Some Thoughts to Employers About Training Your Employees

Train them or loose them.

Train them or your production will suffer.

Train them or you will loose even more money.

Train them or your competition will surpass you.

Train them or they will train themselves and leave you.

Stop fussing over training costs. Train your employees. It is the best investment in your company that you will ever make.

Learn how to use AutoCAD Sheet Sets

AutoCAD Sheet Sets is an out-of-the-box project management tool that will enable your users to work together more efficiently and help to manage project data. The Sheet Sets tool is available in AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, and AutoCAD for Mac. It is also available to AutoCAD verticals (like Map, Civil3D, Architecture, etc.) It may look slightly different across these different platforms, but it is there and is very powerful.

Sheet Sets can provide the following:

• File Management
• Batch Printing Tools
• File Archiving
• Project Data Management
• File Creation
• Standardization
• View Management
• Project Collaboration
• Recurring Information
• Automation

My AutoCAD 2015 and AutoCAD LT 2015 Training Videos Now Available

Just released our my newest set of training videos covering AutoCAD 2015 and AutoCAD LT 2015.  Each video is 10.25 hours long and covers the basics of each program.

Learning Autodesk AutoCAD 2015 Training Video
A Practical AutoCAD Training Course That Teaches Real World Skills

In this project-based Learning Autodesk AutoCAD 2015 video tutorial series, you'll quickly have relevant skills for real-world applications.

Follow along with our expert instructor in this training course to get:

• Concise, informative and broadcast-quality Learning Autodesk AutoCAD 2015 training videos delivered to your desktop
• The ability to learn at your own pace with our intuitive, easy-to-use interface
• A quick grasp of even the most complex Learning Autodesk AutoCAD 2015 subjects because they're broken into simple, easy to follow tutorial videos
• Practical working files further enhance the learning process and provide a degree of retention that is unmatched by any other form of Learning Autodesk AutoCAD 2015 tutorial, online or offline... so you'll know the exact steps for your own projects.

Learning Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2015 Training Video
A Practical AutoCAD LT Training Course That Teaches Real World Skills

In this project-based Learning Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2015 video tutorial series, you'll quickly have relevant skills for real-world applications.

Follow along with our expert instructor in this training course to get:

• Concise, informative and broadcast-quality Learning Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2015 training videos delivered to your desktop
• The ability to learn at your own pace with our intuitive, easy-to-use interface
• A quick grasp of even the most complex Learning Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2015 subjects because they're broken into simple, easy to follow tutorial videos
• Practical working files further enhance the learning process and provide a degree of retention that is unmatched by any other form of Learning Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2015 tutorial, online or offline... so you'll know the exact steps for your own projects.

Each Training video comes with working CAD files.  I introduce the user interface to you and show you have to navigate within your drawing files. At the end of most sections is a “Chapter Project” that focuses on the skills you just learned.  Several of those projects build on top of the other culminating in a final project where you will create drawings for a small movie house.

Check out the individual websites for more information and pricing.

AutoCAD 2015
AutoCAD LT 2015

"it is a valuable training video" and other reviews on my AutoCAD LT 2014 Training Video

I have created a training video on how to use AutoCAD LT 2014 and it has received some very nice comments on Amazon.com.  The quote in the title is from a review of AutoCAD LT 2014 itself.

I tend to refrain from reading comments on my products, but this time I did and I was very happy.  If you or somebody you know is interested in learning how to use AutoCAD LT 2014, or just plain AutoCAD 2014 check out my videos from Infinite Skills by going to my store page.

AutoCAD Sheet Sets – Questions are Answered

Novedge was kind enough to invite me to host a Webinar for them.  I did and as far as I can tell it went well.  There was a great response and the attendees asked fantastic questions.  I was the one presenting the information but I was able to learn a few things from their questions.  That’s why I love doing things like this.

AutoCAD Sheet Sets for Project Management - Free Webinar and Training Discount

Novedge and I will be presenting a free webinar on AutoCAD SheetsSets for Project Management tomorrow, March 20^th, 2013 at 11:00 am PDT/2:00 pm EDT.  Sign up now so you don’t miss it.

http://www.novedge.com/webinar/67

The webinar is free (did I mention it is free?) and will last about one hour.  The time frame includes a question and answer session at the end of the webinar. 

Not only is the webinar free, but anyone who attends gets a coupon to get 30% off the list price of my Infinite Skills Sheet Sets training Video!  This video has over three hours of in depth training on using Sheet Sets.  The normal list price is $49.99 (U.S.D) and comes with all of the files you will need to learn how to master AutoCAD Sheet Sets.

Come on by to the webinar and get a good look at what’s on the videos.  Sheet Sets do more than help you print your drawings, find out how in this FREE webinar!

Contest Results - The Winners are...

