The transition from 2d to 3d in Autocad is simple and easy. We show you how in our Autocad 3d courses.
In this quick tour of the 3d modeling process we will create a bracket shown here using the 2d drafting tools, the 3d extrude and subtract tools, then utilize the materials, lighting and rendering functions.
The basic outlines of the object can be created on the flat in the 2d workspace using the Circle, Line and Fillet tools. The multiple bolt holes  are created with the Polar Array tool and the Offset tools. Trim away an excess lines with the Trim function. The right-hand projected section is created using the Circle’s Tan, Tan, Radius method, then mirrored upwards.
Now we switch to the 3d modeling environment via the bottom right Workspace Shifter pop up list. Use View, Set View ports to split the screen into two vertical views. Keep the left view as a Top view and the right as an isometric view. This will make our modeling process easier to navigate.
Finally we use the Polyline Edit function to join all the smaller lines into one. This will make the extrusion occur more smoothly. Create a copy of the outer profile and move it downwards – this will become the base plate. Use the Extrude tool to extrude the base downwards by 5mm, and extrude the other shapes upwards by 20mm.
Use the Subtract tool to subtract the cylindrical objects from the main object, thus becoming the bolt holes. And move the base plate into position.
Lastly we create a ground plane using the plansurf command. Go to the Render tab and open the Lights section – here we can create a Spot light and a Fill light, and move them into position with the 3d Move tool. Now open the Material Editor and apply a metal texture to the objects.
Then go back to the Render tab and make a Low-quality render first. Generally we need to make small adjustments to the lighting and camera position, and make more renders gradually working your way up to the Presentation Quality. Finally save the image as a JPEG, Best Quality to send to the client.
The 3d interface in Autocad is user-friendly and easy to learn, and we take time to teach a broad range of applications in our classes including modeling, materials, lighting and animation. See many examples of our clients’ work on our Facebook page. For more information there are lots of resources on the web, but try the Autodesk site to begin with: www.autodesk.com. Support options and user forums are also available from the home page.
Other related Autocad 3d Blog Posts:

• Autocad 3d introduction
• Autocad 3d modeling
• Autocad 3d blocks
• Autocad 3d commands
• Autocad 3d basics