set Angular Unit Conventions
    • Add Identifying Information to Drawings
  • Open or Save a Drawing
    • Open a Drawing
    • Open Part of a Large Drawing (Partial Load)
    • Work with Multiple Open Drawings
    • Save a Drawing
    • Find a Drawing File
    • Specify Search Paths and File Locations
  • Repair, Restore, or Recover Drawing Files
    • Repair a Damaged Drawing File
    • Create and Restore Backup Files
    • Recover from a System Failure
  • Maintain Standards in Drawings
    • Overview of CAD Standards
    • Define Standards
    • Check Drawings for Standards Violations
    • Translate Layer Names and Properties
• Control the Drawing Views
  • Change Views
    • Pan or Zoom a View
    • Pan and Zoom with the Aerial View Window
    • Save and Restore Views
    • Control the 3D Projection Style
      • Overview of Parallel and Perspective Views
      • Define a Perspective Projection (DVIEW)
      • Define a Parallel Projection
      • Choose Preset 3D Views
      • Define a 3D View with Coordinate Values or Angles
      • Change to a View of the XY Plane
    • Shade a Model and Use Edge Effects
      • Use a Visual Style to Display Your Model
      • Customize a Visual Style
        • Shade and Color Faces
        • Display Backgrounds and Shadows
        • Control the Display of Edges
      • Control Performance
        • Adaptive Degradation
        • Performance Tuning
        • Memory Tuning
  • Use 3D Viewing Tools
    • Specify 3D Views
      • Overview of 3D Views
      • Use 3D Navigation Tools
      • Walk and Fly Through a Drawing
      • Create a 3D Dynamic View (DVIEW)
    • Define a 3D View with a Camera
      • Overview of Cameras
      • Create a Camera
      • Change Camera Properties
    • Create Preview Animations
    • Create Motion Path Animations
      • Control a Camera Motion Path
      • Specify Motion Path Settings
      • Record a Motion Path Animation
  • Display Multiple Views in Model Space
    • Set Model Space Viewports
    • Select and Use the Current Viewport
    • Save and Restore Model Tab Viewport Arrangements
• Choose a Work Process Before You Begin
  • Create Single-View Drawings (Model Space)
    • Quick Start for Model Space Drafting
    • Draw, Scale, and Annotate in Model Space
  • Create Multiple-View Drawing Layouts (Paper Space)
    • Quick Start for Layouts
    • Understand the Layout Process
    • Work with Model Space and Paper Space
      • Work on the Model Tab
      • Work on a Layout Tab
      • Access Model Space from a Layout Viewport
    • Create and Modify Layout Viewports
    • Control Views in Layout Viewports
      • Scale Views in Layout Viewports
      • Control Visibility in Layout Viewports
        • Freeze Specified Layers in a Layout Viewport
        • Screen Objects in Layout Viewports
        • Turn Layout Viewports On or Off
      • Scale Linetypes in Layout Viewports
      • Align Views in Layout Viewports
      • Rotate Views in Layout Viewports
    • Reuse Layouts and Layout Settings
  • Work with Sheets in a Sheet Set
    • Quick Start for Sheet Sets
    • Understand the Sheet Set Manager Interface
    • Create and Manage a Sheet Set
      • Create a Sheet Set
      • Organize a Sheet Set
      • Create and Modify Sheets
      • Include Information with Sheets and Sheet Sets
    • Publish, Transmit, and Archive Sheet Sets
    • Use Sheet Sets in a Team
• Create and Modify Objects
  • Control the Properties of Objects
    • Overview of Object Properties
    • Display and Change the Properties of Objects
    • Copy Properties Between Objects
    • Work with Layers
      • Overview of Layers
      • Use Layers to Manage Complexity
      • Create and Name Layers
      • Change Layer Settings and Layer Properties
      • Override Layer Properties in Viewports
      • Filter and Sort the List of Layers
      • Use New Layer Notification
        • Reconcile New Layers
      • Work with Layer States
        • Save, Restore, and Edit Layer States
        • Import and Export Layer States
    • Work with Colors
      • Set the Current Color
      • Change the Color of an Object
      • Use Color Books
    • Work with Linetypes
      • Overview of Linetypes
      • Load Linetypes
      • Set the Current Linetype
      • Change the Linetype of an Object
      • Control Linetype Scale
      • Display Linetypes on Short Segments and Polylines
    • Control Lineweights
      • Overview of Lineweights
      • Display Lineweights
      • Set the Current Lineweight
      • Change the Lineweight of an Object
    • Control the Display Properties of Certain Objects
      • Control the Display of Polylines, Hatches, Gradient Fills, Lineweights, and Text
      • Control How Overlapping Objects Are Displayed
  • Use Precision Tools
    • Use Coordinates and Coordinate Systems (UCS)
      • Overview of Coordinate Entry
      • Enter 2D Coordinates
        • Enter Cartesian Coordinates
        • Enter Polar Coordinates
      • Enter 3D Coordinates
        • Enter 3D Cartesian Coordinates
        • Enter Cylindrical Coordinates
        • Enter Spherical Coordinates
      • Understand the User Coordinate System (UCS)
      • Specify Workplanes in 3D (UCS)
        • Understand the User Coordinate System in 3D
        • Control the User Coordinate System in 3D
        • Use the Dynamic UCS with Solid Models
      • Assign User Coordinate System Orientations to Viewports
      • Control the Display of the User Coordinate System Icon
    • Use Dynamic Input
    • Snap to Locations on Objects (Object Snaps)
      • Use Object Snaps
      • The Object Snap Menu
      • Set Visual Aids for Object Snaps (AutoSnap)
      • Override Object Snap Settings
    • Restrict Cursor Movement
      • Adjust Grid and Grid Snap
      • Use Orthogonal Locking (Ortho Mode)
      • Use Polar Tracking and PolarSnap
      • Lock an Angle for One Point (Angle)
    • Combine or Offset Points and Coordinates
      • Combine Coordinate Values (Coordinate Filters)
      • Track to Points on Objects (Object Snap Tracking)
      • Track to Offset Point Locations (Tracking)
    • Specify Distances
      • Enter Direct Distances
      • Offset from Temporary Reference Points
      • Specify Intervals on Objects
        • Overview of Specifying Intervals on Objects
        • Specify Measured Intervals on Objects
        • Divide an Object into Equal Segments
    • Extract Geometric Information from Objects
      • Obtain Distances, Angles, and Point Locations
      • Obtain Area and Mass Properties Information
    • Use a Calculator
      • Use the QuickCalc Calculator
        • Overview of QuickCalc
        • Access QuickCalc and Understand Its Behavior
        • Enter, Evaluate, and Retrieve Expressions
        • Convert Units of Measurement
        • Create and Use Calculator Variables
      • Use the Command Line Calculator
  • Draw Geometric Objects
    • Draw Linear Objects
      • Draw Lines
      • Draw Polylines
      • Draw Rectangles and Polygons
      • Draw Multiline Objects
      • Draw Freehand Sketches
    • Draw Curved Objects
      • Draw Arcs
      • Draw Circles
      • Draw Polyline Arcs
      • Draw Donuts
      • Draw Ellipses
      • Draw Splines
      • Draw Helixes
    • Draw Construction and Reference Geometry
      • Draw Reference Points
      • Draw Construction Lines (and Rays)
    • Create and Combine Areas (Regions)
    • Create Revision Clouds
  • Create and Use Blocks (Symbols)
    • Overview of Blocks
    • Create and Store Blocks
      • How Blocks Are Stored and Referenced
      • Create Blocks Within a Drawing
      • Create Drawing Files for Use as Blocks
      • Control the Color and Linetype Properties in Blocks
      • Nest Blocks
      • Create Block Libraries
      • Use Tool Palettes to Organize Blocks
      • Remove Block Definitions
    • Add Dynamic Behavior to Blocks
      • Quick Start to Creating Dynamic Blocks
      • Overview of Dynamic Blocks
      • Use the Block Editor
        • Overview of the Block Editor
        • Use Block Authoring Palettes
        • How Objects Are Displayed in the Block Editor
      • Add Dynamic Elements to Blocks
        • Overview of Dynamic Block Elements
        • Use Parameters in Dynamic Blocks
        • Use Actions with Dynamic Blocks
          • Overview of Using Actions in Dynamic Blocks
          • Use a Move Action in a Dynamic Block
          • Use a Scale Action in a Dynamic Block
          • Use a Stretch Action in a Dynamic Block
          • Use a Polar Stretch Action in a Dynamic Block
          • Use a Rotate Action in a Dynamic Block
          • Use a Flip Action in a Dynamic Block
          • Use an Array Action in a Dynamic Block
          • Use a Lookup Action in a Dynamic Block
          • Use Distance Multiplier and Angle Offset Action Overrides
        • Use Parameter Sets
        • Specify Grips for Dynamic Blocks
        • Create Visibility States
        • Use Lookup Tables to Assign Data to Dynamic Blocks
          • Overview of Using Lookup Tables to Assign Data to Dynamic Blocks
          • Specify Values for Lookup Tables
        • Specify Custom Properties for Dynamic Blocks
          • Overview of Specifying Custom Properties for Dynamic Blocks
          • Specify Value Sets for Dynamic Blocks
          • Allow Chained Actions for Dynamic Blocks
        • Modify Dynamic Block Definitions
        • Correct Errors in Dynamic Block Definitions
      • Save a Block in the Block Editor
    • Insert Blocks
    • Work with Dynamic Blocks in Drawings
    • Attach Data to Blocks (Block Attributes)
      • Overview of Block Attributes
      • Define Block Attributes
      • Extract Data from Block Attributes
      • Extract Block Attribute Data (Advanced)
    • Modify Blocks
      • Modify a Block Definition
      • Change the Color and Linetype in a Block
      • Modify the Data in Block Attributes
      • Modify a Block Attribute Definition
      • Disassemble a Block Reference (Explode)
  • Change Existing Objects
    • Select Objects
      • Select Objects Individually
      • Select Multiple Objects
      • Prevent Objects from Being Selected
      • Filter Selection Sets
      • Customize Object Selection
      • Group Objects
        • Overview of Groups
        • Create Groups
        • Select Objects in Groups
        • Edit Groups
    • Correct Mistakes
    • Erase Objects
    • Use Windows Cut, Copy, and Paste
    • Modify Objects
      • Choose a Method to Modify Objects
      • Move or Rotate Objects
        • Move Objects
        • Rotate Objects
        • Align Objects
      • Copy, Offset, or Mirror Objects
        • Copy Objects
        • Create an Array of Objects
        • Offset an Object
        • Mirror Objects
      • Change the Size and Shape of Objects
        • Trim or Extend Objects
        • Resize or Reshape Objects
      • Fillet, Chamfer, Break, or Join Objects
        • Create Fillets
        • Create Chamfers
        • Break and Join Objects
      • Use Grips to Edit Objects
        • Use Grip Modes
        • Make Multiple Copies with Grips
        • Control Grips in Blocks
    • Modify Complex Objects
      • Disassociate Compound Objects (Explode)
      • Modify or Join Polylines
      • Modify Splines
      • Modify Helixes
      • Modify Multilines
• Work with 3D Models
  • Create 3D Models
    • Overview of 3D Modeling
    • Create 3D Solids and Surfaces
      • Overview of Creating 3D Solids and Surfaces
      • Create 3D Solid Primitives
        • Create a Solid Box
        • Create a Solid Wedge
        • Create a Solid Cone
        • Create a Solid Cylinder
        • Create a Solid Sphere
        • Create a Solid Pyramid
        • Create a Solid Torus
      • Create a Polysolid
      • Create Solids and Surfaces from Lines and Curves
        • Extrude Objects
        • Create a Solid or Surface by Sweeping
        • Create a Solid or Surface by Lofting
        • Create a Solid or Surface by Revolving
      • Create Solids and Surfaces from Objects
      • Create Solids from Surfaces
      • Create Composite Solids
      • Create Solids by Slicing
    • Check for Interferences within a Solid Model
    • Create Meshes
    • Create Wireframe Models
    • Add 3D Thickness to Objects
  • Modify 3D Solids and Surfaces
    • Manipulate 3D Solids and Surfaces
      • Manipulate Individual Solids and Surfaces
      • Work with Composite Solids
        • Display Original Forms of Composite Solids
        • Manipulate Composite Solids
    • Select and Modify 3D Subobjects
      • Select 3D Subobjects
      • Move, Rotate, and Scale Subobjects
      • Modify Faces on 3D Solids
        • Move, Rotate, and Scale Faces on 3D Solids
        • Copy, Delete, and Color Faces on 3D Solids
      • Modify Edges on 3D Solids
      • Modify Vertices on 3D Solids
    • Press or Pull Bounded Areas
    • Use Grip Tools to Modify Objects
      • Understand Grip Tools
      • Use the Move Grip Tool to Modify Objects
      • Use the Rotate Grip Tool to Modify Objects
    • Add Edges and Faces to Solids
    • Separate 3D Solids
    • Shell 3D Solids
    • Clean and Check 3D Solids
  • Create Sections and 2D Drawings from 3D Models
    • Section 3D Solids
    • Work with Section Objects
      • Overview of Section Objects
      • Create Section Objects
      • Set Section Object States
      • Use Section Object Grips
      • Access Section Object Shortcut Menu
      • Change Section Object Properties
      • Associate Section Objects with Views and Cameras
      • Publish Section Objects
      • Save Section Object as Tool Palette Tool
      • Add Jogs to a Section
    • Live Sectioning
      • Understand Live Sectioning Behavior
    • Generate 2D and 3D Sections
    • Create a Flattened View
• Annotate Drawings
  • Work with Annotations
    • Overview of Annotations
    • Scale Annotations
      • Overview of Scaling Annotations
      • Set Annotation Scale
      • Create Annotative Objects
        • Overview of Creating Annotative Objects
        • Work with Annotative Styles
        • Create Annotative Text
        • Create Annotative Dimensions and Tolerances
        • Create Annotative Leaders and Multileaders
        • Create Annotative Blocks and Attributes
        • Create Annotative Hatches
      • Display Annotative Objects
      • Add and Modify Scale Representations
    • Set Orientation for Annotations
  • Hatches, Fills, and Wipeouts
    • Overview of Hatch Patterns and Fills
    • Define Hatch Boundaries
      • Overview of Hatch Boundaries
      • Control the Hatching in Islands
      • Define Hatch Boundaries in Large Drawings
      • Create Unbounded Hatches
    • Choose Hatch Patterns and Solid Fills
      • Create Solid-Filled Areas
      • Create Gradient-Filled Areas
      • Use Predefined Hatch Patterns
      • Create User-Defined Hatch Patterns
    • Modify Hatches and Solid-Filled Areas
    • Create a Blank Area to Cover Objects
  • Notes and Labels
    • Overview of Notes and Labels
    • Create Text
      • Overview of Creating Text
      • Create Single-Line Text
      • Create Multiline Text
        • Overview of Multiline Text
        • Justify Multiline Text
        • Format Characters Within Multiline Text
        • Create Lists in Multiline Text
        • Indent Multiline Text and Use Tabs
        • Specify the Line Spacing Within Multiline Text
        • Create Stacked Characters Within Multiline Text
      • Create and Edit Columns in Multiline Text
      • Import Text from External Files
    • Create Leaders
      • Overview of Leader Objects
      • Create and Modify Leaders
      • Work with Leader Styles
      • Add Content to a Leader
    • Use Fields in Text
      • Insert Fields
      • Update Fields
      • Use Hyperlinks in Fields
    • Work with Text Styles
      • Overview of Text Styles
      • Assign Text Fonts
        • Overview of Assigning Text Fonts
        • Use TrueType Fonts
        • Use Text Fonts for International Work
        • Substitute Fonts
      • Set Text Height
      • Set Text Obliquing Angle
      • Set Horizontal or Vertical Text Orientation
    • Change Text
      • Overview of Changing Text
      • Change Single-Line Text
      • Change Multiline Text
      • Change Text Scale and Justification
    • Check Spelling
    • Use an Alternate Text Editor
