Module 10: Computer-aided design – CAD

There are a number of software specialized for computer-aided design some of which are commercial such as AutoCAD, open source programs that are free to access and download.

List and comparison of commercial and free 2D CAD programs are available at Wikipedia pages, link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_CAD_editors_for_AEC

These pages include basics in working with open source programs LibreCAD, which is a reliable, free to access and download program containing all the necessary tools for 2D drawing, as well as limited options for 3D drawing.

Firstly, download LibreCAD from: http://librecad.org/cms/home.html and install it on your computer.

Module 10: Computer-aided design (CAD) and the basic use of the LibreCAD program – quiz 1 > Link

Module 10: Computer-aided design (CAD) and the basic use of the LibreCAD program – quiz 2 > Link

With the help of these quizzes, you can repeat or learn the basic terms and tools that are used in computer-aided design and the use of LibreCAD:

– open, close LibreCAD application; open, close drawings
– create a new drawing, save the drawing in folder on the computer, save the drawing under a different name
– save drawing as other file type
– setup units of measure: metric or imperial system
– show, hide toolbar
– use the available help functions, zoom/magnification tools
– copy and move objects within and between drawings
– delete, rotate, scale, mirror, lengthen elements
– use the selection tools – choose one or more elements
– add, edit, delete text; copy and move text; align text; change text formatting: font sizes, font, font colors
– apply the coordinate system
– measure distances, angles, areas
– set, change line type and style, width, object color
– using layers: add layer and set layer properties: on, off, freeze, thaw, lock, unlock; change layer properties
– add dimensions, create, set, edit dimension styles, change dimension style and font
– create block, insert blocks in a drawing, create wblock
– add hyperlink to an object
– change the print settings and print drawings via printers or plotters

 

External links:

On how to use LibreCAD, for beginners and advanced level, you can read at:

LibreCAD version 2, users Manual/Guide – by Bob Woltz; on following link:

http://wiki.librecad.org/index.php/LibreCAD_version_2,_users_Manual/Guide_-_by_Bob_Woltz

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Translation: Sara Tilly