CAD Course

Lesson 1 • Navigating the CAD Interface

Covers menus, toolbars, command line, and viewport controls. Proficiency here accelerates every later drawing task.

Lesson 2 • Setting Up a New Drawing

Teaches units, limits, grid, and snap configuration before drawing begins. Correct setup prevents scaling and alignment errors throughout a project.

Lesson 3 • Saving, Opening, and File Formats

Explains native and interoperable file formats and version compatibility. Proper file management prevents data loss and collaboration issues.

Lesson 4 • What CAD Is and Why It Matters

Defines CAD, its role in design workflows, and industry applications. Establishes context for all subsequent technical skills.

Lesson 1 • Object Snap Modes and Settings

Teaches endpoint, midpoint, centre, intersection, and other snap modes. Snaps ensure geometric relationships are maintained automatically.

Lesson 2 • Measuring and Verifying Geometry

Uses inquiry commands to verify distances, angles, areas, and object properties. Verification confirms drawing accuracy before advancing to editing.

Lesson 3 • Dynamic Input and Direct Distance Entry

Explains on-screen input fields and direct distance entry for fast, precise drawing. These tools complement coordinate entry in interactive workflows.

Lesson 4 • Coordinate Systems Explained

Covers absolute, relative, and polar coordinate entry for exact point placement. Mastery eliminates guesswork in all drawing operations.

Lesson 1 • Move, Copy, Rotate, and Scale

Teaches the four fundamental transformation commands with precise base-point control. These commands handle the majority of design revision tasks.

Lesson 2 • Mirror, Array, and Offset

Introduces symmetry, pattern, and parallel-geometry tools for repetitive design elements. Reduces manual redrawing and enforces geometric consistency.

Lesson 3 • Trim, Extend, Fillet, and Chamfer

Covers boundary-based cutting and corner-finishing commands. These tools refine intersections and transitions in any drawing type.

Lesson 4 • Selection Methods and Filters

Covers window, crossing, fence, and filter-based selection strategies. Efficient selection is the prerequisite for all editing operations.

Lesson 1 • Object Properties and Overrides

Explains ByLayer vs. explicit property assignment and when overrides are appropriate. Consistent property management prevents confusion in shared drawings.

Lesson 2 • Linetypes and Lineweights

Assigns dashed, centre, hidden, and other linetypes plus lineweight values to layers. Visual differentiation communicates design intent to readers.

Lesson 3 • Drawing Standards and Templates

Embeds layer schemes, styles, and settings into reusable template files. Templates enforce consistency across a project or organisation.

Lesson 4 • Layer States and Filters

Saves and restores layer configurations and filters large layer lists efficiently. Critical for managing drawings with dozens of layers.

Lesson 1 • Applying Dimensions to Drawings

Places linear, aligned, angular, radial, and ordinate dimensions accurately. Correct dimension placement is required for manufacturing and construction use.

Lesson 2 • Text Styles and Single-Line Text

Creates and manages text styles controlling font, height, and oblique angle. Consistent text styles are the foundation of readable drawings.

Lesson 3 • Dimension Styles and Settings

Configures dimension style variables for arrows, text, tolerances, and scale. A well-configured style produces correct dimensions automatically.

Lesson 4 • Multiline Text and Formatting

Uses the multiline text editor for paragraphs, lists, and inline formatting. Enables complex notes and specifications within the drawing.

Lesson 1 • Design Centre and Content Libraries

Uses the design centre to browse, import, and reuse blocks, layers, and styles from other drawings. Centralises content management for team efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Creating and Inserting Blocks

Defines block geometry, base points, and insertion settings for reusable symbols. Blocks are the primary tool for standardising repeated elements.

Lesson 3 • External References and Underlays

Attaches, clips, and manages externally referenced drawings and image underlays. XREFs enable collaborative workflows where multiple files compose one drawing.

Lesson 4 • Block Attributes and Data Extraction

Attaches editable text attributes to blocks for tagging and data management. Attributes enable automated schedules and bills of materials.

Lesson 1 • Viewports and Scale Control

Creates, sizes, and locks viewports to display model geometry at precise scales. Viewport scale control is the core skill for multi-scale drawing sheets.

Lesson 2 • Creating and Managing Layouts

Sets up page size, orientation, and title block placement in layout tabs. Each layout represents one printed sheet of the drawing set.

Lesson 3 • Plot Settings and Publishing

Configures plot styles, pen assignments, and batch publishing for complete drawing sets. Correct plot configuration ensures output matches design intent.

Lesson 4 • Model Space vs. Paper Space

Explains the conceptual difference between model space geometry and paper space sheets. Understanding this distinction is required for correct scaled output.

Lesson 1 • Generating 2D Views from 3D Models

Extracts orthographic, section, and detail views from 3D models into paper space layouts. Connects 3D modelling to professional 2D drawing documentation.

Lesson 2 • Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, and Loft

Converts 2D profiles into 3D solids using profile-based modelling operations. These commands handle the majority of custom 3D shape creation.

Lesson 3 • 3D Workspace and Navigation

Configures the 3D modelling workspace and navigates using orbit, pan, and zoom in 3D. Comfortable 3D navigation is the prerequisite for all modelling work.

Lesson 4 • Boolean Operations and Solid Editing

Combines and subtracts solids using union, subtract, and intersect, then refines with solid editing tools. Boolean operations are the primary method for complex shape construction.

Lesson 5 • User Coordinate System in 3D

Defines and manipulates the UCS to draw on any plane in 3D space. UCS control is essential for placing geometry accurately on non-horizontal surfaces.