What is AutoCAD?

CAD (computer-aided design) replaces the drawing board: instead of pencil lines on paper, you create objects — lines, arcs, circles, text — stored with exact coordinates and lengths. A wall drawn 3600 mm long is 3600 mm long, and it stays exact however far you zoom in.

AutoCAD, first released in 1982, is one of the most widely used CAD programs. Architects use it for plans, sections and details; engineers for site layouts, structural and services drawings and mechanical parts; builders and fabricators to check dimensions and produce shop drawings.

• Precision: you type exact lengths and angles, or snap to exact points on existing objects.

• Draw once, reuse forever: copy, mirror and array repeat geometry instantly; blocks store standard symbols such as doors and toilets.

• Layers: walls, doors, furniture and dimensions live on separate layers you can switch on and off.

• Scale later: you draw everything full size, then choose the printed scale (1:100, 1:50…) when you set up the sheet.

• Sharing: drawings are files that consultants reference into their own drawings, so everyone works from the same base.

Autodesk sells two main versions. AutoCAD LT is the lower-cost version focused on 2D drafting. Full AutoCAD adds 3D modelling, more automation and customisation, and access to industry toolsets (such as Architecture, Mechanical and Electrical). Everything in this course's beginner and intermediate levels works in both.

• .dwg — the drawing file. This is what you save, share and reference.

• .dwt — a drawing template: a starting drawing with your units, layers, text and dimension styles already set up.

• .dxf — an exchange format that many other programs can read and write.

• .bak — an automatic backup of the previous save; rename it to .dwg to recover work.

• .pdf — the usual way to send drawings to clients, councils and builders.

Use only official sources. Autodesk offers a free trial on its website, free educational access for eligible students and educators, and subscriptions through Autodesk or authorised resellers. Avoid "free download" sites offering cracked copies: they are illegal, often carry malware, and files made with unlicensed copies can be flagged by clients.

If you only need to view or measure drawings, Autodesk also publishes free DWG viewers.

The course follows the order drafters learn on the job: Beginner (drawing and editing accurately), Intermediate (organising, annotating and printing), Advanced (professional workflows), then Practical projects. Each lesson has step-by-step instructions, an exercise, a checklist and a quiz. Your progress saves in your browser, and the course page shows where to continue.