Beginning AutoCAD 2007 is a course based on learning and practising the essentials of 2D drawing using AutoCAD. Bob McFarlane's hands-on approach is uniquely suited to independent learning and use on courses. The focus on 2D drawing ensures the reader gets a thorough grounding in the subject, with a greater depth of coverage than tends to be available from general introductions to AutoCAD. As a result, this book provides a true, step-by-step, detailed exploration of the AutoCAD functions required at each stage of producing a 2D drawing - an approach often not found in the many software reference guides available.

The emphasis on learning through doing makes this book ideal for anyone involved in engineering, construction or architecture - where the focus is on productivity and practical skills. The author has also matched the coverage to the requirements of City and Guilds, Edexcel (BTEC) and SQA syllabuses.

The following new features in AutoCAD 2007 are covered in this book:
* Create: Using enhanced commands and draughting tools to create all types of content
* Manage: Using the Sheet Set Manager and Attribute Extraction to manage data and information
* Produce: Using dynamic blocks, dynamic input and selection preview to increase productivity
* Share: Using e-transmit, publish to the web and PDF files to share information

As well as providing an introductory course in AutoCAD, this book is a useful refresher for anyone using AutoCAD, especially those upgrading to the new release and seeking to master its new features. The course is also designed to be fully relevant to anyone using other recent software releases, including AutoCAD 2006.

Bob has been writing AutoCAD books since 1993, the first being published for AutoCAD Release 12.

Outside of work, Bobs interests include Bonsai trees, stamp collecting, remote control aircraft and kite flying. At present Bob spend most of his time with his wife Helen, his children Linda and Stephen and his granddaughter Ciara.