As far as learning, when you open AutoCAD there will be a learn and create (I think) links on the startup tab. The autodesk videos are extremely helpful. Some good concepts to look into would be model space vs paper space as well. Learn about blocks and how to use them. Also, if you want to look like a pro to your boss Ctrl + Shft + c copies all selected entities as a block and then click for your reference point. Use Ctrl+Shft+V to paste as a block, your cursor will place it relative to where you chose your reference point. Above all SNAPS, SNAPS, SNAPS, SNAPS. Learn them, Love them, use them. They are, imho, one of the most helpful mechanics to the program. xl command does an infinity line which you can place then choose angle, or hit "v" for a vertical infinity line or "h" for a horizontal infinity line placed by your cursor. Different folks like different approaches: My engineering manager likes to have all the toolbars up and clicks everything while me and another engineer have almost all the commands and shortcuts memorized. Depending on what you like and get comfortable with will speed you up. Speed comes with time as well, don't rush it and make sure to double check your work before plotting. dim command (in Mechanical Idk about base CAD) will allow your cursor to select snaps or objects to dimension. DIMSTYLE command (DIMSTY for short) will allow you to change the way your dimensions look. Also DIMSCALE will scale your dimensions according to your plot scale on your border if you work in model space. If you work in paper space, your dimscale and text height will all be set by your paper size. (i.e. 1.5" Text for a size 4 sheet) This is really all the quick tips I can think of off of the top of my head. I've been using AutoCAD for about a total of 2 or 3 years and Solidworks for about 1.5 or 2, so I'm no expert, but I can help.