How to learn AutoCAD: 6 Easy ways
AutoCAD is a fundamental but complex program and starting to learn it can be hard. Here is the best way to learn AutoCAD on your own!
Auto CAD is 2D CAD software by Autodesk. Although it also has tools for 3D modelling, it’s famous for its main focus is on 2D CAD. What is 2D CAD? It’s a method of drawing, much like you would in a drawing software like Krita, but using parametric tools to achieve high precision technical drawings. CAD stands for computer-aided design, and that’s exactly what AutoCAD is for.
Some applications where AutoCAD is really popular are architecture, to create house blueprints and layouts; mechanical engineering, to create blueprints and manuals for machines; electrical engineering, to design PCBs; and manufacturing with sheet metal, where AutoCAD is the main tool used to create DXF files of pieces to be cut. AutoCAD is also a popular tool to model the complete layout of industrial factories during their conception and construction periods.
Because it has so many uses, there’s a lot to learn about it. The good thing is, there are plenty of sources out there, both to get started with AutoCAD and to deepen your knowledge. In this article, we’ll go over different paths you may want to take as you get the hang of or master AutoCAD. But first, let’s consider why getting into AutoCAD can feel like an uphill battle.
If your background is in 3D modelling, learning AutoCAD can be a bit challenging at the start as you have to completely change your mind set. If you’ve never done any CAD at all, it will also pose a challenge, as there’s so much to learn.
When working in AutoCAD, any line or shape you put on the workspace is already fully defined, meaning that you have to place them already in the angle, length, and position you want them in. This is in contrast to software like Solid Works, Fusion 360, or Solid Edge, which are 3D modelling programs. When you’re sketching in these, you can draw a line and then by using dimensions and constraints, change its angle, position, and size. In AutoCAD, you’d have to use tools such as scale, transform, and rotate to be able to change any of these once they’re already created.
Because in AutoCAD every object is already fully defined, AutoCAD aids the user by heavily relying on commands. AutoCAD has a command bar at the bottom of the screen, and here is where AutoCAD’s power really shines. You don’t need to be moving to the ribbon too much to select tools, as you can just start typing anywhere and access commands that way. This makes experienced users extremely fast in their design, as most can be done by keyboard. But at the same time, it makes it difficult for beginners to know what’s available.
There are many great ways to learn AutoCAD, but the most important thing is to constantly keep practicing. It doesn’t matter which of the below methods you follow, as long as you’re doing something and don’t stay inside your comfort zone. With that said, let’s take a look at different ways of learning how to use the program!
1. Online Courses
2. Autodesk Training
3. YouTube tutorials
4. Textbooks
5. Diagrams
6. Competitions