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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!

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The Tutorials section provides over 80 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

14th to 20th July 2008

This week's image is by Cad64
Software used: AutoCAD 2008 and 3ds Max 8

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

Site News

Michael’s Corner - July 2008

2009 Ready or Not

Whew! Today is hot and so is this month's Corner. Michael Beall, our resident monthly contributor is taking a break for July (he was last seen training in Albuquerque) but he'll be back next month with some AutoCAD 2009 tips and tricks.

So, this month it's my turn and what a treat to be able to give a few tips and pass on a few ideas of my own. I've taken a really hard look at the AutoCAD 2009 ribbon over the last few weeks and I bring you my thoughts on that. In addition, you'll find information on Autodesk Freewheel, getting the latest drivers for your graphics card and how to get a free copy of AutoCAD for use at home - yes, you read that correctly. All will be revealed in this month's Corner.

Image of the Week - 12th May 2008

Image of the Week is a new feature that showcases some of the best work from our forum members. Each week, a new image will be displayed here on the homepage. If you'd like to see your work displayed here, why not join the forum and submit your best images.

New FAQ Section - 1st February 2008

I am very pleased to announce the launch of the CADTutor AutoCAD FAQ. The idea is to provide model answers to the most frequently asked questions about AutoCAD. It's a fantastic new resource that will continue to grow in the future. I hope you find it useful. The FAQ has been developed with the help of some of our most gifted forum members and I am very grateful to them. Do let us know what you think of our latest endeavour.

Tutorials of the Moment

The most recently viewed tutorials

Object Properties

Object Properties | AutoCADThis tutorial describes how to control the display of objects (colour, linetype etc.) using layers. It also explains what layers are and how they should be used.

 

Stage 10: Add Play Equipment, Vehicles and People

Stage 10: Add Play Equipment, Vehicles and People | Key 3DFinally, Key 3D Model Objects dialog is used to add play equipment, cars and vans and Key 3D Image Objects dialog is used to add people. This brings the scene to life and further adds to the sense of scale for the design.

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Pavement Ramp and Car Park

Pavement Ramp and Car Park | 3ds MaxA ramp surface created in a previous tutorial is rotated down to meet the bottom steps and the geometry edited to fit the steps. A car park is also formed using splines snapped to existing geometry.

 

Stage 3: Create Surfaces

Stage 3: Create Surfaces | Key 3DProduction of seamless surfaces for roads, pavements, grassed areas and planting beds is probably the most important stage in the creation of a 3D landscape scene. This tutorial shows you how.

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Last visited: less than one minute ago

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Tip of the Day

Who is using that file?

If you are unable to open a drawing for editing (read-only) because it is in use, and want to find out who has it open, start a new drawing, or go to a drawing you have open and type WHOHAS at the command line. Browse to the drawing file using the file dialog box and double-click the filename (or select the file and click the Open button). A small message box will appear, showing who is using the file, the name of their PC and when it was opened.

File open information

Today's tip is by LElkins

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

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Modifying Objects

Modifying Objects | 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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