Book excerpt: Tools for Design is intended to provide you with an overview of computer aided design using two popular CAD software packages from Autodesk: AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor. This book explores the strengths of each package and shows how they can be used in design, both separately and in combination with each other. What you'll learn How to create and dimension 2D multiview drawings using AutoCAD How to freehand sketch using axonometric, oblique and perspective projection techniques How to create 3D parametric models and 2D multiview drawings using Autodesk Inventor How to reuse design information between AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor How to combine parts into assemblies including assembly modeling with a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® Education Base Set, with a TETRIX® kit and a VEX Robot Kit How to perform basic finite element stress analysis using Inventor Stress Analysis Module Who this book is for This book is designed for high school and college age students wanting to learn the fundamentals of computer aided design with AutoCAD and Inventor and how the two can be used together. No prior CAD experience is required.