AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software program primarily utilized for drafting 2D and 3D design data. Across industries, it creates various blueprints, schematics, and models. AutoCAD is a known industry standard for professionals, including architects, graphic designers, and engineers. AutoCAD has developed a wide user base, with millions of professionals and several thousands of companies using it; it has become one of the most popular CAD programs on the market. Acquiring proficiency in AutoCAD can significantly bolster an individual's career prospects, as it is a ubiquitous tool in several industries and mastering it can greatly enhance productivity, accuracy and design quality.
Top In-Person & Virtual AutoCAD Classes
AutoCAD Courses at NYC Career Centers
NYC Career Centers is a dedicated technology and programming training center that provides students with professional development resources and hands-on skills training. When enrolled in an NYC Career Centers course, students can learn many skills ranging from basic computer literacy to in-demand technical proficiencies, like Python, machine learning, web design and development and graphic design. Students will receive career development support, including interview coaching and job placement assistance, to help facilitate successful career transitions.
AutoCAD Bootcamp
- Price: $949
- Duration: 30 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online
The AutoCAD Bootcamp is an intensive course offering hands-on drafting and editing training. Students will learn to understand the AutoCAD workspace and create 2D and 3D designs. This comprehensive program enables students to understand AutoCAD's key features, use precise measurements and coordinates, and become proficient in developing architectural, engineering, and construction drawings.
AutoCAD in a Day
- Price: $325
- Duration: 6 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online
The AutoCAD in a Day course is an introductory class designed to equip students with the basic skills and understanding needed to use AutoCAD software. Students will partake in various practical exercises to learn to draft, draw, and edit commands. They will learn to manage different layers, add text and dimension to a drawing, and create plotting techniques. They will learn how to fully navigate AutoCAD professionally or personally.
Beginner AutoCAD
- Price: $599
- Duration: 18 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online
The Beginner AutoCAD course gives students a comprehensive foundation in AutoCAD. Students will hone marketable skills in creating, editing, and printing drawings. Students become proficient in utilizing layers, accurate object creation, modifying commands, developing layouts and plotting features.
Intermediate AutoCAD
- Price: $449
- Duration: 12 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online
The Intermediate AutoCAD course equips students with essential skills to produce high-quality 2D drawings using AutoCAD software's tools and advanced features. Besides gaining an in-depth understanding of modifying and assembling selections, students will also learn how to enhance productivity by working with reusable content, setting up layouts, and utilizing collaborative tools.
AutoCAD Courses at ONLC Training Centers
ONLC Training Centers provides comprehensive professional and technical training courses spanning various fields of expertise. Students can benefit from diverse learning opportunities, including in-demand courses in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, programming languages like Python and Java, cybersecurity, project management, and business analysis.
AutoCAD for Novice Users
- Price: $2,495
- Duration: 5 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD for Novice Users teaches basic AutoCAD operations and commands to students beginning a career in architecture, construction, or engineering. It also provides students with foundational skills, such as creating basic drawings and using modifying tools. Students will comprehensively understand annotation, layout, plotting, and templates.
AutoCAD Level 1: Essentials
- Price: $1,495
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD Level 1: Essentials course introduces core features and tools of AutoCAD software. The course covers a variety of subjects like geometric construction, layer management, object properties, dynamic blocks, and layout setup. Students can effectively navigate and utilize AutoCAD in various professional contexts.
AutoCAD 3D Drawing and Modeling
- Price: $1,495
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD 3D Drawing and Modeling course explores key concepts and tools required for 3D design and modeling using AutoCAD. Students will learn to manage 3D views, perform 3D modeling operations, create solids and surfaces, apply materials, perform rendering and create animations. They will explore ways to turn 2D renderings into 3D models.
AutoCAD Level 2: Intermediate
- Price: $995
- Duration: 2 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD Level 2: Intermediate course dives into the advanced capabilities of AutoCAD software. Students will learn multiple drawing-related techniques such as isometric drawings, advanced plotting, defining attributes, using tables and learning external references and image files.
AutoCAD Level 3: Advanced
- Price: $1,495
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD Level 3: Advanced course tackles advanced concepts about AutoCAD software. Students will explore advanced topics such as dynamic blocks and attributes, sheet sets, plotting, and publishing. They learn to customize the workspace, use data extraction, and create custom commands and macros.
