This 3-day AutoCAD® Level 1: Essentials class is designed for those using AutoCAD® or AutoCAD LT® with a Windows operating system. This class is not designed for the AutoCAD for Mac software. The objective of AutoCAD Level 1: Essentials is to enable students to create a basic 2D drawing in the AutoCAD software.
Those attending class from their own location should use a wheeled mouse. A trackpad is not sufficient as AutoCAD is heavily dependent on selecting points and right clicking for additional menus.
This course covers the essential core topics for working with the AutoCAD software. The teaching strategy is to start with a few basic tools that enable the student to create and edit a simple drawing, and then continue to develop those tools. More advanced tools are introduced throughout the class. Not every command or option is covered, because the intent is to show the most essential tools and concepts, such as:
● Understanding the AutoCAD workspace and user interface.
● Using basic drawing, editing, and viewing tools.
● Organizing drawing objects on layers.
● Inserting reusable symbols (blocks).
● Preparing a layout to be plotted.
● Adding text, hatching, and dimensions.
Chapter 1: Getting Started with AutoCAD
1.1 Starting the Software
1.2 User Interface
1.3 Working with Commands
1.4 Cartesian Workspace
1.5 Opening an Existing Drawing File
1.6 Viewing Your Drawing
1.7 Saving Your Work
Chapter 2: Basic Drawing and Editing Commands
2.1 Drawing Lines
2.2 Erasing Objects
2.3 Drawing Vertical and Horizontal Lines
2.4 Drawing Rectangles
2.5 Drawing Circles
2.6 Undo and Redo Actions
Chapter 3: Projects: Creating a Simple Drawing
3.1 Create a Simple Drawing
3.2 Create Simple Shapes
Chapter 4: Drawing Precision in AutoCAD
4.1 Using Running Object Snaps
4.2 Using Object Snap Overrides
4.3 Polar Tracking at Angles
4.4 Object Snap Tracking
4.5 (Optional) Drawing with Snap and Grid
Chapter 5: Making Changes in Your Drawing
5.1 Selecting Objects for Editing
5.2 Moving Objects
5.3 Copying
5.4 Rotating Objects
5.5 Scaling Objects
5.6 Mirroring Objects
5.7 Editing with Grips
Chapter 6: Projects: Making Your Drawings More Precise
6.1 Schematic Project: Electronics Diagram
6.2 Architectural Project: Landscape
6.3 Mechanical Project: Using Polar and Tracking
6.4 Mechanical Project: Surge Protector
6.5 Mechanical Project: Satellite
Chapter 7: Organizing Your Drawing with Layers
7.1 Creating New Drawings With Templates
7.2 What are Layers?
7.3 Layer States
7.4 Changing an Object’s Layer
Chapter 8: Advanced Object Types
8.1 Drawing Arcs
8.2 Drawing Polylines
8.3 Editing Polylines
8.4 Drawing Polygons
8.5 Drawing Ellipses
Chapter 9: Analyzing Model and Object Properties
9.1 Working with Object Properties
9.2 Measuring Objects
Chapter 10: Projects: Drawing Organization and Information
10.1 Architectural Project
10.2 Mechanical Project
10.3 Civil Project
Chapter 11: Advanced Editing Commands
11.1 Trimming and Extending Objects
11.2 Stretching Objects
11.3 Creating Fillets and Chamfers
11.4 Offsetting Objects
11.5 Creating Arrays of Objects
Chapter 12: Inserting Blocks
12.1 What are Blocks?
12.2 Working with Dynamic Blocks
12.3 Inserting Blocks
12.4 Inserting Blocks using the Tool Palettes
12.5 Inserting Blocks using the DesignCenter
Chapter 13: Projects: Creating More Complex Objects
13.1 Mechanical Project 1: Plate
13.2 Mechanical Project 2: Gasket
13.3 Mechanical Project 3: Plate
13.4 Mechanical Project 4: Rocker Arm
13.5 Architectural Project 1: Floor Plan
13.6 Architectural Project 2: Floor Plan
13.7 Civil Project: Parking Lot
Chapter 14: Setting Up a Layout
14.1 Working in Layouts
14.2 Creating Layouts
14.3 Creating Layout Viewports
14.4 Guidelines for Layouts
Chapter 15: Printing Your Drawing
15.1 Printing Concepts
15.2 Printing Layouts
15.3 Print and Plot Settings
Chapter 16: Projects: Preparing to Print
16.1 Mechanical Project
16.2 Architectural Project
Chapter 17:
17.1 Working with Annotations
17.2 Adding Text in a Drawing
17.3 Modifying Multiline Text
17.4 Formatting Multiline Text
17.5 Adding Notes with Leaders to Your Drawing
17.6 Creating Tables
17.7 Modifying Tables
Chapter 18: Hatching
18.1 Hatching
18.2 Editing Hatches
Chapter 19: Adding Dimensions
19.1 Dimensioning Concepts
19.2 Adding Linear Dimensions
19.3 Adding Radial and Angular Dimensions
19.4 Editing Dimensions
Chapter 20: Projects: Annotating Your Drawing
20.1 Mechanical Project
20.2 Architectural Project 1
20.3 Architectural Project 2
20.4 Civil Project
A working knowledge of basic design or drafting procedures and terminology. A working knowledge of the Windows operating system is also needed. If you do not have a background in drafting, architecture or prior experience with a CAD package, you should consider the 5-day version of this class instead. For details on this alternate class for individuals with little or no prior experience, go to
AutoCAD for Novice Users
