Can I Learn AutoCAD in 3 Months?

Yes, you can learn AutoCAD fundamentals in three months or less, though it will take longer to become fully proficient in using this software. How long it takes to learn AutoCAD depends on one’s computer skills as well as how much time, effort, and money someone is willing to devote to learning AutoCAD. Basic commands can be learned in a few short weeks, though it can take up to a year to gain full mastery of AutoCAD. Read on to consider what it will take to learn AutoCAD in three months and how you can learn AutoCAD quickly. 

How Much AutoCAD Can I Learn in 3 Months 

Someone learning AutoCAD can expect to learn all of the necessary fundamentals for 2D drawing in three months or less. For those able to devote extensive time and effort to their studies, one can learn the basics of AutoCAD in a couple of weeks. This will include learning basic drawing and editing commands, creating and managing layers, adding text, inserting blocks, and creating print-ready drawings. Those who have a working knowledge of computers will have an easier time learning AutoCAD. Many people choose to target their AutoCAD learning to their specific industry when they learn the software, as those in civil engineering will often use AutoCAD differently than those in aerospace manufacturing, for example.

AutoCAD beginners should start learning 2D drawing, as 3D modeling is considered an advanced feature of the software. Within a few days or a couple of weeks, beginners should gain familiarity with the AutoCAD interface and know basic drawing and editing commands. Even relatively early into learning this software, most learners can start to create simple geometric shapes or floor plans and object drawings shortly after gaining control of the basic commands. In less than three months, learners should be able to undertake projects specific to their industry, though it can take longer to master the more complex, dynamic, and customizable features of the software. 

How one chooses to learn AutoCAD will determine what one can learn in three months. For comprehensive options to learn AutoCAD, look for a full-time bootcamp, live online class, or in-person class. A bootcamp will be an accelerated class that teaches students both basic and advanced AutoCAD features. Even non-intensive in-person and live online AutoCAD classes will often be able to teach students comprehensive use of this software in under three months or, if preferred, there are also individual classes for beginning, intermediate, and advanced AutoCAD learners. For those who cannot commit to taking a full-time class or who need something that works better for their schedule, there are also part-time options to learn AutoCAD. Part-time classes will take longer to complete but they are the best option for those with busy schedules or who can only take a class during evenings or on weekends. 

Self-teaching is another option for learning AutoCAD, though this option comes with some important drawbacks. It can be quick and easy to start learning AutoCAD with free materials, like YouTube or other online tutorials, and these materials can be useful for learning how to execute basic features of AutoCAD as well as industry-specific projects. Self-teaching can, however, be a slower way to learn AutoCAD as many pursuing these self-teaching options struggle to complete the tutorials or courses. Those learning AutoCAD on their own often run into challenges they cannot overcome, find the material unengaging, or lack the motivation to continue. Thus, it can take longer to teach oneself AutoCAD than to enroll in an AutoCAD class and only self-motivated learners should pursue the self-teaching option. 

How Can I Learn AutoCAD More Quickly?

Beginners who want to learn AutoCAD quickly should consider using free online resources. There are a variety of free tutorials, video lectures, guides, websites, eBooks, and even full courses aimed at teaching AutoCAD to those interested in learning. A good place to start learning AutoCAD is by seeking out what is offered by Autodesk, the company behind AutoCAD, which provides guides, courses, and tutorials to help users learn the features and functions of this software. CADtutor and myCADsite are other options for free tutorials, practice, and even forums. One can also find free and paid on-demand classes that allow learners to move through course material at their own speed. Free resources are best for those looking to learn the basic features of AutoCAD as it can be hard to find quality resources for intermediate and advanced learners. 

One of the quickest options to learn AutoCAD as a beginning, intermediate, or advanced learner is to enroll in an in-person or live online bootcamp. Because bootcamps are often intensive, accelerated classes, a weeks-long AutoCAD class can become a days-long bootcamp. This usually means that one will need to have a few full days to devote to an AutoCAD bootcamp, though there are some offered during evenings and on weekends. A bootcamp will cover the fundamentals and advanced features of the software and leave students knowing how to use it and how to continue developing one’s skills through practice and further sustained effort. 

Live online and in-person classes will also often allow one to learn AutoCAD in less than three months. These types of classes are faster and more cost-effective than traditional college or university degree programs and they offer the structured guidance that many self-teaching options lack. For those who can dedicate multiple weeks to learning AutoCAD, one can find classes aimed at teaching beginning and advanced skills in as little as a few weeks. It will still take a longer amount of time to practice and eventually master these skills, but an in-person or live online class is a great choice for AutoCAD beginners who want to learn the software quickly and efficiently. For low-cost options, one can also look at comprehensive paid or subscription on-demand classes or see if there are continuing education classes offered by a local community college in your area.

What AutoCAD Skills Will I Need to Learn After 3 Months?

One can learn AutoCAD fundamentals in less than three months, but it will take longer to master the advanced features of AutoCAD. Many consider AutoCAD to be a sometimes counterintuitive software and it has a variety of advanced and customizable features that can take longer for AutoCAD beginners to figure out. That being said, most of the necessary advanced features will be a continuation of the basics that one has initially learned, meaning that learners will continue to build on the fundamentals as they learn more of the software. 

After three months, one can expect to learn more about advanced features of blocking, styling, layering, and document annotation. These advanced features will further develop the skills one has already learned and enable AutoCAD users to create more dynamic and flexible designs. More advanced learners can also expect to learn how to use more of the features that enable collaboration, automation, and customization of AutoCAD features to manage one’s drawings and enhance productivity. It will also be useful to eventually be able to learn how to connect one’s drawings to external databases or exchange data with other Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, as these will be necessary for completing projects in many industries.

Those interested in advanced AutoCAD skills can find classes for intermediate and advanced learners. Comprehensive, all-in-one courses or masterclasses can be expected to teach basic to advanced skills but there are also courses designed for those who have a basic knowledge of AutoCAD and need to learn more of the intermediate and advanced features. If one is looking to become an Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD, the certificate programs and training courses for this certification should also teach both basic and advanced skills. Additionally, it is important to note that 3D design is considered an advanced feature of AutoCAD. Most AutoCAD classes will not cover the 3D features but one can find specific classes or tutorials that will help one to learn them, if desired.