Software Requirements

Operating System Software Required

This book was designed to be used on AutoCAD software that was designed for the Windows operating system.

AutoCAD Software Required

This book was written to be used with AutoCAD 2023 and 2024. You must have one of these software packages installed on your computer to complete the lab exercises in the book.

About the Book

Philosophy of the OSU AutoCAD

The OSU AutoCAD Self-paced book was written as a tool to guide and teach you to master AutoCAD. No two students learn at the same pace, therefore the book was written with competency-based modules. The competency-based modules are bite-size pieces that allow you to work at your own pace. They can be used to learn by distance education, correspondence, online, instructor-lead classes, or by individuals teaching themselves to use AutoCAD in their own home or office.

Suggested Prerequisites

To get the most from this book, it is suggested that you have a working knowledge of the Windows operating system. At the very least, you must have the ability to create folders plus move, copy, rename, and delete files.

Book Structure and Components

The modules in the AutoCAD 2D book were written in a very logical step-by-step order. The following information will help you get the most from this book.

The Modules

The modules in the book were prepared as bite-size pieces in a precise order and contained the information that is required to learn AutoCAD 2D.

Watch every tutorial and ensure that everything is understood in each module. Do not jump around inside the module or from module to module. Work methodically through each module, page by page.

As you work your way through each module, try to understand all the information it contains. To ensure that it is understood, you must be able to complete the lab exercises to prove it. Only when everything in the module is understood and you can complete the lab exercises, in the specified time limit, should you go to the next module.

Each module may contain More Information, Exercises, and/or Project.

More Information

Most modules contain user More Information. It is recommended to check the link provided for the More Information which takes you to the AutoCAD website to help you understand and retain each one of these principles as you work your way through the modules. Here is an example:

Exercises

All lab exercises have a time limit allocated to them. To complete the lab exercise within the specified time limit, you must be able to complete the drawing, check it for accuracy, and make any corrections. If you cannot complete it in the time allowed, redo the entire lab exercise. It is your way of proving that you have mastered the module.

Almost all modules contain at least one lab exercise. It is strongly suggested that you complete all lab exercises in the module.

Project

Every third part is one of the project phases. The Project consists of a residential apartment floor plan. There is no key supplied with this module since it is meant to be checked by your instructor. If there are any parts of this module that you have trouble completing or cannot complete in the time allowed, go back and reread the module or modules containing the information that you are having trouble with. If necessary, redo any lab exercises to help you learn the material.