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Tutorials

CADTutor tutorials are all original and specifically designed to get you working with AutoCAD and other applications as knowledgeably as possible. We don't believe in providing only quick step-by-step tutorials like other sites. Our tutorials are comprehensive and aim to give you a deeper understanding and a better learning experience. See the AutoCAD tutorials page for more information.

If you can't see what you're looking for on this page, take a look at the list of all tutorials and don't forget that there's lots more content in the Michael's Corner section of the site.

We're always on the lookout for good content. If you have a tutorial or an article that you'd like to see published on CADTutor, get in touch using the contact form.

Tutorials of the Moment

The most recently viewed tutorials

Adding Sunlight to your Drawings

Adding Sunlight to your Drawings | AutoCADThis tutorial takes you through the steps required to add realistic sunlight effects to your 3D model.

  

Options for Creating Objects

Options for Creating Objects | 3ds MaxThere are a number of ways of creating the three main elements of a landscape scene, surfaces, edges and objects, each one demending an understanding of the creation methods and tools at hand. This tutorial shows you how.

Last visited: less than one minute ago

  

Last visited: 1 minute ago

Creating Selections from Image Masks

Creating Selections from Image Masks | PhotoshopThis simple 7-step tutorial describes the best method for using the images supplied in the CADTutor Image Bank.

  

Editing and Saving Materials

Editing and Saving Materials | 3ds MaxOnce materials have been created and edited in the Material Editor to suit a particular scene they no longer need to be kept in the Materials Editor. Materials can be saved in material libraries and retreived for use in any other scene. This tutorial shows you how.

Last visited: 6 minutes ago

  

Last visited: 6 minutes ago

Featured Tutorials

Tutorials we think you'll like

AutoCAD 2010: Starting a Command

AutoCAD 2010: Starting a Command | AutoCADThis video tutorial demonstrates some of the methods for starting a command in AutoCAD. Running time: 2min 42sec

  

AutoCAD 2010: Ribbon Basics

AutoCAD 2010: Ribbon Basics | AutoCADThis video tutorial introduces you to the AutoCAD 2010 ribbon and demonstrates the various options you have when working with it. Running time: 5min 49sec

Last visited: 3 hours ago

  

Last visited: 4 hours ago

AutoCAD 2010: The User Interface - Part 1

AutoCAD 2010: The User Interface - Part 1 | AutoCADThis video tutorial takes you on a guided tour of the AutoCAD 2010 user interface. This is the best place to start for beginners. Running time: 3min 56sec

  

AutoCAD 2010: Getting Ready for 3D

AutoCAD 2010: Getting Ready for 3D | AutoCADThis video tutorial describes how to prepare the AutoCAD 2010 user interface (UI) ready for a 3D drawing project. Running time: 2min 23sec

Last visited: 40 minutes ago

  

Last visited: 40 minutes ago

Tip of the Day

Absolute and Relative Coordinates

Coordinate Interpretation
25,75 depends on context
@25,75 relative
#25,75 absolute

It used to be very simple. Enter a coordinate and AutoCAD interpreted it as an absolute coordinate. Enter a coordinate preceded by "@" (the at sign) and AutoCAD interpreted it as a relative coordinate. This simple rule changed when dynamic input was introduced and now the interpretation of coordinates is contextual. For example, when you draw a rectangle using RECTANG, the coordinate for the second point is interpreted as absolute with dynamic input turned off and as relative with dynamic input turned on. Really, try it and see.

Fortunately, there's a new coordinate prefix that forces an absolute coordinate, even when AutoCAD decides you want a relative one. Precede any coordinate with "#" (the hash sign) to force an absolute coordinate.

Today's tip is by dbroada

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Direct Distance Entry

Direct Distance Entry | AutoCAD

The essential way of working with AutoCAD

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