      • Overview of Using an Alternate Text Editor
      • Format Multiline Text in an Alternate Text Editor
  • Tables
    • Create and Modify Tables
    • Link a Table to External Data
    • Work with Table Styles
    • Add Text and Blocks to Tables
    • Use Formulas in Table Cells
  • Dimensions and Tolerances
    • Understand Basic Concepts of Dimensioning
      • Overview of Dimensioning
      • Parts of a Dimension
      • Associative Dimensions
    • Use Dimension Styles
      • Overview of Dimension Styles
      • Compare Dimension Styles and Variables
      • Control Dimension Geometry
        • Control Dimension Lines
        • Control Extension Lines
        • Control Dimension Arrowheads
        • Customize Arrowheads
      • Control Dimension Text
        • Fit Dimension Text Within Extension Lines
        • Control the Location of Dimension Text
        • Control the Appearance of Dimension Text
      • Control Dimension Values
        • Control the Display of Dimension Units
        • Round Off Dimension Values
        • Suppress Zeros in Dimensions
        • Display Lateral Tolerances
    • Set the Scale for Dimensions
    • Create Dimensions
      • Create Linear Dimensions
        • Overview of Creating Linear Dimensions
        • Create Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions
        • Create Aligned Dimensions
        • Create Baseline and Continued Dimensions
        • Create Rotated Dimensions
        • Create Dimensions with Oblique Extension Lines
      • Create Radial Dimensions
      • Create Angular Dimensions
      • Create Ordinate Dimensions
      • Create Arc Length Dimensions
    • Modify Existing Dimensions
      • Apply a New Dimension Style to Existing Dimensions
      • Override a Dimension Style
      • Modify A Dimension
        • Dimension Jog
        • Inspection Dimension
        • Dimension Breaks
        • Adjust Dimension Spacing
      • Modify Dimension Text
      • Modify Dimension Geometry
      • Change Dimension Associativity
    • Add Geometric Tolerances
      • Overview of Geometric Tolerances
      • Material Conditions
      • Datum Reference Frames
      • Projected Tolerance Zones
      • Composite Tolerances
• Plot and Publish Drawings
  • Prepare Drawings for Plotting and Publishing
    • Quick Start to Preparing Drawings for Plotting and Publishing
    • Specify Page Setup Settings
      • Overview of Page Setup Settings
      • Select a Printer or Plotter for a Layout
      • Select a Paper Size for a Layout
      • Set the Plot Area of a Layout
      • Adjust the Plot Offset of a Layout
      • Set the Plot Scale for a Layout
      • Set the Lineweight Scale for a Layout
      • Select a Plot Style Table for a Layout
      • Set Shaded Viewport and Plot Options for a Layout
      • Determine the Drawing Orientation of a Layout
    • Use the Layout Wizard to Specify Layout Settings
    • Import PCP or PC2 Settings into a Layout
    • Create and Use Named Page Setups
    • Use Named Page Setups with Sheet Sets
  • Plot Drawings
    • Quick Start to Plotting
    • Overview of Plotting
    • Use a Page Setup to Specify Plot Settings
    • Select a Printer or Plotter
    • Specify the Area to Plot
    • Set Paper Size
    • Position the Drawing on the Paper
      • Specify the Printable Area
      • Set the Position of the Plot
      • Set Drawing Orientation
    • Control How Objects Are Plotted
      • Set Plot Scale
      • Set Shaded Viewport Options
        • Overview of Shaded Viewport Plotting
        • Specify Shaded Plotting Settings
        • Specify a Resolution Level for Shaded Plotting
      • Set Options for Plotted Objects
      • Use Plot Styles to Control Plotted Objects
        • Overview of Plot Styles
        • Choose a Type of Plot Style Table
        • Switch the Type of Plot Style Table
        • Assign Plot Style Tables to Layouts
        • Manage Plot Style Tables
      • Use Color-Dependent Plot Style Tables
      • Use Named Plot Style Tables
        • Use Named Plot Styles
        • Manage Named Plot Styles
        • Use Predefined Named Plot Style Tables
        • Delete Color Mapping Tables
      • Change Plot Style Settings
        • Overview of Plot Style Settings
        • Set Color, Screening, Grayscale, and Dither in Plot Style Tables
        • Assign Pen Numbers and Virtual Pens in Plot Style Tables
        • Control Plotted Lineweight and Linetype
        • Assign Plotted Line End and Join Styles
        • Assign Plotted Fill Styles
    • Preview a Plot
    • Plot Files to Other Formats
      • Plot DWF Files
      • Plot to DXB File Formats
      • Plot to Raster File Formats
      • Plot Adobe PDF Files
      • Plot Adobe PostScript Files
      • Create Plot Files
  • Publish Drawings
    • Quick Start to Publishing
    • Overview of Publishing
    • Create and Modify a Drawing Set for Publishing
    • Create a Paper or Plot File Drawing Set
    • Publish an Electronic Drawing Set
    • Publish a Sheet Set
    • Republish a Drawing Set
    • View a Published Electronic Drawing Set
    • Set Publish Options
    • 3D DWF Publishing
    • Configure a DWF6 Driver (Advanced)
      • Overview of Creating or Modifying a DWF6 Configuration File
      • Set the DWF File Resolution
      • Set the DWF File Compression
      • Set Font Handling for the DWF File
      • Edit Pen Patterns for the DWF File
• Share Data Between Drawings and Applications
  • Reference Other Drawing Files
    • Overview of Referenced Drawings (Xrefs)
    • Attach and Detach Referenced Drawings
      • Attach Drawing References (Xrefs)
      • Set Paths to Referenced Drawings
      • Detach Referenced Drawings
    • Update and Bind Referenced Drawings
      • Nest and Overlay Referenced Drawings
      • Update Referenced Drawing Attachments
      • Archive Drawings That Contain Referenced Drawings (Bind)
    • Clip Referenced Drawings and Blocks
    • Edit Referenced Drawings
      • Edit a Referenced Drawing in a Separate Window
      • Edit Selected Objects in Referenced Drawings and Blocks
      • Use the Working Set to Edit Referenced Drawings and Blocks
      • Save Back Edited Referenced Drawings and Blocks
      • Edit Referenced Drawings and Blocks with Nesting, OLE, or Attributes
    • Resolve Referenced Drawing Errors
      • Resolve Missing External References
      • Resolve Circular External References
      • Resolve Name Conflicts in External References
      • Track External Reference Operations (Log File)
    • Increase Performance with Large Referenced Drawings
      • Overview of Demand Loading
      • Unload Xrefs
      • Work with Demand Loading
      • Work with Layer and Spatial Indexes
      • Set Paths for Temporary Xref File Copies
  • Link and Embed Data (OLE)
    • Overview of Object Linking and Embedding
    • Import OLE Objects
      • Overview of Importing OLE Objects into Drawings
      • Link OLE Objects in Drawings
      • Embed OLE Objects in Drawings
    • Export OLE Objects from Drawings
    • Edit OLE Objects in Drawings
  • Work with Data in Other Formats
    • Import, Attach, or Open Other File Formats
      • Import 3DS Files
      • Import ACIS SAT Files
      • Attach DWF Files as Underlays
        • Attach and Detach DWF Underlays
          • Attach DWF Files as Underlays
          • Detach DWF Underlay Files
        • Work with Attached DWF Underlay Files
        • Change DWF Underlay Display Properties and Clipping
          • Control the Display of Layers in a DWF Underlay
          • Adjust DWF Underlay Contrast, Fade, Monochrome, and Colors for Background
          • Clip DWF Underlays
          • Hide and Show DWF Underlay Frames
        • Manage and Publish Drawings Containing DWF Underlays
          • View DWF Underlay Information
          • Change File Paths of DWF Underlays
          • Publish, Save, and eTransmit Drawings Containing DWF Underlays
          • Reference Manager and DWF Underlays
      • Convert DXF and DXB Files to DWG Format
      • Attach DGN Files as Underlays
        • Overview of Underlaying DGN Files
        • Cross-reference of MicroStation to AutoCAD Terms
        • Attach and Detach DGN Underlays
