If you’re interested in learning AutoCAD, the great news is that you’re likely to find a variety of different resources to help you learn. Many free resources are posted online and include seminars, blog posts, and tutorials on the Autodesk website, YouTube, and school websites. You can also look at professional networks and publications, and online forums, where you may be able to get advice from AutoCAD professionals. Finally, if you’re serious about learning AutoCAD, there are a variety of different formal classes available to help you gain a comprehensive, hands-on education that will prepare you to use this application in a professional context. These include live online and on-demand classes. Keep reading for more information about what AutoCAD is, why you might want to learn it, and some of the best resources to help you do so.
What is AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is a computer-aided software design (CAD) program that is used to create and edit 2D and 3D models and drawings. It is a popular tool in many different design industries including architecture, engineering, product design, and interior design. AutoCAD’s automated features, specialized toolsets, and collaboration tools have made it extremely popular and it has millions of users worldwide. It can be utilized to create a wide variety of different types of designs, ranging from basic electrical plans to complete 3D skyscraper models. AutoCAD is owned by
Autodesk and is available by subscription.
This application was first released in 1982 and was part of a revolution within the design industry. For the first time, computer-aided design was available on personal computers. This meant that designers no longer had to spend hours drawing everything by hand. Not only does AutoCAD save designers a lot of time, but it has increased accuracy and made revisions far easier. Today, AutoCAD is an industry-standard application in many fields. Autodesk continues to add new tools and features every year.
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Why Learn AutoCAD?
AutoCAD knowledge is a foundational skill for many different types of design careers. It is not the only CAD program that professionals use, but it is one of the most popular. Designers use AutoCAD to create drawings that can be used to guide planning and construction, and they may also generate 3D models so that they can see what their designs will look like and analyze them for potential weaknesses. This application is used by Architects to create blueprints and models. It is also used by Engineers, to create plans of designs or parts of design, and by Industrial Designers, who design things like automobiles and machinery. Other professionals who use AutoCAD include Interior Designers and Fashion Designers.
One reason AutoCAD is so popular is that it provides many different tools and features. For example, it has industry-specific toolsets like an Electrical toolset, an Architecture toolset, and a Mechanical toolset. Autodesk reports that these toolsets can increase productivity significantly. For example, it finds that the Architecture toolset is associated with a 61 percent increase in productivity, the Mechanical toolset with a 55 percent increase, and the Electrical toolset with a 95 percent increase. Overall, Autodesk says that according to seven different studies it conducted on AutoCAD toolsets, there was an average productivity increase of 63 percent when a toolset was used.
There are many other benefits associated with using AutoCAD. One is that you can see what your finished product will look like before you actually build it. This means that you can analyze it to make sure that it works as planned and to find any flaws or weaknesses. You can then make changes to your design before you invest a lot of time and money in making it. AutoCAD also makes collaboration easy for design teams. Users can create, edit, and share drawings on any mobile device or in a web browser. Finally, AutoCAD remains competitive because it is continually updated with new features. For example, new features for 2024 included something called floating windows, where drawing windows can be displayed side by side or on multiple monitors.
How Can I Learn AutoCAD?
If you want to learn AutoCAD, you’ll find a number of different class options. In-person courses are the traditional way to learn a new skill, and they remain popular. When you take an in-person class, you learn while inside a classroom, as part of a group of students. You have a live instructor and you can easily interact with both the instructor and other students. Many people find this to be the most engaging format, and they like that it provides opportunities for networking. In addition, some instructors say that with in-person learning, it can be easier to see when students need additional help. Another advantage of in-person learning is that you’re in a space dedicated to learning, with minimal distractions. However, there are also downsides to this format. One of the biggest is that you have to commute to class, which can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and expensive. Additionally, you’re limited to classes that run in your immediate vicinity.
