AutoCAD Civil 3D is a BIM (building information management) software used by civil engineers to plan, design, and manage civil engineering projects. The software was first an add-on to AutoCAD that has grown to a stand-alone application. The projects developed using Civil 3D may fall under three main categories; land development, water, and transportation projects.

Learning Civil 3D is useful for civil engineers and individual engineeres working in the infrastructure industry, whether your current firm is using it or using a competing software (Bentley products) it’s a useful tool that you should always keep in your toolbox.

The aim of this post is to present and compare between free online sources that beginners can rely on to learn Civil 3D, the sources stated here are full-structured courses that beginners can follow along.

If you just want the bottom line (the road map to learn Civil 3D) and you don’t wish to read the entire article then go to the “Bottom Line” section at the end of the article.

Getting Started with AutoCAD Civil 3D from Scratch

Autodesk Website

Autodesk Website is the first free online outlet where beginners can start learning Civil 3D through a text-based tutorial, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 5 sections, each section is divided into lessons that cover the various aspects of that section topic.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the section, then the lesson you’re interested in and you’ll be directed to the page where the lesson resides.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training covers the basics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using the software.

Cons

1. The training isn’t well-organized or structured for complete beginners.
2. The training doesn’t cover every aspect of the software.

Verdict: This is the best free online outlet where beginners can start learning Civil 3D through text-based tutorials.

A2K Technologies YouTube Channel

A2K Technologies YouTube Channel is the second free online outlet where beginners can start learning Civil 3D through video tutorials.

Structure: The training is divided into 18 video lessons, each video lesson covers certain tools/techniques in Civil 3D.

Interface: Standard YouTube interface.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-organized for complete beginners.

Cons

1. The training covers a very old release of the software.

Verdict: This is an excellent free online outlet where beginners can start learning Civil 3D through video tutorials.

I Civil JU YouTube Channel

I Civil JU YouTube Channel is the third free online outlet where beginners can start learning Civil 3D through video tutorials.

Structure: the training is divided into 6 video lessons, each video lesson covers certain tool/technique in Civil 3D.

Interface: Standard YouTube interface.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training start from learning to use AutoCAD.
3. The training is well-structured and organized for complete beginners.

Cons

1. The training covers an old release of the software.

Verdict: This is the best free online outlet where beginners can start learning Civil 3D through video tutorials.

CAD Technology Center

CAD Technology Center is the fourth free online outlet where beginners can start learning Civil 3D through video tutorials.

Structure: The training is divided into 45 video lessons, each video lesson covers a tip/trick/tool/technique in Civil 3D.

Interface: Standard YouTube interface.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training covers many aspects of the software

Cons

1. The training isn’t well-organized for complete beginners.

Verdict: This is a very good free online outlet where beginners can start learning Civil 3D through video tutorials.

Bottom Line

The recipe for learning to use Civil 3D:

1. AutoCAD Civil 3D is the best outlet for beginners to start learning Civil 3D through a text tutorial.
2. I Civil JU YouTube Channel is the best outlet for beginners to start learning Civil 3D through video tutorials.

Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in learning to use Civil 3D.