Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Read the latest CAD news about events, software, benchmark tests, tips and tools

Look into e-newsletters that offer features like benchmark tests, tips and tools and CAD news analysis. Be sure to check online libraries with resources and directories to learn nearly everything you might want to know about a CAD design company, service, software and operator.

I recommend: Cadalyst is a newsletter that features industry events to tips and tutorials to a CAD Manager’s column. World Wide Web Virtual Library has resources, links, magazines, articles, newspapers, lists of CAD-linked institutions and schools from around the wide world of the web. This library may be one of the most comprehensive CAD news resources on the web.

Read blogs and monthly publications on topics about CAD

These sites are smaller and more personal. Read a blog and a friendly personable newsletter to learn more about CAD.

I recommend: Subscribe to Michael’s Corner for a monthly publication from a CAD expert and trainer. You'll find tips and info for the beginner and advanced CAD user. Find dozens of topics to choose from on computer aided design (CAD). 3D CAD News posts new CAD information regularly. There’s a lot of information on this CAD news site.

Use CAD information from specialized industry CAD experts

Computer aided design (CAD) was originally invented for manufacturers. Engineers who build bridges, highways, cars and all kinds of products use CAD.

I recommend: ZiBB: Strictly Business helps manufacturers learn more about CAD news. BuildingTalk shares the latest news on CAD software for architects and the industry of architecture.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Go to forums, blogs, and subscribe to CAD newsletter. Soon, you will get a sense of the CAD world and understand what works and what doesn't. When you are ready to hire CAD services, you will know what to look for and who knows what they are doing. Ask to see portfolios and make comparisons before hiring your CAD operator.

1. Analyze your personal skill set to be sure starting a CAD design company is for you.
2. Gain hands-on experience in the area of your CAD services specialty.
3. Network and build up all kinds of contacts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get formal training and education in CAD

Many users of computer-aided design learn the art and how to use specific programs in classes working toward a college degree. Although ideal, this is not the only way to learn CAD. Take a single class from a technical school or community college. You can also get books and manual or learn online.

I recommend: Teach yourself CAD with the help of CAD Digest , or learn online at GBCCadd.com.

Build up a CAD services portfolio

A portfolio is simply examples of your work organized into a single user-friendly format such as a book or a slideshow. It may help CAD designers to have both a traditional hard copy portfolio in addition to an electronic one. Many employers prefer a hard copy, but an electronic portfolio can showcase your technical skills as well.

I recommend: Use Carbonmade or BluentCAD to create an online portfolio.

Buy CAD software

There are many computer aided design software programs to choose from; they vary in price, specialty, graphics and ease of use. There are programs providing designs as simple as two-dimensional drawings, and there are much more in depth graphics-rich programs. Most of the leading ones offer free trials to try before you invest.

I recommend: Try VectorWorks, Adobe Acrobat 3D, CAD Creations or Designcad 3D Max, which are some of the popular computer aided design software packages.

Have a strong online presence in the computer aided design world

If building and maintaining your own professional website is not a realistic option, take advantage of the many freelance websites out there to post your profile. Some allow you to showcase your work in a portfolio-like setting. Post a resume, contact information and your fees.

I recommend: Set up profiles on Guru.com, Elance.com, CADground.com and iFreelance.com.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Build up a portfolio by doing simulated projects; the projects don't have to be realized to be designed.
• •  Gain job experience by first offering your services for free.
• •  Get an internship with a CAD design company or firm.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Download a free computer aided design software program to try out, play with and learn

These programs will give you the opportunity to learn the basics with hands on experience. You can read about CAD and find tutorials, but you need the actual CAD software to learn the basics.

I recommend: CADDIT.net has free downloads of CAD software programs as well as online tutorials. Their program is a total mechanical engineering solution that is easy to use, compact and fast. Alibre also offers a free CAD program download that you can practice on and learn the basics. During this trial period, they let you download the professional design software for another 30 days of practice, and let you keep the first version forever.

Learn how to use CAD software with free tutorials and courses

Now that you have the software, the next thing you need is lessons to learn how to use it. Fortunately, there are people out on the web who have put together basic CAD courses and tutorials for you.

I recommend: My CADSITE has 48 free tutorials and some with videos. Alternatively, you can learn with a free download and a free online course. Try a CAD Basics course with introduction to CAD principles and intro and advanced examples and illustrations.

Freelance your services now that you know computer aided design (CAD) basics

You can keep learning the basics of CAD by using a computer aided design services website that connects the user and the buyer.

I recommend: CAD Ground has a wide variety of CAD projects available to freelance CAD designers. At iFreelance.com, you can find more CAD operator jobs. Start small and ask for small fees until you get the hang of it and master the basics.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you continue with your basic 3D CAD services, collect and save your work for a portfolio. Thumb through your local yellow pages, call local CAD or engineering companies and ask about internships to gain valuable experience.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

ACIS

ACIS is a three-dimensional modelling technology that forms the kernel for a variety of CAD programs, such as AutoCAD. It is a trademarked name rather than an acronym, but is commonly believed to come from the phrase 'Andy, Charles, Ian's System.'

I recommend: CAD Forum provides discussions on a variety of CAD-related topics and also defines CAD terms, such as ACIS.

Vector

The mathematical definition of a vector refers to any line segment in space. In the context of a CAD application, however, the term vector is broadened to include any object which is constructed of vectors.

I recommend: GraphicsAcademy.com provides a variety of CAD training resources, in addition to a glossary of CAD terms like vector.

CAD object

A CAD object uses coordinate data to represent an object. It is useful in applications that do not require an exact description because is has a free-form topology.

I recommend: GIS Development offers CAD services and also defines a variety of related terms, including CAD object.

Facet

A facet in the context of a CAD application refers to any triangle-shaped element. Its most common use is to approximate a three-dimensional surface, which may require many facets for a complex surface.

I recommend: Xpress 3D specializes in rapid CAD prototyping and also provides a glossary of common CAD terms like Facet.

Axis

An axis is an imaginary line segment that provides a basis for measurement for a CAD model. The complete Cartesian coordinate system in three-dimensional spaces includes an x, y and z axis.

I recommend: T.A. Grimm offers rapid prototyping services using CAD and also has a glossary of terms that relate to CAD, such as axis.

Reference object

A reference object is a real object that serves as a model for the CAD object. A manufacturer may subsequently compare the specifications of manufactured objects to the reference object.

I recommend: Geomagic provides a range of CAD services and has a glossary of CAD terms and definitions, such as reference object.