Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) Course

Lesson 1 • Coordinate Systems and Input Methods

Explains Cartesian and polar coordinate systems used to place geometry precisely. Mastery of input methods is essential for all subsequent drawing tasks.

Lesson 2 • File Management and Drawing Standards

Teaches file creation, saving formats, and industry naming conventions. Proper file hygiene prevents data loss and supports team collaboration.

Lesson 3 • Software Interface and Workspace Setup

Introduces the CAD application interface, toolbars, and panels. Students configure a productive workspace tailored to their drafting workflow.

Lesson 1 • Basic Drawing Commands

Introduces line, circle, arc, and polygon commands for building geometry. These primitives form the basis of every 2D technical drawing.

Lesson 2 • Layers and Object Properties

Explains layer creation, colour, linetype, and lineweight assignment. Organised layers are the foundation of readable, professional drawings.

Lesson 3 • Precision Drawing Aids

Covers snap, grid, ortho, and object tracking tools that enforce accuracy. Precision aids eliminate manual measurement errors in professional drawings.

Lesson 4 • Object Selection and Modification

Teaches selection methods and core modify commands including move, copy, and rotate. Efficient editing accelerates drawing production significantly.

Lesson 1 • Dimensioning Fundamentals

Introduces linear, aligned, angular, and radial dimension types. Accurate dimensions are the primary communication tool between designers and fabricators.

Lesson 2 • Text Styles and Multiline Text

Covers text style creation, font selection, and multiline text formatting. Consistent text presentation is required by professional drafting standards.

Lesson 3 • Dimension Styles and Standards

Teaches dimension style creation and modification to match industry standards. Standardised styles ensure drawings are interpreted consistently across organisations.

Lesson 1 • External References (Xrefs)

Introduces attaching, overlaying, and managing external reference files. Xrefs enable multi-discipline coordination without duplicating drawing data.

Lesson 2 • Creating and Inserting Blocks

Explains block definition, base point selection, and insertion workflows. Blocks eliminate redundant drawing and ensure symbol consistency across a project.

Lesson 3 • Block Attributes and Data Extraction

Covers attribute definition, editing, and data extraction to spreadsheets. Attributed blocks automate parts lists, title blocks, and bill-of-materials generation.

Lesson 1 • Title Blocks and Sheet Templates

Teaches title block design, attributed fields, and drawing sheet templates. Standardised templates enforce consistent presentation across an entire drawing set.

Lesson 2 • Plot Settings and Output

Covers plot style tables, pen assignments, and publishing multi-sheet PDF sets. Correct plot configuration ensures drawings reproduce accurately at any print size.

Lesson 3 • Model Space vs. Paper Space

Clarifies the distinction between model space geometry and paper space presentation. Understanding this separation is critical for correct scale and annotation placement.

Lesson 1 • Surface Modelling Basics

Introduces procedural and NURBS surfaces for organic and complex geometry. Surface modelling extends capabilities beyond what solid primitives can achieve.

Lesson 2 • Solid Primitives and Boolean Operations

Covers box, cylinder, sphere, and cone primitives combined with union, subtract, and intersect. Boolean operations are the core logic of constructive solid geometry.

Lesson 3 • Editing 3D Solids

Covers face editing, edge chamfering, filleting, and shell operations on solids. Solid editing tools refine geometry without rebuilding models from scratch.

Lesson 4 • 3D Workspace and Navigation

Introduces the 3D modelling workspace, view controls, and UCS manipulation. Confident 3D navigation is a prerequisite for all solid modelling operations.

Lesson 1 • Assembly Drawings and BOM

Introduces assembly view creation, exploded views, and bill-of-materials tables. Assembly documentation communicates how individual parts relate and assemble.

Lesson 2 • Annotating Model-Based Drawings

Covers associative dimensions, centre lines, and centre marks in drawing views. Associative annotations update automatically when the source model changes.

Lesson 3 • Generating Orthographic Views

Covers base view placement, projected views, and view alignment from 3D models. Model-derived views eliminate manual projection errors common in traditional drafting.

Lesson 1 • Parametric Constraints in 2D

Covers geometric and dimensional constraints that maintain design intent automatically. Parametric 2D drawings update predictably when key dimensions change.

Lesson 2 • CAD Standards and Audit Tools

Covers CAD standards files, drawing audit, and purge operations for clean deliverables. Standards enforcement reduces errors and ensures compliance with client requirements.

Lesson 3 • Automation with Scripts and Macros

Teaches script file creation, command macros, and tool palette customisation. Automation eliminates repetitive tasks and enforces consistent drawing procedures.

Lesson 4 • Project Workflow and Quality Control

Applies all learned skills to a structured project workflow with QC checkpoints. Students demonstrate end-to-end competency from concept sketch to final deliverable.