# Beginner AutoCAD

Canonical URL: <https://www.careercenters.com/courses/autocad-level-1>

## Overview

### Best AutoCAD Classes in NYC

Dive into AutoCAD software and 2D drawing techniques. First, you'll explore the AutoCAD interface and drawing commands. Then, you'll create a simple drawing of your own and make edits. Finally, you'll work on printing and annotating your drawing. In this course, you'll learn by doing. Each student will have a computer and create 2D drawings along with the instructor.

AutoCAD is a drawing program used to generate vector graphics. The program uses arcs, circles, lines, and text to create representations of more complex objects. Engineers, construction professionals, and designers use AutoCAD to develop blueprints, plans for heavy metal tools, and other technical drawings. Unlike other graphic design programs like Photoshop and Sketch, AutoCAD is a technical program. When drawing representations in AutoCAD, the focus is on technical accuracy, rather than creativity.

Note: this is a PC-only course (not suitable for Mac users).

### AutoCAD Classes for All Levels of Experience

At Career Centers, we have Beginner AutoCAD classes, [Intermediate AutoCAD classes](/courses/autocad-level-2), and [Advanced AutoCAD classes](/courses/autocad-level-3). We also offer [AutoCAD 3D Modeling](/courses/autocad-3dmodeling) training. If you're interested in AutoCAD, but not sure if it's right for you, take [AutoCAD in a Day](/courses/autocad-workshop-nyc) to learn more about the software.

## What you'll learn

- Understand the AutoCAD workspace and user interface
- Use basic drawing, editing, and viewing tools
- Draw with precision
- Organize drawing objects on layers
- Insert reusable symbols, blocks, and object types
- Prepare a layout to be plotted
- Add text, hatching, and dimensions
- Use more advanced editing and construction techniques
- Add parametric constraints to objects
- Create local and global blocks
- Set-up layers, styles, and templates
- Use advanced plotting and publishing options
- Position accurately

## Curriculum

#### 1: Getting Started with AutoCAD

- Opening and Creating Drawings
- Exploring the AutoCAD interface
- Zooming and Panning

#### 2: Basic Drawing & Editing Commands

- Using the Mouse, Keyboard, and Enter Key to work quickly and efficiently in AutoCAD
- Lines
- Circles
- Rectangles

#### 3: Projects - Creating a Simple Drawing

- Creating Simple Drawings
- Using Object Snap Tracking to extrapolate a projected top view
- Using Modify tools to arrange an office layout

#### 4: Drawing Precision in AutoCAD

- Polar and Ortho Tracking
- Entering Coordinates and Angles
- Object Snaps and Tracking

#### 5: Making Changes in Your Drawing

- Move
- Copy
- Rotate
- Mirror
- Scale
- Using the reference option with the Scale Tool

#### 6: Drawing Templates

- Using Template Files (.dwt) to Make New Drawing
- Exploring what Settings and Elements are saved with Templates

#### 7: Organizing Your Drawing with Layers

- Layer States
- Properties by Layer
- Layer Tools

#### 8: Advanced Object Types

- Polylines
- Arcs
- Polygons
- Ellipses

#### 9: Analyzing Model and Object Properties

- The Properties Palette
- Quick Select
- Select Similar
- Measure Geometry Tools

#### 10: Projects - Drawing Organization & Information

- Drill Plate
- Furniture Showroom

#### 11: Advanced Editing Commands

- Trim and Extend
- Fillet and Chamfer
- Polyline Edit and Spline
- Offset and Explode
- Join

#### 12: Inserting Blocks

- The Insert Block Command
- Inserting Blocks with Tool Palettes
- Dynamic Blocs
- Migrating Blocks and other Elements between Drawings with Design Center

#### 13: Projects - Creating More Complex Objects

- Starting a Floor Plan

#### 14: Setting Up a Layout

- Using Layouts and Viewports
- Scaling Viewports
- Model Space vs. Paper Space in Layouts

#### 15: Printing Your Drawing

- Printing from Layout Tabs
- Printing from the Model Tab

#### 16: Projects - Preparing to Print

- Making Layouts for a Banquette Hall

#### 17: Text

- The Multiline Text Tool
- The Single Line Text Tool
- Editing Text
- Text in Model Space vs. Paper Space
- The Multileader Tool

#### 18: Hatching

- The Hatch Command
- The Hatch Editor Ribbon Tab
- Saving and Applying Hatches with Tool Palettes

#### 19: Adding Dimensions

- Using Dimensioning Tools
- Dimensioning in a Layout Tab vs. the Model Tab
- Using Dimension Styles
- Editing Dimensions

#### 20: Projects - Annotating Your Drawing

- Dimensioning a Mechanical Drawing

## Schedule
- Jul 6, 2026 – Jul 8, 2026 — NYC
- Aug 17, 2026 – Aug 19, 2026 — NYC
- Sep 8, 2026 – Sep 24, 2026 — NYC
- Sep 28, 2026 – Sep 30, 2026 — NYC
- Nov 2, 2026 – Nov 4, 2026 — NYC
- Nov 2, 2026 – Nov 18, 2026 — NYC
- Dec 14, 2026 – Dec 16, 2026 — NYC

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $599