# AutoCAD Level I (Live Online)

Canonical URL: <https://vdci.edu/courses/autocad-level-i>

## Overview

This introductory course provides you with a strong foundation of basic AutoCAD skills. Beginner AutoCAD covers printing and plotting layouts and sheets, working between model space and paper space, and scaling drawings through viewports. You will learn how to insert blocks, make text, create dimensional drawings, and work with layers and templates. There is no prerequisite requirement for this class.

Note: This course is designed for PC users and our in-person classes are PC-only. Mac users may attend online, but should be aware that the Mac AutoCAD graphic interface is different from the PC version, which is what the instructor uses and what the class focuses on.

## What you'll learn

- Basic tools for drawing and editing with precision
- Using layers for organizing your drawing
- Inserting blocks and using advanced object types
- Using text to annotate your drawing
- Setting up layouts and printing your drawing

## Curriculum

#### 1: Getting Started with AutoCAD

- Opening and Creating Drawings
- Exploring the AutoCAD interface
- Zooming and Panning

#### 2: Basic Drawing & Editing Commands

- Using the Mouse, Keyboard, and Enter Key to work quickly and efficiently in AutoCAD
- Lines
- Circles
- Rectangles

#### 3: Projects - Creating a Simple Drawing

- Creating Simple Drawings
- Using Object Snap Tracking to extrapolate a projected top view
- Using Modify tools to arrange an office layout

#### 4: Drawing Precision in AutoCAD

- Polar and Ortho Tracking
- Entering Coordinates and Angles
- Object Snaps and Tracking

#### 5: Making Changes in Your Drawing

- Move
- Copy
- Rotate
- Mirror
- Scale
- Using the reference option with the Scale Tool

#### 6: Drawing Templates

- Using Template Files (.dwt) to Make New Drawing
- Exploring what Settings and Elements are saved with Templates

#### 7: Organizing Your Drawing with Layers

- Layer States
- Properties by Layer
- Layer Tools

#### 8: Advanced Object Types

- Polylines
- Arcs
- Polygons
- Ellipses

#### 9: Analyzing Model and Object Properties

- The Properties Palette
- Quick Select
- Select Similar
- Measure Geometry Tools

#### 10: Projects - Drawing Organization & Information

- Drill Plate
- Furniture Showroom

#### 11: Advanced Editing Commands

- Trim and Extend
- Fillet and Chamfer
- Polyline Edit and Spline
- Offset and Explode
- Join

#### 12: Inserting Blocks

- The Insert Block Command
- Inserting Blocks with Tool Palettes
- Dynamic Blocs
- Migrating Blocks and other Elements between Drawings with Design Center

#### 13: Projects - Creating More Complex Objects

- Starting a Floor Plan

#### 14: Setting Up a Layout

- Using Layouts and Viewports
- Scaling Viewports
- Model Space vs. Paper Space in Layouts

#### 15: Printing Your Drawing

- Printing from Layout Tabs
- Printing from the Model Tab

#### 16: Projects - Preparing to Print

- Making Layouts for a Banquette Hall

#### 17: Text

- The Multiline Text Tool
- The Single Line Text Tool
- Editing Text
- Text in Model Space vs. Paper Space
- The Multileader Tool

#### 18: Hatching

- The Hatch Command
- The Hatch Editor Ribbon Tab
- Saving and Applying Hatches with Tool Palettes

#### 19: Adding Dimensions

- Using Dimensioning Tools
- Dimensioning in a Layout Tab vs. the Model Tab
- Using Dimension Styles
- Editing Dimensions

#### 20: Projects - Annotating Your Drawing

- Dimensioning a Mechanical Drawing

## Schedule
- Jul 6, 2026 – Jul 8, 2026 — Live Online
- Aug 17, 2026 – Aug 19, 2026 — Live Online
- Sep 8, 2026 – Sep 24, 2026 — Live Online
- Sep 28, 2026 – Sep 30, 2026 — Live Online
- Nov 2, 2026 – Nov 4, 2026 — Live Online
- Nov 2, 2026 – Nov 18, 2026 — Live Online
- Dec 14, 2026 – Dec 16, 2026 — Live Online

## FAQ

### Who is the target audience for this course?

Participants with little to no AutoCAD experience who want to build essential drafting and documentation skills, including:

- Those working in or seeking roles in mechanical or architectural drafting, design, or engineering that require proficiency in basic drawing tools, layers, object snaps, blocks, annotation, and printing workflows.
- College or graduate students in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related fields who want hands-on experience creating and editing drawings, managing layers, inserting blocks, and setting up layouts for printing.
- Freelancers, CAD beginners, or creative professionals aiming to streamline their early drafting workflows and build a foundation for producing accurate, industry-standard 2D drawings.

### Are there any additional fees or expenses?

There are no extra fees or taxes for our courses. The price you see on this page is the maximum you’ll pay us.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $599