How to Learn AutoCAD

AutoCAD is known as the industry standard software in computer-aided design. Learning this powerful tool is the perfect place to start if you hope to launch a career in architecture, engineering, drafting, or design. At first glance, the multiple options available for learning AutoCAD might be overwhelming; there are books, video tutorials, in-person and virtual classes, and more to choose from. How you decide to learn AutoCAD depends on your learning style, budget, schedule, and personal preferences. 

Here, we’ll discuss the various methods of learning AutoCAD so you can decide how you’d like to get started.

What is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is the most widely-used computer-aided design (CAD) software worldwide. It is used to create architectural, construction, and engineering blueprints, schematics, and models. Released by Autodesk in 1982, AutoCAD makes 2D and 3D designing more efficient. As a result, millions of professionals across several industries rely daily on this powerful, collaborative software.

AutoCAD is available for download at Autodesk’s website, where you can purchase a subscription to keep up with the latest software versions. There are several ways to learn AutoCAD, as there are a variety of self-paced, virtual, and in-person classes and tutorials available. While there are other comparable CAD programs on the market, AutoCAD is known as the industry standard, and it is a valuable skill to add to your resume.

Read more about what AutoCAD is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with AutoCAD?

The industry-standard software for CAD and drafting, AutoCAD enables users to create, edit and collaborate across desktop, web, and mobile devices. With AutoCAD, you can produce precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, electrical diagrams, construction drawings, interior designs, and more. 

AutoCAD is a versatile software featuring many industry-specific tools and features. It makes the design process easier through its many automation and customization tools. AutoCAD is a popular and vital tool for professionals in many industries, including interior design, project management, machining, manufacturing, architectural design, and engineering. The software allows team members to share and collaborate seamlessly on projects across their devices from anywhere. 

In-Person AutoCAD Training

Enrolling in an in-person course is an effective way to learn a new skill if you tend to thrive in a traditional classroom setting. Many people enjoy networking with other students and the face-to-face contact with instructors offered by in-person instruction. And in addition, having to be present in a classroom forces you to pay attention and engage in the work. On the other hand, not everyone has the flexibility and time to attend an in-person course and may live in an area where educational centers are not easily accessible.

If you think face-to-face learning is your best bet, explore Noble Desktop’s in-person AutoCAD courses. Noble’s classes are geared toward beginner to advanced-level students and take place at its New York City campus. Course lengths range from one day to several weeks, and all feature hands-on training by industry experts. Additional providers featuring in-person AutoCAD courses across the U.S. include New Horizons, Ledet Training, and Future Media Concepts. If you live too far from NYC, check out Noble’s Classes Near Me tool to find in-person AutoCAD classes in your area. 

Live Online AutoCAD Training

Today, more and more people are opting for the convenience of taking a class from home or anywhere you can access WiFi. Enrolling in a live online course to learn a new skill often provides the same benefits as in-person learning. Several factors can influence your decision to learn a skill online vs. in-person. For example, if you live in a rural town where there are no learning centers in the area, taking a virtual class can be the perfect solution to meet your educational needs. You may also choose the online route if you don’t want to deal with traffic in a busy city or feel more comfortable learning in private. Virtual classes also allow you to fit your training into a schedule that may already be full of work and family commitments. Alternatively, some people thrive in a classroom setting and feel more motivated and focused when they have to leave their homes to learn.

If the best choice for you is virtual learning, Noble Desktop offers a variety of live online AutoCAD courses for beginner to advanced-level students. Instructors provide hands-on training via a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. This interactive format allows you to communicate live with your instructors and classmates in real time and get immediate feedback on your work.

Other virtual training providers include Ledet Training, Future Media Concepts, The Knowledge Academy, and Cerstaffix. In addition, you can find live online AutoCAD courses in your area using Noble’s Classes Near Me tool. Classes are geared toward all levels of students and vary in course length and price.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

Not quite ready to commit to an entire course? Start learning AutoCAD by exploring free online classes, guides, and tutorials. Noble Desktop offers several free online AutoCAD resources to help jumpstart your training. You’ll explore topics like entering line, rectangle, and circle commands, using mechanical and architectural templates, navigation techniques, and more. Noble’s free introductory training provides a solid overview of AutoCAD without spending a dime.

AutoDesk, the company that developed AutoCAD, offers free online tutorials and courses through its AutoDesk University. Topics range from essential “tips and tricks” to industry-specific tasks and processes. There are also several forums and blogs on the AutoDesk website where you can connect with peers, ask questions, and share information about AutoCAD.

Several other providers and websites also offer free AutoCAD tutorials and courses for learners at all levels. Udemy, Coursera, myCADsite, and CADTutor cover 2D and 3D practice drawings, basic drafting techniques, and other fundamentals. The training programs vary in length and are available in several different languages. You can also find hundreds of free AutoCAD tutorials on YouTube, covering various topics, including industry-specific videos. Just be sure to watch the most recent uploads to ensure you’re learning the latest versions of the software.

Read about more free AutoCAD videos and online tutorials.

