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CADTutor delivers the best free tutorials and articles for AutoCAD, 3ds Max and associated applications along with a friendly AutoCAD forum and an AutoCAD FAQ. If you need to learn AutoCAD, you're in the right place. Visit the AutoCAD tutorials page for more information or see our tip of the day to start learning right now!

Free Tutorials and More

The Tutorials section provides over 100 original tutorials for AutoCAD, 3ds Max and other design applications such as Photoshop and Bryce. Michael’s Corner is a monthly article that brings you the best up-to-date AutoCAD tips and tricks. The CADTutor Forum is a lively bulletin board where AutoCAD users can ask questions and get answers. The Download area provides free AutoCAD blocks, free AutoLISP routines and free digital images.

Image of the Week

8th to 14th February 2010

This week's image is by boofredlay
Software used: SketchUp & Twilight Render

See all Images of the Week published in the last month.

Site News

Michael’s Corner - February 2010

Customizing for Fun & Profit

Yikes! Where did January go? Here, all ready, is the second Corner of 2010 and with it, a bucket-full of top tips and tricks. This month, Michael takes pity on AutoCAD LT users and introduces the DIESEL programming language (OK, it works in full AutoCAD too but LT users are often left out of these customization features) and shows you what can be done. It's a very useful main feature and explains how block insertions can be sequentially numbered.

Elsewhere, Michael explains how to set the Workspace when launching AutoCAD (that's a top tip) and how to resolve an Mtext annoyance after changing space. Beginners are amply catered for by an excellent overview of the Support File Search Path and a demonstration of how to add your own to the list.

Have fun with AutoCAD and keep up with those New Year resolutions!

Video Tutorials - 14th August 2009

We've added a new Video Tutorials section to CADTutor! Some of our users have asked for video tutorials in addition to the text-based tutorials already on the site. Check them out and let us know what you think. Also, for those of you who prefer to watch your online video at YouTube, why not visit the CADTutor YouTube channel?

Tutorials of the Moment

The most recently viewed tutorials

Ground Modelling

Ground Modelling | Key TERRA-FIRMAThis tutorial describes how to create a 3D surface model from contour information using AutoCAD and Key TERRA-FIRMA.

 

Volumetrics

Volumetrics | Key TERRA-FIRMAThis tutorial describes how to use Key TERRA-FIRMA to calculate volumes from ground models (.KGM files) and how to calculate cut and fill volumes between ground models.

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User Co-ordinate Systems

User Co-ordinate Systems | AutoCADThis tutorial describes what UCSs are, why we need them and how to use them. The correct use of UCSs with AutoCAD is the key to producing good 3D models and they can also help with 2D work.

 

Standard mapped materials - Procedural Maps

Standard mapped materials - Procedural Maps | 3ds MaxProcedural maps use computer generated effects and are applied to materials for many different purposes. They have to be scaled and positioned on the object using a UVW Map modifier or a Map Scaler modifier. This tutorials uses a worked example to show you how.

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Last visited: less than one minute ago

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Tip of the Day

Tab through commands

This tip works begining with AutoCAD 2006:

Command TabAt the command line, type the first letter of the command you wish to start. Do not press Return (ENTER); instead, press the TAB key repeatedly and watch as AutoCAD runs through an alphabetical list of all commands, beginning with the letter you first typed. When the right command appears in the command line, press Return to start it.

This isn't a very efficient way to invoke a command but it's a great way of finding commands you never knew existed; try it yourself and you will discover that AutoCAD has a lot of commands…

Also, you can press SHIFT+TAB to walk back through the list.

Today's tip is by fuccaro

Missed a Tip?

Did you miss yesterday's tip? Maybe you forgot to drop by or maybe you don't visit over the weekend. If so, you can now see all the tips published during the past week. Also, if you have a tip you'd like to share with us, you can post it on our forum and if we like it, we'll publish it here.

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Tutorials

Helping you to learn more of the skills you need, for free.

Featured Tutorial:

AutoCAD 2010: 3D Mirror

AutoCAD 2010: 3D Mirror | AutoCAD

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Michael’s Corner

Michael Beall shows you how to work smarter and faster.

Michael Beall

Each month, Michael’s Corner presents a series of useful articles that help you use AutoCAD more efficiently.

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