New CAD user seeking help: how can I get up to speed quickly? .

I also learned CAD after starting to work. If there is no one to guide you, I recommend finding a CAD tutorial to learn the basic commands first (it’s best to memorize the shortcut commands, so that you can use both hands and work more efficiently). Once you’ve become proficient, find some diagrams to draw by following them; however, before starting to draw, make sure to create layers and distinguish between different line types. After gaining proficiency, create blocks for the elements you use frequently in your work – this will make it much easier to use them. Keep improving as you gain more experience!

Don’t worry about layers and things like that; usually, when there are already existing drawings available, it’s much easier to just use those, remove unwanted elements from them, and adjust various settings rather than creating new drawings from scratch.

I don’t see any other solution; practice makes perfect. If you run into a problem, look up some more information. It’s best to read with questions in mind

It’s best to find a book to read in order to become familiar with various commands; after that, one can only practice by drawing more. There are no shortcuts to learning – one has to keep accumulating experience over time.

Once you master the shortcut keys, you can draw more quickly. There are shortcuts for tasks such as cutting, annotating, consecutive annotation, breaking lines, deleting, mirroring, rotating, and so on. Mastering these functions allows you to draw whatever you want; CAD is just a tool

Practice more! Hehe, try using the shortcut keys~ Wishing you success in your work. This post was last edited by Fightinghard on 2009-2-21 at 21:43.]

It’s simple: I’ll give you a task to complete within 3 days. It’s best to finish the drawing in one go; if work is interrupted constantly, efficiency will be very low. Back in the 1990s, those who joined the company had to practice writing in the Song typeface for 3 months to half a year; nowadays, that’s already considered quite good.

You know what, we’re supposed to deliver our designs within three days. Fortunately, since it’s just the beginning and the requirements aren’t strict, I’ve gotten familiar with the modules over these past few days and can now draw the diagrams roughly. However, due to lack of familiarity with CAD, as well as the corresponding design regulations and drawing requirements! It wasn’t done very well. . . (Those in our class who are looking for jobs claim to know CAD and SOLIDWORKS, but that’s all lies; there aren’t many who really know these programs.) Last edited by levisttp on 2009-2-22 10:59.]

When you have time, find a printed version of the complete diagram to use as a reference when following CAD tutorials to draw diagrams; this method is somewhat mechanical, but it is very effective for learning.

As long as you have a foundation in drawing and some basic knowledge of CAD, it shouldn’t be difficult to get started working as soon as possible. First, you need to get familiar with your work environment and the nature of your work ； Secondly, you need to become familiar as soon as possible with the structure and working principles of the equipment in your position ； The most important thing is, while becoming familiar with the structure of the equipment, to study it carefully and understand what rules govern the creation of these diagrams. Once all these are understood, getting into the right state won’t be a problem.

As long as you use CAD, it’s easy to learn. It’s just a tool, similar to paper and pen that we use for drawing. What’s important is to be familiar with mechanical drawing, to know what the drawings should look like and how to represent dimensions in a proper and accurate manner. You also need to have a good understanding of the basics of equipment design, know design principles, and understand how to design structures. By practicing regularly, consulting relevant materials when faced with problems, and studying hard, you can quickly acquire knowledge in design and drawing.

I don’t think there’s any other solution; it just takes practice to get good at it. I learned CAD on my own; I bought a book on CAD 2006 for self-study, read it once, then practiced using the software, read it again and practiced more. Over the course of a year, I went through the book 4 or 5 times, and eventually managed to learn it, though not to a high level of proficiency. If there’s a good teacher to guide you, it might go faster, but you still need to put in your own effort.

Just find a topic of your own and draw it. That’s it. Just practice more*. No problem.

I majored in Process Equipment and Control Engineering; previously, this field was known as Chemical Machinery. It was only later, as a result of educational reforms, that its name was changed and more knowledge related to control systems was added to the curriculum. When I was studying this subject, I was in the School of Mechanical Engineering; CAD drawing was a required course, and the drawing requirements in that school were even stricter. My current job involves equipment management in a chemical plant, and the plant is currently under construction; there are numerous drawings related to various aspects of the project. Sometimes I also have to participate in drawing these diagrams myself, so that improvements and changes can be made during the construction process. Cartography is indeed a very precise task; errors are not tolerated in this field. The foundation of drawing lies in understanding drawings, and one needs to have a good grasp of them. If you are a beginner just starting out in cartography, I recommend that, if possible, you find some drawings to examine their structure, study them carefully, and think about how they were created. If conditions permit, I recommend buying a catalog of chemical engineering machinery on your own; it’s well-written and highly practical, and it can help you develop an understanding of composition. With the foundation laid, the next step is to learn how to draw – find some simple diagrams and try drawing them by yourself. Don’t be afraid of the hassle or the simplicity; everything starts with simple tasks. CAD is a software from abroad; on top of being able to create drawings, it’s necessary to speed up one’s drawing process, which requires familiarity with CAD’s functions. Watch more CAD tutorials – there are many available online – and get to know the shortcut keys for common tools; practice will lead to improved skills. Summarizing my own experience: observe images, conceive ideas, draw frequently, and master the skill. I wonder if anyone has used domestic CAD software. I’m not referring to CAXA, but rather Zhongwang CAD. This software has functions similar to those of CAD, and it includes many elements based on national standards as pre-defined blocks, which makes it very convenient to use.

My partner taught me the basic commands, and I was able to get started right away. Personally, I find it much easier than PHOTOSHOP, though it’s still a very complex program

There is no shortcut to mastering knowledge – diligence is the path; the ocean of learning is boundless, and hard work serves as one’s boat. Read more, practice more, and visit the “Haichuan Forum” often – success will come soon!

Practice more*, draw more, approach problems with questions in mind, solve them, and you will grow. Isn’t there a saying that when you feel troubled, it’s because you’re growing? :)