AutoCAD 2D for Architects: Tools & Real Project Fast

Name: AutoCAD 2D for Architects: Tools & Real Project Fast
Rating: 4.1 (58 reviews)

Master AutoCAD for architecture: learn drawing tools, layers, dimensions, and apply them in a real design project

Role Play

Created byMaryam Memar

Last updated 9/2025

English

What you'll learn

Basic AutoCAD Operations: How to create and manage drawing files, customize the AutoCAD environment, and navigate through the interface.
Drawing Fundamentals: Mastering basic drawing tools like lines, circles, polylines, arcs, and more, including precise control over shapes and dimensions.
Drawing Environment Optimization: How to use grids, snaps, dynamic input, and other settings to enhance drawing accuracy and efficiency.
Project Setup and Execution: Setting up and importing reference images, planning exterior and interior layouts, and drawing architectural elements such as walls
Furniture and Annotation Tools: How to place, scale, align, and mirror furniture, as well as adding labels, text, and dimensions to a drawing
Advanced Features: Working with layers, creating and managing blocks, using hatching patterns, and applying various dimension styles.
Plotting and Exporting: Setting up and printing drawing layouts, adjusting print settings, and exporting drawings in different formats (like PDF).

Course content

16 sections • 107 lectures • 3h 56m total length

Introduction1:01

Welcome to AutoCAD1:23
Explore the AutoCAD interface, learn to access recent files, open or create a new project, and understand how saved files reopen from the main menu.
How to Pin Recent Files for Quick Access0:43
Creating a New Drawing File1:06
Exploring AutoCAD Workspaces2:27
Customizing Your AutoCAD Environment1:25
Display Settings and Options Overview3:05
Customize the AutoCAD 2D interface by adjusting display options, including dark or light window themes, the 2D background color, and mouse size, with Ctrl+Z for undo.
Understanding File Saving Formats0:40
Open the safe tab to specify which version to save as. Sharing files outside our system requires careful version choice to avoid compatibility issues; version 2007 is more suitable.
Backup Settings and Auto-Save Explained1:46
Opening File

AutoSnap Marker – Precision Drawing Aid1:00
Adjusting Pickbox and Grip Size0:58
In AutoCAD 2D for architects, learn to select objects and resize the pick box and grips, so you can adjust selection handles when working with lines or other objects.
Starting Your First Project in AutoCAD1:19
Activating Commands in AutoCAD1:37
How to Exit a Command0:34
Learn to exit a command in AutoCAD by pressing escape, or press enter or the spacebar again to finish.
Repeating Commands Quickly0:34
Typing Commands Like a Pro0:38
Type commands in the command line to trigger AutoCAD's suggestions and quickly find and select the right command as you type.
Mastering Zoom and Pan Tools0:53
Master zooming and panning in AutoCAD to navigate drawings efficiently. Use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out, and press and hold the wheel to pan across the workspace.
Understanding Selection Types1:45
Setting the Drawing Units1:35
Working with Actual Dimensions1:08
Practice activating, repeating, and exiting different commands

Drawing a Line – Set Angle & Length1:59
Lock the angle in AutoCAD 2D with shift plus the less-than sign, then enter the length. Set five meters at 45 degrees from the horizontal.
Creating Polylines1:16
Drawing Circles with Precision0:40
Drawing Rectangles2:04
Drawing Arcs1:48
Drawing Polygons1:21
Explore the polygon command to draw three-or-more-sided shapes in AutoCAD, using center options to fit inside a circle or to be tangent to one, illustrated with a pentagon.
Drawing Ellipses1:03
Creating Complex Polylines0:50
Basic Drawing Tools in AutoCAD 2D

Showing and Hiding the Command Bar0:48
Function Keys – Power Shortcuts0:34
Turning Grids On and Off1:12
Toggle the grid on and off with f7 or ctrl+g, enable snapping to grid intersections with f9, and turn off the grid unless you need to draw precisely on grid.
Using Dynamic Input0:29
Ortho Mode for Straight Lines1:31
Snaps – Drawing with Accuracy2:17
Selection Cycling Explained0:42
Accessing and Customizing Toolbars0:41
Practicing Ortho Mode and Object Snap

Drawing an Irregular Boundary1:50
Apply a practical AutoCAD 2D method to draw an irregular boundary by outlining straight sections, locating the irregular side with two circles, then connecting lines and deleting the circles.
Using Offset Tool1:26
Moving Objects with Precision0:52
Trimming Lines Cleanly1:02
Using Offset for Point Placement2:01
Working with Point Style Settings2:08
Learn how to use point style settings in AutoCAD 2D for architects, place points with the point command, adjust visibility and markers, and measure distances with the L command.
Drawing Plan Corners1:05
Completing the Exterior Lines1:21

