CAD courses can help you learn 2D and 3D modeling, technical drawing, and design visualization. You can build skills in creating detailed schematics, understanding material properties, and applying design principles to various projects. Many courses introduce tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and SketchUp, that support drafting and prototyping in fields such as architecture, engineering, and product design. By mastering these tools, you can effectively communicate your ideas and bring your designs to life.
Dassault Systèmes
Skills you'll gain: Assembly Drawing, 3D Modeling, Computer-Aided Design, Drafting and Engineering Design, Engineering Drawings, Mechanical Design, Technical Design, Prototyping, Mechanical Engineering
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

National Taiwan University
Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, SketchUp (3D Modeling Software), Software Installation, 3D Assets, Visualization (Computer Graphics)
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: AutoCAD, Architectural Drawing, Drafting and Engineering Design, Blueprint Reading, Blueprinting, Technical Drawing, Computer-Aided Design
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Dassault Systèmes
Skills you'll gain: SolidWorks (CAD), Computer-Aided Design, Drafting and Engineering Design, Engineering Drawings, 3D Modeling, Mechanical Engineering
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, 3D Assets, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer-Aided Design, Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Architectural Design, Creativity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

National Taiwan University
Skills you'll gain: SketchUp (3D Modeling Software), 3D Modeling, Construction, Building Design, Architectural Drawing, 3D Assets, Architecture and Construction, Computer-Aided Design
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, Computer-Aided Design, Mechanical Design, Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Drawings, Prototyping, Engineering Software, Manufacturing Processes, Engineering Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, SketchUp (3D Modeling Software), Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), 3D Assets, Design Software, Graphical Tools, Product Design, Graphic Design
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

EDUCBA
Skills you'll gain: Technical Drawing, Engineering Drawings, Mechanical Drawings, Computer Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA), Assembly Drawing, 3D Modeling, Mechanical Design, Drafting and Engineering Design, Computer-Aided Design, Visualization (Computer Graphics), File Management, Engineering Design Process, Interoperability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Analysis, Engineering, Prototyping, Computer-Aided Design, Cloud Computing
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Dassault Systèmes
Skills you'll gain: Computer Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA), Drafting and Engineering Design, Mechanical Design, Engineering Drawings, Issue Tracking, Technical Drawing, Mechanical Drawings, Assembly Drawing, 3D Modeling, Computer-Aided Design, Collaborative Software, Document Management, Mechanical Engineering, Product Lifecycle Management, Geometric Dimensioning And Tolerancing, Product Engineering, Microsoft Office, Team Building, 3D Assets, Product Family Engineering
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

National Taiwan University
Skills you'll gain: Engineering Drawings, Architectural Drawing, AutoCAD, SketchUp (3D Modeling Software), Autodesk Revit, Building Information Modeling, Drafting and Engineering Design, 3D Modeling, Engineering Management, Computer-Aided Design, Technical Drawing, Engineering Design Process, Structural Engineering, Construction Estimating, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Architectural Engineering, Engineering Practices, Building Design, Civil and Architectural Engineering, Blueprint Reading
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Browse the CAD courses below—popular starting points on Coursera.
Understanding your goal of learning computer-aided design (CAD), whether for engineering, architecture, or design, can guide your learning journey. Regular practice is crucial for mastering CAD tools and improving precision. Join communities such as CAD forums or Reddit’s r/CAD to get tips and share projects. Work on real projects like designing simple objects or participating in design challenges.
CAD courses cover a variety of topics essential for mastering computer-aided design software. These include the basics of CAD software, such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Fusion 360. Learners will explore topics such as 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and rendering. Courses often include instruction on creating technical drawings, understanding geometric dimensions and tolerances, and applying materials and lighting effects. Advanced courses might cover complex assembly modeling, simulation, and analysis, as well as industry-specific applications such as architectural design or mechanical engineering. Practical projects help learners apply these concepts to real-world design scenarios.
A certificate in CAD can open up various career opportunities in design, engineering, and manufacturing. Common roles include CAD technician, design engineer, architectural drafter, and mechanical designer. These positions involve creating detailed technical drawings, developing 3D models, and collaborating with engineers and architects to design and optimize products and structures. With the increasing reliance on digital design tools in various industries, earning a CAD certificate can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as architecture, automotive, aerospace, and product design.