Is AutoCAD a Hard Class?

No, AutoCAD is not seen as particularly difficult to learn. AutoCAD learners need basic computer skills and it is helpful to have a background in drafting or computer-aided design, though these abilities can also be learned. Beginning learners often struggle with AutoCAD’s complex interface, its command syntax, and the need for precision, but with dedicated practice, these difficult aspects of AutoCAD can be learned and mastered. Those looking to learn AutoCAD should consider the resources and classes available to aid them, including free online resources, on-demand classes, and live online and in-person classes. As you determine which method to learn AutoCAD works best for you, think about how quickly you want to learn the software and how much time, effort, and money you can put towards learning AutoCAD. 

What is Hard about Learning AutoCAD?

Beginning AutoCAD learners might run into difficulties depending on their prior experience with drafting. For those with no experience drafting, either on paper or using any other CAD software, AutoCAD may be particularly confusing, at first. In this case, learners will have to become familiar with the concept of technical drawing and how it is used as a communication tool within the industry for which they will use AutoCAD. While not a prerequisite, taking some time to learn about your industry’s use of technical drawing will make getting started with AutoCAD easier.

Some using AutoCAD also find the interface itself difficult to navigate. AutoCAD is software used across various industries, meaning that there are numerous panels, toolsets, dialog boxes, and features offered and users will need to determine which of these are important for them to learn and which are less important. Some toolsets are industry-specific, so, beginning learners will need to figure out which toolsets they need to use for their workflows. Not only is the AutoCAD interface complex, but AutoCAD also allows for interface customization. While beginning learners should not necessarily focus on this or any of the other advanced toolsets and capabilities, they can still be initially confusing as users are becoming familiar with AutoCAD. One can prepare to use AutoCAD by dedicating time to learning the interface before starting to use AutoCAD.

In addition to the various features of the interface, some beginners struggle with AutoCAD’s command-based structure. To perform various tasks in AutoCAD, users will need to issue commands like “line” or “move” and often need to specify additional information like the coordinates of a line or the radius of a circle. Beginning AutoCAD users will need to become comfortable using commands to create drawings and to draw more efficiently users will likely need to learn how to use command abbreviations. While beginners can learn commands very quickly on their own, it may take time and practice to master this operation of AutoCAD.

Learners may also struggle with the need for precision when creating technical drawings in AutoCAD. Like other CAD software, one will need to use detailed measurements and dimensions to ensure that drawings are accurate. Many use AutoCAD in construction and manufacturing and what seems like a small error in a drawing can have major consequences for how something is built. Even for those not creating workable plans and prototypes, one’s drawings need to be precise to aid in communication between different stakeholders, which can include the need to communicate between members of the same team, different people from different departments, or between clients and one’s company. Those who are beginners within their industries or beginning AutoCAD learners can initially struggle with the level of detail and exactness needed for technical drawing in AutoCAD.

How Can I Make Learning AutoCAD Easier?

Beginning AutoCAD learners have a variety of resources they can use to make learning AutoCAD easier. This includes free resources, on-demand classes, and in-person and live online classes, all of which can make it easier to learn AutoCAD. Free resources are great for those looking to learn AutoCAD basics and on-demand classes are useful for self-motivated learners who need flexibility in how and when they learn AutoCAD. In-person and live online classes offer the most guidance and hands-on practice of all of the options and these classes aim to walk learners through the AutoCAD process in ways both approachable and useful to their needs outside of the course. 

AutoCAD learners can access myriad free online resources to make learning AutoCAD easier. Autodesk, the maker of AutoCAD, offers free tutorials, guides, and instructions to aid in learning both beginning AutoCAD skills and more advanced ones. Additionally, many people recommend learning basic AutoCAD from YouTube video tutorials, where learners can watch someone use AutoCAD and follow along on their own software. Many libraries also offer access to LinkedIn Learning (and former Lynda.com classes) with one’s library card number. Many have found LinkedIn Learning to be a useful resource as they provide video tutorials and on-demand courses for learning AutoCAD. 

In addition to free resources, AutoCAD learners can find free and paid on-demand classes. On-demand classes are self-paced classes where learners receive access to the course material and can work through it at their own speed. This mode of instruction is the most flexible to the learner’s needs, as someone can study around their own schedule and study only the material that they are most interested in. On-demand classes and free resources are best for self-motivated learners as both of these options lack access to a live instructor and will require learners to be dedicated to learning AutoCAD on their own. A downside to on-demand classes is that some learners struggle to learn without the guidance of a live instructor and this can cause someone to learn AutoCAD slowly or even give up without completing the course. 