AutoCAD Courses at Certstaffix Training
Certstaffix Training offers complete training in computers and business to people and companies across the United States and Canada. They aim to improve people's skills by teaching them the newest and most important abilities. Students can become skilled in Python, SQL, Excel, and Adobe. Like ONLC Training, Certstaffix uses a mix of in-person and online learning. Students gather in campus computer labs, and the instructor teaches the class remotely.
AutoCAD Advanced
- Price: $1,730
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD Advanced course dives into the advanced features of AutoCAD. The course has students create complex solids and surfaces and use advanced rendering techniques and dynamic blocks. They will learn to set up and manage layouts to streamline their drafting processes.
AutoCAD Essentials
- Price: $1,730
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD Essentials course introduces AutoCAD's fundamental principles and core features. This course provides hands-on exercises that foster practical skills in creating, displaying, and printing drawings. Students learn to navigate the user interface, command access, object creation, drawing organization, and manipulating objects.
AutoCAD Courses at Ledet Training
Ledet Training is an authorized Adobe, Autodesk, and Google instruction hub. Every course is tailored to address the dynamic demands of the ever-changing job landscape, ensuring that students acquire the most current insights. Students have various IT and software training options to augment their capabilities. Beyond imparting essential technical proficiencies for future careers, Ledet Training is committed to nurturing valuable personal skills within students.
Autodesk AutoCAD 101 - Beginner
- Price: $1,799
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Autodesk AutoCAD 101 - Beginner course offers students the basics of using the AutoCAD software. Students learn fundamental features and techniques, precise design drafting and detailing, and creating basic geometry.
Autodesk AutoCAD 201 - Professional layout techniques
- Price: $999
- Duration: 2 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Autodesk AutoCAD 201 course dives into advanced concepts of AutoCAD. Students explore advanced plotting, extensive layout setup, layer management, and object creation.
Autodesk AutoCAD 301 Advanced
- Price: $1,799
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
Autodesk AutoCAD 301 Advanced has students learn the advanced functionalities of AutoCAD. They will learn to analyze material flow, define dynamic blocks, use automation tools, and create custom sheet sets. They will continue to manage layers and automate workflows with macros.
Autodesk AutoCAD 302 - 3D Drawing & Modeling
- Price: $999
- Duration: 2 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Autodesk AutoCAD 302 - 3D Drawing & Modeling program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and elements of 3D modeling using AutoCAD software. Students will learn to create complex solids, camera perspectives and animations, and 2D drawings from 3D models. They will explore objects in a 3D space and learn how to edit those objects.
Autodesk AutoCAD 501 Bootcamp
- Price: $2,599
- Duration: 5 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
Autodesk AutoCAD 501 Bootcamp provides an in-depth understanding of AutoCAD functionalities such as drawing and editing commands, blocks, layers, and advanced topics like layouts and plotting. Students learn to create and manage 2D CAD drawings. They will produce accurate plans and elevations and begin understanding the practical applications of 3D modeling.
AutoCAD Courses at Future Media Concepts
Future Media Concepts offers premier digital media training to students. Aside from film editing, motion graphics, desktop publishing, web design and development, and 3D animation, students can learn various skills from manufacturer-authorized courses in various IT and design software. Each course prepares students for a career in digital media by teaching in-demand creative skills.
AutoCAD Level 1: Essentials
- Price: $1,495
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD Level 1: Essentials course introduces Autodesk's AutoCAD software. Students learn essential skills such as basic drawing, editing, and viewing tools necessary for drafting and design. Students learn to manage layers, modify commands, create hatches, blocks and layouts, annotations, dimensioning, and printing and plotting techniques.
AutoCAD Level 2: Intermediate
- Price: $1,195
- Duration: 2 days
- Locations: Live Online, NYC, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Toronto
The AutoCAD Level 2: Intermediate course expands students' fundamental understanding of AutoCAD software. The course guides the students through advanced techniques such as annotative objects, multi-view drawings, layouts, and plotting while they enhance their skills in collaboration and customization of workspaces and tools.
AutoCAD Level 3: Creating and Presenting 3D Models
- Price: $1,495
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Live Online, NYC, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Toronto
The AutoCAD Level 3 course gives students knowledge in creating 3D models, from mastering advanced modeling techniques to applying materials and lighting. The course teaches students to produce renders.
AutoCAD Courses at NYIM Training
The NYIM Training Center in New York City provides hands-on learning in various IT areas, including finance, business, programming, and design. Students will work with expert instructors to build their skills professionally. Students seeking to enhance their knowledge can enroll in in-person or online classes tailored to their needs.
AutoCAD Bootcamp
- Price: $949
- Duration: 30 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online, NJ, CT
The AutoCAD Bootcamp has students learn AutoCAD through an accelerated program. Students learn how to create and edit basic drawings and create 2D drafts. They will generate, manipulate, annotate, and manage complex shapes and layouts.
Intro to AutoCAD Workshop
- Price: $325
- Duration: 6 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online, NJ, CT
The Intro to AutoCAD Workshop introduces AutoCAD to those interested in architectural, engineering, and construction fields. Students will learn practical skills, from basic drawing functions and commands to complex operations involving layers, plotting, and scale manipulation. They will learn to create professional 2D and 3D designs.
Beginner AutoCAD
- Price: $599
- Duration: 18 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online, NJ, CT
The Beginner AutoCAD course helps individuals understand AutoCAD's core functionality. Through the program, students delve into basic drawing techniques, precision techniques, manipulation and organizational tools, annotation methods, dimensioning and hatching. They will learn to produce accurate and measured 2D drawings that comply with industry standards.
Intermediate AutoCAD
- Price: $449
- Duration: 12 hours
- Locations: NYC, Live Online, NJ, CT
In the Intermediate AutoCAD course, students dive into AutoCAD's more advanced commands and capabilities. Students will learn to utilize layers, different styles, batch plotting, and script files.
AutoCAD Courses at The Academy
The Academy is an educational institution that provides top-notch learning experiences in various fields. Students can take various coding, web development, humanities, and social sciences courses. Industry professionals passionate about skill development deliver all courses.
AutoCAD 2013 Level 1
- Price: $1,368
- Duration: 2 days
- Locations: Miami
The AutoCad 2013 Level 1 course introduces students to the basic functionality of AutoCad software. They will learn to create basic 2D drawings using drawing, editing, layering, text, and dimensioning tools.
AutoCAD 2013 Level 2
- Price: $1,243
- Duration: 2 days
- Locations: Miami
The AutoCAD 2013 Level 2 course teaches students advanced techniques in AutoCAD. Students learn to customize the workspace, manage layer properties, use layouts and views, and work with advanced plotting functions. They will also work with linear and radial dimensioning tools.
AutoCAD Courses at The University of New Mexico Division of Continuing Education
The University of New Mexico, Division of Continuing Education, allows students to pursue career advancement by offering various lifelong learning programs. Whether desiring to learn a new skill, enhance existing knowledge or seek professional recertification, students can choose from business, technology, health, and the arts courses.
AutoCAD Certificate Program
- Price: $895
- Duration: 21 hours
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD Certificate Program provides an extensive understanding of CAD software. Students will learn to create 3D and 2D renderings while they explore the fundamentals of drawing organization and layer management. They will explore blocks, fonts, and automatic dimensioning features. Students will become proficient in all basic functionality of the AutoCAD interface.
AutoCAD Courses at The Knowledge Academy
The Knowledge Academy aims to equip students with diverse professional and technical skills. Students can take project management, IT service management, cybersecurity, and data protection courses. The school aims to develop well-rounded individuals ready for the changing job market.evolving job market.
AutoCAD Masterclass
- Price: $1,195
- Duration: 5 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD Masterclass equips students with in-depth insights into AutoCAD. The course covers key principles such as navigating the interface, creating and editing drawings, working with dimensions and adding text to designs.
AutoCAD Courses at Dolfi Formation
Dolfi Formation offers a comprehensive learning platform that imparts professional training and continuous education in various industry-related skills. Students can develop their expertise by diving into management, marketing, communication, and digital technology courses, boosting their career growth and market relevance.
AutoCAD Introduction
- Price: $1,200
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD Intermediate course dives deeper into AutoCAD functionality, offering innovative tools and techniques to optimize work. The course explores polylines, complex objects, blocks, layout & paper space. Students will enhance their ability to produce detailed and accurate architectural drafts.
AutoCAD Intermediate
- Price: $800
- Duration: 2 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD Intermediate course dives deeper into AutoCAD functionality, offering innovative tools and techniques to optimize work. The course explores polylines, complex objects, blocks, layout & paper space. Students will enhance their ability to produce detailed and accurate architectural drafts.
