Discover the various ways you can learn AutoCAD, the industry's most widely-used computer-aided design software, and the types of careers that commonly use this tool. We discuss how you can leverage free resources, classes, and tutorials to enhance your skills, making you more competitive in the job market.
AutoCAD is the most widely-used computer-aided design software in the world. Architects, project managers, graphic designers, engineers, and other professionals rely on AutoCAD to create 2D and 3D models and drawings. If you’ve always wanted to learn AutoCAD but can’t figure out how to get started, this guide is for you. Here, you’ll learn more about the various ways to learn AutoCAD, free resources to take advantage of, and the types of careers that commonly use 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.
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.
AutoCAD is an essential tool for professionals in several different sectors. In fact, many workers in these fields could not perform their jobs without this versatile software. Here are some careers where AutoCAD skills are in high demand:
In addition, the recent expansion of additive manufacturing—or 3D printing—has dramatically increased the demand for AutoCAD skills. Since 3D printing relies on the development of CAD models to guide printers, it’s driving job growth in this field across many manufacturing industries.
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.
If your preferred learning style is taking a structured class, Noble Desktop has several options to help you find the best AutoCAD course to fit your needs. If you’re looking for courses taught in a traditional classroom, check out Noble’s class locator tool to find in-person AutoCAD classes in your area. You can also explore Noble’s many live online AutoCAD courses if you’d prefer virtual learning. Noble’s instructors are industry experts and teach in small groups, providing interactive, hands-on training.
Too busy to attend a structured live course? An on-demand AutoCAD class may be the better option for you to learn these skills. On-demand courses are self-paced, and many are free of charge or available at low cost. You can find several choices online, covering the fundamentals for beginners to more advanced AutoCAD topics for experienced users. Providers offering on-demand AutoCAD classes include Cerstaffix, Udemy, CTO, and LinkedIn Learning.
In addition to several live online and in-person AutoCAD classes, Noble also features a hub of AutoCAD tutorials, articles, and resources for you to explore.
Read the full guide on how to learn AutoCAD.
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 jump-start 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.
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.
So, you want to learn AutoCAD but are afraid it may be too difficult? Read on to put your fears aside. While AutoCAD may take more time to learn than design applications like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, Adobe InDesign, and SketchUp, it’s not too tough to grasp. Let’s explore the process of learning AutoCAD versus a comparable computer-aided design application like SketchUp.
AutoCAD is a complex software with many powerful features and tools. Before you start your training, it may be a good idea to familiarize yourself with some 3D modeling. Users report that once you become comfortable with AutoCAD’s interface, commands, and viewports, you are well on your way to mastering the software. As an alternative, SketchUp is known as a user-friendly and easy-to-learn 3D modeling program. It’s also geared more toward beginners and is considerably less expensive than AutoCAD. Users report that anyone can learn SketchUp within a few hours of practice, and the interface is intuitive.
While it may be easier to learn SketchUp, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should write off AutoCAD. AutoCAD remains the preferred CAD software across many industries. The software you choose to learn depends on your career goals. Architects and Engineers prefer AutoCAD, while Graphic Designers, Filmmakers, and Product Engineers lean toward SketchUp for its substantial 3D capabilities. Since both programs are well-respected and have been around for over 20 years, you can’t go wrong with either choice.
Before jumping into an AutoCAD course, you should first consider which training works best for you. You should explore Noble Desktop’s free Intro to AutoCAD seminar for a high-level overview of AutoCAD. This seminar will help you test the waters before spending money on a more comprehensive course.
In contrast, Noble’s AutoCAD Bootcamp is an excellent fit if you’re looking for an immersive AutoCAD course to help advance your career. Enrolling in a comprehensive bootcamp can take you from a beginner to an advanced-level learner within a week. Noble’s course is the perfect option if you don’t have the time to commit to a lengthy class but need to gain skills fast. This bootcamp covers basic drawing and modifying techniques for drafting and technical drawing that you can use to build real-world objects.
If you are seriously considering a career in design, drafting, or engineering, you may want to think about earning an AutoCAD Professional Certification. This industry-recognized certification helps you stand out to employers and gives you an advantage over the competition. With so many professionals learning AutoCAD independently or on the job, there is no real way for potential employers to measure skill levels accurately. While a potential candidate may appear proficient in AutoCAD, they may only know basic commands or functions. That’s where certifications play a crucial role in gauging one’s knowledge and capabilities.
Autodesk, the maker of AutoCAD, offers specialized AutoCAD certifications in architecture, engineering, construction, product design, and manufacturing. Keep in mind that these certifications require adequate preparation before taking the exam. Noble’s AutoCAD courses are a great way to prepare for these prestigious certifications.
There are essential factors to consider when choosing your AutoCAD training. Do you want the convenience of learning online from home or prefer a traditional classroom setting? In addition, keep in mind that some training programs can be costly and time-consuming. Make sure you choose a course that fits your schedule and budget. AutoCAD is a complex software; more advanced classes may recommend prior software experience before enrolling. You may also want to find courses that offer mentor and networking opportunities in addition to the educational component. These added perks can be instrumental in setting you up for a successful and lucrative career.
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.
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, kitchens 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.
Get ready for your final exam by recompiling the A3.3 file with wall sections, keynotes, and details. Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare and submit your drawing for assessment.
Learn how to reassign Xrefs and manage viewports in AutoCAD to improve drawing organization and ensure accurate representation of your designs. Follow step-by-step instructions and tips to optimize your workflow and streamline your CAD projects.
Learn how to efficiently integrate XREFs and layout elements into your AutoCAD A2.1 sheet with this step-by-step guide. Follow along as we tackle the necessary steps to streamline your drawing process.
Learn how to efficiently update xref paths in AutoCAD for enhanced drawing functionality by remapping file paths. Improve your drawing efficiency with this step-by-step guide.
Learn how to optimize CAD file integration and organization for efficient construction document updates by properly organizing files and updating references in AutoCAD. Explore the process of mapping file locations, renaming drawings, and ensuring all data files are correctly linked for seamless document management.
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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 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.