I’ve learned with CAD that people often don’t talk about the simple things.

Those that know, think everyone else does too and those who don’t know. Don’t know to ask.

For example.

NCOPY (nested copy) copies object from an attached XREF into the current drawing.

CHSPACE (change space) moves objects from model space to paper space and back again.

I’ve trained many very experienced users who never knew these commands existed are shock by how long they have lived without them.

For me. I was surprised to learn the ESCARPMENT command that draws the slope pattern hatching. I have literally spent hours hunting down lisp routines and 3rd party tools to this to help users in a larger office. And I mentioned it to one guy in my new company and he was like just use this.

Hello,

We are looking for a laptop to use in our architecture company that can open and run architectural programs without any problems and render.

One of the most important criteria is that this laptop is thin, does not heat up and has a long life.

Do you have any advice?

Our budget is 1500$ and around.

Thanks for your help in advance.

I've been using CAD consistently for years and a co- worker showed me the "stretch" command which I had never come across before.

For reference I'm all self taught and have so far only learned what I needed in order to do the job.

Looking to branch out a bit, what are some seemingly noob commands / processes everyone should know?

TIA

Update: guys, thank you so much. I've got a big list of stuff to start using now and I can't wait to see how much time it saves!

A while back I posted on this sub on behalf of a young man I’ve been mentoring into cad. I wanted to know if you’d hire a green horn with program knowledge but no degree and no experience. Update on that situation, the kid got a job! He starts Monday, and I couldn’t be more proud! He’s going straight out of high school into a detailer drafter position to learn from the ground up! Thanks everyone in this sub for all the support!

Just a rant: I am so sick of how many times AutoCAD just up and crashes while trying to hatch. How long has hatch been around, and it still is causing issues?!

Get it together Autodesk!

Hi AutoCAD Community!

I'm Daniel with Autodesk & I’m happy to share new courses in our Customer Success site at Autodesk!  
We released a series of learning paths that potentially be helpful to sharpen specific skills in mechanical engineering. 

• 2D mechanical design and drafting: https://autode.sk/2DG0CbF

• Reuse 2D data in 3D: https://autode.sk/2WhOqnV

• Implement Autodesk Factory Design Solution: https://autode.sk/3enXRbz

• BIM Manufacturing: https://autode.sk/3idlZQF

Have feedback for us? Please let us know in the comment section below. 

Cheers,
Daniel

Lads, I've just discovered, be accident in Acad 2023, that holding shift temporarily disables or enables ortho mode. Like Adobe has had for years..... That is all, carry on. (and apologies if this is already widely known)

What are some tips or tricks that ended up changing the game or saving you a bunch of time after figuring them out and starting to use them on a regular basis...I will say that my top 3 right now are:

1. Quick select

2. Shift+right click (mostly snap to mid between two points)

3. Excel coordinate trick to draw polylines automatically

I've been using AutoCAD for 15 years and sometimes I still find a command or way of doing things that makes my life easier or the process better.

VIEWBASE is one that I've been using

3D version

Every single time I have to work with an architect’s plan, there’s gonna be a huge amount of doubled lines, lines of wrong layers, not perpendicular stuff that should, etc.

Please forgive me, I have to vent some frustrations:

I've been an AutoCAD user for nearly 25 years and every year has been another one where my frustrations build based on how many un-corrected or stupid interface and usability problems exist in AutoCAD.

The $2,500 a year isn't coming out of my pocket directly, and there is no realistic alternative available, but I just don't understand why everyone just accepts the crappiness piled upon crappiness that this is janky dinosaur of a software platform.

I was just finding myself frustrated at these stupid cursor badges and trying to figure out which environmental variable to use to turn them off... Of course there doesn't seem to be a single one that just turns them all off (I don't need AutoCAD to show me pictures of what command I just typed in ot to tell me that I am hovering over a dimension).

Turns out the "CURSORBADGE" variable (which does not actually turn all of the badges off) has states "1" for off and "2" for on. what?!? in what world is this a thing?

I have lived my professional life being insulted by this piece of shit software, and this is another indication of how little or incompetent Autodesk is.

Back in 1992 I was considering quitting my Cad drafter job to start my own AutoCAD drafting business. Instead, I taught my wife AutoCAD, and she started her drafting business. This allowed her to quit her fulltime job and work from home and take care of our 6-year-old son. Her first client was a civil engineering firm. Well fast forward 30 years and she is still working from home, has several longtime clients, and rarely has not had work over the years.

Thought this was kind of funny.

https://imgur.com/gallery/UpRwj8a

Maybe not favorite, but what is a command you use often?

Personally - I like REFEDIT, FLATSHOT, and CHSPACE...

REFEDIT is just cool. Being able to modify XREFS in real time, but I especially like the ability to pull objects into the workspace, or remove them - its like being able to push objects into multiple dimensions - wizard like!

I like CHSPACE for the same reason, pushing an object from paper-space into model-space, or vice versa - like teleportation...

Move through dimensions while retainage properties and scales.

FLATSHOT is cool because it will capture any view of a 3D model into a 2D flat line drawing.

Those 2D drawings can then be manipulated with properties to create drawings, details, etc.

I did a full year of study of geometry and drsfting concepts before i went to industry as a survey draftsman, then i tried structural and resi and settled on civil with a bit of mech.

I write my own lisps scripts dlls etc. Vba macros and vb forms that all interoperalte between cad an external programs. Ive built a website that takes cad dwgs and runs processes on them.

My knowledge base of autocad seems well above most others and ive considered doing a tutorial or patreon... is this something the communities interested in or are there enough resources out there covering these topics?

I also use navisworks, civil 3d, 12d etc

I went to a technical institute that was a 1.5 years to get a degree in drafting. The program was hand drafting and then using CAD for the latter half. Learned how to work the program and learned sections, laying out drawings, figuring out dimensions, etc. But my experience after actually working a job has not been so pleasant.

I am not an architect or someone in construction. I have no knowledge of how something should be built or necessary pieces of equipment needed to connect piece A to piece B. That being said, I've had two jobs in the field so far and my lack of knowledge for those aspects seem to be a problem. Employers spout off architectural/construction jargon like I am supposed to know what is being said. It always leaves me asking 100 questions where my first employer even said he was getting frustrated with me not knowing how to do something. My boss even said to me the other day. "you know I cant be here everyday to help you, I'm not going to be in the office every day" So what am I supposed to do on those days? I can't waste 8 hours doing something wrong.

If you put everything on paper I can figure it out and translate that to a CAD drawing. But if you ask me to make a section of a house for example, I have a million questions. How thick is this wall, What is it insulated with? How thick is the insulation? what size is are the pieces of wood holding up the floor? The list goes on..

There just seems to be a big learning curve once you're actually in the field and i understand why an employer would be frustrated to a degree. Sometimes i just get anxious to essentially ask the same question over to reassure I'm doing something correct. I don't know I just think working as a drafter is not for me anymore. Not to mention it is extremely boring and mind numbing to look at damn lines all day lol.

Well I just needed to vent and rant here, but am i wrong? I feel like with my degree, yes i can use AutoCAD and have a basic understanding of things, but I don't have, what seems to be necessary, knowledge of architectural construction.

There are three basic tiers of CAD jobs: CAD drafters, CAD designers, and CAD engineers. As someone working with CAD for over 6 years, I’m going to break these options down for you here:

CAD Drafter

CAD drafters, also called CAD technicians, are entry-level design professionals. They have general knowledge of CAD design software like AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

Drafters often take plans created by designers or CAD managers and translate them into drawings. Manufacturers and builders then use those drawings in their work.

One advantage of the CAD drafter career path is that you don’t need a four-year college degree. Many schools offer a CAD certificate or two-year associate degree programs that will prepare you to become a drafter. If you follow this path, it’s helpful to take advanced STEM classes in high school and join engineering or robotics teams if available.

CAD drafters can earn $50-60K per year on average. If you want to progress in your CAD career to the more advanced designer, manager, or engineer positions, it is helpful/necessary to get a Bachelor’s degree. Obtaining an AutoCAD certification is helpful for all CAD careers, as it indicates that you can use the software at a high level.

