eCourses Online

Almost everything is easier with computers – and designing is no exception. With its accuracy and speed, AutoCAD is the go-to choice for us engineers as well as architects, designers, and everyone in between.

In this article, I’ve selected the 10 best free and paid AutoCAD online courses for you from the 190+ AutoCAD courses on our catalog by following a well-defined methodology that you can find below.

But if you want to jump straight to the results, here are my top 10 picks. You can click on a course to jump to the corresponding section:

What is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software developed by Autodesk used by engineers, architects, designers, drafters, and artists. AutoCAD supports both Windows and Mac, with some differences in the interface depending on the version.

AutoCAD can be used on the desktop, laptop, and even on smartphones and on the web. Even though AutoCAD is a paid application, it has a student version which can be used by students and educators for free.

Why are AutoCAD Skills Important?

AutoCAD is a vital asset for engineers and architects. They use AutoCAD for sketching, analyzing, and prototyping early states of a project or product. After completing a design prototype, AutoCAD simulates graphically how a machine will work and engineers can make the necessary changes as required.

It is important to note that not only engineers use AutoCAD, they may work with a specialist usually called CAD designers. The median annual salary for CAD designer according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics is $54,920 (2018) with a total employment of about 100K workers (2016). Also, there are nearly 3,800 jobs available in the US for CAD designers on LinkedIn.

So whether you’re an engineer, architect, or a CAD designer or drafter, AutoCAD is an important tool in your skillset that can definitely put you in a better position in your career. And as a civil engineer myself, I can assure you that many jobs in India actually ask for AutoCAD skills as a requirement.

What is My Experience with AutoCAD?

I am a civil engineer, and so was my father. Even though I had seen him use AutoCAD before, I was formally introduced to the software in the first year of my bachelor’s program. The more I learned, the more I was fascinated by how much I could implement my love for art to engineering through this software.

Fast forward to 2021, my team participated and came all-India third in a steel design competition by INSDAG, and it was my responsibility to look after the drawings. I spent months on them, almost breaking my shoulders (literally), but never got tired of it. I just wanted to make them perfect and see our designs come to life.

Besides that, I am a Guided Project Instructor and a Beta Tester at Coursera, having tested many courses before they’re officially launched. I have taken over 50 online courses in various subjects.

My experience as an online learner and teacher has given me some perspective on what to look for in an online course. I used my experience to evaluate each course in this list.

Course Ranking Methodology

I built this ranking following the now tried-and-tested methodology I used in previous rankings (you can find them all here). It involves a three-step process:

1. Research: I started by leveraging Class Central’s database with 100K online courses and 200K+ reviews. Then, I made a preliminary selection of 190+ AutoCAD courses by rating, reviews, and bookmarks.
2. Evaluate: I read through reviews on Class Central, Reddit, and course providers to understand what other learners thought about each course and combined it with my own experience as a learner.
3. Select: Well-made courses were picked if they presented valuable and engaging content and they have to fit in a set of criteria and be ranked accordingly: comprehensive curriculum, release date, affordability, ratings and enrollments.

The end result is a unique selection of courses that combines a decade of Class Central data and my own experience as an online learner to try to get the best of both worlds. So far, I’ve spent more than 18 hours building this list, and I’ll continue to update it.

Course Ranking Statistics

Here are some statistics regarding this course ranking:

• Combined, these courses have accrued over 444.9K enrollments.
• 5 courses are free or free-to-audit and 5 courses are paid.
• The most-represented course providers in the ranking are LinkedIn Learning and Udemy, with 3 courses each.
• All 10 courses are in English.
• The AutoCAD subject is followed by over 2.8K learners on Class Central, and accounts for over 190 courses in Class Central catalog.

So without further ado, let’s get to my picks for the best AutoCAD online courses.

My first pick for the best AutoCAD online course is AutoCAD 2023 Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning.

Even though this course is taught using AutoCAD 2023, most of the tools and techniques can be learned in older versions of the software as well since the basic concepts remain the same. As a beginner, you’ll learn the essentials of AutoCAD and explore practice tips so you can be more efficient and productive with AutoCAD. A one-month free trial is available.

What You’ll Learn

In the first module, you’ll explore the AutoCAD interface. You’ll learn about the application menu, the infobar, the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT), the ribbon and panels, using workspaces in AutoCAD, working with palettes and dialog boxes, the command line, using Dynamic Input (DYNMODE), the status bar, and using your Autodesk account.

In the second module, you’ll use units and options. You’ll learn about setting drawing units, setting the Options dialog box, drawings using metric units, drawings using imperial units, and working with templates (DWT).

In the third module, you’ll navigate your drawings. You’ll learn about working with the ViewCube and the Navigation Bar, Modelspace and Paperspace, saving and restoring views, and the mouse and mouse settings.

In the fourth module, you’ll learn how to draw accurately. You’ll learn about using Grid and Snap, working with coordinates, using Dynamic Input (DYNMODE), and Direct Distance Entry (DDE).

In the fifth module, you’ll create simple geometry. You’ll learn about OSNAP and OTRACK, POLAR and ORTHO, lines, arcs, and circles, polylines and splines, and using Realtime Zoom and Realtime Pan.

In the sixth module, you’ll use other drafting tools. You’ll learn about rectangles and polygons, points and donuts, ellipses, and isometric drafting (ISODRAFT).

In the seventh module, you’ll explore the AutoCAD interface further. You’ll learn about working with the file tabs, and the shortcut menu.

In the eighth module, you’ll modify objects. You’ll learn about selecting objects, using Move and Copy, Rotate and Scale, Mirror and Offset, Break and Join, grips and grip editing, Boundaries, Fillet and Chamfer, and Divide and Measure, editing polylines and splines, using Trim and Extend, creating and using arrays, and using Stretch and Lengthen.

In the ninth module, you’ll use hatching and gradients. You’ll learn about using the Hatch command, the Gradient command, Draw Order to display hatches and gradients, and editing hatches and gradients.

In the tenth module, you’ll annotate your designs. You’ll learn about creating and using text styles, single line text (TEXT) and multiline text (MTEXT), creating and using dimension styles, and adding dimensions to your drawings.

You’ll also learn about using Quick Leader (QLEADER) in your drawings, creating and using table styles, adding a table to your drawing, creating and using multileader styles, working with multileaders, and aligning text.

In the eleventh module, you’ll take a look at more dimensioning techniques. You’ll learn about editing dimensions and dimension overrides, breaking and spacing dimensions, using Continue and Baseline, and automatic dimensioning.

In the twelfth module, you’ll explore object and layer properties. You’ll learn about working with object properties, changing the linetype scale, using Hide and Isolate, new layers and the layer drop-down menu, using the layer tools, and working with layer states.

In the thirteenth module, you’ll reusing content. You’ll learn about using groups, creating and inserting a block, redefining block definitions in a drawing, using the EXPLODE command, creating a simple dynamic block, and using the WBLOCK command.

In the fourth module, you’ll work with attributes and tables. You’ll learn about creating a simple block with attributes, Enhanced Attribute Editor, working with table styles, designing a table, and adding fields to a table.

In the fifteenth module, you’ll understand External References (XREFS). You’ll learn about attaching and overlaying XREFS, altering and clipping XREFS, editing XREFS and editing XREFS in place.

In the sixteenth module, you’ll work with viewports and annotation. You’ll learn about locking viewports, freezing viewport layers, and using annotative text styles, annotative dimensions and revision clouds.

In the seventeenth module, you’ll communicate your design intent. You’ll learn about creating a simple titleblock, defining your page setup, adding new scaled viewports, using annotative scaling, and printing and plotting.

In the eighteenth module, you’ll create output. You’ll learn about plotting from the Model and Layout tabs, packaging with eTransmit, Batch Plotting (PUBLISH), outputting to different file formats, using Autodesk Design Review with a DWF file, and checking a reviewed DWF file in AutoCAD.

In the nineteenth module, you’ll draw management tools. You’ll learn about comparing drawings with DWG Compare, and using the Count functionality to check the number of objects in a drawing.

In the twentieth module, you’ll use collaboration tools. You’ll learn about working with cloud-based storage, saving and opening to and from AutoCAD web and mobile folders, and working with the AutoCAD web app.

Finally, you’ll learn about using the Traces palette to collaborate in AutoCAD web, using the Traces palette to collaborate in AutoCAD desktop, and sharing drawings with others from AutoCAD.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 20 modules. Each module involves about 25 minutes to 1 hour of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, practice exercises and quizzes.

Fun Facts

• Bryant is an Autodesk Certified Instructor in both AutoCAD and Revit Architecture with over 30 years of industry experience.
• He has been a director on the board of Autodesk User Group International (AUGI) and is also an Autodesk University Speaker Mentor and an AutoCAD Influencer.
• He is also an established singer/songwriter who enjoys rock ‘n’ roll!

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My second pick for the best AutoCAD online course is AutoCAD: Advanced 3D Modeling on LinkedIn Learning.

This short, project-based course is designed for advanced learners who want to learn techniques required to solve complex modeling challenges in AutoCAD. You’ll create each 3D component of an innovative bicycle model using advanced techniques that can be applied to other mechanical models as well. A one-month free trial is available.

What You’ll Learn

In the first module, you’ll set up your workspace. You’ll navigate in 3D space, configure 3D workspaces, configure options, and create layer and property filters for 3D modeling.

In the second module, you’ll model the bicycle frame. You’ll extrude and patch a surface, manipulate the user coordinate system, use Offset and regions to generate surfaces, sweep a profile along a curved path, and extrude and trim surfaces.

You’ll also revolve profiles, extrude a profile along a curved path, draft multiple cross sections, loft surfaces from cross sections, draw cross sections along a spline, and loft with the Path option.

In the third module, you’ll create the belt-tensioning mechanism. You’ll adjust a lofted object’s 3D form, sculpt a solid out of watertight surfaces, use Boolean operations on solid objects, model a dropout to be sandwiched between plates, model fasteners, adjust and trim the bottom triangle, and mirror the frame and belt-tensioning components.

In the fourth module, you’ll build the drivetrain components. You’ll position cross-sectional drawings relative to a model, remove unwanted volume with Subtract, combine surface and solid modeling, and configure sketches of sprockets.

You’ll also fillet edges and array sprocket components, create the drive belt as a solid object, duplicate and 3D rotate the sprocket, and revolve, extrude, and subtract objects.

In the fifth module, you’ll model the rear brakes. You’ll edit subobject and fillet edges, use region editing techniques, model fasteners that hold the rotor on the hub, use Boundary to generate a profile, and create disk brake calipers welded onto the frame.

In the sixth module, you’ll create the rear wheel. You’ll revolve profiles and manipulate layers

Sweep a spoke along a 3D path, and use Array and Mirror to fill the rim with spokes.

In the seventh module, you’ll make the power components. You’ll build the drive unit using Extrude and Loft, model the cranks using the solid tools and point filters, smooth a mesh object, tilt up and assemble extruded objects, and use 3D Align to align a pedal with crank.

In the eighth module, you’ll model the front end. You’ll loft cross sections to create a complex form, clean up 2D entities in preparation for 3D modeling, revolve boundaries to create surfaces, and copy components from the rear to front axle.

You’ll also model the front hub, sweep spokes along 3D paths, adjust the front axle, acorn nuts, and spacer, copy and reposition the front brake calipers, and copy the rim and tire to the front.

In the ninth module, you’ll create the handlebars. You’ll weld objects together with Fillet Edge, and extract isolines from surfaces to loft new surfaces.

In the tenth module, you’ll form the battery compartment. You’ll sculpt a NURBS surface using its CVs, and loft between NURBS surfaces.

In the eleventh module, you’ll make the seat. You’ll extrude and subtract regions, loft and revolve profiles, create a 3D path from the intersection of two extrusions, and rebuild NURBS surface to optimize its control vertices.

Finally, you’ll move CVs in multiple viewports, offset a surface and round its hard edges, and clean up and visualize the entire bicycle.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 11 modules. Each module involves about 20 to 50 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and practice exercises

Fun Facts

• Onstott is a technical and design software expert, courseware developer, author, and editor with over 25 years of professional experience.
• He looks after all stages from planning to recording, post-production, web design and knowledge assessment.
• He has written and co-authored 23 books, 14 of which are on software.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My third pick for the best AutoCAD online course is the free-to-audit course Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD for Design and Drafting Exam Prep, offered by Autodesk on Coursera.

The Autodesk Certified Professional: AutoCAD for Design and Drafting is Autodesk’s industry-recognized credential that demonstrates your proficiency in complex AutoCAD design skills. This course equips you with the skills required to qualify this examination. Once you complete this course, you’ll be better prepared to earn this certification.

What You’ll Learn

In week 1, You’ll learn to use polylines, arcs, splines, polygons, rays, xlines and multilines, select, isolate, hide and remove objects, manage layers, and control the User Coordinate System (UCS).

You’ll also work with multi-functional grips for editing, and learn about layouts, printing, outputs, annotation techniques, reusable content and drawing management.

In week 2, you’ll get an overview of layouts and outputting drawings. You’ll use the Page Setup Manager, work with viewports, create eTransmit packages, use annotation techniques, and work with revision clouds.

Finally, you’ll learn to work with multileaders and dimensions, and discover best practices for reusing content such as blocks and working with external reference and underlay files.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 2 weeks. Each week involves about 8 to 9 hours of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, readings and quizzes.

Fun Facts

• Autodesk is a global leader in design and technology, and is the maker of AutoCAD.
• Some of their many products include Revit, Civil 3D, Inventor, Fusion 360, and Maya.
• They also have a YouTube channel where they host free tutorials, demos and webinars of their products.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My fourth pick for the best AutoCAD online course is Autodesk AutoCAD Masterclass: The Ultimate Guide to AutoCAD on Skillshare.

If you’re a complete beginner who’s just getting started with AutoCAD, then you shouldn’t miss out on this course. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be familiar with the basics of AutoCAD and get started with your very own drawings. What’s more –  by joining this course, you’ll receive a 50% discount on the official AutoCAD certification exam!

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll get some tips about the interface and keyboard shortcuts, navigate around the interface, and learn about zooming and panning, selecting and erasing, setting units, snapping, and drawing lines, rectangles, circles, arcs, polygons and ellipses.

Next, you’ll be introduced to polylines, and learn about Pline and Pedit commands, exploding polylines, polar tracking, Copy command, Move command, Rotate command, Scale, Mirror command, command rhythm, dynamic input, properties, layers, and adding colors to layers.

Then, you’ll add linetypes and lineweight, and learn about fillet, Offset command, Trim and Extend commands, Break and Join commands, Stretch command, Explode command, Array command, blocks, storing and redefining, and drawings as symbols.

After that, you’ll explore text and fonts, single line text, multiline text, importing text, dimensions and styles, multi leaders, paper space, viewports, Page Setup Manager, text, dimensions and title block in paper space, hatching, Boundary command.

Finally, you’ll learn about the Xline command, templates, the Revision Cloud, wipeout, Quick Select, Xref overlay, layers and detach, printing and plotting, publishing, and take a look at the Autodesk Certified User Exam.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 91 lessons. Each lesson involves about 2 to 25 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and projects. Downloadable resources are also provided.

Fun Facts

• Gorgun is an award-winning filmmaker, photographer and motion designer who has been working in the film and TV industry both for over a decade.
• He is an Adobe Certified Expert, Video Specialist and Instructor, and also a Maxon Certified Cinema 4D Trainer.
• He has worked with renowned companies such as SKY, BBC, Sony Pictures, ITV, Google, Microsoft and more.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My fifth pick for the best AutoCAD online course is AutoCAD 3D Tutorial for Beginners, offered by CAD CAM Tutorials on YouTube.

