User's Guide

ContentsGet InformationFind the Information You NeedFind Information Using InfoCenterOverview of InfoCenterSearch For InformationAccess Subscription CenterReceive Product Updates and AnnouncementsOverview of Communication CenterReceive New Information NotificationsSave and Access Favorite TopicsSpecify InfoCenter SettingsSearch Topics in HelpLearn the ProductView the Product ReadmeWhere to Find AutoCAD Express Tools Volumes 1-9Join the Customer Involvement ProgramGet Information from DrawingsObtain General Drawing InformationCount Objects Within a DrawingThe User InterfaceTools in the Application WindowThe Application MenuSearch for CommandsAccess Common ToolsBrowse FilesRecent DocumentsCurrently Open DocumentsPreview DocumentsQuick Access ToolbarThe RibbonOverview of the RibbonDisplay and Organize the RibbonCustomize the RibbonOther Tool LocationsAccess the Classic Menu BarToolbarsStatus BarsApplication Status BarDrawing Status BarKeytipsThe Command WindowEnter Commands on the Command LineEnter System Variables on the Command LineNavigate and Edit Within the Command WindowSwitch Between Dialog Boxes and the Command LineDock, Resize, and Hide the Command WindowShortcut MenusTool PalettesCreate and Use Tools from Objects and ImagesCreate and Use Command ToolsChange Tool Palette SettingsControl Tool PropertiesCustomize Tool PalettesOrganize Tool PalettesSave and Share Tool PalettesDesignCenterOverview of DesignCenterUnderstand the DesignCenter WindowAccess Content with DesignCenterAdd Content with DesignCenterRetrieve Content from the Web with DesignCenter OnlineOverview of DesignCenter OnlineUnderstand DesignCenter Online Content TypesRetrieve Content from the WebCustomize the Drawing EnvironmentSet Interface OptionsSet Up the Drawing AreaSet Options for 3D Modeling with Perspective ProjectionSwitch Between Model Space and LayoutsSpecify Application FontsSpecify the Behavior of Dockable WindowsControl the Display of ToolbarsCreate Task-Based WorkspacesSave and Restore Interface Settings (Profiles)Customize StartupPlay Back an Action MacroMigrate and Specify Initial SetupStart and Save DrawingsStart a DrawingOverview of Starting a New DrawingSpecify Units and Unit FormatsDetermine the Units of MeasurementSet the Unit Format ConventionsUse a Drawing Template FileAdd Identifying Information to DrawingsSpecify the Geographic Location of a DrawingOpen or Save a DrawingOpen a DrawingOpen Part of a Large Drawing (Partial Load)Work with Multiple Open DrawingsPreview Open Drawings and LayoutsSwitch Between Open DrawingsSwitch Between Layouts in the Current DrawingTransfer Information between Open DrawingsSave a DrawingFind a Drawing FileSpecify Search Paths and File LocationsRepair, Restore, or Recover Drawing FilesRepair a Damaged Drawing FileCreate and Restore Backup FilesRecover from a System FailureMaintain Standards in DrawingsOverview of CAD StandardsDefine StandardsCheck Drawings for Standards ViolationsTranslate Layer Names and PropertiesControl the Drawing ViewsChange ViewsPan or Zoom a ViewPan and Zoom with the Aerial View WindowSave and Restore ViewsControl the 3D Projection StyleOverview of Parallel and Perspective ViewsDefine a Perspective Projection (DVIEW)Define a Parallel ProjectionChoose Preset 3D ViewsDefine a 3D View with Coordinate Values or AnglesChange to a View of the XY PlaneShade a Model and Use Edge EffectsUse a Visual Style to Display Your ModelCustomize a Visual StyleShade and Color FacesDisplay Backgrounds and Shadows Control the Display of EdgesControl PerformanceAdaptive DegradationPerformance TuningMemory TuningUse Viewing ToolsSpecify 3D ViewsOverview of 3D ViewsUse 3D Navigation ToolsWalk and Fly Through a DrawingCreate a 3D Dynamic View (DVIEW)Use ViewCubeOverview of ViewCubeViewCube MenuReorient the View of a Model with ViewCubeReorient the Current ViewSet the View Projection ModeHome ViewExamine Individual Objects with ViewCubeChange the UCS with ViewCubeNavigate with SteeringWheelsOverview of SteeringWheelsWheel MenuNavigation Wheels2D Navigation WheelView Object WheelsTour Building WheelsFull Navigation WheelsNavigation ToolsCenter ToolForward ToolLook ToolOrbit ToolPan ToolRewind ToolUp/Down ToolWalk ToolZoom ToolDefine and Change Views with ShowMotionOverview of ShowMotionCreate and Modify Shots and Shot SequencesPlay Back a ShotDefine a 3D View with a CameraOverview of CamerasCreate a CameraChange Camera PropertiesCreate Preview AnimationsCreate Motion Path AnimationsControl a Camera Motion PathSpecify Motion Path SettingsRecord a Motion Path AnimationUse Navigation BarAvailable Navigation ToolsReposition and Reorient the Navigation BarControl the Display of Navigation Tools on the Navigation BarUse 3Dconnexion 3D mouse to Navigate ViewsDisplay Multiple Views in Model SpaceSet Model Space ViewportsSelect and Use the Current ViewportSave and Restore Model Tab Viewport ArrangementsOrganize Drawings and LayoutsCreate Single-View Drawings (Model Space)Quick Start for Model Space DraftingDraw, Scale, and Annotate in Model SpaceCreate Multiple-View Drawing Layouts (Paper Space)Quick Start for LayoutsUnderstand the Layout ProcessWork with Model Space and Paper SpaceWork on the Model TabWork on a Layout TabAccess Model Space from a Layout ViewportExport a Layout to Model SpaceCreate and Modify Layout ViewportsControl Views in Layout ViewportsScale Views in Layout ViewportsControl Visibility in Layout ViewportsFreeze Specified Layers in a Layout ViewportScreen Objects in Layout ViewportsTurn Layout Viewports On or OffScale Linetypes in Layout ViewportsAlign Views in Layout ViewportsRotate Views in Layout ViewportsReuse Layouts and Layout SettingsWork with Sheets in a Sheet SetQuick Start for Sheet SetsUnderstand the Sheet Set Manager InterfaceCreate and Manage a Sheet SetCreate a Sheet SetOrganize a Sheet SetCreate and Modify SheetsInclude Information with Sheets and Sheet SetsPublish, Transmit, and Archive Sheet SetsUse Sheet Sets in a TeamCreate and Modify ObjectsControl the Properties of ObjectsWork with Object PropertiesOverview of Object PropertiesDisplay and Change the Properties of ObjectsCopy Properties Between ObjectsWork with LayersOverview of LayersUse Layers to Manage ComplexityCreate and Name LayersChange Layer Settings and Layer PropertiesOverride Layer Properties in ViewportsFilter and Sort the List of LayersUse New Layer NotificationReconcile New LayersWork with Layer StatesSave, Restore, and Edit Layer StatesImport and Export Layer StatesWork with ColorsSet the Current ColorChange the Color of an ObjectUse Color BooksWork with LinetypesOverview of LinetypesLoad LinetypesSet the Current LinetypeChange the Linetype of an ObjectControl Linetype ScaleDisplay Linetypes on Short Segments and PolylinesControl LineweightsOverview of LineweightsDisplay LineweightsSet the Current LineweightChange the Lineweight of an ObjectControl the Display Properties of Certain ObjectsControl the Display of Polylines, Hatches, Gradient Fills, Lineweights, and TextControl the Transparency of ObjectsControl How Overlapping Objects Are DisplayedControl the Display of ObjectsUse Precision ToolsUse Coordinates and Coordinate Systems (UCS)Overview of Coordinate EntryEnter 2D CoordinatesEnter Cartesian CoordinatesEnter Polar CoordinatesEnter 3D CoordinatesEnter 3D Cartesian CoordinatesEnter Cylindrical CoordinatesEnter Spherical CoordinatesUnderstand the User Coordinate System (UCS)Specify Workplanes in 3D (UCS)Understand the User Coordinate System in 3DControl the User