AutoCAD 4 - Advanced 3D and Basic Rendering

Course Overview:

Learn the advanced 3D modeling techniques and basic rendering tools for the latest versions of AutoCAD. This course covers 3D editing tools, advanced solid modeling techniques, surface and mesh modeling methods, and basic render procedures including render settings, camera views, and an introduction to render materials.

The delivery format of this course is via self-directed, video lectures and demonstrations, PDF manuals, and online support via web-based discussion groups and email support.

This course is designed for the full, Windows version of AutoCAD.  Regarding running AutoCAD on a Mac, the best solution is to use the Mac's Bootcamp utility and have a copy of Windows installed on its own partition. Parallels Desktop will also work and will allow you to install the full PC version of AutoCAD on your Mac.
 
Although there is an "AutoCAD for Mac" version available, it is not widely used and is missing many of the features found in the full Windows version of AutoCAD. The current Mac version will work for the level one course but if you continue your training with the intermediate and advanced courses, the further you go the more you will run into features that simply do not exist on the Mac software.

Required prerequisite: A student must demonstrate knowledge of AutoCAD 3 - Basic 3D Modeling to the instructor in order to enroll.

Upon successful completion of this course, the students will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Create 3D solid models with lofts and sweeps.
• Edit and modify 3D solid models with advanced modeling techniques.
• Create 3D surface models.
• Create 3D Assembly models.
• Create perspective views and use basic rendering methods to create presentation images.

Students can get a free copy of the latest version AutoCAD from Autodesk by going here.

Course Outline:

Lesson 1: Advanced Solid Editing I

Students will learn how to modify solid models using SOLIDEDIT’S face editing techniques.

Lesson 2: Advanced Solid Editing II

Students will learn how to modify solid models with SOLIDEDIT’S body and edge editing methods.

Lesson 3: Helix and Sweep Commands

Students will learn the Helix and Sweep commands and explore methods for creating complex swept models.

Lesson 4: Loft Command

Students will learn how to use the Loft command and modify loft setting such as surface normals, draft angles, and magnitudes. Lofting with Paths and Guide Curves will also be examined.

Lesson 5: Assembly Modeling

Students will learn to use external references to create an assembly model from multiple part files and then confirm the integrity of the assembly by checking for spatial interference with the INTERFERE command.

Lesson 6: Introduction to Sections and Live sections

Students will learn how to create orthographic sections, face sections, and jogged sections. Section settings and methods for generating 2D and 3D Section blocks.

Lesson 7: Meshes and Mesh Modeling Tools

Students will learn how to create and work with meshes and mesh modeling tools. Revsurf, Tabsurf, Rulesurf and Edgesurf commands will also be covered.

Lesson 8: Introduction to Rendering

True surface modeling and methods for converting surfaces to solids and solids to surfaces. 

Lesson 9: Rendering and the Rendering Workspace

Render Presets, Procedures and Destinations. Preparing a Model for Rendering. Assigning Premade Materials. Starting the Exterior House Project. Assigning Materials in Assemblies.

Lesson 10: Introduction to Named Views

Creating Cameras. Modifying Camera Views. Setting Custom View Backgrounds. Creating Views in the House Project.

Lesson 11: Working with Materials

Modifying Finishes with the Material Editor. Modifying Texture Maps with the Material Editor. Material Hierarchy and Sub Object Materials. House Project - Texture Mapping the Driveway. House Project - Texture Mapping the Walls.

Lesson 12: Cropped and Fit to Object Materials

Mapping Coordinates and Box Mappers. Other Mapping types. House Project - Texture Mapping the Roof. Saving Rendered Images.

All necessary materials are included.

System Requirements:

• Cable and DSL internet connections are recommended for the best experience.

• CPU: 1 GHz or higher
• RAM: 2 GB or higher
• Resolution: 1280 x 720 or higher
• Speakers / Headphones
• Microphone (Webinar / Live Online sessions)

• Microsoft Windows 7 or 10 (Home, Pro)
• Mac OSX 10 or higher.
• Latest Chrome OS
• Latest Linux Distributions

NOTE: While we understand that our courses can be viewed on Android and iPhone devices, we do not recommend the use of these devices for our courses. The size of these devices do not provide a good learning environment for students taking online or live online based courses.

• Latest Google Chrome is recommended for the best experience.
• Latest Mozilla FireFox
• Latest Microsoft Edge
• Latest Apple Safari

• Office suite software (Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, or LibreOffice)
• PDF reader program (Adobe Reader, FoxIt)
• Courses may require other software that is denoted in the above course outline.