AutoCAD 2D for Mac: introduction

What is the course about?

In this course, you will learn to use the essential tools to produce 2D drawings within AutoCAD. The course is taught on Mac, with almost all of the skills being cross-transferable to other systems.

Through step-by-step tutor demonstrations and practical exercises, the course will help provide you with a solid foundation of AutoCAD knowledge so that you can feel confident moving onto more advanced skills. Students will learn how to work fluidly within the AutoCAD interface, using a combination of the command line and shortcuts to facilitate their work.

The course will enable students to use their learned skills in 3D modelling, laser cutting, and more advanced technical drawing courses.

What will we cover?

- Basic commands: line, arc, circle
- Coordinate systems
- Breaking and joining points
- Shape drawing
- Polylines
- Adjusting shapes, lines, dimensions and angles
- Blocks and Hatching
- Object Snapping
- Using Layers
- Adding text
- Adding dimensions
- Building templates
- Saving files and file formats.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- Use AutoCAD with confidence
- Recognise the AutoCAD interface and terminology
- Create 2D plans, elevations and section drawings to scale
- Use drawing shortcuts and the command line
- Working with hatches
- Creating drawings that are ready for exporting into 3D modelling software through the use of polylines
- Using blocks and groups
- Plotting and printing AutoCAD files to scale.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is designed for people with a basic understanding of how to read technical drawings such as plans, elevations and sections. You do not need prior AutoCAD experience. You must know how to use a computer and move files around the system. The course is taught on a Mac so prior experience using this system can be an advantage but you should be able to follow along on a PC as the programme remains the same on both.

You should have a basic understanding of the English language and be able to follow simple verbal instructions and be able to read handouts and health and safety information. You should be able to use numbers to do simple measurements and calculations, as well as have an understanding of ratios and scale. You will be expected to participate in group discussions and tutorials.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be structured around a series of step-by-step demonstrations followed by practical exercises that put into practice the skills you have learnt. Throughout the class there will be set opportunities for discussions as a group.

One-to-one guidance, individual tutorials and support will be given throughout. There will be assigned homework following the first two classes.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No costs. Pen or pencil and notebook for taking notes.

When you enrol on a course at the City Lit, you are entitled to student discount on Adobe Creative Cloud. For more information please visit this pageCity Lit student discount on Adobe Creative Cloud | City Lit

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit offers a variety of progression courses in this subject area. Please click here to view our Design Courses.
Disclaimer: Use of Third-Party Software
This course might require you to either use your own personal account or create an account for the purposes of this course. City Lit cannot accept any responsibility for any failings of the third party or provide technical support. Whilst using the software you will be responsible for abiding by the providers terms and conditions and maintaining your own work.