Be prepared: Download and install AutoCAD

To start our tutorial, we will need AutoCAD from Autodesk. AutoCAD is by no means the only CAD software out there, but it is the most widely used and therefore good to know. Please follow the small download and installation guide below to get started.

Download

So first we need to download AutoCAD from the Autodesk website. We click on the box labelled AutoCad and click on Get started. If you already have an Autodesk login, please use it, otherwise create a new one, making sure you enter your university details. You may need to provide proof that you are enrolled at the university, but you may be able to use your university email address.

If you can choose the version to download, please select your version and language. In these tutorials we will use the English version of AutoCAD 2017. It will be easiest if you choose the same version to follow along. Please do NOT select the LT version as this version does not support 3D visualisation. If you click on Install you will also have to accept the terms and conditions and the download will start. Please install the software on your computer.

Please note that it is not absolutely necessary to use the same version as this one, as the simple tools we use in this tutorial are available in almost all versions. For a long time I taught with the 2016 version, which is basically the same. So if you prefer to use another version, please do.

Installation

In the first installation dialogue box you can leave everything as it is or you can expand the list below the AutoCAD software selection and uncheck all the boxes except the last one labelled Create the desktop shortcut.... You do not need the extra packages for this tutorial. Click on Install. When the installation is complete, you can click on Launch Now. The first time you launch, you will need to log in with your Autodesk ID to officially use the product.

Extra Tip

The Autodesk Desktop App is automatically installed on your computer. I really hate extra junk on my computer. You can remove it as we do not need it. To remove the application, first close the application, which is probably hidden in your system tray in the bottom right corner (Windows), by right-clicking and choosing Close, then open the Windows Settings page and navigate to Apps to select the Autodesk Desktop App to uninstall. You will need to restart your computer, but you are now ready to go. You can start AutoCAD by simply clicking on the icon on your desktop or in your Start menu.