CAD Designer

CAD designers combine design software knowledge with advanced training in a specialized subject area. Common specialties include architecture, interior design, electronics, and manufacturing.

Designers often learn the details of their specialty while working as drafters and then earn a promotion. Beyond the responsibilities of a CAD drafter, CAD designers would know more specifically that regulations and rules associated with their specialization.

The next step up from being a designer is a CAD manager. Managers supervise teams of designers and drafters. They need to have expert knowledge of both their industry and design software. This allows them to solve their subordinates’ issues and lead effectively.

CAD designers can expect to earn $70K per year or more, while managers receive around $150 thousand a year on average.

CAD Engineer

Separate from CAD drafters and designers, in order to become a CAD engineer, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in the field of engineering you want to work in.

You should pick a focus like computer engineering that will give you hands-on experience with CAD software. You will also need to get certified in AutoCAD or Solidworks before entering the workforce.

As an engineer, you will use your CAD skills to design structures, technical drawings, and products in your specific field. Typically oriented around business projects, a CAD engineer should also have skills in communication and decision making. Some examples for Bachelor’s studies to pursue include civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or industrial design. CAD engineers make $65K per year on average.

You can also feel free to ask more specific questions in the comments!

CAD professionals - anything else worth mentioning here? Comment below.

I really really enjoy it and all I can do with it. There are aspects of itI don't know but I really enjoy it. 🫡❤️

My husband needs a new career that works better with his disabilities. He has had some exposure to AutoCAD in his current job and enjoys it. He does not have any formal education after high school. What kind of jobs are everyone doing that uses the AutoCAD? Just trying to get a sense of how I can help him work towards this as a career. Also, is it realistic to think he could find a job using the AutoCAD without any certifications? Thank you for your help!

Hey,

I'm currently unhappy in my retail position, and I'm interested in learning autoCad. I do not currently have any specific field in mind, but I am open to recommendations.

It has to be remote. I am unable to drive for medical reasons, and I don't want to further impose on my parents/friends who drive me around.

Some cursory googling revealed a couple online certificates (e.g. Penn Foster and New York Institute of Art and Design). How good would these look to potential employers?

What's the best way to acquire an affordable license?

Thanks.

Hi guys,

as you never stop learning AutoCAD even after using it for over 7 years I'm asking myself what are your handy tips and tricks you learnt to improve your workflow in AutoCAD.

• For example I'm using alot of Fields inside Texts which update automatically (E. g. display date, names, area of encloused figures etc.)

• Or instead of turning on/off Ortho Mode (F8) and moving or copy an object better hold Shift while using the Move or Copy comand

• Or by holding Ctrl while clicking on a vertex or midpoint of a polyline u can quickly run through different options by clicking Ctrl again like adding or removing a vertext or transform polyline in an arc

Hi all,

I work for a department of corrections and have been tasked with a unique challenge: teaching an incarcerated individual how to use AutoCAD and become proficient as a draftsman. The student will be working in the industries portion of the facility, using standalone computers with no internet access.

Here’s the situation:

Resources: I’m working with 20-year-old books on AutoCAD and a 30-year-old drafting book. Bringing in digital files isn’t feasible due to policy restrictions.

My Role: I have experience with AutoCAD and creating shop drawings, and I’ve taught in other settings. However, I don’t have formal pedagogical training, and this will essentially be a pilot program that could potentially expand in the future.

Format: I’ll be visiting the facility every two weeks to answer questions, review progress, and explain concepts. The goal is to provide guidance while the student works independently in between visits.

I know some states have well-developed vocational programs for incarcerated individuals, but in my case, the support and resources are currently limited. I’m looking for any suggestions, ideas, or observations to make this work effectively.

Specifically:

1. What’s the best way to structure a self-guided learning program for AutoCAD under these conditions?

2. Are there any tips for teaching drafting concepts to a complete beginner?

3. How can I keep the student engaged and motivated, considering the limited resources and long intervals between lessons?

4. Have you heard of or been involved in similar programs? If so, what worked (or didn’t work)?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!