Positioning Structural Columns2:25
Drawing the Entrance Staircase3:03
Drawing Grid Axes2:48
Discover how to create grid axes for architectural columns in AutoCAD 2D, using center-to-center spacings, ortho mode, line drawing, and precise offsets and moves.
Copying and Pasting Columns2:08
Using REGEN Command0:57
Drawing Internal Room Walls1:49
Drawing Kitchen Layout2:01
Entrance and WC Walls3:52
Drawing Stairs Using Array Copy4:28
Use copy array in AutoCAD 2D to create ten 30 cm stairs with 0.3 m spacing, then adjust the side line to exactly one metre and complete the stair path.
Creating Walls from a JPG Floor Plan

Adding Furniture – Rotate, Align & Copy5:16
Using Align for Accurate Placement1:54
Scaling Furniture to Correct Size1:42
Learn to resize objects in AutoCAD 2D for architects using the scale command, with the reference option to set the original length and target length from a base point.
Aligning Rotated Furniture1:08
Align the doors with the reference points to their target locations, preserving size by choosing no scale. Extend the wall to the correct position and remove extras with trim.
Using Mirror Command2:12

Using the Text Command2:19
Editing Text in AutoCAD3:30
Naming and Labeling Grid Axes4:14
Name and align grid axis labels in AutoCAD 2D using text and text align, then scale, move, and copy to position evenly on both axes.
Fillet Radius and Multiple Fillet Tool2:47
Master the AutoCAD fillet tool to create smooth curves between lines, adjust the radius, and apply multiple fillets to corners using the multiple option.

Requirements

A computer or laptop: Running either Windows or macOS, capable of installing AutoCAD software.
Installation of AutoCAD software: The appropriate version of AutoCAD should be installed on their device.
Motivation and willingness to learn: A desire to master the skills of precise design and working with AutoCAD tools.

Description

This short and focused AutoCAD course is designed for architecture students and aspiring designers who want quick yet comprehensive training. In just 3 to 4 hours, you’ll learn all the essential AutoCAD tools and commands step by step, with a strong focus on real-world architectural workflows.

Through a complete hands-on project, you'll apply what you learn to design and draft a small architectural plan from scratch—making this course both practical and skill-based. Whether you're a total beginner or someone looking to refresh your AutoCAD skills, this course will give you the confidence to start using AutoCAD in your design work immediately.

By the end of the course, you'll not only understand how AutoCAD works, but you'll also know how to manage layers, use dimensioning tools, create blocks, and prepare your files for plotting and printing. You'll gain valuable drafting skills that are essential for academic projects or real architectural practice.

What you’ll learn:

AutoCAD interface and essential settings
Drawing tools (line, polyline, rectangle, circle, etc.)
Modify tools (offset, trim, extend, mirror, etc.)
Layers, blocks, hatching, annotations, and dimensions
Page setup and plotting for printing
Complete architectural project: drafting a small house plan from start to finish

No prior experience is required—just your interest in architecture and design.

This course has been co-created with Ms. Fatemeh Kazemi, who had delivered a significant portion of the instructional content. Her valuable contribution ensures a rich and comprehensive learning experience.

Who this course is for:

Beginners: Individuals who are completely new to AutoCAD or computer-aided design (CAD) and want to learn from the ground up.
Aspiring Designers and Architects: Students or professionals who want to learn AutoCAD for architectural design, interior design, or related fields.
Engineers and Draftsmen: Anyone in the engineering or drafting fields looking to improve their skills or learn AutoCAD to create precise technical drawings
Professionals Switching Careers: People considering a career change into design or architecture and looking to gain proficiency in AutoCAD.
Hobbyists: Those who are passionate about 2D and 3D design and want to explore AutoCAD for personal projects.
Essentially, this course is for anyone who wants to learn AutoCAD, regardless of prior experience or background.

AutoCAD 2D for Architects: Tools & Real Project Fast

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 1min

Getting Started with AutoCAD8 lectures • 13min

Interface Essentials and Navigation11 lectures • 12min

Optimizing the Drawing Environment8 lectures • 11min

Optimizing the Drawing Environment8 lectures • 8min

Setting Up Your Project2 lectures • 3min

Exterior Plan Drawing8 lectures • 12min

Interior Architecture Layout10 lectures • 24min

Furnishing and Furniture Commands5 lectures • 12min

Text, Labels and Annotations4 lectures • 13min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: