How to Learn AutoCAD 2D

AutoCAD 2D is software that engineers, architects, and design professionals use to create construction drawings, electrical schematics and drawings for furniture and other projects. There are many different ways of learning AutoCAD 2D, such as taking a class or following an interactive tutorial. There are also several well written books that teach users the fundamentals of working with AutoCAD 2D. All you need to learn AutoCAD 2D is a computer and Internet access.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

How to Learn AutoCAD 2D

1. Download a free trial of AutoCAD 2D from the Autodesk website (see Resources). Familiarize yourself with the basic tools of AutoCAD.

2. Follow the free AutoCAD 2D tutorial offered by Carnegie Mellon University (see Resources). The tutorial consists of short videos that cover everything from creating basic lines to drawing isometrics. If you've never used AutoCAD before, the tutorials will show you how to launch AutoCAD 2D and use its various tools.

3. Order an AutoCAD 2D tutorial video or CD-ROM. AutoCAD tutorials will take you through the steps of creating drawings using AutoCAD 2D and are suitable for beginning to intermediate level AutoCAD 2D users. Most CD-ROM tutorials work on both PC and Macintosh computers.

4. Buy the CD ROM tutorials called "Learning to Use AutoCAD 2D." The self-guided tutorial contains over 200 minutes of instruction, showing users how to use all of the tools that make up AutoCAD's user interace.

5. Supplement the computer tutorials with the book "AutoCAD 2009: 2D Fundamentals." This paperpack book explains how to make basic 2D drawings using AutoCAD 2009.

Resources

• Carnegie Mellon University Free AutoCad 2D Tutorial
• Hyperteach Online Computer Training AutoCAD 2D Tutorial Video
• Amazon Learning to Use AutoCAD 2D
• AutoCAD 2D Trial Download