To make AutoCAD easier, learners can take a live, instructor-led class. Classes like this will allow students to receive guided, hands-on practice as they learn AutoCAD which is particularly important because practice is key to becoming proficient in AutoCAD. While these classes are not as cost-effective as free or on-demand options, they provide quality training whether one plans to use AutoCAD for their career, as a hobby, or to become an Autodesk Certified Professional. Instructor-led classes will teach what students need to know to use AutoCAD and students will find it useful to have access to someone who can walk them through the trickier aspects of using AutoCAD while offering help for any issues that arise in their drawings. 

Best Ways to Learn AutoCAD Without Difficulty

The best way to learn AutoCAD quickly and easily is by taking a live, instructor-led class like a bootcamp, certificate program, masterclass, or other training class for beginners. Instructor-led classes offer students access to expert instruction on using AutoCAD and 1-on-1 guidance on best techniques. In live classes, students can ask questions about the material, get clarification on any issues, and receive individualized feedback on their drawings as they practice using AutoCAD throughout the class. These types of classes are also the most likely to offer not only hands-on practice but also career-oriented training and support. If prospective students are looking for help building a portfolio or navigating the job market, in-person and live online classes are the most likely to offer career-support services, especially in comparison to free resources and on-demand classes which rarely offer these services. 

A bootcamp is best for those looking to receive comprehensive, career-oriented training quickly. Bootcamps are accelerated classes geared towards teaching one skill or one topic in a short amount of time. As long as one has a few days to devote to learning AutoCAD, a bootcamp is a great way for a beginner to learn the basics of 2D drawing with AutoCAD and get started learning some of the advanced features of AutoCAD. Bootcamps should set learners up to continue practicing on their own outside of the course so that they can further develop their skills. For those not interested in a bootcamp, one can also find classes for beginning, intermediate, and advanced AutoCAD learners as well as classes geared towards preparing students for AutoCAD certification. 

As you consider how to learn AutoCAD, think about how much time you have to devote to taking a course or teaching yourself. It might be useful to consider whether taking a full-time or part-time class will work best to learn AutoCAD. Full-time options will allow learners to learn AutoCAD quickly, though part-time classes are more flexible and allow learners to take classes when it works best for them. Part-time classes are more likely to be offered during evenings or on weekends, so they are a great option for those with full-time jobs or other commitments during the standard work week. Use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to find full-time and part-time AutoCAD classes in your local area.

Self-guided AutoCAD programs

Students who are looking to make a career out of using AutoCAD might also be interested in their options for career focused, self guided classes. These courses allow students to learn at their own pace (with guidance and assistance from a professional mentor) and they provide students with career-focused training and job placement support. While many students find it desirable to learn from a live instructor, these self-paced classes are the perfect fit for self-motivated students looking to make a career out of their AutoCAD training.

AutoCAD Certificate Program

The Visual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers an immersive AutoCAD certificate program that aims to help students become career ready within only a few weeks of training. This program provides students with hands-on, job-focused training in the use of AutoCAD and the course is designed with new students in mind, meaning that you’ll move from your first construction draft to a capstone project to add to your professional portfolio over the course of the certificate program. This program also offers students the opportunity to take up to 80 hours of electives to help them specialize in subjects including Revit, Sketchup and Civil 3D Pro. With this option for specialization and the focus on career development training, this certificate program is an ideal entry point for aspiring designers, architects and engineers looking to learn how to use AutoCAD in a professional capacity.

AutoCAD Fundamentals

Students looking for an accelerated introduction to AutoCAD and computer-aided design generally may be interested in taking this introductory course offered by VDCI. Students will learn the basics of using AutoCAD and practical skills that they can bring back to their current jobs or use as the baseline for future CAD training (including some of the other advanced classes offered through VDCI). In this class, students will get live, hands-on instruction in the use of AutoCAD, including exercises in which they create drafting symbols, kitchens and bath fixtures, a floor plan, and deliverable file sheets. While you’ll need more training if you want to make a career out of your AutoCAD skills, this course is an excellent introduction to the kinds of projects that AutoCAD professionals will need to utilize.

AutoCAD Professional

If you have already taken the AutoCAD fundamentals program or you have experience with AutoCAD from another source, you may be interested in moving towards professional level training in this advanced AutoCAD program. In this program, students will learn how to create 2D designs for construction documents that meet all of the necessary and legal standards that they are expected to follow. This course offers practical skills training and is designed to ensure that experienced AutoCAD users are able to get the accelerated training that they need in order to start using the application in more complex professional capacities. This course is built to help students learn at their own pace and class scheduling is incredibly flexible for professionals looking to develop new skills while still working.