LibreCAD | Step by Step: Learn to Make Technical Drawings for Architecture, Engineering, and DIY ...

Foreword

Thank you very much for choosing this book!

Are you interested in using CAD software with which you can create technical drawings (DXF, SVG, PDF format) of mechanical components, floor plans of apartments, wiring diagrams for electrical engineering and other 2D drawings as well as isometric 3D views?

Then you've come to the right place! I am an engineer and would like to teach you in a simple and easy to understand way how to use the free software LibreCAD. In this course, you will learn everything you need to know to create technical drawings for mechanical components, architecture, DIY projects and much more.

This comprehensive and detailed course is aimed particularly at beginners and shows you from the ground up what CAD is, how to use the software and how to create technical drawings. You don't need any previous knowledge for this book, as everything is explained step by step and in detail. This book is also ideal for advanced users, who just want to switch from another CAD program to LibreCAD.

LibreCAD is ideal for hobbyists, students, technicians, architects, craftsmen, and freelancers who are looking for a good and free alternative to expensive CAD software such as AutoCAD. With detailed step-by-step instructions, numerous illustrations and practical examples, this book will teach you the basics of LibreCAD through to advanced commands and drawing techniques in a simple way. After completing the course, you will be able to create components, floor plans and other technical drawings with ease and precision and print them to scale. 

LibreCAD offers a wide range of functions that can also be found in commercial programs. Whether you want to draw parts for model making, a furniture design, architectural plans or mechanical engineering parts, LibreCAD provides the necessary tools for professional results. And this course gives you a comprehensive insight into the tools of the software.

Let's get started now! Enjoy drawing!

1 What is CAD and why LibreCAD?

What is CAD?

CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design. With the help of such software, engineers, constructors, architects, designers, craftsmen and other users can create and edit their designs on the computer. Floor plans of houses, designs of mechanical components as well as furniture and other objects were designed and drawn entirely on paper a few decades ago. Particularly in the professional field of architecture and mechanical engineering, this was done in large drawing rooms and with classic drawing boards. Nowadays — at least in the professional environment — most designs are created exclusively on a PC and with CAD software.

Working with CAD software has revolutionized traditional drawing on paper by not only speeding up drawing and simplifying changes, but also allowing complex models to be designed, analyzed, simulated and visualized in different perspectives in both 2D and 3D.

There are many CAD programs from which the user can choose. Most of them are subject to a fee, only a few of them — such as LibreCAD — are completely free of charge. The decision for a specific CAD software depends on various factors, including professionalism, functionality, price, licensing and, above all, the respective area of application.

Why LibreCAD?

LibreCAD is open-source software and is therefore provided completely free of charge by the development community. This software was specially developed for the creation of 2D CAD drawings, but 3D views (e.g., isometric views) can also be drawn with it. LibreCAD is platform-independent, so it can be used under Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Another major advantage of LibreCAD is the intuitive and simply designed user interface. The software offers a solid selection of tools required for 2D drawings, including commands for creating lines, arcs, circles, hatching, dimensions and many more. Despite its simplicity, LibreCAD offers a good range of functions and enables a high level of precision when drawing.

Who is this software suitable for and what are the possible applications?

LibreCAD offers a wide range of possible applications for the most diverse target groups. The variety of possible applications ranges from architecture and construction to mechanical engineering and hobby applications. The software can also be used very well as a teaching aid for pupils and students in the field of CAD and technical drawing.

Architects, master bricklayers and civil engineers

One of the main target groups of LibreCAD are architects and civil engineers, who can use this software to create 2D floor plans of objects as well as sections and elevations for construction projects. LibreCAD offers all the essential tools for creating technical drawings quickly and efficiently.

One example of the use of this software in architecture is the planning of a house or apartment. Architects can use it to draw floor plans, add room layouts and dimensions and visualize the placement of doors, windows, and furniture. The software allows the use of layers, whereby different elements such as the building, the electrical installations and the water pipes can be organized separately. But more on this later.

Mechanical engineers and designers

LibreCAD also offers a cost-effective and powerful solution for creating technical drawings in the field of mechanical engineering and design. Designers require detailed technical drawings of 3D components for transfer to production. LibreCAD offers the option of creating technical drawings in 2D as well as isometric 3D views. Dimensions, angles, tolerances, annotations, etc. can be added to the technical drawings in the software.

One example of this is the creation of an exploded drawing of a simple gearbox. LibreCAD makes it possible to display the various components such as gears and shafts true to scale and to illustrate their positions in the assembled state.

Electrical engineers

You can also design detailed circuit diagrams for electronic systems in LibreCAD. The CAD software can be used to create precise circuit diagrams for industrial systems, control systems or circuits, for example. A library with numerous ready-made electronic circuit symbols (capacitors, coils, diodes, antennas, speakers, microphones ...) is already integrated in LibreCAD. The software can be used to display both the position of components and their connections in precise circuit diagrams.

Students and educational institutions

Students in the fields of engineering, architecture or design are another important user group of LibreCAD. As the software is available free of charge, it is ideal for use in educational institutions and for self-study. Teachers can use this program to teach their pupils and students the basics of technical drawing.

A typical example of the use of LibreCAD in education is a basic technical drawing course, in which students learn to draw and dimension simple mechanical components. The software provides a user-friendly and simple environment to learn the basic CAD techniques without having to purchase expensive licenses or making the course too complex.

Hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts

Not only professional users benefit from LibreCAD — hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts in particular can also use the software to design their own components and plan projects. Whether it's building a model airplane, constructing furniture yourself or planning a garden shed, LibreCAD offers the necessary tools to create precise 2D plans.

One example would be the planning of a garden shed. With LibreCAD, the dimensions of the shed, the position of the windows and doors as well as the required material quantities can be easily calculated and visualized. This considerably simplifies the planning of a DIY project.

Small companies, freelancers and other craftsmen (locksmiths, carpenters, electricians, etc.)

LibreCAD is also an excellent choice for small businesses as well as freelancers and craftsmen who are looking for free and simple CAD software.

An example would be a freelance industrial designer who creates product designs for his customers. With the help of LibreCAD, he can quickly create conceptual 2D designs. This makes it possible to work efficiently and cost-effectively on projects.

Another example would be a carpenter who can use LibreCAD to create detailed plans for pieces of furniture. The CAD software can be used, for example, to precisely define the dimensions of a bookshelf, the layout of the compartments and the placement of connectors and screws. A true-to-scale drawing can be created that not only shows the size of the shelf, but also the positions of the shelves, support struts and the back panel. This precise planning can reduce production time and facilitate furniture construction.

Another example would be an electrician who wants to use LibreCAD to create detailed circuit diagrams