How Long Does it Take to Learn AutoCAD?

It’s no secret that AutoCAD is a powerful software with many exciting functions and capabilities. And like many aspiringarchitects, drafters, and engineers, you might want to learn AutoCAD but worry that it will take too much time. So how long will it take you to understand the program? Experts vary in their opinions of how long it takes to learn AutoCAD. 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. Of course, this depends on several factors. Keep reading to explore how you can learn AutoCAD and some resources to help speed the process along.

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. 

Average Time it Takes to Learn AutoCAD

How long it takes you to learn AutoCAD depends on many factors. First off, are you already familiar with computers? What is your budget; can you afford to take a structured course? Also, what are your time constraints, and are you learning for fun or a career goal? These factors will dictate how long it takes you to master the software. Experts estimate it can take anywhere from one month to one year. That’s an enormous range. Although experts do agree on one thing: You need to practice. Read below for some tips on how to learn AutoCAD.

1. Start with the interface. Learning AutoCAD’s interface shouldn’t be too difficult if you’re already familiar with Windows applications. Start by poking around and learning how to access and activate the drawing and modify tools. AutoDesk, the maker of AutoCAD, estimates it will take about 90 days to become proficient with the interface. Other sources online state it only takes a month. 
2. Get familiar with the basics. Once you are comfortable with the interface, start exploring. Try to open up a drawing and use the navigation tools. Practice the pan, zoom in, zoom out, and zoom extend tools.
3. Master the 2D drawing tools before you move on to 3D. Learn how to use the 2D drawing tools and apply what you learn to examples of 2D drawings. You can find some online if you don’t have any 2D drawings. Once you’re comfortable with the 2D drawing tools, move on to the 3D tools. Both sets are mostly the same, aside from some specialized 3D tools.
4. Practice makes perfect. Practice is the key to success with any skill you’d like to master. The good news is there are endless free resources online to help you along. Search for exercises to help you memorize the AutoCAD commands, or try to replicate drawings you see on YouTube tutorials. Another option is entering an online design challenge. Many online design communities set up competitions to encourage members to share and explore designs. By participating, you can network with other designers and promote your work.

Other Factors

Experts vary in their opinions of how long it takes to learn AutoCAD because many factors are at play when trying to master the software. Read below to get a better understanding of how long it may take.

Time Commitment and Cost

Learning AutoCAD may require a considerable time commitment. Whether you take a structured course or learn at your own pace, you will have to find time in your schedule. If you have family commitments or a full-time job, this may not be an easy task. On the other hand, if your schedule is relatively light, you may be able to learn AutoCAD in just a few weeks. Another factor to consider is your budget. A structured course will set you on the fast track to learning AutoCAD, but it will also be more expensive than learning on your own. But remember that investing in a structured course taught by an industry expert could pay off in the long run. 

Training Goals

Are you learning AutoCAD as a hobby or trying to launch a new career? This factor will be essential in determining how long it takes you to learn the software. If you’re just learning for fun, there’s probably less urgency to master AutoCAD in the shortest amount of time. Taking a structured course like an immersive, hands-on bootcamp is your best bet if you need AutoCAD skills to launch or further your career. Check out Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Bootcamp for details.

Existing Skills

Experts agree that if you know some basics of drawing and are familiar with design interfaces, you’ll have an easier time learning AutoCAD. However, keep in mind that there are no official prerequisites to learning the software. So, don’t be nervous if you’re going in cold. Anyone can learn AutoCAD; you just need time and motivation.

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.

Get Access to Free AutoCAD Resources

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.

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.