AutoCAD Advanced
- Price: $900
- Duration: 2 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Advanced AutoCAD course equips students with in-depth knowledge and techniques for 2D design creation using AutoCAD software. The course offers detailed instructions on layout management, advanced hatch techniques, dynamic blocks, and attribute management. Students enhance their technical drawing skills and overall productivity in design tasks.
AutoCAD Expert
- Price: $1,350
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
In the AutoCAD Expert course, students develop advanced 2D drawing skills while exploring the intricacies of project and configuration management. The course focuses on improving productivity in the execution of technical plans, with the ultimate goal of mastering AutoCAD.
AutoCAD 3D All the Basics
- Price: $1,900
- Duration: 5 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD 3D All the Basics course provides an overview of 3D modeling in AutoCAD. Students will learn to create, edit, render and print 3D models. They will explore the fundamental tools and techniques for creating various 3D models. The course enables them to confidently use AutoCAD's 3D functionalities in their professional projects.
AutoCAD Courses at Ziggourat Formation
Ziggourat Formation is a training institute specializing in digital marketing, design, languages, personal development, and office automation. They seek to help professionals develop within their careers. Students can partake in high-end training programs to receive certificates or diplomas.
AutoCAD 2D Basics
- Price: $1,250
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD 2D Basics course gives students an understanding of AutoCAD software's essential concepts and techniques. It covers key topics on drawing and modifying commands, master layers, blocks, hatches, dimensions, and annotations.
AutoCAD 2D Introduction
- Price: $1,900
- Duration: 5 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
In the AutoCAD 2D Introduction Course, beginners grasp the basics of computer-aided design and drafting. The course focuses on teaching the fundamentals of project creation, editing and printing 2D drawings, and basic navigation.
AutoCAD 2D Intermediate
- Price: $800
- Duration: 2 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD 2D Intermediate course teaches students advanced AutoCAD functions. The program covers complex object creation, layout management, data extraction, and dynamic blocks and attributes.
AutoCAD 2D Advanced
- Price: $1,900
- Duration: 5 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD 2D Advanced course dives deeper into the functionalities and techniques of AutoCAD. Students will focus on advanced editing commands, extended drawing techniques, and utilizing blocks and attributes. Students can learn to optimize their 2D drafting productivity.
AutoCAD 2D Expert
- Price: $1,200
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The AutoCAD 2D Expert course offers in-depth training on AutoCAD. Students learn to create, manage, and share intricate drafting and drawing data. The course covers various topics, including advanced drawing and editing techniques, complex layer management, and dynamic block creation.
AutoCAD Courses at Dipl.-Ing. Thorsten Kebel IT Trainings
Dipl.-Ing. Thorsten Kebel IT Trainings is a distinguished educational platform where students can enhance their proficiency in various Information Technology disciplines. The school offers comprehensive training sessions, enabling students to gain deep insights into software development, data management, and network systems. Expert instructors guide courses.
AutoCAD basic course
- Price: $1,320
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: North Rhine-Westphalia, Berlin, Bremen, Rhine-Rurh, Saxony, Thuringia, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Rhineland-Palatinate, Cologne, Munich, Nuremberg, Bavaria, Saarland, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Live Online
The AutoCAD basic course equips students with fundamental knowledge and skills for creating professional 2D drawings and 3D models in AutoCAD. The course covers various topics, including working with layers, dimensioning and annotation, blocks and block attributes, 3D modeling, drawing setup and output.
AutoCAD advanced course
- Price: $1,110
- Duration: 2 days
- Locations: North Rhine-Westphalia, Berlin, Bremen, Rhine-Rurh, Saxony, Thuringia, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Rhineland-Palatinate, Cologne, Munich, Nuremberg, Bavaria, Saarland, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Live Online
The AutoCAD advanced course offers students an in-depth understanding of complex design and drafting tools available in AutoCAD. Students learn advanced features such as Blocks and Attributes, advanced plotting, sheet sets, and integration of external references.
AutoCAD Courses at Èspero
Èspero is a school where students gain knowledge and practical skills in various disciplines, including Adobe, Microsoft Office, project management, and programming. Èspero offers comprehensive courses in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Environmental Studies, and many more.