In recent years, live online classes have become increasingly popular as an alternative to in-person learning. These are similar to in-person classes, with real-time instruction and the opportunity to interact with your instructor and classmates. However, rather than commuting to class, you attend a live online class by logging in on your computer. Live online classes allow more learning flexibility and they also give you access to a greater number of class options. Additionally, since people can attend from all over the country, you may find that your class group is more diverse. A downside is that you have to supply your own equipment and software. You’ll also have to solve any technical difficulties that may arise.
Another learning option is an on-demand class. Unlike in-person and live online classes, on-demand classes are asynchronous, meaning that there is no live instructor. Instead, the material is pre-recorded and you work through it at your own pace. On-demand learning offers the most flexibility; you can stop and start whenever you need to, and you can even rewind or fast-forward the content as necessary. However, one of its biggest downsides is the lack of live instruction, which means you can’t get immediate feedback or answers to your questions. Since there is no live instructor, on-demand classes are usually the cheapest class format.
Self-paced classes are another type of asynchronous learning option. These are similar to on-demand classes in that you have the freedom to log in whenever you want and work through the material at your own pace, however, they come with more instructor support. For instance, you’ll get regular advice and feedback on your work. In many cases, you’ll also interact with classmates in discussion forums. A downside to self-paced classes is that since you have so much control over your learning, you need to have a higher level of motivation and be good at working by yourself. Additionally, depending on where you learn from, you may face more distractions.
Advantages and Limitations of Online Resources
Online resources have become a popular way to learn AutoCAD and many other skills. One of the biggest advantages of using online resources is the flexibility they offer. By learning online, you can create a program that meets your unique needs and fits in with your schedule. For instance, if you want live interaction, you can opt for a virtual online class, while if you need the flexibility to learn in smaller blocks of time and on a varied schedule, you can choose an asynchronous format that allows you to work at your own pace. A potential limitation of this format is that some people feel that it doesn’t offer the same level of engagement and interaction as in-person learning, so you are distanced by being behind a screen.
Online learning also allows you to learn from any location that you want. For many people, that means learning from home. When you learn online, you won’t have to deal with the time and expense of a commute. Some people say that they feel like there are fewer learning distractions at home because they don’t have to deal with interruptions from classmates like they would in an in-person class. However, others argue that learning from home simply has a different set of distractions, like thinking about household tasks that need to be done, or getting interrupted by pets or family members.
Another advantage of using online resources is that you’re likely to have access to a wide range of learning options. There are many different free online resources that can be accessed with the click of a button. In addition, when it comes to formal classes, you’re likely to have more options online since you won’t be limited to classes that run in your geographic area. In recent years there has been significant growth in the number of schools offering online classes, both live and asynchronous. You’re likely to find a lot of online AutoCAD training classes.
Advantages and Limitations of On-Demand Resources
On-demand resources are a popular way to learn AutoCAD. These types of classes are pre-recorded and do not have a live instructor, however, they are usually significantly cheaper than live options. One of the biggest advantages to this format is that you can work at your own pace, setting your learning schedule and making time for other responsibilities, like a job or family. In addition, you won’t be forced to spend a lot of time on concepts that you already understand, and you can take more time with concepts that are more difficult. A disadvantage is that you may have very little interaction with your instructor or other students taking the class.
Advantages and Limitations of Self-Paced Resources
Self-paced classes have the flexibility of on-demand learning, but they come with more instructor support. You can work through the course at your own pace, but you’ll get instructor feedback on your submissions and projects, which can help you improve throughout the course. Some self-paced classes also include mentoring and career support. A downside to on-demand learning is that some students find it difficult to stay motivated and on track when they have so much flexibility. While most self-paced classes do have structure and deadlines, they also place a lot more control in the hands of the student, so if you want to take this type of class, you may need to make more of an effort to stay accountable.
Advantages and Limitations of Free Resources
Free resources can be very appealing, since at first glance, you may think you have nothing to lose by trying them since they are free. There is definitely value in free resources and they can be a good way to get an overview of how AutoCAD works, learn a specific skill, or troubleshoot a problem. If you’re interested in this application, but not ready to commit to learning it, free resources can be a great place to start.
