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/5 min read

What to Learn After AutoCAD

Where AutoCAD Skills Lead Next

Revit

BIM authoring tool — the obvious next step for architecture and MEP drafters.

Civil 3D

Site, surface, and infrastructure design — an AutoCAD vertical with high demand.

AutoLISP / Customization

Custom commands and scripts — pays back fast in any production-drafting role.

SolidWorks or Inventor

Mechanical-design routes for AutoCAD users heading toward manufacturing.

Master AutoCAD at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop's AutoCAD Certification covers 2D drafting, 3D modeling, layers, blocks, dimensioning, and the production-drawing workflow firms hire for.

AutoCAD is a crucial tool used in multiple industries, which creates a vast range of career opportunities for those adept with the software. Depending on the chosen career path, additional software knowledge may be necessary, implying that learning AutoCAD creates a solid foundation for mastering other design software.

Key Insights

  • AutoCAD, the premier computer-aided design software, is used across numerous industries, making it a critical skill for several professions like Drafter, Interior Designer, and Landscape Architect.
  • Learning AutoCAD equips one with robust foundational skills, facilitating the mastering of other design software as per career requirements.
  • AutoCAD is the industry standard for CAD and drafting, enabling the creation, editing, and collaboration of precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, electrical diagrams, construction drawings, and interior designs.
  • Noble Desktop offers a range of AutoCAD classes for learners at all levels, providing hands-on training from industry experts with an option of a free retake within a year.
  • AutoCAD knowledge can be supplemented with software like SketchUp, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, and Adobe InDesign, depending on job requirements in design fields.
  • Additional software skills in the resume can make one more desirable to potential employers, possibly leading to increased salary and promotion opportunities.

AutoCAD is the premier computer-aided design software used by millions of professionals worldwide. This powerful program creates precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, electrical diagrams, construction drawings, and more. Because AutoCAD is a vital tool used in multiple industries, what you choose to learn next depends on which career path you follow. For example, jobs like Drafter, Interior Designer, and Landscape Architect all require AutoCAD skills, but you may need additional software knowledge to land these positions. The good news is that after learning AutoCAD, you’ll have a solid foundation to master any other design software. So, keep reading to explore which skills you may want to tackle next.

What is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is the most widely-used computer-aided design (CAD) software worldwide. It is used to create architectural, construction, and engineering blueprints, schematics, and models. Released by Autodesk in 1982, AutoCAD makes 2D and 3D designing more efficient. As a result, millions of professionals across several industries rely daily on this powerful, collaborative software.

AutoCAD is available for download at Autodesk’s website, where you can purchase a subscription to keep up with the latest software versions. There are several ways to learn AutoCAD, as there are a variety of self-paced, virtual, and in-person classes and tutorials available. While there are other comparable CAD programs on the market, AutoCAD is known as the industry standard, and it is a valuable skill to add to your resume.

Read more about what AutoCAD is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with AutoCAD?

The industry-standard software for CAD and drafting, AutoCAD enables users to create, edit, and collaborate across desktop, web, and mobile devices. With AutoCAD, you can produce precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, electrical diagrams, construction drawings, interior designs, and more.

AutoCAD is a versatile software featuring many industry-specific tools and features. It makes the design process easier through its many automation and customization tools. AutoCAD is a popular and vital tool for professionals in many industries, including interior design, project management, machining, manufacturing, architectural design, and engineering. The software allows team members to share and collaborate seamlessly on projects across their devices from anywhere.

SketchUp

SketchUp is a popular 3D modeling-based computer application used to create 3D objects in a 2D environment. SketchUp is popular in furniture building, video game creation, 3D printing, and interior design. So while you may need AutoCAD skills to design the layout of a building, SketchUp skills might be necessary to draw certain parts of the structure. Although SketchUp is less expensive and easier to learn than AutoCAD, it does not have the same powerful tools and features.

Adobe Creative Cloud Design Applications

Many jobs that require AutoCAD skills may also expect proficiency in additional design software. And, even if you aren’t quite sure where your career path will take you, it never hurts to learn more skills. Other popular design applications to consider learning are Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, and Adobe InDesign. While these programs are not exactly the same type of software as AutoCAD and SketchUp, many jobs in the design fields may require knowledge of these applications. And remember, adding skills to your resume can only make you more desirable to potential employers and help increase your salary and promotion opportunities for the future.

Learn AutoCAD with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers a variety of AutoCAD classes for learners at all levels. Whether you take an online course from home or attend an in-person class at Noble’s Manhattan campus, you’ll get up-to-the-minute hands-on training from leading industry experts. In addition, Noble’s courses are taught in small groups and include an optional free retake for students within a year.

Noble’s AutoCAD Level 1 course for beginners provides an overview of all the basics, like printing and plotting layouts and sheets, working between model and paper space, and scaling drawings through viewports. AutoCAD Level 2 builds upon the fundamentals and teaches you how to create more technical and advanced projects.

Noble’s AutoCAD Bootcamp combines all topics from Levels 1 and 2 for a comprehensive overview of everything you’ll need to master the software. In addition, you’ll learn how to create drawings that you can use to build real-world objects and get valuable feedback from instructors in real time, whether you participate virtually or in-person.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in design, drafting, or engineering, you may want to consider earning an AutoCAD Professional Certification. This certification is industry-recognized and can help accelerate your career opportunities. Autodesk offers specialized AutoCAD certifications in architecture, engineering, construction, product design, and manufacturing. Noble’s AutoCAD courses are a great way to prepare for these prestigious certifications.