CAD-a-Blog held it's first ever contest.  To enter, readers had to like Infinite Skills on Facebook and either follow CAD-a-Blog on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or sign up for our email alerts.  You could have also tweeted or posted on Google+ about the contest with the hash-tag #CADaBlogDVD2013.

Many of you did these things multiple times.  In fact we had thousands of entries and picked up many new followers.  Thank you.  I love you all.  Dearly.  Here is what the three winners (you are all winners just for reading posts here on this blog or for following us in your social media client of your choice) will receive:

Win an AutoCAD 2013 Training DVD Bundle!

Who wants to be a winner?  There are two way for you to be a winner!  One is to buy my AutoCAD 2013 training DVD and skyrocket your skill set above all others!  The other way is take part in CAD-a-Blog’s first ever contest and win a copy of my AutoCAD 2013 Training DVD!!

AutoCAD 2013 and AutoCAD LT 2013 Training Videos

My latest AutoCAD training videos are out and ready for you to purchase.  They are “Learning Autodesk AutoCAD 2013” and “Learning Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2013”.  Each video contains about 15 hours of in-depth training on how to use AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.  They took a look at the latest tools that were added to Autodesk’s latest release of its premier design program.

Each video title contains 15 chapters of hands on training and instruction.  We start off by introducing you to AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, how to install it, and what to expect when you turn it on.  We then describe the latest features and tools that Autodesk added to AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 2013.

Mastering AutoCAD 2013 and AutoCAD LT 2013

The complete tutorial and reference to the world's leading CAD program, Mastering AutoCAD 2013 and AutoCAD LT 2013, is available and I helped to update it!  This book (1200 pages) covers everything in AutoCAD 2013 and AutoCAD LT 2013.  Mastering AutoCAD 2013 is the Autodesk Official Training Guide and Autodesk Certification Preparation manual for AutoCAD 2013.  It is published by Sybex, an imprint of Wiley, and is available in Paper Back or eBook.  It is fully illustrated and comes with a CD containing example files and bonus material.

Learning AutoCAD LT 2012 - the Training Video is now available

Do you want to learn how to use Autodesk's AutoCAD LT 2012 CAD software?  You are in luck.  Infinite Skills has just published my latest training video, Learning AutoCAD LT 2012.

This training video has 108 lessons lasting a total of 12.5 hours long!!!  Each lesson is designed to teach you how to use AutoCAD LT.  The lessons are thorough, and deliberate.  They build upon each other.  Many of the chapters have a final project at the end where you will apply what you have learned.  These projects build upon each other too.  The video ends in a final project where you will create the plans for a small movie house.  It's a simple design, but through it you will learn AutoCAD LT 2012.

These training classes use broadcast quality audio and video to deliver concise and informative training right to your desktop.  You can watch the videos on a Mac or a PC.  The lessons are self paced and repeatable.  Go back as many times as you need to to make certain you understand the material.   Pause the video while you work in AutoCAD LT.  All example files are provided for your use.  Many of the examples and projects have a completed version for your review as well.  That way you can compare your work and to verify that you have been working correctly.  

New Training Video on the Way - AutoCAD LT

This weekend I'm recording the last chapters of my next training video published by Infinite Skills. This one is on AutoCAD LT, one of Autodesk's best selling titles.  If you want to learn, or know somebody that wants to learn AutoCAD LT stay tuned.

AutoCAD LT 2012 has many new features that really add to its toolset in a fantastic way.  It has most of the 2D tools in it that were added to AutoCAD 2012 like associative array, array to path, nudge, and AutoCAD WS integration. This version has also added Sheet Set integration! That's right, now AutoCAD LT has sheet sets!  That's a huge deal!

If you are new to AutoCAD LT or are going to be, check back soon.  If you want to get up to date in what's new in AutoCAD LT 2012 there is a chapter covering the new features.

I will be posting more info later on and will let you know when the video is available.

Learning AutoCAD 2012 and Advanced AutoCAD 2012 Training Videos

Obviously you want to learn more about AutoCAD because you came to CAD-a-Blog.com.   If you are interested in more in-depth AutoCAD training then take a look at my AutoCAD 2012 training Videos;
Learning AutoCAD 2012 and Advanced AutoCAD 2012.

Each video contains about thirteen hours of training sessions and come with hands on files to use during each session.  Many of the chapters end with a project that will incorporate what you learned.   The Learning AutoCAD title has a final project that incorporates several chapter projects.  These projects build on top of each other and naturally progress through the training sessions.  This helps to demonstrate the development process of making drawings in AutoCAD.  The Advanced title ends with a discussion and example of Best AutoCAD Practices.

If you’ve never used AutoCAD before and want to learn or it has been a long time then check out the Learning AutoCAD 2012 video.  If you have been using AutoCAD and want to know it better, check out the Advanced AutoCAD 2012 video.  Each vide comes on a DVD that can be played on a PC or on a MAC.