Coordinate System in 3DUse the Dynamic UCS with Solid ModelsAssign User Coordinate System Orientations to ViewportsControl the Display of the User Coordinate System IconUse Dynamic InputSnap to Locations on Objects (Object Snaps)Use Object SnapsThe Object Snap MenuSet Visual Aids for Object Snaps (AutoSnap)Override Object Snap SettingsRestrict Cursor MovementAdjust Grid and Grid SnapUse Orthogonal Locking (Ortho Mode)Use Polar Tracking and PolarSnapLock an Angle for One Point (Angle)Combine or Offset Points and CoordinatesCombine Coordinate Values (Coordinate Filters)Track to Points on Objects (Object Snap Tracking)Track to Offset Point Locations (Tracking)Specify DistancesEnter Direct DistancesOffset from Temporary Reference PointsSpecify Intervals on ObjectsOverview of Specifying Intervals on ObjectsSpecify Measured Intervals on ObjectsDivide an Object into Equal SegmentsExtract Geometric Information from ObjectsObtain Distances, Angles, and Point LocationsObtain Area and Mass Properties InformationUse a CalculatorUse the QuickCalc CalculatorOverview of QuickCalcAccess QuickCalc and Understand Its BehaviorEnter, Evaluate, and Retrieve ExpressionsConvert Units of MeasurementCreate and Use Calculator VariablesUse the Command Prompt CalculatorDraw Geometric ObjectsDraw Linear ObjectsDraw LinesDraw PolylinesDraw Rectangles and PolygonsDraw Multiline ObjectsDraw Freehand SketchesDraw Curved ObjectsDraw ArcsDraw CirclesDraw Polyline ArcsDraw DonutsDraw EllipsesDraw SplinesDraw HelixesDraw Construction and Reference GeometryDraw Reference PointsDraw Construction Lines (and Rays)Create and Combine Areas (Regions)Create Revision CloudsChange Existing Objects Select ObjectsSelect Objects IndividuallySelect Multiple ObjectsPrevent Objects from Being SelectedSelect Objects by PropertiesCustomize Object SelectionGroup ObjectsOverview of GroupsCreate GroupsSelect Objects in GroupsEdit GroupsCorrect MistakesErase ObjectsUse Windows Cut, Copy, and PasteModify ObjectsChoose a Method to Modify ObjectsEdit Objects with GripsUse Grip ModesModify Objects with Multi-Functional GripsMake Multiple Copies with GripsControl Grips in BlocksMove or Rotate ObjectsMove ObjectsRotate ObjectsAlign ObjectsCopy, Offset, or Mirror ObjectsCopy ObjectsCreate an Array of ObjectsOffset an ObjectMirror ObjectsChange the Size and Shape of ObjectsTrim or Extend ObjectsResize or Reshape ObjectsFillet, Chamfer, Break, or Join ObjectsCreate FilletsCreate ChamfersBreak and Join ObjectsModify Complex ObjectsDisassociate Compound Objects (Explode)Modify PolylinesModify HelixesModify MultilinesAdd Constraints to GeometryOverview of ConstraintsConstrain Objects GeometricallyOverview of Geometric ConstraintsApply or Remove Geometric ConstraintsDisplay and Verify Geometric ConstraintsModify Objects with Geometric Constraints AppliedInfer Geometric ConstraintsConstrain Distances and Angles between ObjectsOverview of Dimensional ConstraintsApply Dimensional ConstraintsControl the Display of Dimensional ConstraintsModify Objects with Dimensional Constraints AppliedConstrain a Design with Formulas and EquationsOverview of Formulas and EquationsControl Geometry with the Parameters ManagerOrganize Parameters into GroupsDefine and Reference BlocksWork with BlocksOverview of BlocksInsert BlocksWork with Dynamic Blocks in DrawingsOverview of Dynamic BlocksWork With Action Parameters in BlocksWork With Constraint Parameters in BlocksRemove Block DefinitionsCreate and Modify BlocksDefine BlocksCreate Blocks Within a DrawingCreate Drawing Files for Use as BlocksControl the Color and Linetype Properties in BlocksNest BlocksCreate Block Libraries Use Tool Palettes to Organize BlocksCreate Construction Geometry Within a BlockAttach Data to Blocks (Block Attributes)Overview of Block AttributesDefine Block AttributesExtract Data from Block AttributesExtract Block Attribute Data (Advanced)Modify BlocksModify a Block DefinitionModify the Data in Block AttributesModify a Block Attribute DefinitionDisassemble a Block Reference (Explode)Add Behaviors to Blocks (Dynamic Blocks)Overview of Dynamic BlocksQuick Start to Creating Dynamic BlocksCreate and Edit Dynamic BlocksOverview of the Block EditorCreate Custom Block Authoring ToolsTest Blocks Within the Block EditorModify Dynamic Block DefinitionsAdd Constraints to Dynamic BlocksOverview of Constraints in Dynamic BlocksDefine User Parameters in Dynamic BlocksControl Constrained Blocks with the Parameters ManagerUse a Block Properties TableIdentify Fully Constrained ObjectsAdd Action Parameters to Dynamic BlocksOverview of Actions and ParametersAdd Parameters to Dynamic BlocksAdd Actions to Dynamic BlocksOverview of ActionsMove ActionsScale ActionsStretch ActionsPolar Stretch ActionsRotate ActionsFlip ActionsArray ActionsLookup ActionsUse Chained ActionsSpecify Properties for Dynamic BlocksSpecify Value Sets for Dynamic BlocksSpecify Distance and Angle ValuesSpecify Grips for Dynamic BlocksControl the Visibility of Objects in a BlockWork with 3D ModelsCreate 3D ModelsOverview of 3D ModelingCreate Solids and Surfaces from Lines and CurvesOverview of Creating Solids and SurfacesCreate a Solid or Surface by ExtrudingCreate a Solid or Surface by SweepingCreate a Solid or Surface by LoftingCreate a Solid or Surface by RevolvingCreate SolidsOverview of Creating 3D SolidsCreate 3D Solid PrimitivesCreate a Solid BoxCreate a Solid WedgeCreate a Solid ConeCreate a Solid CylinderCreate a Solid SphereCreate a Solid PyramidCreate a Solid TorusCreate a PolysolidCreate 3D Solids from ObjectsCombine or Slice 3D ObjectsCreate Composite ObjectsCreate 3D Solids by SlicingCheck 3D Models for InterferencesCreate SurfacesOverview of Creating SurfacesCreate Procedural SurfacesCreate Surfaces from Other SurfacesCreate Planar SurfacesCreate Network SurfacesBlend a SurfacePatch a SurfaceOffset a SurfaceConvert Objects to Procedural SurfacesCreate NURBS SurfacesUsing the Spline tool to create NURBS Surfaces and SplinesCreate Associative SurfacesCreate Geometric Relationships between Associative SurfacesCreate MeshesOverview of Creating MeshesCreate 3D Mesh PrimitivesCreate a Mesh BoxCreate a Mesh ConeCreate a Mesh CylinderCreate a Mesh PyramidCreate a Mesh SphereCreate a Mesh WedgeCreate a Mesh TorusConstruct Meshes from Other ObjectsCreate Meshes by ConversionCreate Custom Mesh (Legacy)Create Wireframe ModelsAdd 3D Thickness to ObjectsModify 3D ModelsOverview of Modifying 3D ObjectsUse Gizmos to Modify ObjectsOverview of Using GizmosUse the GizmosMove 3D ObjectsRotate 3D ObjectsScale 3D ObjectsUse Grips to Modify Solids and SurfacesUse 3D Subobject GripsCycle Through and Filter SubobjectsUse Grips to Edit 3D Solids and SurfacesModify 3D SubobjectsMove, Rotate, and Scale 3D SubobjectsModify Faces on 3D ObjectsMove, Rotate, and Scale Faces on 3D Solids and SurfacesCopy, Delete, and Color Faces on 3D SolidsModify Edges on 3D ObjectsModify Vertices on 3D ObjectsWork with Complex 3D Solids and SurfacesDisplay Original Forms of Composite SolidsModify Composite Solids and SurfacesShell and Remove Redundancies in 3D ObjectsShell 3D SolidsClean and Check 3D SolidsPress or Pull Bounded AreasAdd Edges and Faces to SolidsModify Properties of 3D Solid, Surface, and MeshModify SurfacesOverview of Modifying SurfacesTrim and Untrim SurfacesExtend a SurfaceFillet a SurfaceEdit NURBS SurfacesRebuild NURBS Surfaces and CurvesAnalyze SurfacesAnalyze Surface Continuity with Zebra AnalysisAnalyze the Curvature of a NURBS SurfaceUse the Draft Analysis ToolModify Mesh