Technical drawing and design with Autodesk's AutoCAD - Continuing Education
- Price: $2,000
- Duration: 5 days
- Locations: Several (see school website)
The Technical drawing and design with Autodesk's AutoCAD course provide students with a thorough theoretical and practical understanding of 2D and 3D planning. They will master procedures ranging from the setup and creation of base objects to advanced 3D modeling techniques.
AutoCAD Courses at PC Academy
PC Academy, in Italy, is an esteemed educational institution dedicated to teaching computer technology. Students can explore various IT-related subjects, including programming, software and app development, system administration, and cybersecurity. They will gain in-depth knowledge and practical skills in a supportive and well-equipped learning environment.
AutoCAD Course
- Price: $700
- Duration: 26 hours
- Locations: Rome
The AutoCAD Course has students can explore the 2D drawing and 3D modeling features of AutoCAD. The course improves students' skills in creating, editing, and printing digital design elements in 2D and 3D environments.
Advanced AutoCAD
- Price: $450
- Duration: 14 hours
- Locations: Rome
In the Advanced AutoCAD course, students explore techniques to create complex 2D and 3D models within AutoCAD. They will learn concepts such as parametric drawing and advanced layer management. The course incorporates Autodesk certification, providing students with an industry-recognized qualification upon completion.
Master AutoCAD Basic & Advanced
- Price: $1,000
- Duration: 38 hours
- Locations: Rome
In the Master AutoCAD Basic & Advanced course, students become experts in 2D and 3D projects. The course covers fundamental concepts like geometry manipulation and dimensioning techniques, then dives into more advanced applications such as Solid Modeling, Coordinated Systems, and Rendering.
AutoCAD Courses at Armada
Armada offers an educational platform where students can embark on immersive learning experiences of computer programming and information technology. With a curriculum that balances theory and application, students learn the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate the changing tech industry landscape.
AutoCAD Essentials training
- Price: $544
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Milton Keynes, London, Sheffield
The AutoCAD Essentials training course teaches students how to use AutoCAD software to create and edit 2D drawings. Students will learn essential techniques and commands for drawing and modifying geometry, organizing layers, creating annotations, and plotting drawings.
AutoCAD for Mac Essentials training
- Price: $544
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Milton Keynes, London, Sheffield
The AutoCAD for Mac Essentials training course prepares students for using AutoCAD on Macs. This course teaches students how to develop high-quality 2D layouts and designs. They will work with layers and dimensions, modify objects, and utilize editing tools and shortcuts to create 2D designs.
AutoCAD Courses at SquareOne Training
SquareOne Training is an exceptional destination for individuals seeking to enhance their skills in various critical sectors, including Microsoft Office, health and safety, graphic design, programming, and leadership development. Students can gain practical insights and hands-on experience to position them favorably in their respective fields.
AutoCAD: Essentials
- Price: $675
- Duration: 3 days
- Locations: Liverpool
The AutoCAD: Essentials course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the AutoCAD software and its features. Students learn to create, edit, and manage 2D drawings. They will also use the tools and techniques for navigation, precision drawing, and object manipulation.
Key Information about Learning AutoCAD
In learning AutoCAD, individuals typically cover basic drafting and design concepts, drafting standards, basic commands, understanding layers, dimensions, hatching and annotations, and 2D and 3D modeling. At first, learning AutoCAD might seem intimidating; however, even beginners can learn AutoCAD with the right amount of time and practice. Most experts agree that it can take up to a year to fully master the program. This time can vary between individuals. Knowledge of basic architectural or engineering draughting techniques and familiarity with basic computer operations will help one understand the AutoCAD learning materials. To use AutoCAD, individuals must download the software from the Autodesk website. Before downloading, one must pay the subscription cost of $235 monthly, $1856 annually, or $5315 for three years.
Career Paths & Job Outlook for AutoCAD
You can find several different areas when looking for career paths that utilize AutoCAD. You can pursue drafting, engineering, architecture, and design. A CAD drafter makes an average of $55,000 annually. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for drafters, a typical role requiring AutoCAD skills, are expected to decline by 3% from 2021 to 2031. This decline can lead to more competition in the job search. Various roles require AutoCAD, such as architectural drafting, civil engineering, and product design for creating 3D models of new products. Those pursuing these positions can expect to make between $60,000 and $120,000. Those first entering the profession as a CAD operator can expect to make an average between $45,0000 and $50,000 annually.
What Can You Do With AutoCAD?