Don’t want to wait for the DVD to ship?  There is an instant download version available for each title.

Can’t decide which title to get?  Get both!  Don’t pay full price for each title.  Save some money and get the AutoCAD Bundle.  There are two; one fore AutoCAD 2011 and one for AutoCAD 2012.

Do you have an iPad?  The publisher of these videos, Infinite Skills, has a free iPad app that allows access to some of the AutoCAD training videos as well as a many other training titles produced by Infinite Skills.

Have an iPhone or an iPod Touch and want AutoCAD training?  There’s an app for that.  Check out the Learn AutoCAD 2011 Quickly and Easily app from Infinite Skills.  It takes my training videos and allows you to watch them on your iOS based device.  This app is available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.  They are AirPlay enabled to allow you to view your videos on your television if you are set up to do so.  They also include the working files so you can watch the video on your iPad while you use AutoCAD on your computer.

Screen shot of iPhone App

Regardless of which video your purchase or on which platform you watch them on, you will be receive quality training.  Each video was scripted, prepared and taught by me, Brian Benton.  I have been working with AutoCAD professionally since the early 1990’s in many different design fields.  I write for Cadalyst magazine and am active with AUGI, writing for their publications and also serve as the Hotnews Manager.   You aren’t purchasing generic, low quality YouTube videos.  These are high quality screen recordings and voice overs.  Each lesson provides in-depth insight on the various AutoCAD tools.  I don’t just tell you about the command and where to click to start it.  I go into detail on why you want to use specific tools and when to use them.  I share with you my decades of experience in using AutoCAD in real life situations.  I show you what to do and what not to do!

Screen Shot of App running a training video

If you are in the market for high quality AutoCAD training you have come to the best place.  Check out the videos and purchase the one that is right for you.  Don’t forget about the bundles.  If you are getting the beginners videos then spend just a little more for a full training session that will take you from an AutoCAD noob to an AutoCAD expert!  Well, close anyway!  If you are not yet using AutoCAD 2012 there are also AutoCAD 2011 versions available.  We also have an AutoCAD 2010 video for beginners.

Learning AutoCAD 2012 - My new Training Video is HERE!!

My latest AutoCAD training DVD, LEARNING AUTOCAD 2012,  is out and ready for you to purchase, multiple times (to pass out as gifts to your friends of course.)  This new title has 111 lessons for a total training time of 13 hours!

Learning AutoCAD 2012 starts off with a basic tour of AutoCAD.  Then we take a look at the new features that were added to AutoCAD 2012.  From there we of navigating the AutoCAD 2012 user interface.  Once the student has figured out how to navigate inside AutoCAD we move on and learn to create fantastic designs.

The lessons are progressive, meaning that they build on top of each other.  Most chapters have a project at the end and several build on each other.  The title culminates with a final three part project using some of the chapter projects you created along the way.  Head over to the website to see some example videos from the title.

Chapter List:

01 Getting Started
02 New Features in AutoCAD 2012
03 Interfacing With AutoCAD
04 Basic Operations
05 Drawing & Drafting Tools
06 Editing Tools
07 Utilities: Tools To Know What's Going On
08 Precision Tools: Tricks To Help You Draw Accurately
09 AutoCAD: Using Layers
10 Annotations
11 Blocks
12 Model Space And Paper Space
13 Plot & Publish
14 Final Project
15 About The Author

If you are interested in learning how to use AutoCAD 2012 on your own time in a well thought out presentation, then check out Learning AutoCAD 2012.  

Need more in depth training?  My next title, Advanced AutoCAD 2012, will be available towards the end of the summer.  Stay tuned for details.  But in the meantime, you can check out Advanced AutoCAD 2011 Techniques now!

AutoCAD Fundamentals & Bundle 2011: Amazon's Bestsellers in Graphics Training & Tutorials Top Ten

Two of my AutoCAD Training videos, AutoCAD 2011 Fundamentals and AutoCAD 2011 Training Bundle have made it to Amazon.com's Top Ten Sellers list.

Evidently Amazon posts a list of their best selling items and these titles made the list in the Training Video category.  This list is updated every hour so how knows, I might make it all the way to number one in a few minutes!

Thank you to all who have purchased my training videos.  I always welcome comments about them.

Advanced AutoCAD Training Video

My next AutoCAD Training Video is here; Advanced AutoCAD.


This next AutoCAD Training Video of mine builds on top of my previous title, AutoCAD Fundamentals.  Any AutoCAD user that wants to take their skills to the next level will be interested in this new title.

This title contains ten hours of training time over 112 lessons.  Many of the chapters have a project for you to complete after you have gone through that training segment.  The title comes with all of the AutoCAD files that you will need for the sessions as well as other support files.

