Autodesk AutoCAD - Beginner to Advanced level from Udemy

Whether you are self-taught and want to fill in the gaps to become more efficient and productive, or you have never used the software before, this Autodesk AutoCAD course will give you a solid foundation to become a confident AutoCAD user and develop advanced skills.

This comprehensive course is the perfect start to your career in CAD design. This course will give you a competitive edge in your career, making you stand out from all other applicants and employees.

As one of the leading course providers and most renowned e-learning specialists, I am committed to providing you with the best educational experience possible. This course is designed by an industry expert to help you learn quickly and efficiently, at your own pace and convenience.

Here are five professional outcomes or skills that you can expect to gain from this course:

1. Proficiency in AutoCAD: You will develop a strong foundation in AutoCAD, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the software's interface, tools, and functionalities. You will learn how to efficiently create, edit, and manipulate 2D drawings, ensuring accuracy and precision in your designs.

2. Technical Drawing Skills: This course will focus on teaching you the principles of technical drawing and drafting. You will learn industry-standard practices for creating and managing different types of drawings, including architectural, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering drawings.

3. Industry Standards and Best Practices: This course will familiarize you with industry standards and best practices for using AutoCAD. You will learn about common drawing conventions, layer management, annotation styles, dimensioning standards, and plotting/printing guidelines. This knowledge will enable you to create drawings that meet professional standards and can be easily understood and shared with others in their field.

4. Design Documentation and Annotation: The course will cover essential skills for producing accurate and comprehensive design documentation. You will learn how to create and manage layouts, insert and annotate dimensions, add text and labels, and generate professional-quality plot-ready drawings, ensuring effective communication of design intent.

5. Collaboration and File Management: AutoCAD is widely used in collaborative design environments, and this course will teach you how to effectively collaborate with other professionals on projects. You will learn how to share and reference drawings, manage external references (Xrefs), and implement efficient file management strategies to ensure smooth collaboration and version control.

By acquiring these outcomes and skills, you will be well-equipped to work with AutoCAD across a range of industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing. You will have the confidence and expertise to handle complex design projects and contribute effectively to the design and documentation process.

Course Aspects

I have been teaching this course in person and online since 2017 and have perfected the course material, teaching method, and explanations to ensure all the bases are covered and the student has a full understanding of the software.

Your level of experience will develop as we progress through the course, rather than overloading you from the start with unnecessary information that you will not use.

We start with the basic features of each tool and then move on to the more advanced features as the course progresses, continually putting these newly acquired skills to practice with multiple exercises.

Course Topics

Interface: Start Tab, Templates, Application Menu, Quick Access Toolbar, InfoCentre, Layout Tabs, Status Bar, Options, Mouse controls, Navigation, Object Selection,
Drawing Tools: Line, Polyline, Circle, Rectangle, Polygon, Ellipse, Hatch, Gradient, Spline, Object Snap
Drawing Methods: Absolute & Relative Coordinates, Orthomode, Grid & Snap, Polar Tracking
Modification Tools: Move, Copy, Stretch, Rotate, Mirror, Scale, Trim, Extend, Fillet, Chamfer, Array, Erase, Explode, Offset, Align, Join,
Annotation: Text, Dimension, Leader, create own styles
Layers: Colour Manager, Linetype Manager, Lineweight Manager, Creation, properties, application, functions
Blocks: Create, Edit, Insert, Design Centre
Palettes: Properties, Blocks, Layers, Command-Line, Design Centre
Layout: Viewports, Page Setups, Printing

I continually update this course to keep it up to date with the new releases as well as the addition of new videos and practice exercises.

I look forward to seeing you in class.

What's inside

Learning objectives

On completion, you will have gained the skills and knowledge to take a project from start to finish, utilizing all tools and drawing methods.
You will be taught how to create your own types of text, dimensions, layers, and blocks to use in your own working environment.
All tools will be explained in detail by their true definitions, illustrated with easy-to-follow images, and put into practice with guided exercises.
Setting you up to work on your own as well as understand typical office standards.
At the end of the course is an extra section where you can request a video explainer on any issues you are having.

Includes 10 quizzes, 13 practical's with solutions, 7 practice exercises with solutions, 1 main project, 2 practice exam and 1 final acu exam!
Available for download to view offline.
This course is based on the windows version of autocad, not apple mac compliant.
Expert level now included!