          • Attach DGN Files
          • Detach DGN Underlays
        • Work with DGN Underlays
          • Edit DGN Underlays
        • Adjust DGN Underlay Appearance and Clipping Boundaries
          • Adjust DGN Underlay Fade, Contrast, and Monochrome
          • Clip DGN Underlays
          • Show and Hide DGN Underlay Frames
        • Manage and Publish Drawings Containing DGN Underlays
          • View DGN Underlay Information
          • Change File Paths of DGN Underlays
          • Publish, Save, and eTransmit Drawings Containing DGN Underlays
          • Reference Manager and DGN Underlays
      • Import MicroStation V8 DGN Files
      • Attach Raster Image Files
        • Overview of Raster Images
        • Attach, Scale, and Detach Raster Images
          • Attach Raster Images
          • Scale Raster Images
          • Detach Raster Images
        • Modify Raster Images and Image Boundaries
          • Show and Hide Raster Image Boundaries
          • Clip Raster Images
          • Change Raster Image Brightness, Contrast, and Fade
          • Modify Color and Transparency for Bitonal Raster Images
        • Manage Raster Images
          • View Raster Image Information
          • Assign Descriptive Names to Raster Images
          • Change File Paths of Raster Images
        • Tune Raster Image Performance
          • Load and Unload Raster Images
          • Improve the Display Speed of Raster Images
      • Insert WMF Files
    • Export Drawings to Other File Formats
      • Export DXF Files
      • Export MicroStation V8 DGN Files
      • Export WMF Files
      • Export Raster Files
      • Export PostScript Files
      • Export ACIS SAT Files
      • Export Stereolithography STL Files
    • Use Drawings from Different Versions and Applications
      • Work with Drawings in Earlier Releases
      • Save Drawings to Previous Drawing File Formats
      • Work with AutoCAD Drawings in AutoCAD LT
      • Work with Custom and Proxy Objects
  • Extract Data from Drawings and Spreadsheets
    • Overview of Data Extraction
    • Extract Data Using the Data Extraction Wizard
      • Start the Data Extraction
      • Select the Source for a Data Extraction
      • Select Objects for Data Extraction
      • Organize and Refine the Extracted Data
      • Use Table Styles for Data Extraction Tables
    • Link an Excel Spreadsheet to Access Data
      • Understand Data Linking and Matching
      • Data Matching Validation
    • Output Extracted Data
    • Update Extracted Data
      • Update Extracted Data Manually
      • Update Data Extraction Table Automatically
    • Modify a Data Extraction Table
  • Access External Databases
    • Overview of Using External Databases
    • Access a Database from Within AutoCAD
      • Configure a Database for Use with AutoCAD Drawings
      • View Data in a Database Table
      • Edit Data in a Database Table
    • Link Database Records to Graphical Objects
      • Create and Edit Links and Link Templates
      • Identify and Select Existing Links
      • Find and Correct Link Errors
      • Export Link Information
    • Use Labels to Display Database Information in the Drawing
      • Create and Edit Labels and Label Templates
      • Update Labels with New Values from the Database
    • Use Queries to Filter Database Information
      • Overview of Queries
      • Construct Simple Queries
      • Use the Query Builder
      • Use SQL Queries
      • Combine Queries
      • Save and Reuse Queries
    • Share Link and Label Templates and Queries with Other Users
    • Work with Links in Files from Earlier Releases
• Work with Other People and Organizations
  • Protect and Sign Drawings
    • Drawing Encryption
      • Overview of Encryption
      • Protect Drawings with Encryption
        • Add a Password to a Drawing
        • Choose the Type of Encryption
      • View Password-Protected Drawings
        • Enter a Password to View a Drawing
        • View Password-Protected Xrefs
        • View Properties of an Encrypted Drawing
    • Sign Drawings
      • Overview of Digital Signatures