Individuals can use AutoCAD to perform various tasks. Architects and Interior Designers can leverage AutoCAD to create precise and detailed interior designs and layouts using the software's vast library of furniture and interior design objects. One can design blueprints for a house, producing detailed 2D drawings of each room using AutoCAD's various drawing tools, such as lines, polylines, circles, and arcs. The dimensioning tools allow precise measurements in the design, while the layer management features help organize different design components.
In other scenarios, an engineer can build 3D models of a car engine using AutoCAD's 3D modeling tools, extensive materials libraries, and an array of geometric shapes. The software also allows the addition of lights, camera angles, and realistic textures that enhance the overall presentation of the 3D model.
Within civil engineering, one can use the Civil 3D feature to design infrastructures like roads, highways, and drainage systems. It enables the creation of digital terrains, and users can incorporate Geographic Information System (GIS) data into their designs.
The block library feature allows the reuse of components for multiple drawings, enhancing a user's efficiency. Users with skills in animation and rendering can apply AutoCAD's rendering tools to create photorealistic images or animations from their models. Users can alter the light intensity and shadows.Using AutoCAD's built-in programming interfaces, advanced users can automate tasks and create customized tools to improve productivity and accuracy. From drafting and design to 3D modeling and rendering, AutoCAD acts as a platform to transform ideas into visual and tangible formats. The variety of tools, features, libraries and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) provided by AutoCAD enables the creation of various professional outputs.
Top AutoCAD Tools For Beginners
- Line - Used to draw lines by specifying two points.
- Polyline - An extension of the line tool. Polyline allows you to create complex shapes and figures by linking multiple lines and arcs.
- Hatch - Used to fill an area with a pattern or a solid color to highlight or denote materiality.
- Text - Add notes, labels, and details to your drawings.
- Measure -Finds the exact dimensions of objects. This can include the length of a line, the radius of a circle, or the area of a polygon.
- Layers - Allows you to manage and organize your drawings. You can create different layers for different types of objects, each with its color, line type, and line weight.
- Trim & Extend - These are two separate tools, often used together. Trim removes parts of an object, while Extend is used to enlarge it.
- Move & Copy - Again, two separate tools but often used together. Move displaces an object from one position to another, while Copy duplicates the existing object in the drawing.
- Zoom & Pan - These are navigational tools. Zoom allows you to magnify and reduce the view of your drawing, and Pan allows you to move your view side-to-side or up and down.
- Circle & Rectangle - These tools draw circles and rectangles, both essential shapes in CAD design. The tool requires you to specify the dimensions of the shape.
AutoCAD Comparison to Other Tools & Fields
Architects, Engineers, 3D Designers, Interior Designers, and Industrial Product Designers extensively use AutoCAD for precision and detailed drawings. Similar software like SketchUp also deals with CAD modeling and drafting and is frequently used by the same professionals.
While industrial professionals use AutoCAD to create buildings or civil projects, professionals in other industries also utilize AutoCAD capabilities. Interior designers use it to create 3D models for design projects to see how designs and furniture work together in a space. Graphic Designers and UX Designers utilize AutoCAD to develop prototypes for products before sending them into development to ensure all parts work properly.
Other programs like SketchUp may provide a more user-friendly interface; however, the program is also geared toward beginners. Those just starting with CAD may choose to start with an easier-to-learn software before jumping into an industry-standard program like AutoCAD.
AutoCAD Advantages
AutoCAD provides precise detailing capabilities that are particularly useful for complex projects, setting it apart from other applications. It incorporates 2D drafting, 3D modeling, architectural drawing, and engineering capabilities, enabling a wide range of professionals to use it. With its powerful documentation and collaboration features, AutoCAD streamlines the design process, increases productivity, and facilitates efficient communication between team members.
Learn more in these courses
- AutoCAD Courses
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Advanced AutoCAD
- Weekdays or evenings
- 18 hours
- Open to beginners
Get ahead in AutoCAD with this advanced course. By the end of Advanced AutoCAD, you'll know how to identify the right tool for your project, how to use the tool effectively, and techniques to create new tools that accelerate your workflow.
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AutoCAD 3D Modeling
- Not currently scheduled
- 18 hours
- Prerequisites required
AutoCAD 2016 3D Drawing and Modeling introduces students who are proficient with the 2D commands in the AutoCAD software to the concepts and methods of 3D modeling. The training guide provides a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of 3D and explores the main features of the advanced 3D Modeling workspace in the AutoCAD software.