Join our AutoCAD Bootcamp and learn the fundamentals of technical drawing and develop advanced skills in creating 2D drawings using AutoCAD. This program is open to beginners and covers everything from basic AutoCAD functionalities and skills to advanced drafting techniques.
Learn beginner, intermediate, and advanced AutoCAD skills in this comprehensive course.
Learn how to use AutoCAD to create drawings for real mechanical and architectural objects, starting with basic tools and moving on to more advanced skills. This course will cover topics such as creating and editing drawings, using object snaps and tracking, organizing drawings with layers, and inserting blocks.
Take your AutoCAD skills to the next level with our intermediate course, where you will learn advanced layering, styling, and blocking techniques to create quality templates and layouts for printing. Develop your technique and precision in using the AutoCAD interface to complete more complex projects.
Learn advanced AutoCAD skills: from annotation to customization. This course aims to help enhance productivity and improve your AutoCAD proficency.
Learn to develop professional construction documents by creating titleblocks, floor plans, and building elevations. This course covers advanced techniques for integrating files, managing layers, and organizing deliverable sheets for residential projects.
Build on AutoCAD skills by creating detailed construction documents for a large residential project. This course focuses on advanced drafting techniques, integrating referenced files, and ensuring compliance with National CAD Standards.
Master advanced Civil 3D techniques used in professional surveying, transportation design, and land development projects. In this hands-on bootcamp, you'll gain practical experience with tools like alignments, profiles, parcels, corridors, grading groups, and pipe networks, all essential for producing construction-ready documentation. Taught by industry experts, this course is available in NYC or live online.
Learn basic through advanced AutoCAD skills and become an Autodesk Certificated Professional in this program.
Learn 2D drafting skills with AutoCAD and enhance your design capabilities with specialized tools like Revit and SketchUp. This program prepares you for a successful career in construction design, with real-world applications and project-based learning.
Build expertise in both AutoCAD and Revit to excel in drafting and building information modeling (BIM). This program prepares you for a dynamic career in the construction and design industries through hands-on, real-world projects.
AutoCAD is a computer-aided software design (CAD) program. It was first released in 1982 by Autodesk. This program is used for creating and editing 2D and 3D models and drawings. AutoCAD is an industry-standard application and has millions of users around the world. It is a popular tool for several different design professionals including Architects, Engineers, and Interior Designers. One reason for its popularity is that it has many specialized toolsets such as an Electrical toolset and an Architecture toolset that help Designers work more productively. It is also designed in a way that makes team collaboration easy.
With AutoCAD training, you’ll be able to use this application for a variety of different types of 2D and 3D designs. This application can be used for drafting, which is the process of taking designs and turning them into technical plans. Some common types of drafting are architectural drafting, civil drafting, and mechanical drafting. AutoCAD can also be used to create models and blueprints, which are commonly used in the field of architecture. For example, you can use it to create a 3D model of a house design to help a client understand what the finished design will look like. Another use for this application is in engineering, where you can use AutoCAD to create a plan for a design and to test that design. You can also use AutoCAD to create many other types of designs including fashion, machinery, automobiles, and interior design.
Using AutoCAD for design can help you work more quickly and accurately since it has many automated tools. It can also make design changes far easier. Another benefit of working with AutoCAD is that you can see what your finished product will look like before you create it. This means that you can make changes to the design before you invest a lot of time and money in actually making it. Another benefit of being able to test the design before you construct it is that you can see if it works as planned and find potential weaknesses.
To use AutoCAD, you’ll need to learn several specific drawing and editing techniques. For instance, there is a specific way to draw lines in this application, to erase objects, and to move objects. Another technique that is unique to AutoCAD is defining the boundaries of an object.
Layers are an important part of working in AutoCAD. They are a way to organize your objects by their function or purpose. When you use layers, you can make your drawing appear less complex and easier to read.
Blocks are also a key skill in AutoCAD. A block is a group of objects that is joined together to create one single object. Blocks can help you save a lot of time because they can be reused. They can also help you maintain consistency in your design.
