AutoCAD stands for Autodesk’s Computer-Aided Design. Autodesk is the company that develops AutoCAD, a software that enables Designers, Architects, and Engineers to create 2D and 3D designs. Several industries—including architecture, engineering, and construction—use AutoCAD in a variety of capacities. Drafters can apply their skills with AutoCAD to design accurate and detailed drawings. AutoCAD facilitates design, drawings, and blueprints that can be used for creating structures, machines, and tools.
AutoCAD is commonly used in engineering, interior design, manufacturing, and architecture to create blueprints and schematics, as well as for 3D printing to construct physical three-dimensional objects. Engineers, Interior Designers, and Architects as well as a variety of industries, depend on AutoCAD for project management, architectural designs, and engineering with 2D and 3D designs. Mainly, AutoCAD helps increase productivity and efficiency, making it easier and more reliable to complete designs compared to using pen-and-paper drawings. This means that Designers and other design professionals can more readily demonstrate their work to clients who might be looking for design-related services.
What Can You Do with AutoCAD Training?
AutoCAD is considered the industry-standard software for computer-aided design and drafting that enables users to create, edit, and collaborate with coworkers using desktops, the cloud, or smartphones. With AutoCAD, Drafters can design precise 2D and 3D drawings, models, electronic diagrams, construction blueprints, and interior designs.
Learning AutoCAD provides skills for creating 2D and 3D designs, drafting blueprints, and engineering simulations, which can open opportunities to work in a variety of professions, including engineering, architecture, and product development. AutoCAD offers a versatile tool for seeking careers in several industries, including interior design, project management, machining, manufacturing, and architectural design as well as various areas of engineering.
AutoCAD is the most popular computer-aided design software worldwide. Professionals like Architects, Graphic Designers, Engineers, and Project Managers use AutoCAD to create 2D and 3D drawings using the software's various commands. AutoCAD facilitates designing geometric arrays for pattern replication to generate precise and detailed graphics.
What Will I Learn in an AutoCAD Class?
AutoCAD is an essential tool for Designers, Engineers, Architects, and other professionals, with skills that can lead to work in a variety of industries. AutoCAD provides a versatile software that helps with designing, prototyping, and animating designs. AutoCAD is considered the industry-standard software for computer-aided design. Developing skills in AutoCAD can lead to careers in architecture, engineering, drafting, and design. Here are a few skills related to finding work with skills in AutoCAD:
Design
Designers can use AutoCAD for developing 2D and 3D models by creating detailed images to use with creating interior designs, including color schemes, space planning, and furniture placement. AutoCAD helps Designers create precise drawings and designs that can be built or distributed. Industrial Designers use AutoCAD for designing products ranging from children's toys to automobiles. AutoCAD helps Designers see how a product will look or function in the real-world, along with helping companies figure out how that product can better attract customers as well as developing prototypes for testing functionality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Drafting
Drafting with AutoCAD involves creating drawings and technical models for working on design for buildings, layouts, and blueprints. Drafts are used by construction teams, Architects, and Engineers as well as several other design professionals whose job is to develop blueprints destined for development into buildings and other physical objects. AutoCAD can be used in drafting to convert designs created by Architects and Engineers into technically sound and accurate drawings and blueprints. Drawings and blueprints created using AutoCAD can be applied for developing concepts as varied as buildings, automobiles, and tools.
Engineering
Engineers can use AutoCAD with design and specifications for a variety of projects, including designing motor engines, elevators, bridges, roads, and electrical grids. AutoCAD allows Engineers to create prototypes for testing how a design might perform in the real-world. Aerospace Engineers and Aviation Designers, for example, use AutoCAD for designing aircraft parts as well as conducting simulations. Materials Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Civil Engineers, and Industrial Engineers use AutoCAD in a variety of capacities for developing, completing, and testing designs.
Architecture
AutoCAD is a popular tool used in architecture. Architects use AutoCAD for designing floor plans and 3D designs for blueprints with office buildings, residential homes, and landscape architecture. AutoCAD facilitates creating realistic 3D models that can give Architects ideas about design surfaces and shapes when creating structures. This can help with designing buildings, gaining perspective on a design from several angles, and calculating load levels with regard to support structures.
