Guided project — Drafting a complete project — from the 2D plan to the PDF sheet
- Goal: complete an AutoCAD project from start to finish (a floor plan, a mechanical part or a layout design) by applying each level — from drafting to the printable sheet.
- Materials: the AutoCAD quick reference below (essential commands and aliases) to keep at hand.
- Method: one step per level. Draw at 1:1 in model space, set up the layout in paper space, export to PDF.
⬇️ Download the AutoCAD quick reference (TXT)
Step 0 · Level 0 — Getting started (L0)
Install/open AutoCAD, identify the interface (ribbon, command line, Model/Layout), and practice navigating (zoom, pan, zoom extents) using the keyboard.
Step 1 · Level 1 — Drafting in 2D (L1)
Draw the geometry at correct dimensions (relative/polar coordinates), with snaps and Ortho; edit (Offset, Copy, Mirror, Arrays) and clean up (Trim, Fillet).
Step 2 · Level 2 — Structuring and annotating (L2)
Organize the drawing into standardized layers, create/insert blocks, add text and material hatches, then dimension using a standardized dimension style.
Step 3 · Level 3 — Page setup (L3)
Create a layout with viewport(s) at exact scale (locked) and a title block, configure page setup (CTB/STB) and export to PDF. Bonus: DWT template + Xref.
Step 4 · Level 4 — Going further (L4)
Depending on the project, add an expert component: a 3D volume (extrusion/booleans) and its 2D views, parametric geometry, or automation (aliases/CUI/LISP).
Step 5 · Level 5 — Specializing (L5)
Explore the toolset for your profession (Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical or Map 3D) on a project element, and position the ACP certification in your learning path.
Success criteria
- Precise 2D drafting (coordinates, snaps), clean (tidied up) and at correct dimensions.
- Organized into standardized layers, reusable blocks, annotations and dimensioning conforming to a standard.
- Layout page setup: locked-scale viewport(s) + title block + plot styles, exported to PDF.
- One advanced component (3D, parametric or automation) and exploration of an industry toolset.