Which AutoCAD Training Format Is Right for Me?

AutoCAD is the premier computer-aided design software used by millions of people worldwide. Architects, engineers, interior designers, real estate developers, and many other professionals use the software to create precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, construction plans, and more. Adding this powerful software to your resume is critical if you hope to pursue specific careers in architecture, engineering, drafting, or design. 

When comparing types of AutoCAD training, there are many factors to consider. Everyone learns differently, and choosing the proper training is critical to your experience. Read below to discover more about the different formats of AutoCAD training, how they compare to each other, and how to determine which is best for you.

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. 

Training Formats for AutoCAD

Once you embark on AutoCAD training, you’ll have many different formats to choose from. The traditional route is in-person training, where you learn in a classroom, interacting and collaborating with the instructor and fellow students. Another option is live online courses, where you can interact with your instructors and classmates in real time via a teleconferencing platform in the comfort of your home. 

The most affordable option is free video tutorials that you can watch online on your own time. On-demand courses are similar in that you can complete them at your own pace, but they may require payment and are usually longer and more comprehensive than a video tutorial. 

In-Person AutoCAD Training

Enrolling in an in-person course is an effective way to learn a new skill if you tend to thrive in a traditional classroom setting. Many people enjoy networking with other students and the face-to-face contact with instructors offered by in-person instruction. And in addition, having to be present in a classroom forces you to pay attention and engage in the work. On the other hand, not everyone has the flexibility and time to attend an in-person course and may live in an area where educational centers are not easily accessible.

If you think face-to-face learning is your best bet, explore Noble Desktop’s in-person AutoCAD courses. Noble’s classes are geared toward beginner to advanced-level students and take place at its New York City campus. Course lengths range from one day to several weeks, and all feature hands-on training by industry experts. Additional providers featuring in-person AutoCAD courses across the U.S. include New Horizons, Ledet Training, and Future Media Concepts. If you live too far from NYC, check out Noble’s Classes Near Me tool to find in-person AutoCAD classes in your area. 

Live Online AutoCAD Training

Today, more and more people are opting for the convenience of taking a class from home or anywhere you can access WiFi. Enrolling in a live online course to learn a new skill often provides the same benefits as in-person learning. Several factors can influence your decision to learn a skill online vs. in-person. For example, if you live in a rural town where there are no learning centers in the area, taking a virtual class can be the perfect solution to meet your educational needs. You may also choose the online route if you don’t want to deal with traffic in a busy city or feel more comfortable learning in private. Virtual classes also allow you to fit your training into a schedule that may already be full of work and family commitments. Alternatively, some people thrive in a classroom setting and feel more motivated and focused when they have to leave their homes to learn.

If the best choice for you is virtual learning, Noble Desktop offers a variety of live online AutoCAD courses for beginner to advanced-level students. Instructors provide hands-on training via a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. This interactive format allows you to communicate live with your instructors and classmates in real time and get immediate feedback on your work.

Other virtual training providers include Ledet Training, Future Media Concepts, The Knowledge Academy, and Cerstaffix. In addition, you can find live online AutoCAD courses in your area using Noble’s Classes Near Me tool. Classes are geared toward all levels of students and vary in course length and price.

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

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.

On-Demand Classes

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.

Comparison of AutoCAD Training Formats

There are key factors to consider when choosing a format for your AutoCAD training, including your goals, budget, learning style, and schedule. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Let’s compare formats to help you make your decision.

If you’re learning AutoCAD just for fun, you may want to choose the least expensive route and take advantage of the many free resources and affordable on-demand classes online. These formats save you money and allow you to learn at your own pace without the pressure of meeting project deadlines or attending classes. On the other hand, if you are learning AutoCAD this way for career purposes, be sure to find resources specific to your desired field of work. Since AutoCAD is prevalent in many industries, there are endless resources online covering various topics. For example, if you’re pursuing a career in landscape design, you can search for tutorials and blogs on that topic. 

In addition, while the thousands of video tutorials uploaded on platforms like YouTube can help you learn AutoCAD, just be sure the content was created by a reputable individual or an accredited educational center. If you’re unsure of the qualifications of the person posting the video, reading through the comments section will give you an idea of whether the content is accurate. Finally, while free online resources are a good option if you’re on a tight budget, this learning format is more of a starting point than a place where you can master AutoCAD. Most users will need to take a structured class taught by an experienced instructor to learn the software thoroughly. 

If you are looking for flexibility, another good option for learning AutoCAD is enrolling in a self-paced course. These classes allow you to train at your own speed, which is ideal if you have a busy schedule. Self-paced courses are more affordable than live online and in-person courses, but this method has some drawbacks. Learning on your own requires a lot of discipline since there are no scheduled learning sessions or instructors to hold you accountable. In addition, with self-paced learning, you won’t have access to an instructor to answer questions and provide critical feedback. Guidance from an instructor is essential when learning complex software like AutoCAD, with its many tools and features.

If you’re just starting or trying to advance your career by gaining AutoCAD skills, a more structured class taught by an experienced instructor is your best bet. While more expensive, an in-person or live online course provides the most hands-on, comprehensive learning experience. In addition, taking a class through an accredited educational center guarantees you’ll learn the most up-to-date and accurate information. Commonly taught by industry experts, structured courses also allow you to network with classmates and receive real-time feedback from instructors, whether in a classroom or through a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. A bonus of taking a live online course instead of in-person is that you can take the class from anywhere while enjoying the same benefits of face-to-face learning. Many certificate programs offer the added benefit of resume and portfolio reviews and job search assistance. These are valuable career perks that can pay off well into the future.

Is it Possible to Teach Yourself AutoCAD?

Today, it’s possible to teach yourself just about anything with endless resources online. But, a more critical question you need to consider is whether learning complex software like AutoCAD on your own is the right move for you. With so many free resources at your fingertips, it’s clearly the more affordable option. But remember that choosing this learning path will require you to sift through hundreds of YouTube videos, tutorials, blogs, and articles without knowing how current or reliable the information is. Trying to sort through this mountain of data with no clear direction can get overwhelming. Also, teaching yourself AutoCAD requires tremendous discipline when you aren’t being held accountable by a teacher.

Experts agree there is no substitution for learning AutoCAD from an experienced instructor with access to the most up-to-date and accurate content. Learning from an expert is essential if you are learning AutoCAD to launch or advance your career. A live instructor provides you with hands-on support and critical feedback to ensure you are mastering the fundamentals. In addition, being in a classroom setting—in-person or online— allows for collaboration and networking with like-minded individuals. Finally, many AutoCAD courses taught by live instructors offer resume and portfolio assistance, job search advice, and mentoring opportunities. The added benefit of these vital perks can make a difference in your career far into the future.

How to Decide the Best Way to Learn AutoCAD

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.