On-Demand AutoCAD Classes

If you’re busy managing family and work responsibilities, you may not have the time to devote to a structured course held at specific times to learn a new skill. However, a self-paced AutoCAD course gives you the flexibility to learn on your own, at your own pace, and when it fits into your schedule. 

While many on-demand courses track toward beginners, classes covering advanced topics are also available. In addition, many learners prefer more structured self-paced courses instead of following along with homemade YouTube videos to gain skills. Finally, since accredited schools usually develop self-paced courses, some users trust the content more than videos created by amateurs. 

However, remember that taking a self-paced course requires a lot of discipline to stay on track. Some find it easy to fall behind when they are not required to attend a class or complete projects by a particular time. In addition, self-paced courses do not have live instructors or classmates available to interact with and ask questions. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget, many self-paced courses are offered for free or as part of a subscription at a more affordable price than live online or in-person classes. If you’re still on the fence about self-paced courses, don’t stress; you can always test one without putting a dent in your budget.

Which Learning Method is Right for Me?

Now that you’ve read about the many resources available to help beginners learn AutoCAD, you might need help deciding which one works best for you. Do you thrive in a traditional classroom setting, or are you better at self-paced learning? With so many options available to learn AutoCAD, you may want to experiment with a couple of different styles and choose the one that works best for you.

There are other essential factors to consider when choosing your learning method. For example, are you working full-time or have family commitments? If you don’t have time to devote to a structured course that requires you to attend class at the same time every day, you may want to choose a self-paced course or video tutorials instead. On the other hand, those with a more flexible schedule may prefer a structured course offered in-person or live online. 

Why Learn AutoCAD?

Creating 2D and 3D blueprints, schematics, and models is crucial in architecture, engineering, drafting, and construction. As a result, learning software like AutoCAD is a valuable addition to your resume if you hope to pursue a design career in these fields. There are several exciting career opportunities available for people with AutoCAD skills.

Adding AutoCAD to your resume will put you ahead in today’s job market and help increase your salary. It may also help to advance your career if you’re already employed. Furthermore, since all other CAD software is modeled after AutoCAD’s interface, learning it will give you a solid foundation for learning any additional design programs. It’s also a valuable skill to have if you hope to make some extra money freelancing or enhance your hobbies like home and furniture design or personal 3D printing. 

Read more about why you should learn AutoCAD. 

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

At first glance, learning AutoCAD appears to be a daunting task. Its many powerful tools and number of commands are undoubtedly complex. But experts and the average users agree that anyone can learn AutoCAD; it just takes time and practice. Opinions vary on exactly how long it takes to learn the software. Some say you can learn the basics within one to three months, while most agree it can take up to a full year to master the software. The level of difficulty and amount of time it takes to learn the software depends on factors like your existing computer knowledge, budget, schedule, and level of commitment.

The good news is that you don’t have to be a math or tech genius to master AutoCAD. While it’s a bit more complex than the average software, you are ready to go once you learn its interface and the basics. As long as you have basic computer skills, you shouldn’t have too much difficulty understanding the program. Before you start, research your career path to ensure you get the proper training. You can also explore the many resources online to become familiar with the software’s capabilities and get a head start in your learning journey.

To download AutoCAD, you must purchase a subscription on the Autodesk website. An individual subscription costs $235 monthly, $1,865 a year, or $5,315 for three years. Autodesk also recently launched a new program, Autodesk Flex, for occasional product use via a token system. As a subscription alternative, you can purchase tokens to access the software for 24 hours at a time for around $3 per token. The type of subscription you choose will depend on whether you buy it for student, individual, or business use. Financing and free 30-day trials are also available.

Read about how difficult it is to learn AutoCAD.

Learn AutoCAD with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers a variety of AutoCAD classes for learners at all levels. Whether you take an online course from home or attend an in-person class at Noble’s Manhattan campus, you’ll get up-to-the-minute hands-on training from leading industry experts. In addition, Noble’s courses are taught in small groups and include an optional free retake for students within a year.

Noble’s AutoCAD Level 1 course for beginners provides an overview of all the basics, like printing and plotting layouts and sheets, working between model and paper space, and scaling drawings through viewports. AutoCAD Level 2 builds upon the fundamentals and teaches you how to create more technical and advanced projects. 

Noble’s AutoCAD Bootcamp combines all topics from Levels 1 and 2 for a comprehensive overview of everything you’ll need to master the software. In addition, you’ll learn how to create drawings that you can use to build real-world objects and get valuable feedback from instructors in real time, whether you participate virtually or in-person.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in design, drafting, or engineering, you may want to consider earning an AutoCAD Professional Certification. This certification is industry-recognized and can help accelerate your career opportunities. Autodesk offers specialized AutoCAD certifications in architecture, engineering, construction, product design, and manufacturing. Noble’s AutoCAD courses are a great way to prepare for these prestigious certifications. 

Key Insights

• AutoCAD is a powerful and complex software used in architecture, engineering, drafting, and design.
• There are many ways to learn AutoCAD, including in-person and virtual courses, free online tutorials and blogs, self-paced courses, seminars, and books. 
• Your chosen method to learn the software depends on your schedule, budget, and learning style.
• Although complex, once you learn AutoCAD’s interface, it is not a difficult program to learn.