This course focuses on building mechanical components in 3D using AutoCAD. You’ll learn commands commonly used in mechanical drawing, put them into practice using simple models, and create basic shapes in 3D. Furthermore, you’ll also learn how to model daily objects in 3D such as doors, windows, glasses, chairs and more.

What You’ll Learn

First, you’ll start with a basic introduction to 3D AutoCAD and a mechanical drawing tutorial about 1 hour long each. Then, you will learn the commands such as Revolve command, Sweep command, Loft command, and Helix and Spiral Curve command.

Other commands include Extrude command, Flatshot command, Fillet command, Shell command, Presspull command, Torus command, Wedge command, Pyramid command, Sphere command, Cylinder command, and Box command.

You’ll cover designs of 3D pipe, table woodworking, bolt with threads, door, objects modeling, window, bridge, wall, text, triaxial ellipsoid, and glass.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 57 videos. Each video involves about 5 to 15 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only.

Fun Facts

• CAD CAM Tutorials teaches AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, SketchUp, Fusion 360, Autodesk Inventor, Pro Engineer, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Electrical, and PowerMill.
• Their tutorials are aimed towards beginners, intermediate and advanced learners of mechanical, civil, architecture, interior, and electrical engineering
• They have over 420K subscribers on YouTube.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My sixth pick for the best AutoCAD online course is AutoCAD – Advanced 2D to 3D Course on Udemy.

In order to take this course, it’s expected that you already have a good working knowledge of AutoCAD in 2D. If not, you can take any of the beginner-level courses on this list first. This course will help you level up your AutoCAD skills by introducing you to its 3D concepts and commands by covering advanced 2D drawing methods first and moving up.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll use advanced selection tools and workflows, work with advanced viewport, work with control tools and techniques, create dynamic blocks, edit and refine a 2D model, and apply the extrude command.

You’ll also use boolean techniques, apply materials to 3D objects, add and set up cameras and lighting, place your model in a real-world location, set up and render your finished designs, and walk through your finished design.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 9 sections. Each section involves about 15 minutes to 1.5 hours of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only. Downloadable resources are also provided.

Fun Facts

• Freeman is a draughtsman and CAD designer with over 23 years of experience.
• He is also an Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting.
• He has a 4.6 instructor rating with 25K learners on Udemy.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My seventh pick for the best AutoCAD online course is the free course AutoCAD 2D and 3D practice drawings on Udemy.

If you’re already somewhat familiar with the basics of AutoCAD and looking for practice, then this is the course for you. This course will act as a supplemental material for practicing and polishing your already acquired AutoCAD skills, and by the end of this course, you’ll be able to make complex real-world 2D and 3D engineering drawings in AutoCAD.

What You’ll Learn

The course is divided into four sections:

• Section 1: 2D drawings
• Section 2: 3D drawings
• Section 3: Advanced 3D drawings
• Section 4: Project

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 7 sections. Each section involves about 40 minutes to 1.5 hours of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only. Downloadable resources are also provided.

Fun Facts

• Pandey is an Autodesk AutoCAD Certified Professional and Autodesk Expert Elite community member.
• He is also the published author of “Practical AutoCAD book” by Packt publication.
• He has worked with Zinc and aluminum die casting companies, design firms and educational institutions.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My eighth pick for the best AutoCAD online course is Autocad Tutorials – Full Beginners course, offered by CAD in black on YouTube.

This is the longest and most extensive course on this list for beginners willing to master AutoCAD. This course teaches everything you need to know in order to get started with AutoCAD, complete with tips and practice exercises. However, note that this course is primarily for building drawings including 2D plans and 3D models.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll start by learning the basics of AutoCAD, and then get an overview of the main commands: modify, dimensions, layer, text, print, annotative dimensions, hatch, array, extra modify, blocks, xrefs, pdf import, status bar, block attributes, tables, etc.

