Introduction
AutoCAD is a Computer Aided Design (CAD) program used by just about every Engineering and Design office in the world. Although there are alternative CAD packages, AutoCAD is by far the most widely used system. Autodesk's AutoCAD is the industry leader in CAD packages. Used by Civil Engineers, Architects, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, Aeronautical Engineers plus many other disciplines.

There have been several versions of Autocad over the years, with each new version introducing new and more powerful features than its predecessor. The latest version of AutoCAD (at the time of writing) is Autocad 2005. Any courses, whether through community colleges or online universities, that are related to Engineering or Architecture should be considered incomplete if they do not introduce students to Autocad.

Accurate, scale drawings can be created and published using AutoCADs powerful features. 3D 'models' can also be created giving the designer absolute control over the design from start to finish. The computerised model can be viewed through a 360º angle, and even 'rendered' with a texture on screen to give an idea of the finished product.

A 3D model of a component created by Autocad with a rendered view of the model to the top right).

As with most new skills, you have to learn to walk before you can run! The drawing shown above will have been created by an experienced AutoCAD user with many years experience behind him.

The purpose of the basic tutorials contained within this site are to give you a sound understanding of the basics of AutoCAD.

Enough of the background, lets get on to the interesting stuff!