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AutoCAD Professional Level 1

This course teaches the fundamentals of computer-aided design and drafting with AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT. It covers the concepts, commands, and strategies for creating, plotting, and editing 2D drawings. Topics included are terminology, the user interface, dynamic entry, right-click menus, setup, basic drawing commands, drawing aids, the drawing editor and edit commands, display commands, making drawings precise, dimensioning, organization tools such as layering, toolbars, tool pallets, extracting drawing information, layouts, and plotting.

In this introductory training, you’ll gain a solid foundation in 2D computer-aided design and drafting using the designated AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT versions. Whether you're new to CAD or looking to formalize your skills, this course will guide you through the essential tools and techniques used by design professionals.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Navigate the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT user interfaces
  • Apply core concepts, terminology, and drawing strategies
  • Create and edit professional 2D drawings with precision drafting tools
  • Use dynamic input, right-click menus, and drawing aids to enhance productivity
  • Organize your drawings with layers, tool palettes, and toolbars
  • Extract and present drawing data clearly using dimensions, layouts, and plotting tools
  • Produce accurate, detailed, and visually compelling technical drawings

With up to 60 contact hours, this course prepares you to confidently create and manage 2D drafting projects in a professional setting.

Here are some generic, version-agnostic class topics commonly covered in an introductory or Level 1 AutoCAD course:

Getting Started with AutoCAD

  • Introduction to Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
  • Navigating the AutoCAD interface (menus, ribbons, command line)
  • Understanding drawing units and coordinate systems
  • Opening, saving, and managing drawing files

Basic Drawing and Editing Tools

  • Drawing basic shapes (lines, circles, arcs, rectangles)
  • Using object snaps and tracking
  • Modify commands (move, copy, rotate, scale, trim, extend, mirror)
  • Grips and selection techniques

Precision Drawing Tools

  • Using grids, snap settings, and object snap overrides
  • Coordinate entry: absolute, relative, polar
  • Dynamic input and dimensioning tools

Organizing the Drawing

  • Layers and layer properties
  • Line types, colors, and weights
  • Object properties and property management
  • Blocks and reusable content

Advanced Editing and Annotation

  • Creating and using hatches and gradients
  • Multiline text and single-line text
  • Applying and editing dimensions
  • Using leaders and annotations

Layouts, Printing, and Plotting

  • Model space vs. paper space
  • Creating viewports and scaled views
  • Title blocks and layout templates

  • Plotting and exporting to PDF

    Working with Data and Tools

  • Using tool palettes and design center

  • Extracting data and drawing information
  • Using inquiry commands (DIST, AREA, ID, etc.)

Workflow and Best Practices

  • Templates and standards
  • Drawing cleanup and audit tools
  • File organization and backups

These topics can be adapted for both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, regardless of version, and scaled based on whether the course is for beginners, professionals, or certification prep.

Depending on your unique business needs, this class can be formatted to be flexible, structured, online and/or in person. Talk to your Employer Consultant today to discuss.

Entry-Level Job Titles Might Include:

  • CAD Operator
  • CAD Draftsperson
  • Junior CAD Designer
  • Design Support Technician
  • Drafter (2D)
  • Basic computer literacy: Familiarity with using a mouse, keyboard, and file management (open, save, copy).
    • Comfort with Windows OS: AutoCAD runs on Windows; users should know how to navigate folders, install programs, and adjust basic settings.
    • Understanding of basic math: Especially geometry and spatial reasoning (e.g., angles, measurements, coordinate systems).

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