You’ll also explore the applications of more advanced commands such as how to convert to polyline and region (BPOLY command), combining multiple lines (group and block), loft command, and much more. Finally, you’ll also practice what you’ve learned with exercises and projects.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 79 videos. Each video involves about 15 to 20 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through video lectures only.

Fun Facts

• CAD in black provides tutorials for beginners in Autodesk Autocad,  Autodesk Revit, and SketchUp.
• They also have another YouTube channel in Spanish, CAD in black (ES).
• Combined, these two channels have over 242K subscribers on YouTube.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My ninth pick for the best AutoCAD online course is 3D Modeling Piped Systems in AutoCAD on Udemy.

Do you want to design piped systems for chemical plants and filtration systems but have never used AutoCAD before? Then this course will help you achieve that. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to design complex, piped systems in AutoACD from scratch, and also create 3D models of these systems to fabricate and assemble your system.

What You’ll Learn

In this course, you’ll learn to draw a piped system from scratch, model all types of fittings and components, create general assembly drawings, and create fabrication drawings

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 13 sections. Each section involves about 20 minutes to 2.5 hours of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos, readings and quizzes. Practice assignments are also included.

Fun Facts

• Lynn has an MBA and worked as a management consultant, but later on moved to engineering.
• He is proficient in full design, 3D modeling and drafting of assembly and fabrication drawings in AutoCAD and Inventor.
• He holds several NASM certifications and is also a motorcycle enthusiast!

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.

My first pick for the best AutoCAD online course is AutoCAD Map 3D 2022 Essential Training on LinkedIn Learning.

AutoCAD Map 3D toolset comes free with AutoCAD. So if you own AutoCAD, you have a GIS (geographic information system). AutoCAD’s Map 3D toolset makes your map data more visual and intelligent. This course shows you how to move from a simple AutoCAD drawing to an intelligent GIS and harness the power of GIS through AutoCAD.

What You’ll Learn

In the first module, you’ll add your own data attributes. You’ll create object data definitions, attach object data to AutoCAD objects, and modify object data.

In the second module, you’ll connect databases. You’ll connect to a database, and link the database to AutoCAD objects.

In the third module, you’ll use project drawings. You’ll attach source drawings, and perform location queries, property queries, object data queries and database queries.

In the fourth module, you’ll add and modify raster images.

In the fifth module, you’ll style AutoCAD objects. You’ll add drawing data in Display Manager, and style drawing data in Display Manager.

In the sixth module, you’ll import and export GIS data.

In the seventh module, you’ll connect to GIS data. You’ll connect to file-based vector data,  raster data, raster surfaces, ODBC points, use Autodesk Connector for ArcGIS, and add images using the WMTS service.

In the eighth module, you’ll stylize GIS data. You’ll stylize vector layers, use thematic vector layers, add scale dependence, filter vector layers, and stylize raster layers.

In the ninth module, you’ll edit GIS data. You’ll add using existing AutoCAD objects, load using existing AutoCAD objects, draw new features from scratch, and bulk copy between GIS data sources.

In the tenth module, you’ll analyze GIS data. You’ll perform GIS joins, buffer analysis, overlay analysis, and calculated properties.

In the eleventh module, you’ll merge and split GIS data.

In the twelfth module, you’ll use coordinate systems. You’ll assign coordinate systems, and reproject AutoCAD data and GIS data.

Finally, in the thirteenth module, you’ll publish map books. You’ll prepare a map book, and create and publish a map book.

How You’ll Learn

The course is broken down into 13 modules. Each module involves about 20 to 40 minutes of work. Concepts are taught through a combination of videos and practice exercises.

Fun Facts

• Luckett is a trainer, mentor, IT generalist, consultant, and CAD-GIS integration specialist.
• He specializes in several GIS applications such as ArcGIS Pro, AutoCAD Map 3D, Oracle Spatial/SQL Server, Geocortex, CityWorks, Autodesk Vault, and many more.

If you’re interested in this course, you can find more information about the course and how to enroll here.