However, not all free resources are up-to-date, and some are actually inaccurate. This means that free resources can actually cost you a significant investment of time since you’ll need to verify the accuracy and currency of your sources before you use them. In addition, most free options don’t cover everything you’ll need to know to master an application like AutoCAD. A better option is to invest in a formal class where you can follow a comprehensive program and be guided by an expert.
What Supplemental Resources Are Available?
If you’re interested in using supplemental online resources to get started with your AutoCAD training, you have many different options. YouTube has many short free tutorials on AutoCAD. The Autodesk website also has a number of free tutorials focused on a variety of different AutoCAD skills. For instance, you can learn expert tips and tricks, or get an overview of new features. Another place to find free resources is on school websites, some of which offer these resources as a favor to prospective students. For instance, the Noble Desktop website provides many different free learning resources, including many focused on design, project management, and construction. Other resources include professional networks and publications, and also online forums, where experts are often happy to share advice.
While the wide range of supplemental resources that are available will provide you with a lot of options, the quantity of those options can also be a problem. It can be time-consuming to find resources that fit your needs, and it can also be a lot of work to verify that your resources are up-to-date and accurate. Ultimately, most people who are serious about learning AutoCAD decide to invest in a formal class.
How to Choose Your Ideal Learning Plan
If you’re not sure what learning plan is best for you, there are many different factors that you can think about to help narrow down your options. You may want to start by considering your goals; why do you want to learn AutoCAD, and how do you plan to utilize your new skills? This can help you decide which type of course will be best. For instance, do you want something relatively short, or do you need a comprehensive program that covers a wide range of skills and includes career support? Your personal learning style and learning needs are also important to consider. If you learn best when you’re with other people, then an in-person class may be best, while if you have a very busy schedule and need a lot of flexibility, then an online option may work better. Other questions to ask yourself include whether you want to learn full-time or part-time, what your budget is, and whether or not there are any schools located near you.
Learn AutoCAD with Hands-on Training at VDCI
The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers a variety of AutoCAD training options. This school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Its online, self-paced classes allow you to create your own learning schedule. You’ll also be able to get advice and feedback on your submissions and projects, and interact with peers in discussion forums. VDCI classes are approved by Autodesk.
In Introduction to AutoCAD, you can learn the basics of this application. You’ll learn about the user interface and basic commands, including drawing, modifying, layering standards, text, dimensioning, and plotting. You’ll create drafting symbols, kitchen and bath fixtures, and a floor plan, and will integrate all of the information. Another option is Intermediate AutoCAD, which covers more advanced topics, including file referencing across the project data, user coordinate systems, dynamic viewing, and paper/model space conventions. You’ll create a set of CAD construction documents for a Habitat for Humanity project, including the floor plan, roof plan, foundation plan, electrical plan, and building elevations.
VDCI also offers specialized AutoCAD classes. In AutoCAD Construction Documents I and AutoCAD Construction Documents II, you’ll develop a complete set of construction documents for a residential project. You’ll draft a floor plan, multi-scale enlarged plans, roof plan, and elevations. You’ll also create a titleblock from scratch, modify details, create a metes and bounds site plan drawing, work on a cover sheet, and import images and notes. Another specialized option is CAD Detailing, where you can learn to create detailed drawings using the two dominant CAD standards. VDCI also runs a class called CAD & Project Management, which covers both AutoCAD and project management skills.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive program, VDCI offers a CAD Certificate Program. This program takes eight months to complete. It includes six AutoCAD classes, which cover basic and intermediate Auto CAD skills as well as detailing, project management, and construction document skills. In addition, you’ll take elective courses and can choose to add a specialization in Revit, Civil 3D, or SketchUp Pro. Finally, there is a capstone project.