AutoCAD Courses in NYC or Live Online

What is AutoCAD?

Invented by Autodesk, 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 by letting you draw and edit digital designs more quickly and easily than you could by hand. The files can also be effortlessly saved and stored in the cloud, so you can access them anywhere at any time. 

Before the dawn of computers, a designer would have to revise designs manually. You would have to create an entirely new draft or edit the draft you had, which could be messy and challenging to interpret. With AutoCAD, you can change and manipulate designs, as well as create a reusable block library to replicate design parts. Saved files can be reused later, making the design process faster than if you did it by hand. Drawing by hand also limits how small of a design you can create, but AutoCAD allows you to design down to fractions. This allows for a more accurate design in all dimensions.

AutoCAD can be downloaded from Autodesk’s website, where you can purchase a subscription to keep up with the latest software versions. There are many 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.

If you want to know more about what AutoCAD is, what you can do with it, and why you should learn it, you can check out Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD page and read more below. 

Why Learn How to Use AutoCAD?

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

AutoCAD is versatile software featuring many industry-specific tools and features. Its automation and customization tools make the design process more accessible, making it 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. 

For example, you could leverage AutoCAD to create a detailed floor plan for a client’s new house, measuring and placing doors and windows accurately. Plus, AutoCAD’s 3D tools can turn the 2D plan into a 3D model, allowing clients to virtually walk through the house before it’s even built.

AutoCAD can also be used to design engineering projects like a bridge. The software allows you to draw the bridge’s support structures and calculate their load-bearing capacities to find out how much weight each part can handle., ensuring the bridge is safe for cars and people.

If you’re designing a new electronic device, AutoCAD can come in handy. The 3D modeling features can visualize how the device will look from different angles, helping to refine the design before production.

AutoCAD can also be used in the entertainment industry to design sets, stage layouts, and lighting. It helps set designers create detailed and functional sets for theaters, concerts, and film productions. Lighting designers can simulate and test out lighting effects to achieve the desired effects.

As you can see, the applications for AutoCAD are many, and its usefulness is only increasing as technologies and industries become more innovative. Learning AutoCAD can make you more marketable in a variety of fields and help you create a fulfilling and successful career. 

What Will I Learn in an AutoCAD Class?

AutoCAD is a multifaceted tool, so it comes as no surprise that there's a lot you can learn in an AutoCAD course. Below is a brief list of the top general skills you’ll master as an AutoCAD student, including both hard and soft skills. All of these will serve you well when applying, interviewing, and working in an AutoCAD role. 

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Expert communication skills are a must-have for AutoCAD professionals. You will need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders to understand project requirements, manage expectations, and meet deadlines. Employers will prefer candidates who possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to ensure smooth and efficient project delivery as well as positive relationships with team members and stakeholders. Skills like active listening, professionalism, courtesy, flexibility and adaptability, and the ability to work collaboratively with team members are all needed to succeed.

Ability to Interpret Technical Drawings & Specifications

Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, like floor plans, elevations, and sections will also be essential for AutoCAD professionals. Familiarity with industry-standard symbols, conventions, and abbreviations used in technical drawings, as well as a keen attention to detail are also helpful skills to have. Understanding of technical specifications, including materials, finishes, and dimensions falls under this umbrella of skills as well. 

Advanced 3D Modeling & Drafting Skills

Advanced 3D modeling and drafting skills will help you draft detailed designs, minimizing the need for revisions. Proficiency in these skills while using AutoCAD or other relevant software, as well as knowledge of advanced modeling techniques like parametric modeling and surface modeling, will all be extremely useful. If you can create complex assemblies and parts in 3D and understand 3D printing and prototyping, you’ll be a highly desirable candidate at any company. 

Analytical & Technical Problem Solving Skills

The below skills are vital to ensuring that designs are accurate, functional, and meet the client’s needs.

• Experience in troubleshooting and resolving technical problems
• Strong mathematical and spatial reasoning skills
• Proficiency in analysis tools and software
• Ability to identify and address potential design issues
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate designs

Attention to Detail & Time Management

Proven ability to work efficiently and effectively while paying close attention to detail will serve you well in any job, especially as an AutoCAD professional. Having good time management techniques (like prioritization and delegation) and experience working with strict deadlines while producing accurate, high-quality work will be of great value. Of course, strong organizational skills will help you to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, allowing you to error-free deliver projects on time.

What Fields Utilize AutoCAD? 

AutoCAD is a specialized software, but while it isn’t used in all industries, it is used in quite a few sectors. If you are looking to develop a professional skill set in any of these fields or just improve your overall skills in the field you are currently working in, learning AutoCAD is a good way to try and go about it. 

Architecture

AutoCAD's roots in the architecture industry began with its first version, specifically designed for architects. AutoCAD is used to create 2D and 3D drawings of buildings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and building layouts. The software helps to speed up the drawing process with pre-built objects like walls, doors, and windows, creating more efficient and streamlined workflows. 

Civil Engineering

AutoCAD is the backbone of civil engineering projects, from road construction to urban planning. Civil engineers use AutoCAD for building design to plan, design, and visualize different aspects of a construction project such as structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. You can quickly develop detailed drawings and designs of bridges, roads, buildings, and other such civil projects. Even hard-to-design structures like beams and foundations can be effortlessly designed with AutoCAD.

Industrial Design

The process of design applied to physical products that are mass manufactured, industrial design utilizes AutoCAD in a variety of ways. It can be used to create prototypes and test their functionality before they are manufactured, simulate how products will function in real-world scenarios, and create models that can be used for 3D printing. 

Aerospace Engineering

Engineers in the aerospace industry frequently use AutoCAD to create, modify, and analyze aerospace components and systems. They can create precise 2D and 3D models of aerospace components, gaining a visual representation of components and systems. AutoCAD also allows aerospace engineers to work together and communicate with other stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, regulators, and operators and seamlessly integrates and exchanges data across various software and hardware platforms.

What AutoCAD Courses Are Available?

There are a few AutoCAD classes available both in-person and online, and several additional options are offered virtually. 

AutoCAD Level 1: Essentials

From ONLC, this course is designed for those using AutoCAD® or AutoCAD LT® with a Windows operating system. You’ll start with a few basic tools that enable the student to create and edit a simple drawing, and then continue to develop those tools. Throughout the course, you’ll develop an understanding of the AutoCAD workspace and user interface and master basic drawing, editing, and viewing tools. You’ll also learn to organize drawing objects on layers, insert reusable symbols (blocks), prepare a layout to be plotted, and add text, hatching, and dimensions. A working knowledge of basic design or drafting procedures and terminology and being familiar with the Windows operating system are needed for this course. 

Autodesk AutoCAD 301 Advanced

Ledet Training offers this course that can be taken online or at Ledet’s Washington D.C. location. Focusing on real-world best practices, increasing efficiency by automating aspects of your workflow, and improving processes using Autodesk’s top recommendations for experienced users, this course starts with the basic AutoCAD tools and techniques that enable you to create and edit simple drawings. You will then develop more advanced skills through more powerful and specialized drawing tools. All topics, including features and commands, relate to both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT unless specifically noted otherwise.

AutoCAD Level 1

Noble Desktop’s initial 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. You’ll also learn how to insert blocks, make text, create dimensional drawings, and work with layers and templates. Because this is an introductory course that provides you with a strong foundation of basic AutoCAD skills, there are no required prerequisites.

AutoCAD Level 2

This intermediate course from Noble Desktop builds upon the fundamentals and teaches you how to create more technical and advanced projects. You’ll master creating templates with defined layouts by setting units, drawing limits, and using scales. You’ll also learn how to use the interface to complete advanced layer and block techniques. Consisting of 12 hours of hands-on instruction and live project-based training from industry experts, you’ll be a confident AutoCAD designer by the end of Level 2. 

AutoCAD Level 3

The final individual course from Noble Desktop, will take you to the skill level of experts, preparing you to execute advanced AutoCAD projects from start to finish. Topics include annotation, dynamic blocks and attributes, collaboration and publishing, and customization. You will become adept at recognizing and using the best tool for each specific task, as well as creating new tools to accomplish tasks more efficiently.

