AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software program. It was developed in 1982 and released by Autodesk. Before its release, all CAD projects were done on mainframes: AutoCAD was the first CAD program that worked on personal computers and revolutionized the way industries create. AutoCAD is now used by millions of users worldwide and over 140,000 companies.
What AutoCAD Can Do
AutoCAD is used to create 2D and 3D drawings and models, including electrical diagrams and construction drawings. Using AutoCAD for design provides the advantage of being able to identify weaknesses before starting to build. Its collaborative features, cloud storage, and accessible files make it easy for designers to share plans with their teams or for approval.
For example, a Fashion Designer can share a dress design created with AutoCAD for a coworker to modify. An AutoCAD Drafter can use AutoCAD to get feedback from an engineer while the design is still in progress.
You can save all AutoCAD projects in the cloud. AutoCAD has recently incorporated automation, collaboration, and machine learning features into the program. AutoCAD works with vector images in layers. It is compatible with other popular design programs, such as Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw.
AutoCAD Career Paths
While originally intended for engineering and architectural design, AutoCAD is now used in many industries. These include:
- Graphic design
- Fashion design
- Aerospace and aviation
- Construction and civil engineering
- Product design
- Project management
- City planning
- Dentistry
- Information technology (IT)
- Landscape architecture
- Computer hardware design
- Industrial design
AutoCAD is considered the industry standard in many of these industries. It includes specialized toolsets for different industries which provide a 63% increase in productivity:
- Architecture
- Map 3D
- Electrical
- Raster Design
- Mechanical
- Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP)
- Plant 3D (piping and instrumentation)
AutoCAD skills are in high demand: it is considered important for a career in architecture, engineering, and some kinds of fashion design. An entry-level AutoCAD drafter makes an average salary of $50,000 per year.
One of the main career paths requiring AutoCAD training is drafting. Drafters use AutoCAD to create 2D and 3D designs, typically for construction purposes. For example, a Drafter uses AutoCAD to transform architectural designs into functional technical plans. Drafting jobs require training in design and math in addition to AutoCAD and specialized industry knowledge. However, they are skills-based and typically don’t always call for a 4-year degree. Some people go to a technical or career school instead.
Here are some of the career paths available to people with AutoCAD training:
Civil Architectural Drafter
This person manages and creates the civil engineering part of an architectural project. A Civil Architectural Drafter uses AutoCAD to create drawings of structures and installations. They work closely with a civil engineer and will probably be asked to visit the job site to see the progress of your designs. The average salary for an Architectural Drafter is $54,000 a year, with “the top 83% making $77,450.”
Mechanical Drafter
Mechanical Drafters design layouts for machinery and mechanical tools. For example, a mechanical drafter might design medical equipment or farming equipment. Mechanical Drafters also often design production molds. The average annual salary for a Mechanical Drafter is $64,000.
Electrical Drafter
An Electrical Drafter designs electrical systems. This career path can be seen as adjacent to that of an Electrical Engineer and requires detailed knowledge of electrical circuit design, construction, and use. Some of the things Electrical Drafters design might include computers, buildings, and anything that requires electrical wiring. The average salary for an Electrical Drafter is $54,000 a year.
Fashion Designer
A slightly different career path that one could pursue with AutoCAD training is a Fashion Designer. Fashion Designers use AutoCAD to create fashion sketches, flat drawings, print designs, and pattern making. CAD is universal in fashion and textile designing and offers many advantages over traditional sketching by hand. For example, AutoCAD allows designers to easily test colors, patterns, and textures.
Fashion design is one of the more lucrative careers requiring AutoCAD with an average salary of $76,000 a year and the top 25% of Fashion Designers make over $101,000 per year.
Learn AutoCAD at NYIM
NYIM is a design, coding, and business school with a state-of-the-art campus in Midtown Manhattan. They also offer all of their courses live online. All of NYIM’s courses are taught by instructors who are experts in their field. NYIM takes a unique approach: their instructors introduce a topic through a “micro-lecture,” then guide students through applying the information through hands-on, real-world projects.
NYIM offers several options for learning AutoCAD.
The Intro to AutoCAD workshop introduces basic drawing techniques. If you’d like a more in-depth introduction to AutoCAD, NYIM also offers a more comprehensive Beginner AutoCAD. This course teaches basic drawing techniques, using layers, advanced object types, advanced editing, using Blocks, creating layouts, adding text and dimensions, and annotating your drawings.
Graduates of Beginner AutoCAD are eligible to take NYIM’s Intermediate AutoCAD course. Students are guided through hands-on AutoCAD projects and develop skills in advanced techniques in layering, working with external references, using advanced interface techniques, creating and editing blocks, and working with data tables.
NYIM also has an Advanced AutoCAD course. This course teaches advanced AutoCAD techniques through hands-on projects, including advanced text objects, advanced annotation, dynamic and advanced blocks, publishing, collaborative tools, layer management, customization, and macros.
Students who plan to take both Beginner AutoCAD and Intermediate AutoCAD can take NYIM’s AutoCAD Bootcamp, combining the training in both courses for a 10% discount. NYIM also offers a 3D Modeling in AutoCAD class which trains students on the fundamentals of using AutoCAD for 3D modeling. This course is currently offered in private training sessions and the topics covered vary based on the trainee's experience.