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How to make your first CAD drawing
A shelf for the alcove, a bracket for the bike, a plan of the garage. A sketch on paper gets you close; a CAD drawing gets the sizes right and lets someone else build from it. On a tablet, the first one takes an evening.
A first-drawing routine, then CAD drawing apps. A drawing is only as good as the measurements behind it. Anything structural, electrical or that needs a building permit should be checked and signed off by a qualified professional.
Measure before you draw
Write down every size you need, twice. For rooms, a phone can help; see how to measure a room with your phone, then check key sizes with a tape.
Set the rules first
Choose millimetres or inches and the drawing scale before you start, and turn on snapping so lines meet exactly. Compare tools in CAD drawing apps.
Dimension as you go
Add sizes to each part right after you draw it, and keep walls, furniture and notes on separate layers. For layouts of furniture, see how to plan a room before buying furniture.
Share a file anyone can open
Not everyone has CAD software, so export a PDF next to the original file. To combine sheets, see how to merge and compress PDFs on your phone.
| Step | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Measure | the real object or room | true sizes |
| 2. Units and scale | before the first line | no rework |
| 3. Lines and snaps | outline first | clean geometry |
| 4. Dimensions | as you draw | others can build it |
| 5. Layers and export | parts apart, then PDF | easy to share |
Frequently asked questions
Can I do CAD on a phone?
Yes for simple drawings and viewing. A tablet with a stylus gives you more room for detailed work.
What should I learn first in CAD?
Units, scale, lines with snapping and dimensions. Layers come next.
How do I send a CAD drawing to someone without CAD?
Export it as a PDF and send that with the original file.