Learning AutoCAD 2026

Course details

In this course, Autodesk Certified Instructor Shaun Bryant shows you the basics of the AutoCAD user interface and leads you step by step through learning how to draw the kind of precise, measured 2D drawings that form the basis of design communication the world over. Explore the AutoCAD interface and learn how to draw simple geometry. Find out how to annotate simple designs and communicate your design intent. Plus, get practical advice on applying AutoCAD basics to your own drawings.

Learning objectives
Explore the key features of the new AutoCAD 2026 interface.
Learn key navigation tools such as Zoom and Pan to efficiently move around AutoCAD drawings.
Utilize OSNAP, AUTOSNAP, POLAR, and ORTHO modes to ensure accuracy while drafting in AutoCAD.
Create basic geometric shapes like lines, arcs, circles, polylines, polygons, and splines to build foundational elements in drawings.
Apply text and dimension styles to add clear and precise annotations to AutoCAD drawings.
Develop a simple title block and effectively manage scaling in viewports using annotative scaling techniques.
Set up page layouts and configurations for printing and plotting, ensuring drawings are prepared accurately for output.
Integrate AutoCAD Web and Mobile platforms with your desktop version to enhance flexibility and accessibility in your workflow.

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - An introduction to Learning AutoCAD 2026
02 - What you should know before watching this course
03 - Using the exercise files supplied with this course
04 - Working with the new AutoCAD 2026 interface

1. The AutoCAD Interface

05 - Using the Application Menu and Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) in AutoCAD
06 - Working with the AutoCAD ribbon and panels
07 - Using dialog boxes and palettes in AutoCAD
08 - Using the AutoCAD status bar
09 - Using AutoCAD Web and Mobile with your AutoCAD desktop
10 - Challenge - Docking the Layer Properties Manager and setting the auto-hide property
11 - Solution - Docking the Layer Properties Manager and setting the auto-hide property

2. Drawing Simple Geometry

12 - Using zoom and pan to navigate in your AutoCAD drawings
13 - Utilizing OSNAP and AUTOSNAP for accurate drafting in AutoCAD
14 - Utilizing POLAR and ORTHO for accurate drafting in AutoCAD
15 - Creating lines, arcs, and circles in AutoCAD
16 - Creating polylines, polygons, and splines in AutoCAD
17 - Challenge - Generating a polyline with an arc segment and a circular insert
18 - Solution - Generating a polyline with an arc segment and a circular insert

3. Annotating Simple Designs

19 - Working with text styles in AutoCAD
20 - Creating single line text (TEXT) and multiline text (MTEXT) in AutoCAD
21 - Creating effective dimension styles in AutoCAD
22 - Placing precise dimensions in your AutoCAD drawings
23 - Adding simple leaders (QLEADER) to an AutoCAD drawing
24 - Challenge - Making your dimension style text smaller to look more appropriate in your drawing
25 - Solution - Making your dimension style text smaller to look more appropriate in your drawing

4. Communicating Your Design Intent

26 - Creating a simple title block for your AutoCAD drawings
27 - Scaling viewports in your AutoCAD drawings
28 - Using annotative scaling in AutoCAD
29 - Defining your page setup in your AutoCAD drawing
30 - Printing and plotting your AutoCAD drawings
31 - Challenge - Setting multiple annotation scales to display annotation in multiple viewports
32 - Solution - Setting multiple annotation scales to display annotation in multiple viewports

Conclusion

33 - Applying AutoCAD basics to your drawings