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Free Tutorials and More…
The Tutorials section provides over 100 original tutorials for AutoCAD, 3ds Max and other design applications. Michael’s Corner is an archive of productivity articles that brings you the best AutoCAD tips and tricks. Our Forum is a lively community where AutoCAD users can ask questions and get answers. The Downloads area provides free AutoCAD blocks, free AutoLISP routines and free images.
Tutorials of the Moment
Recently viewed tutorials
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AutoCAD to Photoshop
This tutorial demonstrates a number of workflows from quick and simple to high quality. Format: Text/Image
Last visited: 2 minutes ago
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Object Snap
A tutorial giving an overview of all the AutoCAD object snaps (osnaps) with some worked examples. The tutorial also covers the use of temporary tracking points and object snap tracking. Format: Text/Image
Last visited: 2 minutes ago
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User Co-ordinate Systems
This tutorial describes what UCSs are, why we need them and how to use them. The correct use of UCSs with AutoCAD is the key to producing good 3D models and they can also help with 2D work. Format: Text/Image
Last visited: 6 minutes ago
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Modifying Objects
Modification of objects is at the heart of 3D modelling. Once geometry has been created using the most appropriate method then the modeller will start the modification process. This comprehensive tutorial shows you how. Format: Text/Image
Last visited: 6 minutes ago
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Dimensioning
This tutorial describes the options and commands available for dimensioning drawings and how to use them. The correct use of AutoCADs dimension tools is the key to producing clear and concise measured drawings. Format: Text/Image
Last visited: 12 minutes ago
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Animation
Design visualisation animation generally involves animation of cameras in walkthrough, panaround or flyover movies to give the client a much richer and more informative view of the design. This tutorial covers the basics. Format: Text/Image
Last visited: 15 minutes ago
CADTutor Tutorials
Our tutorials are comprehensive but straightforward introductions to AutoCAD and related software. They are designed to help beginners get to grips with design workflows as quickly as possible. There are over 100 to choose from, some text/image based and others in video format. Whatever stage you are at in your learning, you should find a tutorial to help.
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CADTutor Forums
Our forum is a vibrant community of experts and beginners. The main focus is helping beginners get to grips with AutoCAD and to help more advanced users become more productive. The AutoLISP forum is one of the busiest out there, providing expert advice for busy professionals.
AutoCAD Productivity
Dual Dimensions in a Dimension Style
From: AutoCAD Productivity Articles #147
Originally published: August 2016
‘Alternate Units’ doesn't always mean Metric.
To follow along, set the current Dimension style to one you like. The following exercise begins with a Dimension Style with the Unit format set to Architectural on the Primary Units tab.
How to Display Ft′-In″ as well as Inches
Launch the Dimension Style dialog box [Alias: D], click New and enter a name, then click Continue.
Click the Alternate Units tab.
In the upper left corner, put a check in the box for Display Alternate Units.
Set the Unit Format to Fractional.
Note: I would suggest you set the values for the Precision and the Round off to the same values as those on the Primary Units tab.
Set the Multiplier for Alt Units to 1.00.
In the Suffix edit box, put the inch marks ( ″ ).
The last setting you may want to make is to set the Placement feature radio button (under the preview) to Below Primary Value.
Click OK, Close the Dimension Style dialog box, then check out your new dimension!
See all the articles published in August 2016
Michael's Corner
Between 2003 and 2016, Michael Beall (and one or two guests) wrote almost 600 articles for CADTutor. The focus of these articles is AutoCAD productivity, and although some of them are now more than a few years old, most remain relevant to current versions of AutoCAD. The article above is just one example. Check out Michael's Corner for a full listing.
Image of the Week
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14th – 20th September 2026
This week's image is by helraiser81
Software used: 3ds Max and V-Ray
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Last Week's Image
Last week's image is by papagyi
Software used: 3ds Max and V-Ray
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Two Weeks Ago
This image is by CADken
Software used: SketchUp and AutoCAD 2010
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Three Weeks Ago
This image is by Red333
Software used: AutoCAD 2009
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Over the years, our forum members have contributed hundreds of images, showcasing their amazing work. The images above are just a small selection that demonstrate the wide range of project types our community is involved with. Take a look at our gallery to see all the images published in the last 12 months.
Tip of the Day
Object Snap Cycling
When drawings get crowded with lots of detail, it can be difficult to select the required snap point with running object snaps. Invariably, the snap point AutoCAD finds is not the one you want. This is where object snap cycling comes to the rescue. With running object snap turned on, hover the cursor close to the snap point you want and hit the Tab key on the keyboard to move between the various possible snap points near the cursor. Keep hitting the Tab key until you find the snap point you want. When you've got it, left-click to select the point.
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