Additive Manufacturing
Knowledge and experience with AutoCAD can also be used for working in additive manufacturing, which involves applying 3D printing technology to create physical three-dimensional objects based on computer designs. Additive manufacturing applies the principles of two-dimensional paper printing to 3D printing, constructing objects from polymer composites, metal, ceramics, food, or foam for various purposes. Additive manufacturing uses AutoCAD for designing and developing materials for several industries, including aerospace, military and defense, medical, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. Additive manufacturing can be used for designing prototypes, creating tools, replacing parts, and developing medical devices.
How Hard is It to Learn AutoCAD?
Learning AutoCAD can open pathways to careers as Designers, Drafters, Engineers, and Architects. Among the biggest difficulties with learning AutoCAD is being able to access the required software and tools for training in various areas of design. AutoCAD is not just another graphic design tool. AutoCAD offers a versatile design software for designing, prototyping, and animating designs through a variety of methods for a variety of purposes that could be difficult for learning or getting comfortable with the tool. AutoCAD is considered the industry-standard software for computer-aided design. Therefore, being computer literate represents the first step for learning AutoCAD to eventually work with the software for visualizing concepts in a 2D or 3D virtual environment. Learning AutoCAD can open up career options in animation, engineering, architecture, design, and drafting.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning AutoCAD?
For people who have experience in computer-aided design, learning AutoCAD could be more complicated. However, this does not mean that training in the computer-related design tool will be impossible. Despite the challenges, new learners who are comfortable using computers should be able to pick up skills in AutoCAD through practice over time. Learning AutoCAD requires training in the software’s numerous functions, commands, and options, which may be intimidating for some and are not for the faint of heart.
How Long Does It Take to Learn AutoCAD?
As with learning any area of technology, the time it may take to learn AutoCAD can vary greatly. For example, initial training in AutoCAD may take only a few hours, while more advanced training could take months. A person learning AutoCAD as part of a college degree might enroll in various classes over a few years. With ever-evolving changes in technology, even Designers and Engineers with years of experience in computer-aided design technology will likely have to seek out refresher courses.
Should I Learn AutoCAD in Person or Online?
In-person training for AutoCAD is an effective way for gaining skills in computer-aided design available from a variety of education providers within or near New Jersey. And while many people in New Jersey considering learning AutoCAD might prefer face-to-face training inside a classroom with an instructor standing in front of them, others might want to avoid having to face traffic after working all day by opting to enroll in live online courses as an alternative for gaining knowledge with the design software.
In-person classes allow for personal interactions and minimize distractions from the outside world. On the other hand, live online courses allow students to learn from home with the same level of training they would get from sitting in a classroom. Learning AutoCAD can open up paths to several different careers. AutoCAD can be used as a tool for finding work as Designers, Engineers, or Architects as well as other professions related to design and drafting. AutoCAD offers a versatile design tool for helping with designing, prototyping, and animating concepts for a variety of purposes in several industries. AutoCAD is widely considered the industry-standard computer-aided design software.
Can I Learn AutoCAD Free Online?
For those who don’t feel quite ready to pay for either an in-person or live online AutoCAD course, there are a variety of free training options available from several online education providers. This includes Coursesity, which offers access to several free AutoCAD courses that new learners can take advantage of. Udemy offers the free AutoCAD 2D and 3D Practice Drawings course. Eduonix has the free Learn Free AutoCAD Course Online video seminar. Those interested can also find the free AutoCAD Tutorial for Civil Engineering video course, which is available through YouTube. Additionally, Autodesk, the company that produces AutoCAD, offers several free video tutorials on its website to help new learners get familiar with different areas for using the design software. Autodesk also produces a free AutoCAD podcast hosted by Autodesk executives who are available through platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Along with that, Noble Desktop offers free video seminars to gain knowledge in graphic design that can aid in learning AutoCAD, including the Get Started with Motion Graphics, the Intro to SVG Web Graphics & Animation, and the Graphic Design Fundamentals seminars.
