AutoCAD: technical drawing like a professional

Most people who work in technology will at least have heard of it: AutoCAD, the program for professional technical designers. CAD stands for Computer Aided Design, or: technical design and drawing with computer support. The software was once developed for military purposes in America, but has now been available for almost 40 years as a commercial product for both individuals and business customers. A look at AutoCAD, with explanation from AutoCAD trainer Harold Weistra from CADdesign.

Renowned

AutoCAD is not the only available CAD program, but probably the most famous and also the most renowned. This is not only because it has been around for a long time, but of course also because of the excellent quality, many updates and extensive possibilities. Over the decades it has become the software package for designs and technical drawings in the field of architecture, spatial planning, mechanical engineering and much more. AutoCAD is therefore also demonstrably widely applicable in many different branches.

"AutoCAD is an extra tool to do your work differently or to supplement it," says Harold Weistra, AutoCAD course leader and writer of the Dutch-language AutoCAD textbook Basic course AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, of which 25,000 copies have been sold. "To start with AutoCAD, you only need two things: being able to read your own professional knowledge and a technical drawing."

Technical drawing can be more convenient and faster with AutoCAD

Up to date

One of the most important strengths of AutoCAD is the fixed annual update. As a user of the program you have been sure for years that a new edition of the program will be published every March, with new possibilities and faster operation. So you are never bound for years to a product that you see slowly aging, eagerly awaiting a long-awaited update. With AutoCAD you always have a new, fresh piece of software.

CADdesign has been providing CAD training for 20 years. "In addition to a basic course, we also offer an advanced course," Weistra explains. “We will continue to dive into the practical situation. Keeping up-to-date is important, because the software and the activities can change. This way you learn to use AutoCAD more efficiently and to avoid duplication of work. ”

Options versus simplicity

The amazing number of options and options that AutoCAD offers is a major plus, but it also scares off potential users. AutoCAD has been known for years to include new options for every new edition. It should be noted that this mainly applies to the Windows edition. The iOS version of the program is significantly more limited in its capabilities. Many iOS users who want to use AutoCAD per se, first install Windows on their Apple device.

Such an abundance of options for software often means that the complexity increases enormously. This is where AutoCAD stands out. “The use of AutoCAD is great to learn within a few days through a simple one basic course AutoCAD. As with many advanced software you do need instructions and explanations before you can get started, but after a few hours of training you will find that the program is surprisingly accessible, "says Weistra enthusiastically. "Unique in the world of technical design software."

Why try AutoCAD?

Like most professional software, a license for AutoCAD is not cheap. So why should you invest in this as an entrepreneur? If you are active in a sector that has to do with technology, design or spatial planning, at least trying AutoCAD is a no-brainer. Whether you design furniture, lay out gardens or build electrical machines, AutoCAD has also produced different versions of the product for different purposes. In many of those versions you can build your designs in 3D, so you can create a perfect image of your designs. From rough sketch to detailed technical drawing; AutoCAD helps you from start to finish and brings your product to life.

“With an introduction AutoCAD Course from four days you learn all basic skills step by step, "says Weistra. “I explain to you things such as screen layout, drawing commands, shading and templates with a lot of pleasure and personal attention. In small groups with practical examples. After that you are guaranteed to work independently with AutoCAD in your company. "You also receive a certificate of participation at the end of the training:" That is an officially and internationally recognized Certification of Completion, but you are not with that yet Certified User or Professional. For that you have to take an English exam, they are the same worldwide. CADdesign is one of the few training centers in the Netherlands authorized to take these exams. ”