Book excerpt: Taking the reader step-by-step through the features of AutoCAD, Alf Yarwood provides a structured course of work matched to the latest release of this software. Introducing first principles and the creation of 2D technical drawings, the author goes on to demonstrate construction of 3D solid model drawings and rendering of 3D models. Worked examples and exercises are included throughout the text, to enable the reader to apply theory into real-world engineering practice, along with revision notes and exercises at the end of chapters for the reader to check their understanding of the material they have covered. Introduction to AutoCAD 2004 contains hundreds of drawings and screen-shots to illustrate the stages within the design process. Readers can also visit a companion website and make use of a full-colour AutoCAD Gallery, where they can edit drawings from the exercises found within the text, and see solutions to all exercises featured in the book. Further exercises in 3D work are also available to download. Details of enhancements to AutoCAD 2004 over previous releases are given in the text, along with illustration of how AutoCAD fits into the design process as a whole. Appendices with full glossaries of tools and abbreviations, most frequently used set variables, and general computer terms are also included. Suitable to new users of AutoCAD, or anyone wishing to update their knowledge from previous releases of the software, this book is also applicable to introductory level undergraduate courses and vocational courses in engineering and construction. Further Education students in the UK will find this an ideal textbook to cater for the relevant CAD units of BTEC Higher National and BTEC National Engineering schemes from Edexcel, and the City & Guilds 4351 qualification.