Learning AutoCAD is most effectively achieved through hands-on practice. In this article, you’ll find 25 beginner-friendly AutoCAD drawings that will help you develop real drafting skills. Each drawing focuses on core tools like Line, Offset, Trim, Fillet, and Dimensioning. You can also download all exercises in a free PDF eBook to print or work offline.
Why Practice Drawings Matter for AutoCAD Learners
Whether you’re a student, engineer, architect, or interior designer, practice exercises help you:
- Master fundamental commands
- Improve accuracy and speed
- Understand real-world project workflows
- Build confidence in your technical drawing skills
How to Use These Drawings
These exercises are image-based. That means:
- Open a new drawing in AutoCAD
- Use your tools to recreate what you see
- No files to trace — it’s full hands-on learning
- Set your units to millimeters or inches based on the drawing
AutoCAD Practice Drawings (Beginner Level)
Each image below represents a full exercise. Try to redraw them from scratch using AutoCAD.
Drawing #1 – Basic Shape with Lines & Fillets
(Insert image here) Tools to use: Line, Fillet, Trim, Dimension Keywords: simple 2D shape, beginner autocad drawing
Drawing #2 – Orthographic Mechanical Part
(Insert image here) Tools to use: Line, Offset, Mirror, Hatch Focus: Mechanical drawing layout
Drawing #3 – Room Layout Plan
(Insert image here) Tools to use: Polyline, Offset, Trim, Layers Focus: Architectural floor plan practice
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7 Tips to Complete These AutoCAD Practice Drawings More Effectively
Mastering these 25 drawings doesn’t just depend on following the shapes — it’s about developing smart habits that accelerate your learning. Here are 7 essential tips to help you succeed:
1. Use Ortho Mode for Straight Lines
Press F8 to enable Ortho Mode. This ensures your lines stay perfectly horizontal or vertical, which is essential for clean geometry.
2. Master the Zoom & Pan Commands
Use your mouse wheel to zoom in/out and press & hold the wheel to pan. Navigating efficiently saves time and improves precision.
3. Set Up a Proper Drawing Template
Start each drawing with a blank template that includes:
- The correct units (e.g., millimeters or inches)
- A title block if needed
- A fixed grid or limits This builds good habits for real-world drafting.
4. Turn on Object Snap (OSNAP)
Press F3 to enable OSNAP, and right-click it to configure options like endpoint, midpoint, intersection, and center. This guarantees accurate point selection when drawing or trimming.
5. Use Layers Wisely
Even in simple practice, use layers for:
- Main geometry
- Hidden lines
- Dimensions This prepares you for more complex, real-world projects.
6. Practice Without Relying on Dimensions First
Try recreating the drawing by eyeballing proportions before adding measurements. This improves spatial awareness and tool fluency.
7. Save Your Progress Often
Save your drawing after completing each step. Mistakes happen — using incremental saves (drawing1a.dwg, drawing1b.dwg, etc.) makes it easier to backtrack.
Bonus Tip: Once you finish a drawing, challenge yourself by adding layers, hatching, or converting it into a block to expand your understanding further.
FAQs about AutoCAD Practice
Q: Are these drawings good for beginners?
Yes, each drawing introduces a new tool or concept, progressing from very simple to more structured layouts.
Q: Can I get DWG files too?
For now, only PDF versions are available to encourage manual drafting and skill-building.
Q: Do I need a specific AutoCAD version?
No — these drawings work in any version of AutoCAD that supports 2D drafting.
Download the Free PDF eBook
All 25 exercises are included in a printable PDF eBook with high-quality images and space to sketch by hand or redraw in AutoCAD.
[Click here to download your Free AutoCAD PDF eBook for Beginners]