Beginner AutoCAD Training

Lesson 1 • Customizing the AutoCAD Environment

Adjusts workspace settings, crosshair size, and color themes. A personalized environment improves comfort and productivity from the start.

Lesson 2 • File Management Fundamentals

Covers creating, opening, saving, and closing DWG files. Proper file habits prevent data loss throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Understanding the AutoCAD Workspace

Introduces the ribbon, toolbars, command line, and drawing area. Establishes the foundational layout knowledge needed for all subsequent work.

Lesson 1 • Object Snaps for Precision

Covers OSNAP modes that snap the cursor to exact geometric points. Snapping eliminates guesswork and ensures drawings are geometrically accurate.

Lesson 2 • Cartesian Coordinate Entry

Explains absolute and relative X,Y coordinate input for exact point placement. Precision entry is the backbone of professional CAD drafting.

Lesson 3 • Grid, Snap, and Drawing Aids

Configures grid display, snap spacing, and dynamic input for guided drawing. These aids reinforce coordinate accuracy during freehand drafting sessions.

Lesson 1 • Drawing Lines and Polylines

Teaches the LINE and PLINE commands for creating straight segments and connected paths. Polylines are the most versatile basic object in AutoCAD.

Lesson 2 • Rectangles, Polygons, and Splines

Introduces RECTANG, POLYGON, and SPLINE for closed and freeform shapes. These commands expand the range of geometry students can produce quickly.

Lesson 3 • Circles, Arcs, and Ellipses

Covers multiple methods for drawing curved geometry including center-radius and three-point options. Curved objects appear in nearly every professional drawing.

Lesson 1 • Scale, Mirror, and Stretch

Introduces resizing, reflecting, and reshaping objects along defined axes. These commands are critical for adapting existing geometry to new design requirements.

Lesson 2 • Trim, Extend, Fillet, and Chamfer

Covers cutting, lengthening, and corner-finishing commands for clean geometry. These tools are used constantly to refine and finalize drawing details.

Lesson 3 • Array, Offset, and Explode

Teaches pattern duplication, parallel copying, and block decomposition. Arrays and offsets dramatically reduce repetitive drafting time on complex drawings.

Lesson 4 • Move, Copy, and Rotate

Teaches repositioning and duplicating objects with precise base points and angles. These three commands handle the majority of layout adjustments in practice.

Lesson 1 • Object Properties and Quick Properties

Uses the Properties palette and Quick Properties to inspect and change object attributes. Direct property editing is faster than recreating incorrectly placed objects.

Lesson 2 • Linetypes, Lineweights, and Colors

Assigns linetypes such as dashed and center lines, lineweights, and colors to layers. These properties communicate drawing standards and object hierarchy visually.

Lesson 3 • Creating and Managing Layers

Explains the Layer Properties Manager for creating, naming, and organizing layers. Layers are the primary organizational tool in every professional CAD drawing.

Lesson 1 • Radial Dimensions and Leaders

Adds radius, diameter, and ordinate dimensions plus multileader annotations. Leaders connect notes to specific drawing features for clear communication.

Lesson 2 • Annotation Scale and Annotative Objects

Explains annotative scaling so text and dimensions display correctly at multiple plot scales. Annotative objects eliminate manual size recalculation when changing drawing scales.

Lesson 3 • Creating and Formatting Text

Covers MTEXT and DTEXT commands for adding single-line and multiline text objects. Readable, well-formatted text is essential for drawing clarity and compliance.

Lesson 4 • Applying Linear and Angular Dimensions

Places horizontal, vertical, aligned, and angular dimensions on drawing geometry. Accurate dimensioning allows fabricators and contractors to interpret drawings correctly.

Lesson 1 • Adding Attributes to Blocks

Creates ATTDEF attribute definitions for storing text data inside block insertions. Attributes enable title block automation and bill-of-materials generation.

Lesson 2 • Extracting Attribute Data

Uses the Data Extraction wizard to export block attribute data to tables or spreadsheets. Data extraction connects drawing content to project management and procurement workflows.

Lesson 3 • Creating and Inserting Blocks

Defines internal blocks using BLOCK and inserts them with INSERT or ADCENTER. Blocks reduce file size and enforce consistency across a drawing set.

Lesson 1 • Plotting and Publishing Drawings

Executes the PLOT command and PUBLISH tool to output single and multi-sheet drawing sets. Correct plot settings prevent costly reprints and submission errors.

Lesson 2 • Model Space vs. Paper Space

Clarifies the distinction between model space for drawing and paper space for presentation. Understanding this separation is fundamental to correct layout and plotting.

Lesson 3 • Plot Style Tables and Settings

Configures CTB and STB plot style tables to control pen weights and colors at output. Plot styles ensure printed drawings match office and client standards consistently.