AutoCAD

**CivilWars** · 05-09-12, 02:34 PM

I know we have several engineers here, so hopefully some of you can help me out. I just want to know how much of a learning curve there is for AutoCAD. I know it is not the same as other programs, but I have a pretty good grasp on most software packages like Office, and I am pretty good about teaching myself stuff using Google. I just wondered if AutoCAD is something you can learn on your own, or if you really have to take classes?

**RhysJD3** · 05-09-12, 06:33 PM

I think it partly depends on what you plan on doing with it. It's probably more important to have the classes for what your using it for than the actual Autocad application. It's a tool like anything else. The tool won't make up for not knowing design/Architectural basics. However, someone who does it should really answer you.

**DJ Ms. White** · 05-09-12, 06:37 PM

I know for the program I used that it was certainly needed, but there weren't too many good tutorials online for it. There might be more for autocad. What exactly do you plan on doing?

**DonVitoJr** · 05-09-12, 06:42 PM

Its not that hard, you just need to know the terminology of a drafter to use AutoCAD. Other than that, its pretty self explanatory with the new AutoCAD 2012 and its simple menu ribbon.

**Alundil** · 05-09-12, 06:45 PM

They have a mobile client as well. Several I believe on the autodesk website.

Sent via highly charged bolt of electricity.

**Warprosper** · 05-09-12, 06:47 PM

just like any software, training is going to accelerate your curve pretty damn fast.

**JimboIncinerator** · 05-09-12, 06:55 PM

I have used the software professionially for over 10 years. If you are a smart and logical personal as I believe you are, then you will have no problems. It does take many years to master because it is a very powerful tool, but for simple things its easy to learn.

**CivilWars** · 05-09-12, 07:15 PM

I work for a company that works for a cellular provider. I wouldn't be doing full construction drawings for the sites, at least not in the beginning, but I would like to be able to take existing drawings and add/remove/move items that are already there.

**Kanati** · 05-09-12, 07:20 PM

I would imagine some talent in the 3D field would help a lot as well. I can draw anything I can see. But no matter how much I fuck with 3D modeling packages I can't get the hang of it.

So I'm betting your mileage will vary greatly.

**flame** · 05-09-12, 10:40 PM

Modifying an existing drawing is much simpler than starting from scratch. All the settings and such have been setup and from there its drag, click, snap, manual entry etc. The hardest part for me has always been getting everything setup. Typically most people use templates for various projects so you set it and forget it. The rest is just drawing. I did shop drawings for 5 years and its fairly easy. I learned the basics in school and figured out other tools and settings as I went along. Like many softwares out there today, you may only use 10% of its actual ability in your everyday use.