Learn how to use AutoCAD to create accurate and detailed 2D technical drawings in this free online design course.

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software that professionals from various industries widely use to create detailed 2D and 3D drawings and models. It provides a wide range of tools and features for designing and drafting, including precision drawing and dimensioning and layer management. This design course provides an overview of the different functions and commands of AutoCAD and explains how to create and modify 2D graphics. We first introduce you to the user interface and navigation tools to help you access different functions and move around the drawing area to visualise your designs from different angles and viewpoints. We explore AutoCAD’s basic ‘Draw’ commands to show you how to quickly create and modify different shapes and objects with precision and accuracy. We then go over the useful tools used to improve your workflow and produce high-quality designs while saving time and energy.

In AutoCAD, you can add specific properties to a drawing to help organise and differentiate elements of the drawing. We demonstrate how to add ‘Fill’ and ‘Colour’ gradients, change line types and organise different objects in your drawing. The ‘Dimensions’ and ‘Annotation’ tools help communicate the design intent and provide clear instructions for properly constructing various objects in AutoCAD. We discuss how to specify the size and position of various elements of a drawing, add text to the drawing and create tables to convey helpful information to the reader. The course teaches you how to combine different parts of a drawing to form objects and modify the blocks to eliminate the need for recreating the same shapes. We also explain how to export your drawing in various formats.

We designed this course for anyone who wants to create accurate technical drawings or 2D models or who wants to work in industries such as architecture, engineering, product design and manufacturing. It suits students who are pursuing degrees or diplomas in architecture, engineering or product planning. The course has no prerequisites and is taught by Jaiprakash Pandey, who incorporates a hands-on approach to help make the course more exciting and engaging. There are various career prospects for AutoCAD experts in different industries as they can work as draftspersons, technicians, project managers, interior designers and manufacturing designers. This AutoCAD tutorial presents practice exercises to help you consolidate your newfound skills and ability to put AutoCAD to practical use. AutoCAD is used widely in modern design so sign up to improve your skills in 2D technical drawing.