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

Modifying Objects This tutorial runs through all of the modify tools, demonstrating practical examples in each case.		Direct Distance Entry The essential way of working with AutoCAD
Last visited: less than one minute ago		Last visited: 9 minutes ago
Units and Scales If you're asking yourself "what scale do I draw in?" or "what units should I use?", you need this tutorial.		All About Images This tutorial tells you all you need to know about working with images in AutoCAD.
Last visited: 9 minutes ago		Last visited: 9 minutes ago

Featured Tutorials

Tutorials we think you'll like

AutoCAD 2010: Starting a Command This video tutorial demonstrates some of the methods for starting a command in AutoCAD. Running time: 2min 42sec		AutoCAD 2010: Ribbon Basics This 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: 2 hours ago		Last visited: 2 hours ago
AutoCAD 2010: The User Interface - Part 1 This 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 This video tutorial describes how to prepare the AutoCAD 2010 user interface (UI) ready for a 3D drawing project. Running time: 2min 23sec
Last visited: 3 hours ago		Last visited: 3 hours 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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Featured Tutorial

AutoCAD 2010: Getting Ready for 3D

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

Tutorials

Tutorials of the Moment

The most recently viewed tutorials

Modifying Objects

Direct Distance Entry

Units and Scales

All About Images

Featured Tutorials

Tutorials we think you'll like

AutoCAD 2010: Starting a Command

AutoCAD 2010: Ribbon Basics

AutoCAD 2010: The User Interface - Part 1