What Should I Learn Alongside AutoCAD?
Anyone considering training in AutoCAD might want to think about enrolling in a certificate program or passing a certification exam to verify expertise with the design software. To be clear, certification programs and certifications are not the same things. Certificate programs can provide hands-on training in AutoCAD that gives prospective Designers, Engineers, or Architects skills in computer-aided design. Education providers like Noble Desktop offer a variety of AutoCAD-related courses and certificate programs such as the AutoCAD Bootcamp that can train you in fundamentals of technical drawing along with advanced skills for creating 2D drawings with the computer-design software.
Achieving certification requires passing an exam administered by an industry-recognized organization. Anyone considering certification in AutoCAD can do so through Autodesk, which offers several paths to certification contingent on a person’s career ambitions. Autodesk has four levels of certification, starting with Autodesk Certified User (ACU), which verifies that a person possesses entry-level skills for using AutoCAD software. The Autodesk Certified Associate (ACA) certifies that a candidate has a higher level of knowledge and skills with AutoCAD along with being ready to go right to work. The Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) confirms an individual's skills in AutoCAD, including capabilities for solving complex problems with workflow and design related to the software. Finally, Autodesk Certified Expert (ACE) represents the highest-level certification in AutoCAD designed for experienced professionals who demonstrate in-depth knowledge and abilities for working with the software. While certificate programs and certifications are not the same, enrolling in certificate training can help with passing certification exams.
Industries That Use AutoCAD in NJ
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, New Jersey provides options for careers in several industries such as manufacturing, construction, market research, information technology, and publishing. The employment outlook for Architects, for instance, projects to increase by nine percent between 2023 and 2033. New Jersey’s job growth has climbed above the nation average and is expected to keep growing. Top industries for finding work as Architects, Designers, or Engineers in New Jersey include biotech, construction, healthcare, transportation, and utilities as well as working at government agencies. The state of New Jersey benefits from its proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia. Cities like Newark provide New Jersey with access to companies and people associated with high-level industries, including companies that specialize in design technology, biotech, and construction. Any of these industries offers opportunities for people who have skills in AutoCAD for designing, drafting, and prototyping products, tools, and blueprints.
Manufacturing Industry
The manufacturing industry depends on AutoCAD to help with designing, prototyping, and testing concepts with product design. Companies use AutoCAD for developing prototypes for testing the functions of a product design before committing to manufacturing that item. Prototyping allows manufacturers to efficiently make changes or improve on a product before starting large scale production. Along with options for prototyping, animation and simulation features available with AutoCAD help companies with seeing the details about how a product might function in the real-world.
Companies also use AutoCAD to design and develop the machinery and production facilities used to build various products. AutoCAD helps for working with precision, including measurements and productions of items such as tools and parts for ensuring that components fit together properly. Additionally, Engineers in the manufacturing industry use AutoCAD for helping to avoid complications during the design stage by facilitating a seamless process once a product has been approved for production.
Architecture
AutoCAD provides an essential tool in architecture as many Architects use the design software for creating blueprints during the construction process. AutoCAD helps Architects from both an artistic and technical standpoint for designing buildings. AutoCAD offers a versatile tool in architecture for creating the interior design of homes, commercial buildings, and other types of structures.
Architecture depends on AutoCAD for unknotting complex issues involved with the design process for creating buildings. AutoCAD helps with drafting in architecture for taking ideas from the initial drawing stage to detailed blueprints. Architects can use AutoCAD features and functions for layering, rotation, scaling, and mirroring for rendering 2D or 3D models along with designing the interior and exterior of buildings.
Aviation Industry
The aviation industry uses AutoCAD for help with streamlining the process involved with designing and producing aircrafts and aircraft parts that depend on precision for assuring safety and preserving lives. Aircraft manufacturers use AutoCAD for producing detailed and reliable parts developed through 3D modeling for ensuring that intricate designs for components work as expected. Using AutoCAD includes testing for durability before any part moves forward to production, especially when considering recent incidents involving small parts failures that include a plane door falling off or a fuel line malfunctioning. Designing and prototyping with AutoCAD helps with ensuring that products work and fit properly.
Additionally, the aviation industry uses AutoCAD with planning airport layouts for designing runways, taxiways, and gates.
Interior Design
Interior design is an industry that works in shaping indoor living spaces and workspaces to their clients’ specifications. AutoCAD offers a versatile tool that helps with interior design by giving Interior Designers and clients a sneak peek at what a concept might look like. AutoCAD allows Interior Designers to make fantasies reality by visualizing the inside of homes, commercial buildings, and other structures.
Interior Designers use AutoCAD for creating floor plans, elevations, and 3D models in developing a design. Professionals can use features available with AutoCAD for making accurate measurements and material estimations on interior design projects. AutoCAD helps Interior Designers with visualizing a design to see what practical changes may need to be made before moving forward.
AutoCAD Job Titles and Salaries
Due to the inherent versatility related to technology, possessing skills in software like AutoCAD can provide an individual with career options for finding work in New Jersey. AutoCAD can help with leading anyone on a path to a new career involving a variety of industries and professions, including architecture, engineering, or working in aviation and aeronautics.
CAD Designer
A CAD Designer must possess skills in AutoCAD for creating 2D and 3D models for working on a variety of projects. This profession requires technical skills and expertise in designing and drafting. People with skills in AutoCAD can work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, engineering, and product development. Throughout New Jersey, a CAD Designer can earn an annual income ranging from $48,000 to $125,000.
Materials Engineer
Materials Engineers are responsible for developing, processing, and testing materials used in creating everything from auto parts to computer chips to medical devices. Materials Engineers must have knowledge of metals, ceramics, plastics, composites, and nanomaterials along with other types of materials for work involving mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering. Materials Engineers with a background in AutoCAD can earn between $60,000 and $138,000 a year working in New Jersey.
Architect
Architects develop construction plans based on client specifications, which include creating designs for structural systems; central air, heating, and ventilation systems; electrical systems; and plumbing. Architects can use skills with AutoCAD for designing and building structures as part of their job with creating construction drawings and blueprints. Working as an Architect includes hand drawing plans as well as designing blueprints during the conceptual stages of project development. Architects working in New Jersey can make from $78,000 to $132,000 a year.
Interior Designer
Interior Designers focus on designing indoor spaces by creating functional designs that include decorative concepts with color, lighting, and furniture. Interior Designers can use AutoCAD for drawing, designing, and editing interior blueprints. In New Jersey, Interior Designers can make an annual salary between $44,000 and $109,000.
AutoCAD Classes Near Me in NJ
While many people in New Jersey considering learning AutoCAD might prefer learning face-to-face inside classrooms with an instructor standing in front of them, others may opt for enrolling in live online courses as an alternative for learning the software. In-person classes allow for physical interactions among teachers and classmates as well as being shielded from the outside distractions of the world. On the other hand, live online classes allow students to learn from home with the same level of training that they would get from sitting inside a classroom. Learning AutoCAD can open up paths to several careers as the design software is an essential tool for finding work as Designers, Engineers, Architects, and other professionals. This is because AutoCAD is considered the industry-standard software for computer-aided design. AutoCAD offers a versatile tool for helping with designing, prototyping, and animating material for a variety of industries. Developing skills with AutoCAD can lead to finding careers in architecture, engineering, drafting, and design. Here are a few courses that can help with training in AutoCAD:
If you’re looking for training in AutoCAD, Noble Desktop offers the AutoCAD Bootcamp that will teach you about the fundamentals of technical drawing for gaining skills to create 2D drawings using the computer-aided design tool. Training covers basic AutoCAD functions as well as learning advanced drafting techniques. Lessons start with beginner-level AutoCAD training where you will learn about basic drawing and modification techniques for drafting and technical drawing along with how to use AutoCAD for creating designs for building real-world objects for mechanical and architectural projects. The intermediate portion of this bootcamp focuses on creating a basic 2D drawing using AutoCAD software, starting with the basic tools for creating and editing simple drawings. This bootcamp will introduce you to basic functions throughout the course. People living in New Jersey have the choice of enrolling for training inside Manhattan classrooms or taking advantage of the option with virtual learning. This course has been designed for PC users, so while Mac users may enroll, they should be aware that the Mac AutoCAD interface differs from the PC interface. This course offers additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class as well as an opportunity to retake the course for free within one year.
People living in New Jersey have the choice of enrolling for in-person or live online courses at NYIM Training that includes the Beginner AutoCAD course. This course introduces new learnings to AutoCAD. Lessons focus on learning basic drawing and modifying techniques for drafting and technical drawing using AutoCAD for creating designs for constructing physical and architectural objects. This is a PC-only course and may not be appropriate for Mac users. This course offers additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class as well as an opportunity to retake the course for free within one year.
Anyone living in New Jersey who is considering picking up skills in AutoCAD can enroll for training inside Manhattan classrooms or live online through NYC Career Centers for the AutoCAD in a Day workshop. This course introduces participants to AutoCAD. Lessons cover basic drawing and modifying techniques for drafting and technical drawing with AutoCAD for creating designs that can be used for building actual objects for mechanical or architectural purposes. This is a beginner-friendly course geared toward people who have no prior experience with computer-aided design. This is also a PC-only course that may not be appropriate for Mac users. This workshop offers additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class as well as an opportunity to retake the course for free within one year.
Engineers and Designers can enroll with Certstaffix Training to take the live online AutoCAD—Advanced Course for training in advanced techniques for using the computer-aided design software. Training for this course focuses on creating 3D models, output and publishing, and CAD standards. Lessons include completing a solid model design as well as converting 2D objects into 3D objects. Upon completing this course, students will possess a thorough understanding of AutoCAD standards and procedures that can be combined with experience from working with other design applications for attempting to pass an Autodesk AutoCAD certification exam.
Students can also choose Ledet Training to enroll in the live online AutoCAD 301 Advanced training course. This program will train participants in advanced AutoCAD techniques along with best practices related to becoming proficient with the design software. Training emphasizes how to increase efficiency with automating aspects of workflow for improving processing with AutoCAD in a variety of capacities. Lessons begin with training on basic techniques for enabling users to create and edit drawings. Through this course, students will develop skills for handling specialized drawing tools. Upon completing this course, students will know how to use AutoCAD for working with layers, filters, and plugins as well as understanding automated CAD standards. Training from this course can also help students with preparing for the Autodesk AutoCAD Certified Professional (ACP) exam.
Noble Desktop also offers the AutoCAD Certification Program. This comprehensive certificate program will provide you with training ranging from beginner-levels to advanced-levels in AutoCAD with the goal of taking and passing the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting exam that include free retakes. Your training will begin with learning basic drawing and editing commands before building on that knowledge by moving on to learning higher-level techniques for using collaboration tools, customizing, and macros. Upon completing this course, you will have gained advanced skills with AutoCAD for being able to attempt the Autodesk Certificate Professional exam. And while this course has been designed for PC users, Mac users may also enroll with the understanding that the Mac AutoCAD interface differs from the PC interface, which will be the version used for training. This 54-hour comprehensive training program includes six-hours of private tutoring. People living in New Jersey have the option of participating inside New York classrooms or opting for live online training. This course offers additional 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class as well as an opportunity to retake the course for free within one year.
Self-guided AutoCAD Programs
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.
AutoCAD Certificate Program
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.
AutoCAD Fundamentals
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.
AutoCAD Professional
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.
AutoCAD Corporate Training
If you want to make sure that your employees stay on top of cutting-edge technology, Noble Desktop offers corporate training through onsite and live online programs. Because AutoCAD is currently the leading computer-aided design software, it would be worthwhile to train your staff in skills for enhancing abilities with drafting, blueprints, and using 2D and 3D design tools, especially if your operations involve manufacturing, engineering, or architecture. Noble Desktop can help you upskill your workforce through Corporate AutoCAD Training. This means that you can either have training conducted at your location or live online through a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. Your company also has the option to purchase vouchers for Noble Desktop’s public enrollment AutoCAD courses.
You can get more information by contacting corporate@nobledesktop.com for a free consultation.