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AutoCAD Electrical Course vs AutoCAD: What’s the Difference?

January 9, 2026
3 Min
By - MiT

AutoCAD is one of the most commonly used design software in the engineering field. As industries continue to specialize, the need for individuals with specific technical skills has increased as well. The AutoCAD Electrical Course provides specialized training in addition to basic AutoCAD. While both Autodesk applications are similar in nature with the same user interface, they provide different functionality, options and opportunities.

If you are confused about which one to pursue (AutoCAD vs. the AutoCAD Electrical Course), this guide will give you a better understanding of how each differs from other, what benefits they offer and what your learning priorities will be.

What Is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is an all-purpose computer program for CAD, allowing you to produce 3D and 2D drawings using computers. This software is frequently employed by civil engineers, architectural designers, mechanical engineers, builders and other professionals working in related fields.

AutoCAD is used to ensure accurate drafting and design-related documentation. All drawings produced are derived from original concepts developed using AutoCAD; therefore, it is well suited for beginners who wish to acquire the skills to produce technical drawings from beginning to end with accuracy.

Using AutoCAD also provides you with skill sets essential for any career in design, including:

Technical drawing practices
Layers
Dimensioning and labeling
Creating layouts and Plotting

AutoCAD is useful in many different industries, therefore making it an excellent introduction to engineering and design careers for engineering students.

What Is an AutoCAD Electrical Course?

An AutoCAD Electrical Course is a specially designed version of AutoCAD that is used specifically for designing electrical control systems, rather than manual drafting. The course provides electrical engineers and technicians with tools, symbols, and automation capabilities specifically for their field.

The purpose of the AutoCAD Electrical Course is to provide the tools necessary to create electrical schematics, control panels, PLC diagrams, wiring layouts, and circuit documentation as accurately and easily as possible.

Key highlights of an AutoCAD Electrical Course include:

Ready-made electrical symbols and libraries
Automatic wire numbering and component tagging
Error checking and validation in real-time
Automated reports such as BOMs (Bill of Materials) and wire lists

AutoCAD Electrical Course is best suited for those looking to enter into the field of electrical design, automation, manufacturing, or industrial control systems.

Core Difference Between AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical Course

While AutoCAD serves multiple purposes, the primary focus of AutoCAD electrical training is to automate and provide the tools necessary to ease the burden on electrical design. Electrical Drawings for AutoCAD must be created manually and the AutoCAD Electrical Course takes advantage of smart tools to simplify many of the complicated tasks related to electrical design. It saves time and reduces errors.

What Special Skills Do You Learn in AutoCAD?

Learning AutoCAD builds a strong technical base that is useful across industries. It helps learners understand the following skills:

Engineering Drawing Logic
Precision Drafting Techniques
Layout Planning and Scaling
Industry Standards for Drawings

AutoCAD is beneficial for students who are uncertain of what field they want to specialize.

What Special Skills Do You Learn in an AutoCAD Electrical Course?

AutoCAD Electrical Course teaches real-world applications of electrical design technology, which cannot be achieved with simple basic AutoCAD. By participating in an AutoCAD Electrical Course, you will develop skills for:

Creating Electrical Schematic Diagrams
Creating Control Panel Layouts
Creating PLC I/O Layouts
Creating Industrial Wiring Diagrams
Creating Electrical documentation standards

AutoCAD Electrical Course will also provide a base of knowledge relating to automation principles, allowing learners to be at their maximum productivity and ready for the industry upon completion of the course.

Which One Should You Learn First?

For beginners, learning AutoCAD is very beneficial for understanding some of the basic concepts related to drafting. If your goal is to move into an area such as electrical engineering, industrial design, or automation, it would be a good choice to take the AutoCAD Electrical Course. Many professionals start with AutoCAD and expand their knowledge of AutoCAD Electrical tools through a course later on, allowing them to establish specialization and provide more possibilities for career advancement.

Career Benefits of AutoCAD Electrical Course vs AutoCAD

AutoCAD offers a entry-level job opportunities within design and engineering positions. The AutoCAD Electrical course will provide you with a more technical and specialized job opportunity.

Electrical Engineering
Automation Engineering
Control Panel Design
Industrial Maintenance

With industry continuously transitioning towards automation, the need for professionals trained through an AutoCAD Electrical Course continues to grow.

Final Thoughts

In the engineering world, both AutoCAD and the AutoCAD Electrical Course provide high quality training. While AutoCAD teaches the basic skills needed for drafting, the AutoCAD Electrical Course offers a specialized curriculum to teach students how to develop and apply advanced automated tools specific to built electrical installations.

While choosing between AutoCAD and the AutoCAD Electrical Course, If your main goal is flexibility, then the AutoCAD course is the best for both fields. On the other hand, if you desire a high degree of specialization and value then the AutoCAD Electrical Course is the best choice. Knowing your long-term career objectives will help determine the best method for learning and keeping your skills relevant in the industry.