AutoCAD lets users add annotations. An annotation is where you provide more information about something in your design. For example, you can add text and dimensions. You’ll learn about annotations in an AutoCAD class.
As you learn technical skills in AutoCAD, you’ll also develop several soft skills. One is attention to detail. Success in AutoCAD necessitates precision, and when you work with this application, it’s important to be very thorough and to pay close attention to every detail involved in your project.
AutoCAD is a technical program with a large number of features and tools, and many people say that it can be challenging to learn. You’ll need to learn how to use its unique interface, and also the wide range of different tools that it offers. Ultimately though, with time and dedication, this application can be mastered by almost anyone. You may learn more easily if you have some experience with engineering or design.
Many people say that the most challenging part of learning AutoCAD is the 3D modeling aspect. If you’ve never worked with 3D modeling before, this can be a difficult concept, even if you have a lot of drawing experience. You are likely to find the learning process easier if you take a live AutoCAD class. With a class, you’ll have an expert instructor to guide you through the complexities of 3D modeling and answer all your questions along the way.
The AutoCAD learning process is different for everyone. Your speed of learning will partly depend on how much related experience you have and how much time you spend working in the application. For most people, it's possible to pick up some basic skills within a matter of days or weeks. However, to master AutoCAD, you’ll probably need to spend close to a year. Many experts advise starting with the basics and making sure you have a good understanding of those before you add more complex skills. For instance, don’t jump right into 3D drawing. Instead, start by mastering 2D drawing.
AutoCAD classes come in more than one format. Dallas, like many major cities, is likely to have in-person class options. In-person classes take place in a dedicated classroom space that is free from distractions and allows you to interact face-to-face with your instructor and classmates. Many people find it easier to learn a new skill like 3D design in-person, and some instructors say that they also find it easier to meet student needs in-person. Another advantage of in-person learning is that you may find opportunities to make valuable networking connections with other students. A disadvantage is that you’ll be limited to classes that run in the same city as you. You’ll also have to commute to class, which some people find inconvenient.
A popular alternative to in-person learning is a live online class. With a live online class, you attend by logging in on your computer, which means you are free to attend from any location you want. Just like with in-person learning, you’ll get live lectures, the ability to ask questions, and feedback on your progress. Many live online classes also encourage interaction between students. In addition to being more flexible, this format is likely to give you access to more class options, since you don’t have to commute to the classroom. Classes may also be more diverse since they are likely to contain students from across the country. A disadvantage is that you’ll need to provide your own equipment and software.
A third learning option is an on-demand class. This type of class is asynchronous, meaning that there is no live instructor. Instead, content is prerecorded. For this reason, most on-demand classes are significantly cheaper than live ones. When you learn this way, you work at your own pace, progressing through the material as quickly—or as slowly—as you want to. If you have a busy schedule, on-demand learning can be a good option. However, the biggest downside to this format is that you won’t have access to a live instructor. An on-demand class also requires more discipline and motivation.
There are a variety of free AutoCAD resources online, and they can be valuable resources when you’re trying to learn this program. You can use free resources for an overview of how the program works, to pick up a few basic skills, or to troubleshoot a problem. Some places to find free resources include YouTube and the Autodesk website. Certain schools also offer free resources to help prospective students learn more about various topics before they commit to a paid class. For instance, Noble Desktop provides many free seminars, including seminars about design. However, there are limits to free resources. Most are not comprehensive enough to get you to a professional level of AutoCAD mastery. In addition, not all online resources are accurate or up-to-date. If you’re serious about learning this application, you’ll probably end up deciding to take a live class where you can learn from an expert and follow a curriculum that you can trust.
AutoCAD is used in a wide range of different industries including design, manufacturing, machining, and engineering. Dallas is known for its diverse economy, which includes many industries where AutoCAD is used. The City of Dallas says, “Over 62,000 businesses call the City of Dallas home, including global leaders such as Texas Instruments, AT&T, Comerica, and Southwest Airlines.” In addition, it says, "Dallas is one of the world’s leading corporate headquarters centers, with 11 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Dallas and 22 Fortune 500 companies based in Dallas-Fort Worth."