      • Personally Sign Drawings
        • Obtain a Digital ID
        • Attach a Signature to a Single File
        • Attach Digital Signatures to Multiple Files
        • Digitally Sign an Encrypted Drawing
      • View Drawings with Digital Signatures
        • View Digital Signature Details
        • Install a Root Certificate
        • Use a Comment and Time Stamp
  • Use the Internet to Share Drawings
    • Get Started with Internet Access
    • Add Hyperlinks to a Drawing
      • Overview of Using Hyperlinks in a Drawing
      • Use a Hyperlink to Access a File or a Web Page
      • Use a Hyperlink to Create an Email Message
      • Use Hyperlinks in Blocks
      • Use a Hyperlink to Start a New Drawing
    • Work with Drawing Files over the Internet
      • Open and Save Drawing Files from the Internet
      • Share Drawing Files Internationally
      • Access Buzzsaw for Project Collaboration
      • Work with Xrefs over the Internet
      • Insert Content from a Website
        • Overview of i-drop
        • Use i-drop
      • Package a Set of Files for Internet Transmission
    • Use the Publish to Web Wizard to Create Web Pages
  • Use Markups for Design Review
    • Overview of Using Markups for Design Review
    • Publish Drawings for Review
    • Insert Markups
    • View Markups
    • Respond to Markups
    • Republish a Markup Set
• Create Realistic Images and Graphics
  • Draw 2D Isometric Views
    • Set Isometric Grid and Snap
    • Draw Isometric Circles
  • Add Lighting to Your Model
    • Overview of Lighting
    • Standard and Photometric Lighting Workflow
    • Illuminate a Scene
      • Guidelines for Lighting
      • Use Point Lights
      • Use Spotlights
      • Use Weblights
        • IES Standard File Format
        • Common Lamp Values for Photometric Lights
      • Use Distant Lights
      • Assigning a shape to a light
    • Adjust and Manipulate Lights
      • Control the Display of Lights
      • Adjust Light Placement
      • Control Light Properties
    • Lights Dashboard
    • Sun and Sky Simulation
    • Incorporate Luminaire Objects
    • Converting Lights
      • Work with Lights in Drawings from Previous Versions of AutoCAD
      • Import Drawings into 3ds Max or Viz
  • Materials and Textures
    • Overview of Materials
    • Materials Dashboard and Tool Palettes
      • Materials Dashboard
      • Materials Tool Palettes
    • Create Materials
    • Apply Materials to Objects and Faces
    • Modify Materials
    • Advanced Lighting Override
    • Using Maps for Added Realism
      • Use Map Channels for Added Realism
        • Diffuse Map
        • Reflection Map
        • Opacity Map
        • Bump Map
      • Understand Map Types
        • Texture Map
        • Procedural Maps
          • Checker
          • Marble
          • Noise
          • Speckle
          • Tiles
          • Waves
          • Wood
      • Modify Map Properties
      • Adjust Mapping on Objects and Faces
    • Converting Materials
  • Render 3D Objects for Realism
    • Overview of Rendering
    • Prepare a Model for Rendering
      • Understand Face Normals and Hidden Surfaces
      • Minimize Intersecting and Coplanar Faces
      • Balance Mesh Density for Smooth Geometry
    • Set Up the Renderer
      • Use the Render Settings Palette
      • Create Custom Render Presets
      • Control the Rendering Environment
    • Basics of Rendering
      • The Render Dashboard
      • Set the Render Destination
      • Render Views, Selected Objects, or Cropped Content
      • Set Output Resolution
      • Material Adjustments
      • Adjust Sampling to Improve Image Quality
      • Use Shadows in Rendering
    • Advanced Rendering
      • Ray-Traced Reflections and Refractions
      • Benefits of Indirect Illumination
      • Final Gathering
    • Rendered Image Histories
    • Save and Redisplay Rendered Images
      • Save a Rendered Image
      • Redisplay a Rendered Image
      • Save Copies of Rendered Images
      • Use Models with Other Applications
      • Update Legacy Drawings
• Glossary