ObjectsOverview of Modifying MeshesChange Mesh Smoothness LevelsRefine Mesh Objects or SubobjectsAdd Creases to MeshModify Mesh FacesCreate and Close Mesh GapsTips for Working with MeshCreate Sections and 2D Drawings from 3D ModelsWork with SectionsOverview of Section ObjectsCreate Section ObjectsModify a Section ViewAdd Jogs to a SectionUse Live Section to Adjust the Cross SectionUse Grips to Modify Section ObjectsSet Section Object States and PropertiesAssociate Section Objects with Views and CamerasSave and Publish Section ObjectsSave Sections as Blocks, Drawings, or ToolsPublish Section ObjectsCreate a Flattened ViewAnnotate DrawingsWork with AnnotationsOverview of AnnotationsScale AnnotationsOverview of Scaling AnnotationsSet Annotation ScaleCreate Annotative ObjectsOverview of Creating Annotative ObjectsWork with Annotative StylesCreate Annotative TextCreate Annotative Dimensions and TolerancesCreate Annotative Leaders and MultileadersCreate Annotative Blocks and AttributesCreate Annotative HatchesDisplay Annotative ObjectsAdd and Modify Scale RepresentationsSet Orientation for AnnotationsHatches, Fills, and WipeoutsOverview of Hatch Patterns and FillsSpecify Hatch and Fill AreasControl the Appearance of HatchesChoose a Hatch Pattern or FillControl the Hatch Origin PointControl the Scale of Hatch PatternsSet Property Overrides for Hatches and FillsControl the Display of Hatch BoundariesControl the Draw Order of Hatches and FillsModify Hatches and FillsModify Hatch PropertiesModify Hatch Alignment, Scale, and RotationReshape a Hatch or FillRe-create the Boundary of a Hatch or FillCreate a Blank Area to Cover ObjectsNotes and LabelsOverview of Notes and LabelsCreate TextOverview of Creating TextCreate Single-Line TextCreate Multiline TextOverview of Multiline TextJustify Multiline TextFormat Characters Within Multiline TextCreate Lists in Multiline TextIndent Multiline Text and Use TabsSpecify the Line Spacing Within Multiline TextCreate Stacked Characters Within Multiline TextCreate and Edit Columns in Multiline TextImport Text from External FilesCreate LeadersOverview of Leader ObjectsCreate and Modify LeadersWork with Leader StylesAdd Content to a LeaderUse Fields in TextInsert FieldsUpdate FieldsUse Hyperlinks in FieldsWork with Text StylesOverview of Text StylesAssign Text FontsOverview of Assigning Text FontsUse TrueType FontsUse Text Fonts for International WorkSubstitute FontsSet Text HeightSet Text Obliquing AngleSet Horizontal or Vertical Text OrientationChange TextOverview of Changing TextChange Single-Line TextChange Multiline TextFind and Replace TextChange Text Scale and JustificationCheck SpellingUse an Alternate Text EditorOverview of Using an Alternate Text EditorFormat Multiline Text in an Alternate Text EditorTablesCreate and Modify TablesLink a Table to External DataWork with Table StylesAdd Text and Blocks to TablesUse Formulas in Table CellsDimensions and TolerancesUnderstand Basic Concepts of DimensioningOverview of DimensioningParts of a DimensionAssociative DimensionsUse Dimension StylesOverview of Dimension StylesCompare Dimension Styles and VariablesControl Dimension GeometryControl Dimension LinesControl Extension LinesControl Dimension ArrowheadsCustomize ArrowheadsControl Dimension TextFit Dimension Text Within Extension LinesControl the Location of Dimension TextControl the Appearance of Dimension TextControl Dimension ValuesControl the Display of Dimension UnitsRound Off Dimension ValuesSuppress Zeros in DimensionsDisplay Lateral TolerancesControl the Display of FractionsSet the Scale for DimensionsCreate DimensionsCreate Linear DimensionsOverview of Creating Linear DimensionsCreate Horizontal and Vertical DimensionsCreate Aligned DimensionsCreate Baseline and