3D AutoCAD 2004/2005: One Step at a Time

Overview

Following this lesson, you will:

• Know how to use graphic images from other applications in AutoCAD drawings

• Know how to use AutoCAD drawings in other applications

• Be familiar with raster and vector images

• Know how to use Object Linking and Embedding to share information with other applications

I can think of several reasons why you might want to use other application files in an AutoCAD drawing. How about including a photograph of a completed project on a mechanical drawing? I've used them to show completed pieces of furniture I designed. Or perhaps you might want to include a corporate logo in the title block of your drawing. If you can find a nice, colorful scan of the logo, your employer might be pleased to find it on the design! Architects and plant designers might show an outline of the proposed new building or unit against an aerial photograph of the area.

Perhaps you'd like to include a bill of materials for the drawing. Using the data exported by your attribute extractions might be a good idea.

You can probably think of many uses for other applications' files in your drawings. Thank goodness that the thinkers and doers at AutoCAD also considered the possibilities.