AutoCAD Bootcamp

This Noble Desktop course combines all the 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. Composed of 30 hours of hands-on instruction, you also get one free retake within a year and a verified digital certificate of completion.

Note for Level 1, Level 2, and the Bootcamp: Each of these courses is designed for PC users and Noble Desktop’s in-person classes are PC-only. Mac users may attend online but the Mac AutoCAD graphic interface is different from the PC version, which is what the instructor will use and what the class will focus on.

AutoCAD Masterclass

This course from Noble Desktop is great for total beginners or those with some experience. In the initial part of the course, you will be introduced to the basics of AutoCAD, including opening and creating drawings, exploring the interface, and using fundamental drawing and editing commands. Practical projects will reinforce these concepts such as creating a simple drawing with object snap tracking and arranging an office layout. 

The intermediate course shifts the focus to AutoCAD productivity, emphasizing effective working methods and accurate positioning. You'll complete projects involving productivity tools, blocks, parametric drawing, and advanced layouts. The course will cover the creation and organization of blocks, working with templates, layouts, and styles, as well as utilizing external references for efficient drawing setup. 

The final part of the course introduces advanced topics, including text objects, tables, dynamic blocks, attributes, and customization of the user interface. The class will engage in projects that apply these advanced concepts such as advanced annotation and sheet sets, ensuring a well-rounded proficiency in AutoCAD.

Advantages of Taking an AutoCAD Class

While you can use chat rooms, YouTube, blogs, and other free resources to get a feel for AutoCAD or troubleshoot basic questions, there’s no comparison to the depth of knowledge you’ll learn in an AutoCAD course. Autodesk, the company that created AutoCAD, has free online tutorials and courses through Autodesk University. Topics cover everything from essential “tips and tricks” to industry-specific tasks and processes. Additionally, there are forums and blogs on the Autodesk website offering connection with peers, and the ability to ask questions and share information about AutoCAD.

Websites like Udemy, Coursera, myCADsite, and CADTutor cover 2D and 3D practice drawings, basic drafting techniques, and other fundamentals. You can also find hundreds of free AutoCAD tutorials on YouTube, covering various topics, including industry-specific videos. But, when it comes to the more advanced skills, an in-depth training course is going to be your best option.

Professional training courses offer a variety of benefits, from top-notch curriculum to industry-expert instructors and hands-on experience with real-world projects. Formal training can also provide the structure and accountability that some students need to stay focused, creating an environment where you’re more likely to succeed. And, with options that are both in-person and online, you can find a quality course that suits your needs.

In-person classes offer face-to-face interaction with your fellow students and your expert instructor. This collaborative environment is available for both full-time and part-time classes and provides structure and accountability, two things that can help you succeed. Online courses may lack this in-person interaction, but they make up for it with increased flexibility. Live virtual courses still offer instant feedback from your instructor and interactions with other students, while on-demand virtual training allows for the most flexibility since you can decide where and when you learn. 

No matter what option you choose, attending a training course in AutoCAD offers the quickest and most efficient pathway to professional development. 

How Hard is It to Learn AutoCAD?

According to the Home Design Institute of Paris, prospective test-takers consider the AutoCAD exam quite difficult. This comprehensive certification exam covers a wide range of topics related to computer-aided design, drafting, and engineering. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and is intended to measure the applicant's ability to understand and apply AutoCAD principles.

To pass the AutoCAD certification exam, you’ll need a good understanding of the software and its functions. It’s best if you’ve mastered the basic commands such as zoom, pan, rotate, scale, and edit. Additionally, applicants should be familiar with plotting and plotting operations, be able to create and modify objects, know how to create dimensioning, annotations, and labels, and understand the principles of AutoCAD layer management.

While the exam may be challenging and learning the software can take substantial time, becoming certified in AutoCAD is an achievable goal. The key to success is understanding the fundamentals of AutoCAD, being willing to practice with the software, studying text material extensively, and taking part in AutoCAD coursework or tutorials.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning AutoCAD?

There are several things that can be challenging about learning AutoCAD, first and foremost being if you have any previous computer-aided design (CAD) experience. AutoCAD may seem complicated and unfamiliar if you don’t have experience with similar software like SketchUp and MicroStation. 

Additionally, the multitude of commands and options can seem overwhelming and take some time to master. AutoCAD is an extremely detailed program that can be used in a variety of ways, so it is made up of many parts. The good news is that you don’t need to master it all at once; learn-as-you-go can easily be implemented with AutoCAD. 

While learning a new software always comes with certain challenges, anyone can become an AutoCAD expert with the right determination, passion, and willingness to learn. 

How Long Does It Take to Learn AutoCAD?

There are several factors to consider when estimating how much time it will take to get certified. The length of the course, your hours of first-hand experience, and the length of the certification exam will all impact how quickly you can become AutoCAD certified.

The length of AutoCAD courses can vary widely, but they typically last anywhere from a few months to a year. These in-depth courses let you work directly with AutoCAD software to earn the technical skills needed to work with it professionally. Additionally, you’ll be able to create a portfolio of work to prove your competency to potential employers. 

According to Autodesk, it’s recommended that you have 1200 hours of real-world AutoCAD software experience, but the minimum required is 400. They also recommend you have a general understanding of the following topics:

• Drawing and organizing objects
• Drawing with accuracy
• Advanced editing functions
• Advanced layouts, printing, and alternative outputs
• Annotation techniques
• Reusable content and drawing management

Finally, it’s important to consider the time it will take to study and then take the test. The AutoCAD exam consists of 45-60 questions and typically takes around 120 minutes to complete. It can be taken online or in-person at a Pearson VUE Testing Center near you. Once your exam results have been calculated and you have passed, you will be emailed a digital badge that showcases your skills and validates your abilities with potential employers in your resume and on professional networking sites.

Topics to Learn Alongside AutoCAD?

Learning AutoCAD is a great step towards becoming the architect or engineer of your dreams, but it’s also helpful to be knowledgeable in additional design software. Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, and Adobe InDesign can all be beneficial for AutoCAD experts. 

Illustrator is an industry-standard vector graphics and illustration app. Adobe Illustrator is often used alongside AutoCAD to enhance the visual presentation of technical drawings by adding artistic elements, adjusting line weights, colors, and text styles. Adobe XD is used alongside AutoCAD to design user interfaces (UI) for products and create interactive prototypes for the product's digital controls and displays, while Adobe InDesign is used to take technical drawings created in AutoCAD and enhance them with visual elements like text, graphics, and layouts.

Additionally, Adobe Substance 3D and AutoCAD work together, so mastering this Adobe program can be beneficial as well. Adobe Substance 3D can enhance the visual quality of 3D models created in AutoCAD by adding highly detailed and realistic textures, materials, and surface details. Many jobs that require AutoCAD skills may also expect proficiency in additional design software, like these options from Adobe. 

Regardless of where your career will take you, gaining additional skills will always help you stand out. Showing you are committed to continual education and constantly expanding your skill set makes a highly desirable candidate in the professional sphere. It can showcase your adaptability and problem-solving skills, and can set you apart from other candidates who are less versed in a variety of tools and programs. 

Web Design Corporate Training

If you’re looking to offer in-person or online training to your office or team, Noble Desktop can help. They offer a variety of corporate training programs, including in web design. You can order vouchers in bulk at a discount, choose which courses are available to employees, and even let your employees choose their own schedule. Plus, you can choose to have your training hosted at a location of your choosing, live online, or at Noble Dekstop’s Manhattan office. 

With a top-notch customizable curriculum and instructors who are experts in their industries, Noble Desktop’s corporate training is designed to cater to your business or organization’s needs. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, you can reach out to Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com.

About the Author

Kelsey Kissner is a writer with over a decade of experience in publishing and marketing. She has a MA in creative writing, BA in English, and works as a digital marketing writer. She has written articles on various programming languages, information technology, data science, and web development.