If you study or work in engineering, architecture or interior design, four programs come up again and again: AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max and SketchUp. This page explains what each one is used for, a sensible order to learn them, and how we teach them at Al Khawarizmi Institute in Lebanon, in person at our main branch in Simkanieh (the Chouf) or live online on Zoom.
Want to start? Message us on WhatsApp and tell us which program you want, what you already know and what you need it for. We answer straight away during opening hours, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.
What each program is used for
These descriptions follow the software makers’ own product pages, so you know what you are signing up to learn before you choose.
AutoCAD — precise 2D and 3D drafting
Autodesk describes AutoCAD as design and drafting software for precise 2D and 3D drawing. You draw plans, sections and details to exact dimensions, set up layers and line types, add annotations and dimensions, and print drawings to scale.
Revit — building information modelling
Revit is Autodesk’s building information modelling (BIM) software. Instead of drawing lines that represent walls, you place walls, doors, floors and roofs as real building elements. Plans, elevations, sections and schedules are then produced from the one model, so a change made in one view updates the others. It is used by architects, structural and MEP engineers and construction teams who need drawings and quantities that stay consistent.
3ds Max — 3D modelling, animation and rendering
Autodesk describes 3ds Max as software for modelling, animating and rendering 3D scenes, used for film and TV, games and design visualisation. For architecture and interiors it is mostly about presentation: taking a design and turning it into a realistic image or walkthrough for a client. Lighting, materials, cameras and rendering settings are the heart of the work.
SketchUp — fast 3D design
SketchUp’s maker describes it as 3D design software for architects, designers and engineers. Architects and interior designers use it in the early design stage to model a room or a building, test furniture, materials and proportions, and show a client an idea before the detailed drawings are done. It also works with rendering programs when you want a more polished image.
How the programs fit together
The four programs overlap, and knowing how they connect helps you decide which ones your work needs. These points come from the software makers’ own descriptions.
- AutoCAD is the drafting tool. Autodesk offers industry toolsets for it, including architecture, mechanical, electrical, plant design, MEP and GIS mapping, so the same program serves very different drawings. A lighter 2D-only edition, AutoCAD LT, also exists.
- Revit is the building model. Plans, elevations, sections and schedules are produced from one model, which is why architecture, structural and building-services teams use it.
- 3ds Max is the visualisation tool. Autodesk shows AutoCAD and Revit designs being taken into 3ds Max for rendering, and a 3D view from a Revit project can be exported to 3ds Max for realistic images.
- SketchUp is the quick 3D sketching tool. It is used to model a space, try materials and furniture, and share a design, and it connects to rendering programs.
So an engineer who mainly produces technical drawings is working in AutoCAD. An architect documenting a building works in Revit. An interior designer showing a client a room might use SketchUp, and anyone who needs a polished image or walkthrough turns to 3ds Max. Many projects use more than one of them.
What each program is used for, by profession
- Engineering: AutoCAD for precise 2D and 3D drafting, including solids, surfaces and mesh objects, and its mechanical, electrical, plant and MEP toolsets.
- Architecture: Revit for building information modelling, AutoCAD for drawings, SketchUp for early design models and for plans, elevations and sections, and 3ds Max for presentation images.
- Interior design: SketchUp for modelling rooms and testing furniture and materials, and 3ds Max for realistic renders of the result.
The courses at Al Khawarizmi Institute
AutoCAD 2D and 3D, Revit, 3ds Max and SketchUp are all part of our computer courses; you can see the wider range on our computer courses page.
Group or private
You can join a group course, or take private lessons. Group courses start from $150 as a reference figure; the real fee depends on the program and is confirmed before you enrol. Private lessons are charged per hour, in blocks of 20 hours. Details are on our private tutoring page.
In person or live online
In person, you study at our main branch in Simkanieh, on the main road beside Irfan school and facing Lefco market, with parking on site. Or you can study live on Zoom with a teacher, not from recordings. Online costs the same as in person, and materials are sent by WhatsApp or email. Read more on our live online courses page.
Schedule and homework
- No registration fee is charged.
- Classes usually run twice a week, one to two hours each. Morning and Saturday classes are available. New groups open monthly once enough students are ready.
- Courses run all year round, including the summer. We are open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.
- Homework is set. The recommended study outside class is 1 to 2 hours for every hour in class.
Teams and companies
If you manage a design or engineering office and want several people trained, we also build courses around a workplace need. Read about it on our corporate training page and message us with what your team does.
Next step
Tell us which program you need. Message us on WhatsApp on +961 71 27 67 13, call the Simkanieh landline on 05 501 973, or write to [email protected]. You can also fill in the online registration form. Walk-ins are welcome at Simkanieh, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.
Frequently asked questions
What is Revit used for, compared with AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is drafting software for precise 2D and 3D drawings. Revit is building information modelling software: you build a model of the building, and plans, elevations, sections and schedules come from it.
What is the difference between AutoCAD and SketchUp?
AutoCAD is for precise 2D and 3D drafting to exact dimensions. SketchUp is a faster 3D design tool, used to explore and present ideas early in a project.
Can I study these programs online?
Yes. Courses can run live on Zoom with a teacher, not from recordings, at the same cost as in person. Materials are sent by WhatsApp or email.
How much does an AutoCAD or Revit course cost?
Group courses start from $150 as a reference; the exact fee depends on the course and is confirmed before you enrol. Private lessons are charged per hour in blocks of 20 hours. There is no registration fee.
When can I start?
New groups open monthly once enough students are ready, and the teacher agrees the schedule with them. Courses run all year round, including the summer. We are open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.