AutoCAD is essential for any professionals working in the architecture, engineering, and design industries. A strong technical foundation in the software allows users to create detailed and precise 2D drawings and 3D models for documentation and presentation purposes. Those who master AutoCAD have significantly more efficient workflows which result in more varied opportunities for career growth.

But learning to be an expert in AutoCAD is easier said than done. What’s more is that exploring the numerous options for online AutoCAD courses can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to look. To help beginners, intermediate users, and experts alike, we’ve curated a list of the top AutoCAD courses available online.

Beginner Courses

1. AutoCAD Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning) [🔗]

This LinkedIn Learning course was designed for absolute beginners of the program. It provides a solid and comprehensive foundation for learning AutoCAD. The course covers core drafting concepts such as the creation of CAD drawings as well as the editing of existing ones, effectively utilizing layers and blocks for efficient project organization, and the use of dimension and annotation tools to label and communicate project details correctly. This online course is a great starting point for anyone looking to learn AutoCAD from scratch; it equips students with the necessary skills needed to start navigating the software with confidence.

Price: Varies with LinkedIn Learning subscription ($26-$42 a month, with a 1-month free trial)

Duration: Approximately 15 hours

2. AutoCAD - Complete course for beginners (YouTube)

This fantastic YouTube course by “CAD in Black” caters to complete beginners, offering a comprehensive introduction to AutoCAD at no cost. These videos talk about the basics of AutoCAD’s drawing tools, modifying objects in drawing files, annotations, and dimensions, as well as the process of plotting and printing your digital drawings. Even though it’s a free YouTube video series, the structure is well thought-out and organized. As a whole, it’s one of the best, low-risk ways to test the waters as an AutoCAD beginner.

Price: Free

Duration: Approximately 4 hours

3. The AutoCAD 2023 MasterClass (Udemy) [🔗]

Most top Udemy courses are known for their hands-on approach to teaching, and this AutoCAD series is no different. Students of this course can get straight into drafting real-world design projects while also learning the essential skills of AutoCAD. Among the topics covered are creating 2D geometry, editing drafted objects with precision, and the use of AutoCAD layouts to create clear technical drawings. Project-based learning such as this are arguably the most effective ways to learn a program fast.

Price: $16 but varies depending on Udemy sales

Duration: Approximately 12 hours

4. AutoCAD Basics for Beginners (Pluralsight) [🔗]

Pluralsight is a relatively niche learning platform that nonetheless has amazing classes and courses available. AutoCAD Basics for Beginners by Pluralsight offers a comprehensive introduction to the course and AutoCAD in general and then proceeds to take students through the meticulous coverage of the software’s interface, drafting and editing techniques, and object annotations. All-in-all, it promises students a solid foundation of AutoCAD expertise at the end of the course, in preparation for more advanced mastery of the program afterward.

Price: $105-$159 per year for Pluralsight, with a 10-day free trial

Duration: Approximately 4 hours

Intermediate Courses

5. Introduction to CAD, CAM, and Practical CNC Machining (Coursera) [🔗]

Coursera frequently features software courses sponsored and developed by the program developers themselves. In this case, Autodesk, the company behind AutoCAD, released several AutoCAD Coursera courses that seek to elevate users' skills to a more professional level. This particular course covers intermediate-level drafting techniques, specifically delving into incorporating external data and references for seamless project integration between different Autodesk programs and typical CAD/CAM/CNC software. This course is perfect for users looking to specialize in these types of projects using AutoCAD.

Price: Varies depending on Coursera subscription (Free as of time of writing)

Duration: Approximately 19 hours

6. Drawings and 3D Modeling using AutoCAD Architecture (Skillshare) [🔗]

Although mostly known for its 2D drafting capabilities, AutoCAD also has a fairly robust 3D modeling aspect that few people choose to explore. This particular Skillshare course covers exactly that and teaches students how to create solid 3D models through the manipulation of planes and meshes. It also covers how to apply materials to these models to create visually impactful renders. It literally adds a new dimension to any student’s digital drafting skills on AutoCAD.

Price: $168 a year Skillshare subscription

Duration: Approximately 27 hours

7. Learn Autodesk AutoCAD 2D & 3D from Basic to Professional (Udemy) [🔗]

Continuing on with learning the 3D tools of AutoCAD, this comprehensive AutoCAD course from Udemy is structured to give students a well-rounded understanding of both the 2D and 3D capabilities of AutoCAD. It discusses advanced drafting and modeling techniques to streamline student workflows, focusing especially on the 3D modeling aspect of AutoCAD. It’s also one of the few courses out there that actually covers both 2D and 3D modeling on AutoCAD.

Price: $14

Duration: Approximately 8 hours

Advanced Courses

8. Dynamo 2.x Essential Training for CAD Workflows (LinkedIn Learning) [🔗]

This advanced course from LinkedIn Learning covers a relatively new product from Autodesk called Dynamo. Dynamo is a visual programming tool that automates repetitive tasks and optimizes workflows within Autodesk products. This course holds particular value for those with workflows that involve using AutoCAD in conjunction with other Autodesk Building Information Modeling (BIM) programs, streamlining the process and enhancing collaboration. 

Price: Varies with LinkedIn Learning subscription ($26-$42 a month, with a 1-month free trial)

Duration: Approximately 5 hours

9. Learn AutoCAD API with C# (Udemy) [🔗]

For more tech-savvy users of AutoCAD who want to take their mastery of the program to the highest level, Udemy offers an AutoCAD API course using the C# programming language. The videos cover the creation of custom tools and functionalities using Python or Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). Utilizing these tools for AutoCAD to perfectly align specific workflow needs helps users automate repetitive tasks, streamline tedious processes, and extend AutoCAD's capabilities to match your unique design vision.

Price: $16

Duration: Approximately 18 hours

10. NURBS for Organic 3D Modeling in AutoCAD (Pluralsight) [🔗]

Pluralsight has some comprehensive advanced classes for those looking to master AutoCAD. This particular course teaches users how to utilize Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines, NURBS for short, to create complex 3D models on AutoCAD. This opens the opportunity for more organic and even parametric shapes and is perfect for users looking to achieve more intricate designs on AutoCAD.

Price: $29 a month for Pluralsight subscription, 10-day free trial

Duration: Approximately 2 hours

Choosing the Right Course

The best AutoCAD courses for you are those that specifically cater to both your current skill level and the career goals you have in mind for the immediate future. While the online courses covered above provide a great starting point regardless of where you are at in your AutoCAD journey, it’s important to remember the following  factors when making your final choice:

• Learning Style: Do you prefer video lectures, interactive exercises, or a mix of both? Is practical learning more suited to you or are you more of a visual learner?

• Project Focus: Are you interested in architectural, mechanical, or civil design applications? Would you be more interested in fully-digital models, will you be looking to 3D print your creations? Some courses may cater to specific industries.

• Budget: Course prices can vary depending on the platform and subscription options. Consider what you have in your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in upskilling.

• Reviews and Ratings: Read reviews from past students to get insights into the course quality and instructor expertise. You can go further and look into forums to see what people have to say about the courses.

Analyze your needs and your limitations and consider alternative options such as cloud computers like Vagon to alleviate those limitations and to figure out the best courses for you. By carefully considering the factors mentioned above, you can select a course that effectively bridges your knowledge gap and propels you forward in your career.