AutoCAD 14: No Experience Required

For many years I have wanted to learn AutoCAD, but the complexity of earlier programs, and the instructional materials available made the task far too time consuming and difficult. In this book, David Frey presents a simple project which by continuing development of it cover to cover, takes an individual from the basic functions of AutoCAD R14 through 3 dimensional modeling.Starting with a personal CAD knowledge base of zero, following Frey's lessons, I was able after about 8 hours with the book to create from scratch a basic architectural floorplan. Within four weeks, I had completed this book and was able to produce full, architectural quality construction drawings. Individual ability to create such sets will depend upon prior architectural training. But, one will most certainly be able to create simple plans, and make modifications to much more complex ones. As way of comparison, the easy to read and understand material presented here amounted to what is taught in a much more intense three month college introductory level CAD course. I give this book an A+.A word of note. This book is written for those who are needing to aquire AutoCAD skills for architectural design, construction, or structure documentation purposes. In this respect, Frey delivers. It is not a book for mechanical engineering, or civil engineering CAD skills.In conclusion, this work quickly provided me a comprehensive set of skills needed to assume a leadership role in historic preservation project management, cutting many months off what is normally a steep learning curve. I recommend it to anyone who needs to learn how to create or modify architectural drawings, without reserve.Following this book, I recommend George Omura's "Mastering AutoCAD Release 14". Purchase these two together, and one will have a high quality architectural CAD training package and reference source.

But be aware it is for you only if you are an Arcitecht... if you use autocad for other reasons I think you should consider another one..

Unlike most AutoCAD books that are filled with tips and shortcuts, this one assumes that 1) you don't know anything about AutoCAD, and 2) you want to. I had the luxery of a solid week at work to spend with the book and it was worth it. At the end I really knew what I was doing. I felt ready to actually start working.

I purchased this book for my new student worker. He was able to go through the book in about 40 hours and learned the basics of AutoCAD 14 in that time. He was able to start from clicking on the icon to finishing a drawing in this time frame. This book has even helped me in learning some of the new features in Release 14 and I have been doing AutoCAD for 13 years.

This is the best autocad learning manual. It concisely and clearly shows how to use the Autocad commands to draw in 2 and 3 dimensions. It is much clearer than Autocad for Dummies or Autocad Basic by Shumaker. It also shows how to use architect features. I have 11 books on Autocad, this is the best!!