Dallas also has a thriving tech scene. In its 2024 State of the Tech Workplace Report, CompTIA ranks Dallas number one among metropolitan areas for net tech employment job gains. It finds that the area employs more than 360,000 people in tech and projects strong job growth in the future.
Drafters create technical plans and drawings. They work in many different fields including construction, engineering, architecture, and manufacturing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS), Dallas is a top employer of Drafters. It ranks fourth among metropolitan areas for the highest employment level of Architectural and Civil Drafters, and first for Electrical and Electronics Drafters. According to the BLS, the median pay for a Drafter is about $62,000 per year.
Architects design buildings and use AutoCAD to create detailed blueprints and models of their designs. According to the BLS, Architects will see job growth of 8 percent between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than average. It says, “Architects are expected to be needed to make plans and designs, particularly in sustainable design, for the construction and renovation of homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and other structures.” It finds that Dallas is a top employer of Architects, with about 3,300 people employed, and an annual mean wage of almost $95,000.
Engineers design, develop, and maintain many different types of systems and structures, and may use AutoCAD for creating and testing designs. Specific fields where this application is used include mechanical, civil, industrial, electrical, and electronics engineering. The BLS predicts above-average job growth in many engineering fields over the next decade. For instance, it finds that electrical and electronics engineering jobs will grow by 9 percent between 2023 and 2033 and civil engineering jobs by 6 percent. Dallas is a top employer for many engineering jobs, including electrical, electronics, civil, and mechanical. Indeed reports that the average salary for a Dallas Engineer is $98,000.
Interior Designers design indoor spaces and they often utilize AutoCAD to create detailed drawings of their plans. The BLS predicts that over the next ten years, Interior Design jobs will grow by about 4 percent, with more than 8,000 jobs being added each year, on average. It also finds a high level of self-employment in this profession, at 27 percent. According to Indeed, an Interior Designer in Dallas has an average salary of almost $77,000. According to the BLS, the state of Texas has the fourth highest employment level of Interior Designers in the country.
If you’re based in Dallas and want to take an AutoCAD class, you’ll find several options offered by ONLC Training Centers, which is one of the biggest privately owned IT training centers in the United States. AutoCAD for Novice Users is a multi-day class that is designed for beginners and covers the program basics. ONLC also runs AutoCAD Level 1, AutoCAD Level 2, and AutoCAD Level 3 classes. In addition, there is a class called AutoCAD 3D Modeling and Drawing, which is focused on creating 3D models with this program.
Certstaffix Training, a computer skills training company that was founded in 2008, also offers AutoCAD training. In the AutoCAD—Essentials Course, students learn fundamental skills including object modification, layers, and blocks. AutoCAD—Advanced covers more complex skills such as dynamic blocks and attributes, customization, and automation. There is also a class called AutoCAD—3D Drawing & Modeling Course, where students can learn 3D modeling skills.
Another Dallas option is to take a class at Dallas College, which is one of the largest community colleges in Texas. It runs an AutoCAD Specialist program, which is made up of beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses. Students will learn both 2D and 3D drawing.
Another way to learn AutoCAD is to enroll in a live online class. Noble Desktop is a coding and design school based in New York City that offers several live online AutoCAD classes of varied lengths. This school is licensed by the New York State Education Department and all of its classes come with a certificate of completion and the option of a free retake within one year. AutoCAD classes offered by Noble are designed for PC users. Mac users can attend, but should be aware that the interface used by instructors will differ from the Mac version.
If you’re looking for a shorter course, Noble runs a multi-day class called AutoCAD Level 1, where you can learn to use AutoCAD’s basic drawing and editing tools to create drawings for architectural and mechanical objects. AutoCAD Level 2 is another short option. In this intermediate class, you’ll work on more advanced and technical projects. You’ll also learn how to create templates by setting units, drawing limits, and scales, and how to use the interface to complete advanced layer and block techniques. Noble also offers AutoCAD Level 3, an advanced course where you’ll learn about annotation, dynamic blocks and attributes, collaboration and publishing, and customization. In this class, you’ll learn to execute advanced AutoCAD projects from start to finish as well as how to use the program’s tools to increase efficiency. If you’d like a longer class, Noble also offers the AutoCAD Bootcamp, which is a combination of its beginner and intermediate classes, at a 10 percent discount.
