AutoCAD 2007

If you're coming from AutoCAD 2005 or even earlier, you may have over-
looked some new features introduced in AutoCAD 2006; these were the big
changes in that version, and all have been tweaked in AutoCAD 2007:
Dynamic input: You can almost forget about the command window --
command line. In addition to the command line, AutoCAD 2007 features
a heads-up interface that displays command names, options, prompts,
and values right next to the crosshairs. (See Chapter 2.)
Improved object selection: AutoCAD provides more positive feedback
than ever before with its rollover highlighting feature. (See Chapter 7.)
Dynamic blocks: You no longer need separate blocks for every door or
window size in your drawings. Now you can insert a single block defini-
tion and choose its configuration as you insert it. (See Chapter 14.)
If you have any interest at all in updating your AutoCAD skills by venturing
into the third dimension, now is the time and AutoCAD 2007 is your version.
Even if you're not interested in 3D, there are enough refinements to make
upgrading worth your while. That's especially the case if you're an LT user,
since many of the full-version-only Express Tools have been incorporated
into the core program and so are available in LT, too.
18
Part I: AutoCAD 101
No Express service?
If your menu bar doesn't include the Express
menu (it's the third item from the right in Figure
1-1), you should consider installing the Express
Tools from your AutoCAD CD (AutoCAD LT does
not include or support the Express Tools).
When you first install AutoCAD 2007, you
choose between a Typical or a Custom installa-
tion. If you choose Typical, the next screen asks
if you want to install the Express Tools. If you
choose a Custom installation, in the next screen
make sure to check the Express Tools item in
the list of components. If you do not install the
Express Tools during initial setup, you will have
to rerun AutoCAD 2007's installation routine. If
you haven't installed AutoCAD yet, we strongly
recommend that you choose the Typical instal-
lation option -- or, at least, make sure the
Express Tools box is checked during a Custom
installation.