Over the years, CAD drawing (computer-aided design) has really changed the way technical designs are shared across industries. But is CAD drawing difficult to learn?
I can say that this is a fair question. And yes, it can seem a bit intimidating at first, especially when you’re faced with a wide range of tools and commands. However, the benefits for those in construction and design-related fields are huge. From making things more productive to making communication easier, CAD has lots of great, proven uses.
That’s why we get how tricky CAD learning can be, as it’s going to shape the future of how tech solutions are visualised and communicated.
Who Uses CAD Drawing?
CAD drawings are used across a whole range of disciplines. In particular, design engineers and mechanical engineers rely on CAD drawings. These people need to be familiar with the ins and outs of CAD and other drawing methods, like orthographic projections and line types.
Many industries, like automotive, aerospace, and consumer products, use CAD to connect theoretical knowledge with practical manufacturing applications.
CAD is also used by architects to create building plans, engineers to design machinery and products, and construction professionals to draft detailed blueprints for projects.
Even those working in fashion or product design use CAD software to get a feel for their creations and make any tweaks.
More than that, Brink et al., (2023) found the technology educators in lower secondary schools in Sweden see CAD as a key tool for teaching communication, problem-solving, and digital skills. First-year engineering students also use CAD tools like Energy3D to learn design thinking in a project-based learning environment.
How Difficult Is It to Learn CAD Drawing?
It’s fair to say learning CAD drawing can be tricky. But please remember, learning CAD is definitely not impossible for everyone.
Some people find that CAD drawing comes naturally to them. They might have a talent for visualising objects in three dimensions and enjoy working with computers. Some people may find it more challenging to learn. If you’re not comfortable with computers or find it tricky to think in three dimensions, you might need to put in a bit more effort to learn CAD drawing.
As Brink et al. explains, the learning experience involves getting to grips with lots of different skills, from using software commands to designing and visualising complex models. A lot of students and teachers find it tough going with the traditional way of learning CAD, which is all about learning commands rather than understanding strategic modelling practices.
The study also showed that while students might initially find it tricky to grasp the commands. Providing them with the right support and focusing on problem-solving skills can help them progress from being beginners to becoming confident designers.
From the industry’s point of view, as Garland et al., (2017) point out, employers want graduates to not only know the basics of CAD commands but also understand concepts like geometric tolerancing and assembly kinematics.
If you’re a beginner, it can be tough to balance the complexity of CAD commands with the design intent, especially when you’re working on tasks that require intricate tolerances or system functionality.
So, is CAD drawing difficult to learn? It really depends on how you learn CAD in the first place. So, the next big question is: What are the best ways to learn CAD drawing?
Best Ways to Learn CAD Drawing
Some people find it helpful to learn CAD drawing by themselves using online tutorials and resources. Fortunately, you can easily find free resources on website forums like Reddit, such as BillieRuben’s flowchart and Morphfiend’s guide, which are a good places to start. There are also free CAD software like SelfCAD and FreeCAD.
Learning CAD through workshops or other formal classes can be an effective way. Especially if you tend to learn best in a more structured environment. This way of learning consists of a curriculum that is tailored for beginners and, generally, is provided in one package. So it will be very practical.
Interscale’s CAD training program could be one of the best option for you. This program focuses on providing training in the most popular CAD software such as AutoCAD. Interscale offers CAD training for all levels, from beginners to experts.
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At the end, regardless of your learning method, the key strategic way to learn CAD is to understand three types of knowledge: Declarative, procedural, and strategic.
Declarative knowledge is about understanding the software’s commands and algorithms. Procedural knowledge is about using those commands effectively, while strategic knowledge is about applying these skills to solve design problems and make informed design decisions.
In addition, educators like Brink et al. (2023) suggest combining digital modelling with physical prototyping to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world applications. That way, you can get optimal learning results.
5 Best CAD Software for Beginners
Let’s take a look at some of the software lists flagged on Reddit forums. At least we can be sure we’re getting honest reviews and we’re free from excessive promotional activity. So, here are five of the most highly rated CAD software options for beginners.
TinkerCAD
TinkerCAD is a great choice for beginners because it’s so simple to use. People say it’s a great way to get to grips with the basics of 3D modelling without getting bogged down in the more complex features of more advanced software.
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a more feature-rich tool that’s appreciated for striking a balance between complexity and ease of use. People on Reddit say it’s ideal for learners who want to progress from TinkerCAD’s simplicity but don’t want to be overwhelmed.
FreeCAD
If you’re a learner who’s comfortable with coding and looking for a platform with lots of customisation options, FreeCAD is a great choice. It does take a bit of a learning curve, but it’s worth it once you get the hang of it.
Onshape
Onshape is another great option for beginners, especially if you don’t mind sharing your designs with others. It’s also got great cloud-based functionality, so you can access it from any device.
SketchUp
SketchUp is still a popular choice because it’s easy to use and simple to learn. It’s a popular choice for beginners looking to create architectural designs and visualisations.
In Closing
CAD drawing is a constantly evolving field where you can learn new things all the time and feel good about seeing your digital designs come to life in the real world.
The road to learning CAD drawing might have a few hurdles along the way, but with the right resources, dedication, and a dash of passion for design, it’s an achievable goal for anyone.
So, is CAD drawing difficult to learn? It depends on you. With the right approach and a bit of practice, anyone can get to grips with CAD and use it to make a real impact on the future of design.
FAQ about learning CAD drawing for beginners
Can CAD Be Self-Taught?
You can definitely learn CAD on your own. Lots of professionals have done it this way, using online resources, tutorials, and hands-on practice. As Taleyarkhan et al., (2018) point out, self-learning works best when combined with a project-based approach that encourages experimentation and iteration.
Do You Need to be Good at Math for CAD?
While a basic grasp of geometry and spatial reasoning is useful for CAD drawing, you don’t really need to be an advanced mathematician, especially when it comes to beginner-level CAD applications. Also, please note many CAD software tools can do complex calculations for you, so you can just focus on the design.
Do You Need to Be Good at Drawing to Use CAD?
You don’t have to be good at manual drawing to learn CAD. In fact, CAD can be a great tool for those who find traditional drawing tricky but have a good eye for spatial visualisation.
CAD software lets users make precise designs using digital tools. So, it’s no longer about freehand drawing skills, but understanding design concepts and being comfortable with the software’s commands.
How Long Does CAD Take to Learn?
How long it takes to learn CAD depends a lot on what you already know and how complicated the software is. You can get to grips with user-friendly CAD software in a few weeks or months, but it can take several months or even years to master the more advanced techniques and complex software.
References:
- Brink, H., Kilbrink, N., & Gericke, N. (2023). Teach to use CAD or through using CAD: An interview study with technology teachers. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 33, 957-979.
- Garland, N., Glithro, R., & Wade, R. (2017, September 7-8). The challenges facing education in engineering drawing practice. International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Norway.
- Taleyarkhan, M., Dasgupta, C., Mendoza Garcia, J., & Magana, A. J. (2018). Investigating the impact of using a CAD simulation tool on students’ learning of design thinking. Journal of Science Education and Technology.