Continued DimensionsCreate Rotated DimensionsCreate Dimensions with Oblique Extension LinesCreate Radial DimensionsCreate Angular DimensionsCreate Ordinate DimensionsCreate Arc Length DimensionsModify Existing DimensionsModify A DimensionOverview of Modifying DemensionsDimension JogInspection DimensionDimension BreaksAdjust Dimension SpacingApply a New Dimension Style to Existing DimensionsOverride a Dimension StyleModify Dimension TextModify Dimension GeometryChange Dimension AssociativityAdd Geometric TolerancesOverview of Geometric TolerancesMaterial ConditionsDatum Reference FramesProjected Tolerance ZonesComposite TolerancesPlot and Publish DrawingsPrepare Drawings for Plotting and PublishingQuick Start to Saving Settings for Plotting and PublishingSpecify Page Setup SettingsOverview of Page Setup SettingsSelect a Printer or Plotter for a LayoutSelect a Paper Size for a LayoutSet the Plot Area of a LayoutAdjust the Plot Offset of a LayoutSet the Plot Scale for a LayoutSet the Lineweight Scale for a LayoutSelect a Plot Style Table for a LayoutSet Shaded Viewport and Plot Options for a LayoutDetermine the Drawing Orientation of a LayoutUse the Layout Wizard to Specify Layout SettingsImport PCP or PC2 Settings into a LayoutCreate and Use Named Page SetupsUse Named Page Setups with Sheet SetsPlot DrawingsQuick Start to PlottingOverview of PlottingUse a Page Setup to Specify Plot SettingsSelect a Printer or Plotter Specify the Area to PlotSet Paper SizePosition the Drawing on the PaperSpecify the Printable Area Set the Position of the Plot Set Drawing Orientation Control How Objects Are PlottedSet Plot ScaleSet Shaded Viewport OptionsOverview of Shaded Viewport PlottingSpecify Shaded Plotting SettingsSpecify a Resolution Level for Shaded PlottingSet Options for Plotted ObjectsUse Plot Styles to Control Plotted ObjectsOverview of Plot StylesChoose a Type of Plot Style TableSwitch the Type of Plot Style TableAssign Plot Style Tables to LayoutsManage Plot Style TablesUse Color-Dependent Plot Style TablesUse Named Plot Style TablesUse Named Plot StylesManage Named Plot StylesUse Predefined Named Plot Style TablesDelete Color Mapping TablesChange Plot Style SettingsOverview of Plot Style SettingsSet Color, Screening, Grayscale, and Dither in Plot Style TablesAssign Pen Numbers and Virtual Pens in Plot Style TablesControl Plotted Lineweight and LinetypeAssign Plotted Line End and Join StylesAssign Plotted Fill StylesPreview a PlotPlot Files to Other FormatsPlot DWF FilesPlot DWFx FilesPlot to DXB File FormatsPlot to Raster File FormatsPlot Adobe PDF FilesPlot Adobe PostScript FilesCreate Plot FilesPublish DrawingsOverview of PublishingCreate and Modify a Drawing Set for PublishingCreate a Paper or Plot File Drawing SetPublish an Electronic Drawing SetPublish a Sheet SetRepublish a Drawing SetView Electronic Drawing Sets with Autodesk Design ReviewSet Publish OptionsPublish 3D DWF FilesPrint 3D ModelsShare Data Between FilesReference Other Drawing FilesOverview of Referenced Drawings (Xrefs)Attach and Detach Referenced DrawingsAttach Drawing References (Xrefs)Set Paths to Referenced DrawingsDetach Referenced DrawingsUpdate and Bind Referenced DrawingsNest and Overlay Referenced DrawingsUpdate Referenced Drawing Attachments Archive Drawings That Contain Referenced Drawings (Bind)Clip External References and BlocksEdit Referenced DrawingsEdit a Referenced Drawing in a Separate WindowEdit Selected Objects in Referenced Drawings and BlocksUse the Working Set to Edit Referenced Drawings and BlocksSave Back Edited Referenced Drawings and BlocksEdit Referenced Drawings and Blocks with Nesting, OLE, or AttributesResolve Referenced Drawing ErrorsResolve Missing External ReferencesResolve Circular External ReferencesResolve