In this chapter, we learned how to properly set up AutoCAD to start doing 3D modeling. Starting with setting up our working environment to better serve the 3D modeling process, we learned about the concept of workspaces and explored the dedicated 3D workspaces in AutoCAD 2021. We also looked at how to divide the drawing area into multiple viewports to view the model from different angles simultaneously.

The next step was learning how navigate and change the view effectively and quickly. We learned about the different alternative navigation tools available in AutoCAD, how to switch between the standard views, and how to create our own set of views that better suits our project.

Another important aspect is the style by which the objects are displayed. 3D objects can be displayed in many different styles, ranging from something as simple as wire frames up to a realistic models with lighting, materials, and reflections. Each style has advantages and disadvantages regarding the model visibility and the impact on PC performance. We explored the different available visual styles in AutoCAD 2021, seeing the differences between them, and learned how to tweak the settings to create a new custom visual style that better suits our work.

And finally, we learned about the UCS and how to manipulate it as desired to facilitate the modeling process.

In the next chapter, we will be creating 3D solid objects, and we will start by exploring the set of primitive solid shapes. The different commands used for this will be presented along with the details of the different options and alternative methods for each command.