If you want a more comprehensive AutoCAD course, you might be interested in the AutoCAD Masterclass, where you’ll go from a beginner to an advanced level. This class begins by covering basic skills such as understanding the interface, creating drawings, using object snap tracking, and using editing commands. After that, you’ll learn more complex skills like working with templates and layouts, creating and organizing blocks, and using external references. The course also covers advanced AutoCAD skills, including tables, text objects, attributes, and dynamic blocks. In addition, you’ll work on a variety of projects.
Another Noble Desktop option is the Autodesk Certification Program. This is designed for students who want to earn the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting. This program starts with three AutoCAD classes, which are intended to take you from beginner to advanced level. You’ll also receive six hours of private tutoring, where you can work on any difficult skills and make sure you are fully prepared for the exam. After that, you’ll take the Autodesk AutoCAD exam. The exam, proctoring, and a free retake are included in the course fee. If you don’t want to take the exam, you can opt for an extra hour of private tutoring instead.
Students who are looking to make a career out of using AutoCAD might also be interested in their options for career-focused, self-guided classes. These courses allow students to learn at their own pace (with guidance and assistance from a professional mentor) and they provide students with career-focused training and job placement support. While many students find it desirable to learn from a live instructor, these self-paced classes are the perfect fit for self-motivated students looking to make a career out of their AutoCAD training.
The Visual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers an immersive AutoCAD certificate program that aims to help students become career-ready within only a few weeks of training. This program provides students with hands-on, job-focused training in the use of AutoCAD and the course is designed with new students in mind, meaning that you’ll move from your first construction draft to a capstone project to add to your professional portfolio over the course of the certificate program. This program also offers students the opportunity to take up to 80 hours of electives to help them specialize in subjects including Revit, SketchUp, and Civil 3D Pro. With this option for specialization and the focus on career development training, this certificate program is an ideal entry point for aspiring Designers, Architects, and Engineers looking to learn how to use AutoCAD in a professional capacity.
Students looking for an accelerated introduction to AutoCAD and computer-aided design generally may be interested in taking this introductory course offered by VDCI. Students will learn the basics of using AutoCAD and practical skills that they can bring back to their current jobs or use as the baseline for future CAD training (including some of the other advanced classes offered through VDCI). In this class, students will get live, hands-on instruction in the use of AutoCAD, including exercises in which they create drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, a floor plan, and deliverable file sheets. While you’ll need more training if you want to make a career out of your AutoCAD skills, this course is an excellent introduction to the kinds of projects that AutoCAD professionals will need to utilize.
If you have already taken the AutoCAD Fundamentals program or you have experience with AutoCAD from another source, you may be interested in moving towards professional-level training in this advanced AutoCAD program. In this program, students will learn how to create 2D designs for construction documents that meet all of the necessary and legal standards that they are expected to follow. This course offers practical skills training and is designed to ensure that experienced AutoCAD users are able to get the accelerated training that they need to start using the application in more complex professional capacities. This course is built to help students learn at their own pace, and class scheduling is incredibly flexible for professionals looking to develop new skills while still working.
For companies interested in training a group of employees to use AutoCAD, Noble Desktop offers corporate AutoCAD classes. Experienced instructors can either train your employees onsite at your location or run training via Zoom or a similar platform. Class content can be customized according to your specific needs. Scheduling is flexible, and your employees will also receive post-training handouts, videos, and other support materials to help reinforce the training and answer any questions that may come up afterward. Another training option is to purchase vouchers for Noble’s regular group classes and let your employees sign up for a class on their own. This option is popular for employees who need more flexibility. Noble offers a discount with bulk voucher purchases. If you’re interested in offering AutoCAD classes at your company, contact Noble Desktop for more information.