Why Learn AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is known as the industry-standard in computer-aided design software. This powerful tool is used across the globe by professionals in a wide range of industries. But have you ever explored all of the things AutoCAD can do?This powerful software can design nearly anything—from rocket launchers to a simple paper clip holder—in detail and to scale. In fact, the buildingyou are sitting in right now was probably designed using AutoCAD.

With these vital skills, you can pursue a career in various fields, including architecture, interior design, drafting, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. In addition, learning AutoCAD can help you beat out the competition in your job search and boost your salary potential. You can even use your AutoCAD skills to freelance for extra money or step up your furniture design or 3D printing hobbies. Here, you’ll learn more about the careers that benefit from AutoCAD and how it can enhance your professional life. Regardless of your goals, learning AutoCAD is a valuable and impressive skill to add to your resume. 

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. 

Common Professional Uses for AutoCAD

AutoCAD is an essential tool for professionals in several different sectors. In fact, many workers in these fields could not perform their jobs without this versatile software. Here are some careers where AutoCAD skills are in high demand:

• Drafting: Drafters use AutoCAD to convert designs (created by architects and engineers) into technical drawings and blueprints. These drawings and blueprints are used to create structures, machines, or tools. In addition, AutoCAD enables the designs to be easily reworked and improved before delivering the final result. The most common drafting positions include Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Civil, and Architectural Drafters.

• Engineering: Engineers use AutoCAD to produce designs and specifications for a wide range of items, such as car engines, elevators, bridges, highways, and even electrical grids in a city. AutoCAD enables engineers to run simulations to test how designs will perform in real-world situations. Engineering careers where AutoCAD skills are most needed include Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Civil, and Industrial Engineers.

• Architecture: AutoCAD is extremely popular in the world of architecture. Architects use AutoCAD to create comprehensive floor plans and 3D renderings of structures like office buildings, residential homes, and outdoor landscapes. In addition, the software can analyze a building’s many parts and calculate the load levels of support structures.

• Design: Similar to Architects, Interior and Industrial Designers use AutoCAD to create 2D models and 3D renderings of their design plans, using its extensive libraries and templates. Interior Designers use AutoCAD to produce detailed images of interior spaces with design ideas for color schemes, furniture placement, and more. Industrial Designers use the software to create designs for manufactured products ranging from toys to toasters to cars. Their goal is to create products that are both functional and attractive to users. AutoCAD enables designers to develop a prototype for testing its functionality and cost-effectiveness. 

In addition, the recent expansion of additive manufacturing—or 3D printing—has dramatically increased the demand for AutoCAD skills. Since 3D printing relies on the development of CAD models to guide printers, it’s driving job growth in this field across many manufacturing industries.

Elevate Your Design Skills 

AutoCAD is known as the premier software for 2D drawing and 3D modeling. It’s so widely used and respected across the globe that all other CAD software applications are modeled after its interface. As a result, taking the time to learn AutoCAD will give you valuable insight into any other design applications you may come across in the future. In addition, when applying for any job or promotion, the more skills you can bring to the table can only help when trying to beat the competition or negotiate a better salary. 

In addition to AutoCAD, you may want to explore other popular design apps, like SketchUp, Adobe InDesign, Adobe XD, or Adobe Illustrator.

Beat Out the Competition and Boost Your Salary

Adding AutoCAD skills to your resume is a surefire way to get noticed. Whether looking for a job in engineering, construction, architecture, or project management, you’ll be ahead of the competition with AutoCAD skills in your back pocket. In addition, you may consider earning an AutoCAD certification from Autodesk to validate your drafting and design skills further. Autodesk certifications are widely recognized and respected in the CAD industry and will help establish you as an AutoCAD professional. Earning this prestigious certification can help further your career and open you up to even more lucrative opportunities. Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD courses can help you prepare for the AutoCAD certification.

Freelance for Extra Money and Networking Opportunities

Building your AutoCAD skills can set you up for various side gigs working as a freelancer. AutoCAD skills are not as easy to acquire as other less complex software skills, and as a result, they are in high demand across many industries. Freelancing websites like Fiverr, Freelancer.com, and Upwork feature several AutoCAD work opportunities to choose from, allowing you the flexibility to pick your projects and work from home. Are you already employed? Freelancing is an excellent way to expand your work portfolio, network with other professionals in your field, and earn extra money. 

Kick Your Hobbies Up a Notch

Imagine being able to design your dream kitchen and then arrange the placement of furniture you created yourself—right on your laptop using AutoCAD. Learning AutoCAD doesn’t have to be all about making money. Mastering this powerful software can add to the enjoyment of hobbies like furniture design, building miniature architectural pieces, and 3D printing. AutoCAD allows you to create a 3D model from scratch that is processed, sliced, and sent to a 3D printer for printing. Today, anyone (who can afford it) can own a 3D printer and make some pretty cool creations right in their home. 

How to Start Learning AutoCAD

If your preferred learning style is taking a structured class, Noble Desktop has several options to help you find the best AutoCAD course to fit your needs. If you’re looking for courses taught in a traditional classroom, check out Noble’s class locator tool to find in-person AutoCAD classes in your area. You can also explore Noble’s many live online AutoCAD courses if you’d prefer virtual learning. Noble’s instructors are industry experts and teach in small groups, providing interactive, hands-on training.

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.

In addition to several live online and in-person AutoCAD classes, Noble also features a hub of AutoCAD tutorials, articles, and resources for you to explore.

 Read the full guide on how to learn AutoCAD.

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 the world’s premier computer-aided design software program featuring many powerful tools and functions.
• AutoCAD is an important skill when pursuing jobs in architecture, interior design, drafting, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering.
• Learning AutoCAD will give you a solid foundation to master other design applications; all other CAD software is modeled after its interface.
• Learning AutoCAD will help you stand out in the competitive job market, boost your salary, and increase your freelancing opportunities.