The purpose of this tutorial is to teach you how to create an electronic facility layout using AutoCAD drafting software. Using electronic methods of drafting can help:

-Create layouts faster than by hand
-Ensure accurate dimensions
-Make portable, transformable layouts

To complete this tutorial, you will need the following:

-A computer with AutoCAD installed
-A measuring tape
-Paper and a pencil

Although no technical skills are required, familiarity with computers will help you complete the tutorial faster.

Creating a layout can take anywhere from an hour to multiple days, depending on the size of the room or facility. For this tutorial, we will create a layout of a standard dorm room. The same principles apply to say, a manufacturing floor or an office space.

Picture source: Google images

Step 1: Gather Materials

Install AutoCAD on your computer. A free student edition of AutoCAD can be found here.

Gather the following:

1) Measuring tape
2) Paper (preferably graph paper)
3) Pen or pencil

Step 2: Create Paper Room Layout

Measure the inside dimensions of your room, and record it on paper.

NOTE: This does not require art skills or drawing to scale - you simply need the dimensions for electronic drafting later on.

You should have something like the photo above when complete.

Picture source: Self

Step 3: Measure and Draw in Furniture

Measure individual pieces of furniture and draw them in on the room layout. Use your tape measure to record accurate dimensions. Consider measuring additional dimensions from the corners of the room to ensure proper furniture placement later on.

Again, the paper draft does not need to be drawn to scale, or even have straight lines. The final product should look something like the photo above when finished.

Picture source: Self