Efficient Self-Learning: Revit & SolidWorks Online Platforms
- PrimaVersity
- Jun 30, 2025
- 6 min read
A home learner with a laptop and textbooks. Self learning CAD software can be a midpoint between becoming job ready and learning in an institution for students and professionals. Whether you are a future architect or a seasoned engineer, knowing software like SolidWorks and Revit can actually give your design skills a punch. These are required all over the world in fields such as a PrimaVersity blog quoted as saying that "SolidWorks software-trained students are more hireable since they possess practical design skills."
Udemy also refers to SolidWorks as "a favorite tool of product designers and mechanical engineers," in reference to its application for 3D design. Autodesk's own site also refers to Revit as an "integrated BIM tool" utilized in building and architecture. With such guidance, it's obvious that having Revit and SolidWorks knowledge can give you an edge in the workplace.
Self-learning self study is a great way of studying Revit and SolidWorks. It allows you to study as quickly or slowly as you desire, zip through straightforward topics, and dwell on challenging ones. You can study through on-demand video training or interactive tutorials wherever you are.
Good websites provide properly organized courses that include a series of videos, quizzes, and exercises. For example, Udemy’s Revit courses cover architecture and BIM modeling, and its SolidWorks courses cover mechanical design and 3D modeling.
Top Tools and Resources For Efficient Self-Learning
1. Official and Paid Guidance:
Autodesk and Dassault (SolidWorks) both have official content. Autodesk's official Revit site includes free trials and opportunities for certification. SolidWorks provides plans and pricing options for Standard ($2,820/yr), Professional ($3,456/yr), and Premium ($4,716/yr) licenses, and even a student version SolidWorks for Makers option. Receive trial versions to download or student license and learn for zero initial cost.
To get a feeling for an investment: Revit is a subscription (usually per year) but students get it free, while SolidWorks Professional would cost around $3,456/year. Online training (for example, Udemy or Coursera training) is significantly less expensive than training in the conventional way, and hence it is also appealing to penny-pinchers.
2. Online Course Websites:
Online course websites such as Udemy, Coursera, and edX sell plenty of Revit and SolidWorks courses. Udemy and Coursera even collaborate with leading universities and Dassault Systèmes to provide specialized material. Most courses include practical exercises and quizzes, and a few even award certificates upon completion. Portability of this sort ensures that it is convenient to learn SolidWorks Online or develop BIM skills using Revit in your free time.
For example, a single course on Udemy on Revit has more than 10,000 students, an indication of how well such courses may be adopted. On Udemy, the beginner topics cover the SolidWorks interface and sketch tools, and the advanced topics on simulations, assemblies, and CAD best practice. Likewise, Revit topics span from beginner building design to advanced subjects such as Revit MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems. (Revit MEP is Revit's advanced building systems design module – aka BIM MEP.)
3. Free Resources:
YouTube, forums, and blogs can be used to supplement knowledge. Both Autodesk University and Autodesk Knowledge Network have free tutorials on Revit basics, including BIM 360 and Revit MEP working. For SolidWorks, there are free video lessons on basic sketching, assemblies, and SolidWorks tips on the SolidWorks website. SolidWorks built-in tutorials and help files are also useful. But don't forget, free tutorials lack structure and accountability, so try to be disciplined when you follow them.
Close-up of blueprints and drawing equipment. Aside from web pages, hands-on practice is crucial. After completing a tutorial of Autodesk Revit, attempt designing a simple building or modifying an existing BIM model. The majority of classes will provide assignments like floor plan preparation and 3D views.
As the write-up on Udemy explains, Revit "manages large sets of data across a wide variety of disciplines" and allows you to "design buildings from a one-off single-family home to a multi-level sports stadium," demonstrating the power of BIM. Practice and learning by doing actual designs in the programme is where all falls into place.
A student at a table with a tablet displaying a 3D model, demonstrating digital design. Don't see – do. Wherever it is possible to do so, utilize tools like a 3D printer or CNC machine to create your SolidWorks model into something tangible, or give a client a walk-through of a Revit model in the field. Such real-life practical application is what makes the learning truly effective.
PrimaVersity states that there should be practice before theory. In fact, they mention that they are "gaining 'hands-on experience in SolidWorks.' makes you a much sought-after person to potential employers," repeating that project work makes one employable.
Smart Self-Learning Tips
Make Self-Learning Your Own:
Treat Revit and SolidWorks as your own project. Give yourself a weekly objective (e.g. "model this part" or "finish this Revit tutorial") and measure your progress. Repetition is the mode of self-taught learning.
Mix Modes of Learning:
Flip between videos, reading and hands-on work. After a Revit lesson, for instance, read about something in the BIM workflow. For SolidWorks, alternate between lectures and CAD exercises. Changing methods keeps learning fresh.
Project-Based Learning:
Assign yourself mini-projects. Create a desk organizer in SolidWorks and 3D print it out or create a small building (your residence or shed, say) in Revit. These exercise recommendations keep you engaged.
Use Certification Guides:
Even if you are not writing the exam, an Autodesk or CSWA/CSWP certification guide identifies primary features to study. Utilize those as a study checklist.
Community & Mentorship:
Participate in forums (e.g. Autodesk Community, SolidWorks forums) and ask questions. PrimaVersity culture is mentorship: have a study partner or mentor who can look over your work or provide feedback.
Create a Portfolio:
Record all your projects. Screenshot or export a PDF of your designs. A portfolio of your own Revit models and SolidWorks components demonstrates your ability and work ethic.
Get Organized:
Maintain an electronic notebook of tips, shortcuts, and solutions you discover. Your own reference saves time in the long run when learning.
Practice Schedule:
Set a routine for learning Revit and SolidWorks. Even a short daily practice will be worth it in the long run.
Stay Informed:
Be familiar with official blogs and YouTube channels. Autodesk and SolidWorks keep releasing new features from time to time (new BIM tools, rendering engines); being aware of it keeps you updated with the new tools.
Master Collaboration Tools:
Watch how teams collaborate on models. Cloud worksharing in Revit (Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro) allows designers to collaborate simultaneously on the same building model. SolidWorks also possesses its own PDM system for assemblies. Knowledge of these collaborative workflows provides you with a real-life understanding of industry practice.
Keep Learning:
Monitor your progress and record milestones. Realize how far you have gone using self-learning and then challenge yourself even more. The flexibility of self-learning allows you to redesign your plan to keep you interested at all times.
Complementing with PrimaVersity
Though you can learn in depth online, in-person guidance completes your training. PrimaVersity does not have live online Revit or SolidWorks classes, but our on-site CAD instruction and supervision bridge the gap. Our Civil and Mechanical CAD courses enable you to practice software tools with actual engineering projects under the guidance of experts.
Being a reliable PrimaVersity blog post implies, structured courses result in "a noticeable skill improvement like PrimaVersity's CAD drafting Courses," boosting your career significantly.
Why Choose PrimaVersity?
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Live Projects: Simulate workplace challenges by creating digital replicas of systems and infrastructure, building a portfolio that showcases your mastery of next-gen tech.
Mentorship & Placements: Get 1:1 guidance to refine your skills and secure roles at top firms where digital twin innovation thrives.
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