Introduction to AutoCAD 2D
Time: 10:00 - 17:00
Location: Keeley Street
Choose a start date
- Course Code: VG597
- Dates: 06/07/24 - 20/07/24
- Time: 10:00 - 17:00
- Taught: Sat, Daytime
- Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Nicholas Williamson
Course Code: VG597
Choose a start date
Duration: 3 sessions (over 3 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
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?
A pen or pencil and notebook for taking notes. Handouts will be provided digitally. Your computer will need to be able to download and run the Autocad 2024 trial, and this course is best when using a mouse instead of a trackpad. Your computer will need to meet the following requirements: https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-LT-2024.html.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please click here to view our courses in the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Nick Williamson studied both Interior Design and 3D Design, subsequently working as an interior designer for hospitality projects including Rank Hotels and as the senior designer for high street retailer W H Smith. He then returned to study – graduating with an MA in Furniture Design - after which he set up as an independent furniture designer/maker making bespoke pieces for both corporate and private clients. He now combines his design work with teaching and is a design tutor and lecturer at several design schools, universities and colleges. A personal interest in CAD software has led to him specialising in Vectorworks, AutoCAD and SketchUp. He enjoys showing students the possibilities of what these programs can achieve and is experienced at teaching at all levels.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
