8 AutoCAD Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

What started as a necessity for clear, updated guidance in AutoCAD evolved into this extensive manual by Brian C. Benton and George Omura. Drawing on decades of experience—from Benton's multi-disciplinary design background to Omura's architectural projects including major public structures—this book dives into both fundamental and advanced AutoCAD 2021 and LT features. You’ll learn to handle everything from interface customization to 3D modeling, dynamic blocks, and preparing for Autodesk certification with precision. Whether you’re managing projects or refining design skills, this manual offers detailed chapters and downloadable files to build practical expertise, making it a solid fit for professionals aiming to master current CAD workflows.

Bill Fane's decades of hands-on experience in mechanical design and teaching AutoCAD shape this approachable guide that takes you from zero drafting knowledge to 3D modeling skills. Through clear explanations, you learn to set up projects, draw precise lines and curves, and gradually build complex models, with chapters dedicated to transitioning from 2D drawings to 3D. Whether you're an aspiring architect, engineer, or designer, Fane's practical insights help you grasp the core functions critical to communicating your ideas effectively. This book is best if you’re starting fresh or looking for a patient walkthrough of AutoCAD fundamentals without getting overwhelmed.

This tailored book explores AutoCAD in a way that matches your unique background and goals, offering a focused learning journey through the software's vast capabilities. It covers essential techniques from basic drafting to advanced 3D modeling, carefully aligned with your interests to deepen your understanding and skillset. With detailed explanations and examples, it reveals how to navigate interface customization, dynamic blocks, and project workflows tailored to your specific design needs. By concentrating on your personal objectives, this personalized guide examines AutoCAD’s tools and applications that matter most to you. It provides a clear, engaging path that integrates knowledge traditionally scattered across multiple sources, making complex concepts accessible and immediately relevant.

The methods CADFolks developed while focusing on accessible CAD training shine through in AutoCAD 2020 For Beginners. This book walks you through navigating the AutoCAD interface and mastering commands critical for creating and modifying technical drawings, including 3D modeling and architectural floor plans. You'll find clear explanations paired with targeted examples, such as how to prepare drawings for printing and add precise dimensions and annotations. It's well-suited for anyone starting with AutoCAD who wants to build a solid foundation without wading through unnecessary complexity or jargon. If you need a straightforward introduction that balances breadth with practical skills, this book delivers.

What happens when an experienced engineering professor teams up with specialized CAD software developers? Prof. Sham Tickoo, with decades of teaching and industry expertise, guides you through AutoCAD Plant 3D 2021’s powerful tools for creating piping and instrumentation diagrams and 3D plant models. You’ll find detailed tutorials, real-world project exercises like a thermal power plant design, and stepwise instructions covering everything from project setup to isometric and orthographic drawing generation. This book suits designers and engineers aiming to master plant design workflows within AutoCAD, providing practical exposure without overwhelming jargon. If you’re looking for a thorough introduction with hands-on practice in industrial plant modeling, this book fits well, though seasoned AutoCAD veterans might find some material fundamental rather than advanced.

James A. Leach, a leading educator in computer-aided design, teamed with Shawna Lockhart to create a resource that mirrors the command structure of AutoCAD 2022 itself. This book teaches you how to master AutoCAD commands progressively, starting from basic drawing skills to more advanced applications, supported by over 2,000 detailed illustrations. You’ll appreciate its command-oriented layout that makes referencing easier than with tutorial-style texts, and exercises that reinforce your learning across chapters. Ideal if you want a thorough command-level understanding, it’s especially suited for students and professionals seeking a structured, in-depth guide rather than a quick tutorial.

This tailored AutoCAD guide offers a personalized pathway to elevate your drafting skills within 30 days. It explores core AutoCAD concepts while focusing on your unique background, interests, and goals, making each chapter relevant to your learning journey. The book covers foundational drawing techniques, efficient use of commands, and practical project applications, ensuring you build confidence rapidly. By synthesizing extensive AutoCAD knowledge into a focused plan, it reveals methods to overcome common challenges and deepen understanding, all tailored specifically to your pace and objectives. This tailored approach ensures you gain practical skills that align precisely with what you want to achieve in AutoCAD mastery.

After more than two decades working as a licensed architect and CAD specialist on projects from resort hotels to the San Francisco Library, George Omura brings a depth of practical experience to this edition. You’ll find detailed guidance on mastering essential drafting tools, advancing through dynamic blocks and tables, and turning 2D drawings into fully realized 3D models. The book doesn’t just cover features; it teaches you how to customize AutoCAD to suit your workflow and integrate external data effectively. Whether you’re preparing for certification or aiming to boost productivity, this book serves both newcomers and seasoned users with its clear instructions and hands-on projects.

Unlike many technical manuals that overwhelm beginners with jargon, CADFolks crafted this guide to make AutoCAD 2018 accessible through hands-on examples. You'll learn essential skills like creating and editing drawings, dimensioning, printing, and even basic 3D modeling, all grounded in practical projects such as architectural floor plans. The book's methodical approach starts each topic with concise explanations before diving into exercises that reinforce your understanding. This makes it a solid choice if you're new to AutoCAD or looking to refresh core drafting and design competencies without getting lost in complexity.

Dean Muccio draws on his extensive experience in teaching AutoCAD to interior design students to offer a learning resource that strips away the intimidation factor of CAD software. You’ll move from basic commands to executing full projects like detailed hotel suite floor plans, with clear distinctions between command references and tutorial exercises. This structure helps you quickly grasp the commands relevant to interior design rather than generic architectural drawing. If you’re an interior design student or professional aiming to master 2-D AutoCAD for your field, this book offers directly applicable skills without overwhelming technical jargon.