This video will go through and show you how to navigate through your files, advanced operations that can be done with the Application Menu, tips on working efficiently, as well as tools that will make you a better AutoCAD Operator.  We delve deeper into advanced tools like the Align command, Quick Select and filters.  We also discuss object visibility tools like the Hide/Isolate commands, transparency settings and draw order.  Since everyone needs to annotate their drawings we look deep into the complicated settings of Dimension Styles, fields, tables, and how to import and link text from a Word file!

I don’t want to bore you with information, but if you’ve ever wanted to export you AutoCAD data or linework then you will want to pay attention to chapter Nine, using Data.  And if you hate doing the same thing over and over again, then look at chapter ten: Dynamic Blocks and chapter 12: Action Recorder.  This chapter shows you how to record your work and have AutoCAD do it again for you.

In chapter Eleven: Parametric Constraints, I show you how to program your linework, locking in your design parameters.  If you are interested in customizing AutoCAD then don’t pass up chapter 13: Customization.  The last few chapters dig into file management and provide a look at free software from Autodesk that will help you view and markup drawings without ever opening AutoCAD!  Chapter 15: Introduction to 3D Design gives a great look at the 3D modeling features that are in AutoCAD.  It’s not just a 2D drafting tool you know!

Click here to view all of my Infinite Skills Training Videos.

Deadlines, what would we do without them?

Deadlines pile up, more frequently than not.  But that's a good thing.  Without deadlines I might not ever get anything finished.  I have tons of projects that I have started, but few that I have finished.  The projects that have deadlines get finished.  It's a funny thing, motivation. Deadlines are nothing more than a form of motivation.  And getting paid is another popular motivator!

Right now my biggest project is my next AutoCAD training video.  The first one I made is called "AutoCAD Fundamentals".  There are two versions, one for AutoCAD 2010 and another for AutoCAD 2011.  The training video I'm working on now is called "Advanced AutoCAD Techniques", but honestly, that title may change, but the content is the same.

AutoCAD Fundamentals is meant to teach a new user how to use AutoCAD from scratch!  It will even work for AutoCAD LT.  Advanced AutoCAD Techniques will go well beyond the basics.  It will delve into advanced operations, referencing files, data extraction, customizing AutoCAD, animations, 3D Modeling, adn much more.

I don't have a release date for it yet, but stay tuned.

In the meantime, I'm putting together the very early stages of my next project.  This next project revolve around training and the web.  I don't have a date yet, but I am very excited about this.

If you are new to AutoCAD go to my CAD-a-Blog Store page and follow the links to my training DVDs.  If you need further training on AutoCAD and want to become an advanced user, my next video will suite you wonderfully.  It will be here soon enough.

AutoCAD Fundamentals Training Video now Available

AutoCAD Fundamentals

AutoCAD Fundamentals

AutoCAD is an industry standard design and documentation software program that is easy to learn, but complex to master. In this video training CD, expert author Brian Benton takes you through the fundamentals of AutoCAD and gives you the tools you need to be on your way to becoming a fully functioning AutoCAD user. Starting with the basics of installation, Brian quickly teaches you the basics, and then dives right into applying them, with a chapter project that reviews everything you have learned in each section. Using a hands on approach, Brian allows you to more quickly learn how to apply the material, increasing your retention and understanding of AutoCAD. By the completion of this over 9.5 hour tutorial, you will be familiar and comfortable with AutoCAD, and capable of drawing, decorating and annotating an AutoCAD project. Also included are work files to allow you to work along side the author, and further understand what he is showing you, step by step.

Click here to Purchase this training Video

What You Will Learn

AutoCAD Fundamentals

Today I am taking a break from my massive online gaming and am working on a new bonus chapter for my training video from Infinite Skills. It's a training video that is about 10 hour long and it is an introductory title to AutoCAD. Pretty soon I will have it available for purchase on my blog. It covers all of the basic tools anyone needs to use AutoCAD. If you have never used AutoCAD but want to know how, this is the video for you. If you haven't used it in a long time and need a refresher, this is for you. If you need your employees AutoCAD skills improved, this is the one for you.

Stay tuned for more details and for some free giveaways!

yes, I said free!

Who Likes AutoCAD and Free Stuff?

A couple of blog posts ago I mentioned that I haven't been blogging much lately.  That's about to change.  All I have to really do is post once a week and my post count will go through the roof!  I have been using AutoCAD and other Autodesk products for about 17 plus years.  That experience, plus my training opened a door that I was happy to walk through.  I have authored and reordered my very first training video series called AutoCAD Fundamentals. I was able to work with a great group of people from a company called Infinite Skills.  Together we have created a nearly 10 hour training video.  It is a video that will take anyone that has never used AutoCAD before and make them into an AutoCAD user.  I'm going to blog about this title more and more as the days go on.  But suffice it to say, that I have plans to get some free copies out there to readers of CAD-a-Blog!!  Stay tuned for more information about the title and on how you could win a free copy.