top of page
Search

AutoCAD or Revit: Which Should You Learn First?

3 days ago
3 min read

If you are starting a career in architecture, interior design, engineering or construction, one of the first questions you will face is which software to learn first: AutoCAD or Revit. Both are made by Autodesk, both are used every day in UK practices, and both appear in job adverts. But they do very different jobs. This guide explains the difference and helps you choose the right starting point.

What is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D drafting tool. You draw lines, arcs, hatches and dimensions to produce floor plans, sections, elevations, site plans and construction details. It is fast, flexible and used across many industries, from architecture and interiors to engineering, surveying, shopfitting and product design.

Because AutoCAD works like a digital drawing board, it is usually the quickest software to pick up. Most beginners can produce clean, dimensioned, print-ready drawings after a short course.

What is Revit?

Revit is Building Information Modelling (BIM) software. Instead of drawing separate plans and elevations, you build one intelligent 3D model of the building. Walls, doors, windows, floors and roofs are real objects with data attached, and every plan, section, elevation and schedule is generated from that model. Change a window in one view and it updates everywhere.

Revit is the standard for larger architectural, structural and MEP projects, and it supports BIM workflows set out in standards such as ISO 19650, which many UK clients and contractors now ask for.

The key differences

  • AutoCAD: drawing-based. You draw each view yourself.

  • Revit: model-based. You model once and the drawings follow.

  • AutoCAD suits detailed 2D work, quick layouts and industries outside buildings.

  • Revit suits whole-building design, coordination between disciplines and BIM projects.

  • AutoCAD is quicker to learn; Revit takes longer but saves time on bigger projects.

Which should you learn first?

For most people, the answer depends on the work you want to do:

  • Learn AutoCAD first if you are new to CAD, want to work in interiors, shopfitting, engineering or surveying, or need to produce 2D drawings quickly.

  • Learn Revit first if you are aiming for an architectural or BIM role, are already confident with drawings, or your employer works on BIM projects.

  • Learn both if you want the widest range of jobs. Many practices still exchange AutoCAD drawings while designing in Revit, so knowing both makes you far more employable.

A common route is to start with AutoCAD to understand drawing conventions, scales and layers, then move on to Revit once you are comfortable reading and producing technical drawings.

How long does it take to learn?

With structured 1-to-1 or small-group training, most beginners can use AutoCAD confidently for everyday drawings within a few days of tuition. Revit usually takes a little longer because you are learning a modelling workflow as well as the software. Practising on a real project between sessions makes the biggest difference.

Train with LDTC in London or online

At London Design Training Courses we teach both programs at our Kennington training centre and live online, with 1-to-1 and group options tailored to your level. Every course is practical and project-based, includes a certificate, and comes with ongoing support after you finish.

Not sure which course is right for you? Contact us and we will help you choose the best starting point for your goals.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page