Useful Features of AutoCAD for Civil Engineers and Architects

Coming up with new ideas to develop structures is not that easy task. But AutoCAD is one of the software that can help the architects and civil engineers in this task. There are several AutoCAD courses online that one can select. Basically, AutoCAD is a computer-aided design and drafting software.

If you trace back its history, then you will learn that it was developed by Autodesk. Originally it was released in December 1982 as a desktop app that runs microcomputers with some internal graphic controllers. Now, zillions of architects and civil engineers use this software as a tool for designing some fantastic structures.

It allows its users with several amazing features that enhance the overall experience. Furthermore, one cannot just deny the use of this software for designing as it increases the workflow in many ways. So, if you are interested in learning its helpful features, you should stick here.

AutoCAD Features That You Can Learn With Civil Engineering Online Courses

Ribbon

Overall, drafting output has increased with the introduction of the ribbon interface. The number of steps to reach a command is decreased. Yes, it is one of the features that will help you while designing. The ribbon interface offers command selections in a brief visual format, which allows the designer to rapidly select commands based on the on-going work.

Furthermore, moving between applications is now quick and spontaneous. The ribbon is both expandable and customizable. Hence, it can be optimized for each user and meet every firm’s standard.

PDF to DWG

The AutoCAD courses will help you clear the basics of the software, but you have to keep on practising the features so that you can learn more. One of the most awaited features in AutoCAD, starting with AutoCAD 2017 is that you can import drawings from the PDF format to AutoCAD as text and geometry objects. 

Till now, there were several many third-party tools, which were very buggy and incompetent in doing the task of converting PDF to DWG drawings. These third alternatives possess many threats to the security of your data, and that is why it was crucial to have a feature in the software itself. The addition of this feature is a great improvement to AutoCAD features.

ViewCube and SteeringWheels

One of the interactive tools available on AutoCAD is the ViewCube. It’s used to orient and rotate any solid or surface model in AutoCAD. If someone wants to bring the model rapidly that predefined orientation, selecting an edge, face, or corner of the cube is essential. 

Holding and clicking the ViewCube lets the model to be easily rotated in any direction. Because of the fixed location of the cube, it gives at-a-glance orientation. Furthermore, for the enhance working on 3D models, the ViewCube will be introduced in all Autodesk products as a standard tool.

The latest SteeringWheels tool enables fast access to the centre, pan, and zoom commands. In addition to this, the steering wheel is super customizable; therefore, one can add a walk through instructions to record a walk-through of the model.

Sharing Drawings

Drawing is an essential part of the architecture, and that is why having some features to help this is crucial. The fantastic sharing drawings feature enables the user to directly share files with users who don’t even have AutoCAD. All they require is a web browser for retrieving shared drawing.

Furthermore, to share a drawing one needs to ensure that they are logged into Autodesk 360 cloud account, and the drawing is saved on the network or local drive. The civil engineering online courses will help you learn this feature quickly so that you can make use of it. 

Menu Browser (AutoCAD)

Forget about the days, when working and retrieving several files was a tedious and time-consuming task. With the addition of the new menu browser interface, one can browse files and examine thumbnail images and delivers full information about file creator and size. Moreover, one can organize freshly used files by name, title, or date.

Layer Dialog(AutoCAD)

Another useful feature that you will learn during your AutoCAD courses is the Layer Dialog. The latest layer dialogues create and edit layer properties rapidly and are less prone to blunder. Furthermore, the alterations are quickly reflected in the drawing as they are created in the dialogue.

In addition to this, the manipulation of the dialogue box has also been simplified. One can also individually resize the columns in the dialogue so that the contents of that column or its title are not truncated. 

Action Recorder

Here is one more useful feature of AutoCAD. It’s the Action Recorder. The latest action recorder keeps time and increases output by automating repetitive tasks without requiring the assistance or skill of a professional CAD manager. One can rapidly record a job, can add text messages, and requests for input, then speedily select and playback recorded files.

Keywords: civil engineering online courses, AutoCAD course