Name Conflicts in External ReferencesTrack External Reference Operations (Log File)Increase Performance with Large Referenced DrawingsOverview of Demand LoadingUnload XrefsWork with Demand LoadingWork with Layer and Spatial IndexesSet Paths for Temporary Xref File CopiesLink and Embed Data (OLE)Overview of Object Linking and EmbeddingImport OLE ObjectsOverview of Importing OLE Objects into DrawingsLink OLE Objects in DrawingsEmbed OLE Objects in DrawingsExport OLE Objects from DrawingsEdit OLE Objects in DrawingsWork with Data in Other FormatsImport Other File FormatsImport Autodesk 3ds MAX FilesImport FBX FilesImport 3D Point Cloud FilesIndex Point Cloud DataAttach a Point Cloud to a DrawingWork with 3D Point CloudsImport ACIS SAT FilesConvert DXF and DXB Files to DWG FormatImport MicroStation DGN FilesManage Translation Mapping SetupsInsert WMF FilesAttach Files as UnderlaysOverview of UnderlaysAttach, Scale, and Detach UnderlaysAttach Files as UnderlaysCross-reference of MicroStation to AutoCAD Terms Detach Underlay FilesUnload Underlay FilesWork with UnderlaysControl the Display of Layers in an UnderlayModify the Position, Scale, or Rotation of an UnderlayUse Object Snaps with UnderlaysAdjust Underlay Contrast, Fade, Monochrome, and Colors for the BackgroundClip UnderlaysHide and Show Underlay FramesManage and Publish Drawings Containing UnderlaysView Underlay InformationChange File Paths of UnderlaysPublish, Save, and eTransmit Drawings Containing UnderlaysReference Manager and UnderlaysAttach Raster Image FilesOverview of Raster ImagesAttach, Scale, and Detach Raster ImagesAttach Raster ImagesScale Raster ImagesDetach Raster ImagesModify Raster Images and Image BoundariesShow and Hide Raster Image BoundariesClip Raster ImagesChange Raster Image Brightness, Contrast, and FadeModify Color and Transparency for Bitonal Raster Images Manage Raster ImagesView Raster Image InformationAssign Descriptive Names to Raster ImagesChange File Paths of Raster ImagesTune Raster Image PerformanceLoad and Unload Raster ImagesImprove the Display Speed of Raster ImagesExport Drawings to Other File FormatsExport DWF and DWFx FilesExport PDF FilesExport DXF FilesExport FBX FilesExport MicroStation DGN FilesExport WMF FilesExport Raster FilesExport PostScript FilesExport ACIS SAT FilesExport Stereolithography STL FilesUse Drawings from Different Versions and ApplicationsWork with Drawings in Earlier ReleasesSave Drawings to Previous Drawing File FormatsWork with AutoCAD Drawings in AutoCAD LTWork with Custom and Proxy ObjectsExtract Data from Drawings and SpreadsheetsOverview of Data ExtractionExtract Data Using the Data Extraction WizardStart the Data ExtractionSelect the Source for a Data ExtractionSelect Objects for Data ExtractionOrganize and Refine the Extracted DataUse Table Styles for Data Extraction TablesLink an Excel Spreadsheet to Access DataOutput Extracted DataUpdate Extracted DataOverview of Updating Extracted DataUpdate Extracted Data ManuallyUpdate Data Extraction Table AutomaticallyModify a Data Extraction TableDetach a Data Extraction TableAccess External DatabasesOverview of Using External DatabasesAccess a Database from Within AutoCADConfigure a Database for Use with AutoCAD DrawingsView Data in a Database TableEdit Data in a Database TableLink Database Records to Graphical ObjectsCreate and Edit Links and Link TemplatesIdentify and Select Existing LinksFind and Correct Link ErrorsExport Link InformationUse Labels to Display Database Information in the DrawingCreate and Edit Labels and Label TemplatesUpdate Labels with New Values from the DatabaseUse Queries to Filter Database InformationOverview of QueriesConstruct Simple QueriesUse the Query BuilderUse SQL QueriesCombine QueriesSave and