AutoCAD Install

AutoCAD Download & Installation

Step 1: Go to www.autodesk.com. Under the “Communities” tab, select “Students & Educators.”


Step 2: Create a login ID under the “How do I sign up?” tab using your university email address. Sign into the “Login” tab.


Step 3: Select the “Software Downloads” tab.


Step 4: Scroll down to AutoCAD (not AutoCAD Architecture), and select the version you wish to download. Note the difference between 32- and 64-bit Windows (if you do not know, look on the bottom (laptop) or back (desktop) of your computer for the Microsoft Windows serial number, which will indicate your processor type).


Step 5: Select the hyperlink in the “Manual Download” box . The large “Download” button will direct you to an Autodesk downloading utility (unnecessary).


Step 6: Select “Save File.” If you are given the choice between “Run” and “Save File,” choose the latter as it leaves more flexibility in terms of installation.


Step 7: Take a nap, get coffee, or read a book while AutoCAD downloads. Use the university’s LAN connections, however, and it takes just minutes.


Step 8: Navigate to the folder into which the file was downloaded (Desktop, Downloads folder, My Documents, etc.) and double-click to launch the file.


Step 9: Select “Run.”


Step 10: Select the folder into which you wish AutoCAD to be installed (most of you should probably just leave it as the default folder).


Step 11: Select “Install Products.”


Step 12: Select “Next.”


Step 13: Return to the Autodesk login page and navigate to the “Software Downloads.” Under the AutoCAD page, select “Get Serial.” Copy this and the Product Key into the AutoCAD installation.


Step 14: Fill the fields and select “Next.”


Step 15: Select “Install” to launch the standard installation.


Step 16: Select the discipline closest to yours (generally, Architecture).


Step 17: Select the first option and “Start AutoCAD 2010.” If, at this point, AutoCAD asks for a verification number/code, simply follow the on-screen steps to have one issued online. (Note: the password for verification is different than your default login; simply follow instructions to have a password sent to your email.)


Step 18: Select “Continue,” stating you are aware that this cannot be used for any professional purposes.


Step 19: To revert the workspace to one with which we are all more comfortable, click on the bottom right and change the workspace to “AutoCAD Classic.”


Step 20: Move or close the floating toolbars to gain a clean model space.


Step 21: To change the obnoxious cream-colored model space to a more familiar and easier-to-use black, select “Tools” and “Options.”


Step 22: Under the “Display” tab, select the “Colors” button.


Step 23: Select uniform background under “Interface Element” and change the color to black.


Step 24: Close the “Options” windows and enjoy. The End.