Book excerpt: 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 in one book 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 Plus, a new companion website features AutoCAD files for selected activities for students to work with. The result is a useful refresher course for anyone using AutoCAD at this level, and those upgrading to the new software release. The course is also designed to be fully relevant to anyone using other recent releases, including AutoCAD 2006. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bob McFarlane has been writing books on AutoCAD for over 10 years.