Reuse QueriesShare Link and Label Templates and Queries with Other UsersWork with Links in Files from Earlier ReleasesManage Files with Autodesk VaultCollaborate with OthersProtect and Sign DrawingsDrawing EncryptionOverview of EncryptionProtect Drawings with EncryptionAdd a Password to a DrawingChoose the Type of EncryptionView Password-Protected DrawingsEnter a Password to View a DrawingView Password-Protected XrefsView Properties of an Encrypted DrawingSign DrawingsOverview of Digital SignaturesPersonally Sign DrawingsObtain a Digital IDAttach a Signature to a Single FileAttach Digital Signatures to Multiple FilesAdd a Comment and Time StampDigitally Sign an Encrypted DrawingView Drawings with Digital SignaturesOverview of Drawings with Digital SignaturesView Digital Signature DetailsInstall a Root CertificateUse the Internet for CollaborationGet Started with Internet AccessAdd Hyperlinks to a DrawingOverview of Using Hyperlinks in a DrawingUse a Hyperlink to Access a File or a Web PageUse a Hyperlink to Create an Email MessageUse Hyperlinks in BlocksUse a Hyperlink to Start a New DrawingWork with Drawing Files over the InternetOpen and Save Drawing Files from the InternetShare Drawing Files InternationallyAccess Buzzsaw for Project CollaborationWork with Xrefs over the InternetInsert Content from a WebsiteOverview of i-dropUse i-dropPackage a Set of Files for Internet TransmissionReview and Markup Files with Design ReviewUse the Publish to Web Wizard to Create Web PagesUse Autodesk Seek to Add and Share DrawingsUse Markups for Design ReviewOverview of Using Markups for Design ReviewPublish Drawings for ReviewInsert MarkupsView MarkupsRespond to MarkupsRepublish a Markup SetRender DrawingsDraw 2D Isometric ViewsSet Isometric Grid and SnapDraw Isometric CirclesAdd Lighting to Your ModelOverview of LightingStandard and Photometric Lighting WorkflowIlluminate a SceneGuidelines for LightingUse Point LightsUse SpotlightsUse WeblightsOverview of WeblightsIES Standard File FormatCommon Lamp Values for Photometric LightsUse Distant LightsAssigning a Shape to a LightAdjust and Manipulate LightsControl the Display of LightsAdjust Light PlacementControl Light PropertiesSun and Sky SimulationIncorporate Luminaire ObjectsConverting LightsWork with Lights in Drawings from Previous Versions of AutoCADImport Drawings into 3ds Max or VIZMaterials and TexturesOverview of MaterialsCreate and Modify MaterialsBrowse Material LibrariesCreate New MaterialsManage and Organize MaterialsModify MaterialsConvert MaterialsApply Materials to Objects and FacesUse Maps for Added RealismOverview of MapsUse Map Channels for Added Texture RealismOverview of Map ChannelsReflectivity MapTransparency MapCutouts MapSelf Illumination MapBump MapUnderstand Map TypesOverview of Map TypesImage MapProcedural MapsOverview of Procedural MapsCheckerGradientMarbleNoiseSpeckleTilesWavesWoodModify Map PropertiesAdjust Mapping On Objects and FacesRender 3D Objects for RealismOverview of RenderingPrepare a Model for RenderingUnderstand Face Normals and Hidden SurfacesMinimize Intersecting and Coplanar FacesBalance Mesh Density for Smooth GeometrySet Up the RendererUse the Render Settings PaletteCreate Custom Render PresetsControl the Rendering EnvironmentBasics of RenderingSet the Render DestinationRender Views, Selected Objects, or Cropped ContentSet Output ResolutionMaterial AdjustmentsAdjust Sampling to Improve Image QualityUse Shadows in RenderingAdvanced RenderingRay-traced Reflections and Refractions Benefits of Indirect IlluminationFinal GatheringRendered Image HistoriesSave and Redisplay Rendered ImagesSave a Rendered ImageRedisplay a Rendered ImageSave Copies of Rendered ImagesUse Models with Other ApplicationsUpdate Legacy DrawingsGlossary