On completion, you will have gained the skills and knowledge to take a project from start to finish, utilizing all tools and drawing methods.
You will be taught how to create your own types of text, dimensions, layers, and blocks to use in your own working environment.
All tools will be explained in detail by their true definitions, illustrated with easy-to-follow images, and put into practice with guided exercises.
Setting you up to work on your own as well as understand typical office standards.
At the end of the course is an extra section where you can request a video explainer on any issues you are having.
Includes 10 quizzes, 13 practical's with solutions, 7 practice exercises with solutions, 1 main project, 2 practice exam and 1 final acu exam!
Available for download to view offline.
This course is based on the windows version of autocad, not apple mac compliant.
Expert level now included!

Syllabus

Introduction

Video Quality

Course information

How to solve the practical questions in the course

These course notes are a step-by-step guide that follows the course progress. They are packed full of theoretical information about every command and include every practical we will undertake.

Refresh your knowledge by attempting the quiz. This will not affect your final score.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a comprehensive understanding of AutoCAD, covering interface, tools, and functionalities, which is essential for CAD design careers

Starts with basic features and gradually introduces advanced features, ensuring a smooth learning curve for new users

Focuses on teaching the principles of technical drawing and drafting, which are industry-standard practices for creating various types of drawings

Familiarizes learners with industry standards and best practices for using AutoCAD, enabling them to create professional-quality drawings

Teaches how to effectively collaborate with other professionals on projects, including sharing drawings and managing external references

Based on the Windows version of AutoCAD, which may limit accessibility for users who primarily work on Apple MAC systems

Reviews summary

Autocad solid foundation for beginners

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation for using AutoCAD, particularly for beginners and those seeking a practical introduction. Students frequently praise the instructor's clear explanations and the step-by-step approach, finding the practical exercises extremely helpful for building confidence and reinforcing skills. While the course covers a wide range of topics from basic to more complex tools like layers and blocks, some students note that the "advanced level" claim is misleading, feeling that the advanced sections lack sufficient depth for true professional-level use. Overall, it is seen as an excellent resource for those starting out or wanting to solidify their intermediate skills.

Instructor explains complex topics clearly.

"The instructor is very knowledgeable and explains concepts clearly step-by-step."

"The instructor's teaching style is engaging."

"The instructor is clear and easy to understand."

"The instructor breaks down complex topics into manageable steps."

Exercises reinforce learning effectively.

"The practical exercises were extremely helpful in reinforcing the lessons."

"The exercises are well-designed and the explanations are easy to follow."

"The step-by-step approach and practical exercises are very effective."

"I liked the exercises provided."

"The practicals are essential."

Excellent for building foundational skills.

"I started as a complete beginner and now feel confident in using AutoCAD for basic architectural drafting."

"This course is perfect for getting started with AutoCAD."

"As a complete beginner, this course was exactly what I needed. The instructor's clear explanations and the hands-on exercises made learning easy and fun."

"Great for building foundational skills."

Advanced sections are brief, lack depth.

"However, the 'Advanced level' claim is a bit misleading."

"It covers many basic and intermediate features well, but the advanced sections are quite brief and don't go into enough depth for professional use."

"Okay course, but not for advanced users. The title is misleading."

"The latter half introduces more complex features but doesn't delve deep enough."

"I think the 'advanced' part could be expanded."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Autodesk AutoCAD - Beginner to Advanced level with these activities:

Review CAD Fundamentals

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Reviewing CAD fundamentals will provide a solid foundation for understanding AutoCAD's tools and workflows.

Browse courses on Engineering Drawing

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Review basic geometric constructions.
Practice freehand sketching of 2D shapes.
Familiarize yourself with common drafting symbols.

Practice Drawing Basic Shapes

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Practicing drawing basic shapes will improve your proficiency with AutoCAD's drawing tools.

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Draw lines, circles, rectangles, and polygons.
Experiment with different drawing methods (absolute, relative, polar).
Use object snaps to ensure accuracy.

Read 'AutoCAD 2023 A Project-Based Tutorial'

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Working through a project-based tutorial will solidify your understanding of AutoCAD's tools and workflows.

View AutoCAD 2023 A Project-Based Tutorial on Amazon

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Select a project from the book.
Follow the instructions to create the project in AutoCAD.
Experiment with different settings and options.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Create a Cheat Sheet of AutoCAD Commands

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Creating a cheat sheet will help you memorize and quickly access frequently used AutoCAD commands.

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List the most important commands from each module.
Include a brief description of each command's function.
Organize the commands by category (drawing, modification, annotation, etc.).

Read 'Mastering AutoCAD 2023 and AutoCAD LT 2023'

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Reading a comprehensive guide will deepen your understanding of AutoCAD's advanced features.

View Mastering AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021 on Amazon

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Choose chapters related to your areas of interest.
Work through the examples and exercises.
Refer to the book as a reference when working on projects.

Design a Simple House Plan

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Designing a house plan will allow you to apply your AutoCAD skills to a real-world project.

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Sketch a basic floor plan with dimensions.
Create the plan in AutoCAD using appropriate layers and line types.
Add annotations, dimensions, and labels.
Create a layout and print the drawing to scale.

Follow Advanced AutoCAD Tutorials Online

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Following advanced tutorials will expose you to more complex AutoCAD techniques and workflows.

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Search for tutorials on specific topics (e.g., 3D modeling, dynamic blocks).
Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
Adapt the techniques to your own projects.

Career center

Learners who complete Autodesk AutoCAD - Beginner to Advanced level will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Drafter

A Drafter creates technical drawings and plans for a wide range of projects. Skills in AutoCAD are essential for this role, as Drafters use the software to translate designs and specifications into detailed drawings. This course helps build a foundation in AutoCAD, covering the interface, tools, and functionalities necessary to produce accurate 2D drawings. The course's focus on technical drawing principles, industry standards, and design documentation is directly applicable to the daily tasks of a Drafter. The course may also be useful for collaborative design environments and file management, aiding you in working with other professionals throughout the design process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Drafter

CAD Technician

The CAD Technician uses computer aided design (CAD) to create blueprints and technical drawings. This course will set you up for such a career. As a CAD Technician, you will rely heavily on AutoCAD to develop and modify designs. This course provides a solid foundation with its comprehensive coverage of the software's interface, tools, and functionalities. The course teaches you how to efficiently create, edit, and manipulate 2D drawings, ensuring accuracy and precision in your designs. The course focuses on technical drawing principles, industry standards, and design documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for CAD Technician

Mechanical Drafter

Mechanical Drafters prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information. Proficiency in CAD software like AutoCAD is paramount. This course provides a solid foundation in the software, covering essential tools and techniques for creating precise mechanical drawings. You will learn industry-standard practices for creating and managing different types of drawings, including those specific to mechanical engineering. The course may also be useful for collaboration and file management, which will enable you to work effectively in collaborative design environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Drafter

Architectural Technician

Architectural Technicians assist architects in the design and development of buildings. This often involves creating detailed drawings and plans using CAD software such as AutoCAD. This course will help you develop strong AutoCAD skills, which are essential for producing accurate and professional-quality architectural drawings. The course may familiarize you with industry standards for common drawing conventions, annotation styles, dimensioning standards, and plotting and printing guidelines. This knowledge will enable you to create drawings that meet professional standards and can be shared with others in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Technician

Electrical Drafter

Electrical Drafters create wiring diagrams, layout drawings, and other documentation for electrical systems. These drawings are essential for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical equipment. As an electrical drafter, training in AutoCAD can vastly improve your prospects. This course will give you a strong understanding of the software's interface, tools, and functionalities. The course may familiarize you with industry standards and best practices for using AutoCAD. You will learn about common drawing conventions, layer management, annotation styles, and dimensioning standards. This knowledge will enable you to create drawings that meet professional standards and can be easily understood and shared with others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Drafter

Civil Engineering Technician

Civil Engineering Technicians support civil engineers in the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects. A key part of their job is creating and interpreting technical drawings using CAD software. This course helps you build proficiency in AutoCAD, which is crucial for generating detailed and accurate civil engineering drawings. The course is useful for understanding industry standards and best practices for using AutoCAD in civil engineering projects. You will learn about common drawing conventions, layer management, and dimensioning standards.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineering Technician

Building Information Modeling Technician

Building Information Modeling or BIM Technicians create and manage digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. BIM heavily relies on CAD skills. This course helps you use AutoCAD to produce project documentation. The course may prepare you for collaboration and file management. You may also learn how to share and reference drawings, manage external references, and implement file management strategies to ensure smooth collaboration and version control.

See salaries and explore the career path for Building Information Modeling Technician

Interior designer

Interior Designers plan and design interior spaces, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, and building codes. AutoCAD is a valuable tool to create floor plans, elevations, and other drawings to communicate design ideas. This course helps build a foundation in AutoCAD, enabling you to produce professional-quality drawings for your interior design projects. The course's focus on design documentation and annotation is directly applicable to the needs of an interior designer. The course may also be useful for how to manage layouts and insert and annotate dimensions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, and residential landscapes. AutoCAD skills are valuable for creating site plans, planting plans, and other technical drawings. This course helps you develop comprehensive AutoCAD skills, including knowledge of industry standards and best practices. The course may familiarize you with common drawing conventions, layer management, annotation styles, and dimensioning standards. This knowledge will enable you to create drawings that meet professional standards and can be easily understood and shared with others in your field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Furniture Designer

Furniture Designers create innovative and functional furniture pieces, balancing aesthetics with structural integrity and user comfort. This often involves producing detailed technical drawings and specifications that guide the manufacturing process. A deep understanding of CAD software like AutoCAD enables furniture designers to clearly communicate their designs and ensure accurate production. This course helps you develop a strong foundation in AutoCAD so you can more easily document designs. Furniture Designers must effectively collaborate with manufacturers, engineers, and other stakeholders. The course may also be useful for collaboration and file management, which will enable you to work effectively in collaborative design environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Furniture Designer

Product Designer

Product Designers create and develop new products, considering factors such as aesthetics, functionality, and manufacturability. AutoCAD is used to create detailed 2D drawings of product designs. Anyone hoping to become a Product Designer should know that this course helps build proficiency in AutoCAD, which is crucial for creating detailed and accurate product drawings. The course's focus on technical drawing principles and industry standards is highly relevant to product design. The course familiarizes you with common drawing conventions, layer management, and annotation styles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Exhibition Designer

Exhibition Designers create engaging and informative displays for museums, trade shows, and other events. They need to conceptualize spatial layouts, design display elements, and produce detailed plans for construction and installation. Because Exhibition Designers rely on CAD software like AutoCAD to visualize and document their designs, this course helps you develop strong AutoCAD skills. The course focuses on technical drawing principles and industry standards, enabling you to create professional-quality drawings that can be effectively communicated to fabricators and installers. The course may also be useful for how to manage layouts and insert and annotate dimensions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Exhibition Designer

Technical Illustrator

Technical Illustrators create detailed drawings and diagrams for technical publications, such as manuals, textbooks, and patents. They need to accurately represent complex objects and systems, often using CAD software like AutoCAD. This course helps build a solid foundation in AutoCAD, enabling you to create clear and precise technical illustrations. You will learn industry-standard practices for creating and managing drawings, including annotation, dimensioning, and layer management. The course is useful for creating accurate and comprehensive design documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Illustrator

Patent Drafter

Patent Drafters prepare technical drawings for patent applications, illustrating inventions in a clear and precise manner. Since patents require high accuracy and adherence to specific standards, skills in CAD software like AutoCAD are essential for creating patent drawings that meet legal requirements. This course may be useful to develop a strong foundation in AutoCAD, covering the interface, tools, and functionalities necessary to produce accurate 2D drawings. The course's focus on technical drawing principles, industry standards, and design documentation is directly applicable to the tasks of a Patent Drafter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Drafter

Survey Drafter

Survey Drafters create maps and drawings from field survey data, which are used for land development, construction, and other projects. The drawings must be accurate and detailed, showing property lines, elevations, and other important features. Because survey drafters use CAD software like AutoCAD to produce these drawings, this course may be useful to develop a strong foundation in AutoCAD, covering the interface, tools, and functionalities necessary to produce accurate survey drawings. You will learn industry-standard practices for creating and managing different types of drawings, which may prepare you for the real-world application of survey drafting. The course focuses on technical drawing principles, industry standards, and design documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Survey Drafter

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Autodesk AutoCAD - Beginner to Advanced level.

AutoCAD 2023 A Project-Based Tutorial

Save

Provides a project-based approach to learning AutoCAD 2023, making it ideal for hands-on learners. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic drawing to advanced 3D modeling, aligning well with the course's beginner to advanced level. The project-based approach reinforces learning through practical application, and it serves as a useful reference for specific tasks.

AutoCAD 2023 A Project-Based Tutorial

Paperback

Mastering AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021

Save

Comprehensive guide to AutoCAD, covering both the full version and the LT version. It delves into advanced topics and provides in-depth explanations of various features. It valuable resource for those who want to master AutoCAD and use it professionally, and it can serve as a useful reference for advanced techniques and workflows.

Mastering AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021

Paperback

Mastering AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021

Kindle Edition

Autodesk AutoCAD - Beginner to Advanced level

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Autocad solid foundation for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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