Best AutoCAD course for beginners

Download and install AutoCAD from Autodesk using a student license, then sign in to confirm access and start using the software.

Discover how to build complex AutoCAD designs by combining basic shapes, including rectangles, circles, and lines, joining and trimming parts, and managing layer properties for efficient designs.

Create a brand new AutoCAD project by selecting the Eckart ISO template, save it to a desktop folder, and browse templates to pick the best fit.

Create an 800 by 300 rectangle in AutoCAD and place a centered circle using the midpoint snap; adjust diameter via properties.

Toggle the show menu bar by clicking the down arrow, reveal the main menu, and keep it open for frequent use in future lessons.

Learn how to select objects in AutoCAD using window lasso (left-to-right) and crossing lasso (right-to-left), and how each method can change subsequent operations like stretching.

Explore Cartesian absolute coordinates in AutoCAD, learning how points relate to user coordinate system and how to input absolute positions using the hash sign, contrasted with relative and polar methods.

Learn to use Cartesian relative coordinates in AutoCAD, switching between absolute and relative input, and entering points with the at symbol and negative values for left and down.

Explore Cartesian absolute coordinates, Cartesian relative coordinates, and relative polar coordinates with dynamic input, and learn to create triangles by lengths and angles in AutoCAD.

Learn to configure grid lines and grid snap mode in AutoCAD, using 10 unit spacing with major lines every five minor lines and enabling f9 snapping for accurate placement.

practice basic AutoCAD drafting by completing a simple project twice—first with snap on, then without—using absolute coordinates, dynamic input, and precise 10-unit moves, including locked zero-degree angles.

Begin at the left bottom corner in AutoCAD, drawing connected lines by entering distances and angles such as 10, 30, 45°, and 135°, then press c to finish.

Learn how to annotate and measure drawings in AutoCAD using linear and angular dimensions, place and adjust measurements, and modify the dimension style to scale and tidy the result.

Create and manage layers to organize a drawing, assign colors, move objects between layers, and hide or reveal components like main lines, measurements, center lines, and hatch.

Create a custom AutoCAD template to preserve your layers and settings for A4 drawings, by setting drawing limits from 0,0 to 210,297 and saving as a reusable template.

Learn to measure objects in AutoCAD, switch to the correct layer, and add measurement symbols such as diameter, radius, and degrees using properties and shortcuts.

Master basic AutoCAD drafting by building a two-circle washer with precise diameters, using layers, diameter commands, center points, snapping, and on-screen measurements, then save your work.

Learn how to print AutoCAD projects as image or PDF by plotting a window, selecting the right printer, and choosing color or monochrome for clear documentation.

Explore creating and printing layouts in AutoCAD by arranging the properties pane, adding and dimensioning objects, switching to layout view, and using the death points layer to exclude items.

Explore creating and customizing layouts in AutoCAD by defining a border, setting a custom paper size, and placing a printable table for vertical layouts used in project documentation.

Save the cleaned layout as a template—remove borders and tables, then reuse the prepared template in new projects to automatically apply the layout.

Master AutoCAD basics by creating circles with diameters 72 and 128, adding tangents, applying mirror, and adjusting dimscale and line types for center lines, then set layout scale.

learn how to create a roller shape in AutoCAD for beginners using chamfers, fillets, and trims, mirror and position parts, set dimensions, and prepare drawings for printing.

Download the attached project, print it or save it on your computer, and work on it yourself to practice AutoCAD. No solution is provided; see you in the next lesson.

Create a horizontal layout from a vertical one, rotate and align drawings, adjust scale and dimensions, and save the project as a template for future use.

Learn how to apply and visualize line weights in AutoCAD, balancing rules with practical exceptions to highlight objects, view line weights in model and layouts, and verify via PDF export.

Group objects in AutoCAD to move them as a unit, demonstrated by combining an island with chairs and shifting the entire set with one move.

Master blocks in AutoCAD to manage repetitive objects like doors and kitchen furniture. Create blocks with a base point, insert and edit, explode for single edits, and purge unused blocks.

Apply draw order to place main object lines on top. Select lines, right-click, choose draw order, bring to front or send to back, then export to PDF to verify.

Practice creating a horizontal object and rotating it by 28 degrees in AutoCAD using the rotate tool, selecting the rotation point and typing the angle.

Master fast selection in AutoCAD by using select similar and quick select by layer to bring solid lines to front and reorder drawings.

tackle exercise six by recreating the attached drawing, printing it if you wish, and embrace practice as the path to becoming a proficient AutoCAD user who creates excellent projects.

Learn to extend lines in AutoCAD using the extend tool, boundary edge, and the trim tool to maintain proper rail dimensions during production.

Download the exercise file for exercise 7 and practice to sharpen your AutoCAD skills. Practice improves workflow and speeds your progress toward becoming a better AutoCAD designer.

Discover how to create repeating objects with AutoCAD's array tool, adjusting columns and rows, setting equal spacing via total length, measuring distances, and exploding the array to fine-tune the design.

Learn to use array in AutoCAD to lay out 330 by 275 pieces on 2 m by 1 m steel sheet, accounting for 2 mm losses to yield 18 parts.

Master polar array in AutoCAD by creating multiple circles around a center, adjust item count and the angle to distribute them evenly, then explode or mirror as needed.

Complete exercise eight using Paula as your guide, and enjoy this hands-on practice. Good luck, and see you in the next lesson.

Create hexagons by choosing six sides and a center, drawing inside or on the circle with a specified radius; compare how inside versus on-circle placement changes the required dimensions.

Create laser-cut plates with hexagonal shapes using array and polygon tools. Decide whether the polygon should lie inside or outside the circle of the given diameter.

Plan a complex AutoCAD exercise by outlining basic shapes, trimming lines, using arrays, and combining elements to finish the project.

Learn to apply hatch fills in AutoCAD, pick patterns, adjust scale and angle, and apply to multiple areas. Practice editing hatch properties for clear, accurate drawings.

Tackle exercise 11 to recreate technical drawings in AutoCAD through hands-on practice. Complete this last exercise to learn more, become a better AutoCAD user, and finish future projects with ease.