How do Beginners Learn AutoCAD?

Beginners can learn AutoCAD using free and paid resources. Many beginners find it useful to start with basic geometric shapes or simple floor plans and objects to learn the fundamentals of creating drawings in AutoCAD. There are free online resources like videos, courses, forums, guides, and tutorials that will walk learners step-by-step through learning basic commands for drawing, modifying, layering, and annotating AutoCAD drawings. While it is relatively easy to learn AutoCAD basics, many find the more advanced forms of styling, blocking, and layering drawings, and customizing tools and features of AutoCAD to be more difficult to learn. For more advanced and career-oriented AutoCAD training consider taking a live online or in-person class which provides guided, hands-on instruction and practice for beginning and advanced AutoCAD features. 

Getting Started with AutoCAD

To get started with AutoCAD, you will need to download the software. AutoCAD’s software is offered through a subscription service but beginners can also consider downloading the software for a 30-day free trial before committing to paying for it. Depending on what one wants to do with AutoCAD, learners can also consider downloading the cheaper AutoCAD LT version which has the functionality they will need for 2D drafting but lacks 3D functionality and some modeling features. Those affiliated with a college or university can download a student version of the full professional software, though be aware that this education version cannot be used for commercial purposes.

Additionally, it is ideal for one to start learning AutoCAD after learning the design principles and theories specific to the industry or field in which one wants to use AutoCAD. In other words, knowing how to design and draft as an architect rather than an urban planner or civil engineer, will help beginners to learn the software and its specific uses within their current or intended career. AutoCAD will require that users design with exact measurements and coordinates and one’s industry-specific training should help to prepare learners to do this. Bringing one’s industry-based education to learning AutoCAD will not only make one’s learning more useful but will also allow beginners to know what they need to practice drawing and designing and make it easier to find tutorials specific to their own needs and interests. 

The First Steps When Learning AutoCAD

When learning AutoCAD, most people recommend starting with 2D drafting basics. These are the easier commands and features to master and they are the ones used most by industry professionals. To get started, learners should download the software and familiarize themselves with the interface. As part of becoming familiar with the software, beginners can start by trying to draw simple geometric shapes. Focusing on shapes first will help learners test and practice basic drawing commands like circle, line, and arc and learn how to modify their drawings. 

While some beginners start with shapes, many want to move more quickly into real-world functions and uses of AutoCAD. Some find it easiest to learn AutoCAD by modeling a physical space or object early on. Beginners can start with a simple floor plan of a building or object like a chair or desk. Working on replicating an object or physical space in 2D will help beginners learn more of the basic functionality of the software as well as attend to the precision and exactitude needed to draw real designs and models using AutoCAD. 

Beginning learners can also expect to learn how to use layers to organize their drawings, insert blocks, annotate their drawings, and create print-ready drawings. These skills will not only help one learn the various features of AutoCAD but they will also help learners to make their drawers more clear and ready them for use in professional settings. Most beginners will not learn 3D modeling with AutoCAD unless taking a class that promises to cover it. If not learning 3D features, it will be okay to start with the AutoCAD LT version and learners can always acquire the complete version at a later date, if needed. 

Free AutoCAD Tools for Beginners

There are many free resources available to help beginners learn AutoCAD. Autodesk, the company that created AutoCAD, provides free tutorials, courses, and guides for beginning and advanced AutoCAD learners. This is a good first place to look, though many people also suggest other free videos, courses, guides, and websites. There are a variety of free YouTube video tutorials that promise to teach both basic and more advanced features of AutoCAD. These tutorials not only allow learners to watch as someone uses the software, but beginners should be able to follow along with their version of AutoCAD, as well. Beginners can find general introductory AutoCAD videos on YouTube as well as those more particular to their industry or their purpose. So, civil engineers can find tutorials for their industry and there are tutorials for how to do things like make a floorplan, add text, or print a drawing. 

For even more structured learning, many turn to on-demand classes. These are online, self-paced classes where students are given access to course material like video lectures, 

handwritten notes, practice worksheets, and quizzes that they can work through at their own speed. Websites like CADtutor and myCADsite are options for free tutorials, practice, and even forums. Another option many find useful is LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com), which is free to access through most libraries with one’s library card number. LinkedIn Learning, which is also available for a subscription fee, provides on-demand classes for AutoCAD beginners similar to what one will find through other paid and subscription services like Udemy and Skillshare. While these resources cannot replace taking an instructor-led class, they can help beginning AutoCAD learners gain familiarity and basic operation of the software. 

Live AutoCAD Training for Beginners

Live, instructor-led training has many advantages for beginning AutoCAD learners. While there are free options available for beginners, it can be overwhelming at first to figure out which tutorial, on-demand class, video, or guide offers the best training with up-to-date content that will be right for the learner’s needs. Instructor-led classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs are led by experts and offer structured guidance and 1-on-1 training in AutoCAD. Learners will not need to search for the best material if taking an instructor-led class and will have access to a live instructor who can help answer questions, troubleshoot issues, and provide individualized feedback as they learn AutoCAD. 

Instructor-led classes are most likely to offer hands-on training and practice for beginning learners. AutoCAD’s 2D basics are easy to learn on one’s own but many find that AutoCAD has a steep learning curve. The full software offers a variety of features, customization options, and industry-specific uses that make it difficult for a novice to master on their own. Live classes will not only teach the basics but they will walk students through these more advanced and difficult features of the software so that students can learn what they need from AutoCAD and how to use it within their specific industry. Practice is the only way to learn mastery and live online or in-person classes are the best way to practice using AutoCAD under the guidance and direction of a professional. 

For beginners, instructor-led classes are also useful ways to build a portfolio, begin creating professional relationships, and receive early career support. Free and on-demand resources will rarely support students in navigating the job market or building a portfolio of professional work that one can show to future employers. Depending on the AutoCAD class one enrolls in, they are more likely to offer these career-support services as well as serve as a way to start networking with future colleagues. If learners are seeking these support services, look for live online and in-person bootcamps or certificate programs. Both of these types of classes are career-oriented and designed for students who want to use AutoCAD professionally, making them most likely to offer career services during or after the class. 

The Next Step

Once beginners have a basic familiarity with AutoCAD software, subsequent training will build upon their skills so they can create more complex and professional drawings. Intermediate and advanced learners should expect to learn more about styling, blocking, and layering techniques, tools for collaboration, and modes of AutoCAD customization. As one moves towards advanced aspects of AutoCAD in preparation for using it professionally, it is especially useful to consider live online or in-person training. Classes, bootcamps, and certificate programs will provide hands-on and career-oriented training, which is useful to both beginners and more advanced learners of AutoCAD. 

Advanced customization can especially be difficult for many beginners and learning from an expert instructor will help students to overcome some of the challenges of learning AutoCAD. Practice is key to mastering AutoCAD and one of the best ways to practice is by taking a class that provides guided practice in creating real drawings and undertaking complex projects. Instructor-led classes can provide 1-on-1 mentoring of students and individualized feedback that allows students to strengthen their skills over time and focus on the most important features of drawing and design they need for their intended careers. 

Those seeking to learn AutoCAD should be aware that 3D modeling is also considered an advanced feature of AutoCAD. For many, 2D training with AutoCAD is all they need to use in their careers and they end up using different software or programs for any 3D modeling needs. The AutoCAD certification exam only tests on 2D drawing, so learners will not need to master 3D functions to become an Autodesk Certified Professional. When looking for advanced or further training options, if you need training on 3D modeling with AutoCAD, make sure the course covers this.