How do you add 3D in AutoCAD?

Adding 3D in AutoCAD primarily involves setting up your workspace for 3D modeling and then using the software's dedicated 3D tools to create three-dimensional objects.

Working with 3D models in AutoCAD allows you to design and visualize objects, buildings, and complex structures in three dimensions, providing a much richer representation than traditional 2D drawings. To begin "adding 3D" in the sense of setting up the environment and starting to create 3D geometry, you need to configure your AutoCAD workspace.

Here's a step-by-step guide based on common practices and the provided reference for setting up your AutoCAD environment for 3D modeling:

Setting Up AutoCAD for 3D Modeling

The initial step to working with 3D in AutoCAD is to switch to a workspace designed specifically for 3D modeling. This changes the user interface to provide easier access to 3D commands and tools.

Here are the steps:

Open AutoCAD: Launch the AutoCAD software on your computer.
Access Workspace Switching: Locate the Workspace Switching button on the status bar, typically found at the bottom-right of the AutoCAD window.
Select 3D Modeling Workspace: Click on the Workspace Switching button and then select the 3D Modeling option from the menu that appears. This will change the ribbons and panels displayed to show 3D-related tools.

After switching the workspace, it's helpful to adjust your view and visual style to better perceive and work with 3D objects.

Change Custom Model View: Navigate to the View controls, usually found in the top-left corner of the drawing area or on the View tab of the Ribbon. Change the current view from the default (like Top) to an Isometric view, such as SE Isometric (South-East Isometric). Isometric views provide a 3D perspective of your model.
Change Custom Visual Styles: Also in the View controls or on the View tab, change the Visual Style. Select a style like Conceptual or Realistic. Unlike the 2D Wireframe style, these styles display surfaces and solids with shading, making it much easier to visualize your 3D geometry.

What Happens After Setup?

Once your workspace, view, and visual style are configured, you are ready to start creating 3D content. The 3D Modeling workspace provides access to various tools for:

Creating Basic 3D Solids: Commands like BOX, CYLINDER, CONE, SPHERE, PYRAMID, and WEDGE.
Creating Solids from 2D Profiles: Using commands like EXTRUDE, PRESSPULL, REVOLVE, SWEEP, and LOFT.
Editing 3D Solids: Tools for combining, subtracting, and intersecting solids (UNION, SUBTRACT, INTERSECT), as well as chamfering, filleting edges, and slicing.
Creating Surfaces and Meshes: Using dedicated tools for creating different types of 3D surfaces and mesh models.
Navigation: Using the ViewCube and navigation tools to orbit, pan, and zoom around your 3D model.

By following the initial setup steps, you prepare AutoCAD to effectively display and allow interaction with three-dimensional geometry, enabling you to then use the modeling tools to "add" the actual 3D shapes.