Do I need to know Python before this course?

No. We start with a Python Kickstart in PyCharm. You’ll also begin with image/sketch exercises (colorize, style, sketch → 3D/photoreal) before coding.

Which tools will we use?

PyCharm IDE, Python, pyautocad (COM), and ChatGPT. For images/sketches we use AI image generation tools to colorize, restyle, and convert sketches to 3D/photoreal.

Is this course certified by Autodesk?

Yes. ETC is an Autodesk Authorized Training Center and issues international certificates from Autodesk.

A presentation-ready set from a sketch (colorized, styled, 3D/photoreal), a one-click DWG cleanup tool, batch processors, reports, and a natural-language drafting assistant.

How are public courses scheduled?

Evening classes are typically Monday–Wednesday or Tuesday–Thursday from 6:30–8:30 PM. Morning and Saturday sessions are also offered based on demand.

Python + AI for AutoCAD Users

No prior coding required. Begin with image & sketch workflows (colorize, style variations, sketch → 3D/photoreal), then learn Python in PyCharm, connect it to AutoCAD with pyautocad, and leverage ChatGPT to generate code, summarize DWGs, and build natural-language drafting assistants. Leave with reusable tools that save hours on every project.

Duration: 30–36 hours

Teaching Methodology: Hands-on, project-based

Course Schedule: Schedule

Fees $600

Course Mode: Blended — Face-to-face or online via Zoom

OVERVIEW

This course turns AutoCAD power users into automation pros. We start with Chapter 00: image & sketch workflows—colorizing hand sketches, creating style variations, and converting sketches into 3D/photorealistic visuals for fast client communication. Then we move into a focused Python Kickstart in PyCharm, connect to AutoCAD via pyautocad, and use ChatGPT to build cleanup tools, batch processors, and a natural-language drafting assistant.

Expected Time Savings with AI + Python

Typical productivity gains on common workflows
Task	Manual Effort	With AI + Python	Time Saved (%)
Repetitive Drafting & Layer Management	Hours of clicking across 10–50 drawings	Seconds, batch-applied	70–90%
Sheet / Title Block Updates	1–2 min per drawing (hundreds of sheets)	< 1 second per drawing	90–95%
Quality Checks & Standards Compliance	Hours of visual checks per project	Instant scan + report	60–80%
Conversational Editing (AI-driven commands)	2–5 min per edit	One natural-language command	50–70%
Batch File Processing (100+ DWGs)	Nearly impossible manually	Fully automated, unattended	95%+
Overall Project Impact	100% baseline	50–80% faster on average	50–80%

AUDIENCE

Architects, interior designers, MEP/mechanical engineers, draftsmen, BIM/CAD managers, and tech-savvy professionals seeking automation.

PREREQUISITES

No prior coding required. Python 1 is recommended (for deeper fundamentals) but not mandatory. AutoCAD 2D

CERTIFICATION

ETC is an Autodesk Authorized Training Center. International certificates from Autodesk are issued upon completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Python experience?
No. We begin with image/sketch exercises (colorize, style variations, sketch → 3D/photoreal) and a Python Kickstart using PyCharm.

Can I automate my existing DWGs?
Yes. After Chapter 00, you’ll build a cleanup pipeline (purge, audit, regapps, scale reset, overkill, hatch/xref options), batch it across files, and create a natural-language drafting assistant.

COURSE CONTENTS

00 — ChatGPT for Exterior & Interior Architects

Visual Enhancements
Sketch → Modern 3D Room
Sketch to 3D (Beyond One Room)
Rendering & Visualization
Productivity & Iteration
Collaboration & Communication
Future-Forward

01 — Python Kickstart (PyCharm)

Install Python & PyCharm
Python basics: variables, data types, I/O
Control flow: if/else, loops
Functions, modules, lists & dictionaries
pip packages (pyautocad, openpyxl)
Mini Project: Areas & volumes calculator

02 — Connect Python ↔ AutoCAD

Install & test pyautocad
Access AutoCAD COM, docs & spaces
Read entities (lines, circles, blocks)
Write entities to DWG from Python
Mini Project: Auto-draw a floor grid

03 — Automate CAD Workflows

Layers, blocks, text, dimensions
Selection filters & property edits
Saving & batch operations
Mini Project: Enforce office CAD standards

04 — AI + ChatGPT for CAD

OpenAI API basics
Prompt engineering for code & QA
Natural language → CAD queries
AI-assisted debugging
Mini Project: “Explain this script” bot

05 — Smart DWG Cleanup

Automate PURGE, AUDIT, RegApps
OVERKILL & fallbacks
Scale reset, hatch/xref options
Mini Project: One-click “Prepare for Revit”

06 — Generative & Parametric

Parameter-driven layout generators
AI-suggested design variations
Constraints & QA checks
Mini Project: Window/column placer

07 — Intelligent Drafting Assistant

Natural language → actions
Query drawings & highlight results
AI auto-documentation of DWGs
Mini Project: “Ask your drawing” tool

08 — Advanced Productivity

Title blocks, revisions, annotations
Batch plotting, PDF/DXF exports
Simple GUIs (Tkinter/PyQt)
AI-assisted optimization
Mini Project: Batch clean & export

09 — Capstone Project

Choose one: Smart Cleanup Bot, AI Drawing Analyzer, or NL Drafting Assistant
Packaging, testing, and presentation
Peer review & next steps

10 — Custom Ribbons & Menus

Launch Python via AutoLISP commands
Custom ribbon tabs & panels (CUI/CUIX)
Menu buttons & toolbars for scripts
Package “AI Productivity” ribbon (XML + icons)
Mini Project: AI Tools ribbon with LISP launchers