How to Learn AutoCAD Online

If you’re just starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning AutoCAD is no different. AutoCAD is computer-aided design software used by engineers, manufacturers, interior designers, and architects. AutoCAD’s powerful tools make their jobs easier by allowing them to create detailed architectural plans and working prototypes. If you’ve always wanted to learn AutoCAD, there are plenty of options at your fingertips. From free tutorials to live classes, your options are outlined here so you can decide how to learn in a way that works 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. 

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.

On-Demand AutoCAD Classes

If you’re busy managing family and work responsibilities, you may not have the time to devote to a structured course held at specific times to learn a new skill. However, a self-paced AutoCAD course gives you the flexibility to learn on your own, at your own pace, and when it fits into your schedule. 

While many on-demand courses track toward beginners, classes covering advanced topics are also available. In addition, many learners prefer more structured self-paced courses instead of following along with homemade YouTube videos to gain skills. Finally, since accredited schools usually develop self-paced courses, some users trust the content more than videos created by amateurs. 

However, remember that taking a self-paced course requires a lot of discipline to stay on track. Some find it easy to fall behind when they are not required to attend a class or complete projects by a particular time. In addition, self-paced courses do not have live instructors or classmates available to interact with and ask questions. On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget, many self-paced courses are offered for free or as part of a subscription at a more affordable price than live online or in-person classes. If you’re still on the fence about self-paced courses, don’t stress; you can always test one without putting a dent in your budget.

Free Intro 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.

Comparing Online Learning with In-Person Learning 

Now that you’ve decided to take the exciting plunge into AutoCAD training, it’s time to choose which type of learning works best for you—in-person or online. Since both methods have pros and cons, let’s explore the options to help you make the best decision.

Let’s face it: Online learning is not for everyone. If you have difficulty staying focused and aren’t motivated to stare at a screen for hours, taking an online course might not be your best choice. While you can still make friends through Zoom and participate in lively discussions with instructors online, losing concentration can often happen when you are not engaging in a classroom. It all depends on your learning style and what you are looking to gain from your experience.

If you choose the traditional route and take an in-person course instead, you’ll have the benefit of human interaction but will be missing the flexibility that virtual learning provides. For example, perhaps your work schedule doesn’t allow time for an in-person course, or maybe you are raising a family and don’t have childcare options. Also, in-person courses require you to leave home, be somewhere at a specific time, and look presentable (no learning in your pajamas, unfortunately). In addition, you may have to fight traffic to attend an in-person class, along with the added gas expenditures to consider. However, if you live in a rural area, you may not have access to in-person courses, and virtual learning will be your only choice.

Another point to remember is that AutoCAD is a complex software with many tools and commands. You may find that you can get “lost in the shuffle” while participating in an online course instead of being right in front of an instructor’s face. On the other hand, compared to learning on your own through books and tutorials, there are considerable benefits to learning with a live instructor. Since there are many little details and best practices to master when learning a powerful software like AutoCAD, having instructors right there to point out mistakes is helpful, whether they are watching you through Zoom or in-person. 

Tips to Succeed when Learning AutoCAD Online

If you choose to take the virtual learning path, here are some tips to stay on point and help you succeed in your AutoCAD training:

• Research your options. There are many live online AutoCAD courses available for you to choose from. Be sure to pick the one that best fits your schedule, budget, and chosen career path. If you’d rather not enroll in a structured course, take advantage of the countless AutoCAD tutorials, books, blogs, and forums online.
• Make a schedule to keep you on track. Scheduling a designated amount of time each day to study will help you stay focused. It can be hard to hold yourself accountable when you don’t have to be in a classroom at a specific time or if you’re participating in a self-paced course.

• Set up a quiet space to learn. There’s no doubt that learning from home is convenient. But it can also be hard to concentrate when dealing with distractions. For example, with laundry piling up and kids or pets running around, you may find it difficult to buckle down and do the work. Finding a quiet area to focus on your studies will help you succeed.

• Practice, practice, and practice some more. Online learning takes discipline, and AutoCAD is a complex software to master. Familiarizing yourself with AutoCAD’s interface, navigation tools, and commands will help you succeed. Take the time to read and watch everything you can online to help you understand AutoCAD and its many powerful capabilities. 

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. 

Key Insights

• AutoCAD is a powerful and complex software used to create precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, electrical diagrams, and construction drawings. With so many commands and features, AutoCAD is a versatile tool used in many industries.
• If you’d like to learn AutoCAD, there are a variety of resources available online, including free seminars, video tutorials, online design forums, and free self-paced classes.
• If you are looking for a more structured online learning experience, Noble Desktop offers a variety of virtual AutoCAD classes taught by industry experts. 
• Online learning offers the flexibility and convenience of mastering AutoCAD in your home or office, saving you time and money from a potentially long commute to class. Making a schedule and setting up a quiet learning space will help keep you on track.
• Similar to in-person learning, virtual classes have their share of pros and cons. Be sure to consider all factors before choosing your training path.