AutoCAD is a term that you'll likely hear in a lot of different industries, but what is it, what's it used for, and how you can learn to use it?
In this article, we'll be answering some of your most commonly asked questions concerning AutoCAD and its uses.
What is CAD?
CAD is short for computer-aided design or computer-aided drafting and the term essentially covers most computer software that people in design roles tend to use to help them create designs more quickly than they previously could using a pen and paper or even maquettes.
CAD software allows you to create digital models of the things you design to incredible degrees of accuracy. It allows people in various industries to design everything from tiny parts to massive building and infrastructure projects.
CAD is particularly useful for automating aspects of the design process. For example, a designer can use automation for some of the repetitive tasks that make up the design process, vastly decreasing the time it takes to make designs.
Multiple designers can work together using CAD and certain software solutions allow for them to work on the same project at the same time.
CAD can be used for both graphic and technical design and with technical applications, it can also allow designers to test aspects of their design and simulate real-world effects on their design, which can be particularly useful for people designing things like vehicles, buildings, roads, or machine parts, for example.
Which Industries Use CAD?
Almost anyone who needs to design something can use CAD software, but there are certain industries where CAD has almost fully replaced designing by hand.
Here are just a few of the industries using CAD.
Aerospace and Defence
Aircraft, spacecraft, and military vehicles and equipment are all designed using CAD. After all, most of these things require incredible levels of precision in their design as well as in terms of tolerances, safety, and use.
Architecture
You may have seen architects walking around with their designs in huge tubes, but now it's standard for architects to use CAD for their designs.
Not only do buildings need to be accurately designed to remain standing and functional, but CAD can allow architects to visualise their designs and create 3D models to show what a building should look like when it's finished.
Previously, architects and artists would have had to create representations from multiple angles, but with a 3D model, they can explore the building designs from any angle they'd like.
Construction
Much like in architecture, construction also uses CAD for designs and it can be incredibly useful for builders and contractors to be able to see designs and be able to explore and manipulate them to complete projects effectively.
Education
Naturally, CAD is used a lot in education, particularly education for the industries that use it but also as its own subject where educators teach about CAD, how it works, and its uses.
Engineering
Many different types of engineering use CAD and many other software solutions to design and test things.
Whether it's electrical circuits, machinery, infrastructure, or individual components, engineers all over the world choose CAD to design things.
Interior Design
While CAD is often used for scientific and technical designs, its applications are also very useful for those working in artistic settings.
Interior designers, for example, can use CAD to create mockups of their ideas to show clients or tradespeople so that they know what they're doing.
Landscaping
Much like interior design, landscapers can also create visually stunning or mechanically functioning designs with the help of CAD.
Gardens, parks, recreational areas, and outdoor spaces can all be designed using CAD and much like with architecture, it also allows them to create 3D models of their designs without having to have artists create individual representations for each possible angle.
Manufacturing
Beyond the products themselves, CAD can also be used to design the machines that manufacture products, components, and anything you can think of.
Many products used today will likely have been designed in CAD, manufactured by machines designed in CAD, and in buildings that were also designed in CAD!
Product Design
Even non-technical products can be designed using CAD. Even everyday products like milk cartons and the boxes your products come in were likely designed using CAD.
So What is Special about AutoCAD?
So now that you know what CAD is and what it's for, you're likely wondering what's so special about AutoCAD.
AutoCAD is a particular CAD software solution created by Autodesk. It can be used for both 2D and 3D design across the industries we mentioned earlier.
It's a popular software software solution because of features such as layers, dimensions, and annotations and it's available for free for educators and students. The DWG file format is compatible with many other CAD software solutions, too.
An engineering course will likely cover some CAD software solutions, but you can also study CAD itself, take training courses, or choose to study AutoCAD in particular.
Why You Should Learn AutoCAD
Some of the most common CAD include AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, Inventor, Rhino, Revit, and NX so you might be wondering why you should learn to use AutoCAD over another software solution.
Each solution has its pros and cons, but AutoCAD is the standard for a lot of different industries, a versatile tool for both 2D and 3D modelling, and can boost your career.
It's also an efficient and precise tool that can be used to create complex designs and is constantly being updated to ensure it remains relevant in the industries that use it.
How Can I learn AutoCAD?
There are many different ways to develop the necessary skills and acquire the knowledge to use AutoCAD professionally. Since AutoCAD is a very popular solution, you won't struggle to find ways to learn how to use it.
Here are some of the most popular ways.
AutoCAD Tutorials and Documentation
If you'd like to learn how to use AutoCAD without attending a class or course, then you can always teach yourself using the various tutorials and documentation that have been made available by Autodesk (the company behind AutoCAD).
You can also find free AutoCAD courses and tutorials online on platforms like YouTube. Generally, the courses and tutorials from Autodesk are better than the other free tutorials, but since every student is different, have a look around and see what works for you.
AutoCAD Training Courses and Classes
Across Australia, several places offer training courses for AutoCAD (and other CAD software solutions).
You can find shorter courses and classes covering various concepts related to computer-aided drafting, AutoCAD, and both 2D and 3D design classes.
You can either attend private AutoCAD training courses offered by companies specialising in CAD and AutoCAD training or through technical and further education (TAFE) establishments all over Australia.
Online AutoCAD Classes and Courses
Much like with AutoCAD tutorials, you can also find structured classes and courses online. Thanks to Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), you can learn a variety of different personal and professional skills.
With both free and paid-for options, you can find online AutoCAD courses on sites like Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, and Udemy, for example.
You can even take courses to become certified in AutoCAD with classes and courses accredited by Autodesk.
As with most things, the courses you have to pay for are usually the ones of a higher quality and if you want a recognised certificate or qualification, it's common that you have to pay for that on top of the course.
Learn AutoCAD with a Private Tutor
While almost every course will teach its students how to use AutoCAD, with so many applications across various industries, you might want to learn more specific skills.
With a private AutoCAD tutor, you can ensure that each class and session is tailored to you and what you want to learn.
If you're new to CAD or AutoCAD, then you can always cover basic drafting skills, create simple digital 2D drawings and designs, or work on a project that's relevant to what you want to learn.
An advanced user or somebody who has experience with another kind of drafting or design software package can simply look for help with learning the more difficult specifics of AutoCAD rather than having to take time learning the concepts they already know again.
On the Superprof website, you can search for private tutors all over Australia to help you with AutoCAD and even if you can't find local tutors, there are online tutors all over the world ready to help you, too!
Since many private tutors offer the first lesson for free, you can try a few out and see which ones are right for you, what you're interested in learning, and your budget!
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