AutoCAD is a popular drafting and design software. It is also one of the top CAD software programs that helps build technical drawings. Many professionals globally, such as urban planners and graphic designers, use it daily.
But though it is not a complex tool, it can feel somewhat overwhelming, given its vastness. It keeps updating, and newer ones follow now and then. But, when you combine your learning experience with the online and offline best AutoCAD books, it becomes much easier to comprehend.
Consequently, even those well-versed with the tool may feel they need a helping hand to progress further. We have already discussed how to learn AutoCAD in our previous post, but some people are not comfortable with just learning AutoCAD online.
They like the traditional method of learning with an actual book. For them, this guide can be beneficial. Here, we will discuss some top of the line AutoCAD books.
These books have been selected based on their up-to-datedness, topics covered, and understandability.
Let us get started and list them one by one.
9 Best AutoCAD Books to Buy This Session
- Practical Autodesk AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021: A no-nonsense, beginner’s guide to drafting and 3D modeling with Autodesk AutoCAD
- AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
- Discovering AutoCAD 2020 1st Edition
- AutoCAD 2021 Instructor 1st Edition
- AutoCAD 2022: A Power Guide for Beginners and Intermediate Users Paperback – June 3, 2021
- Mastering AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021 2nd Edition
- AutoCAD 2022 For Beginners Paperback – April 22, 2021
- AutoCAD 2022 for the Interior Designer: AutoCAD for Mac and PC 1st Edition
- Technical Drawing 101 with AutoCAD 2022: A Multidisciplinary Guide to Drafting Theory and Practice with Video Instruction 1st Edition
9 Best Books To Learn AutoCAD + 2 Workbooks (Also Suited For Civil and Mechanical Students)
1. Practical Autodesk AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021: A no-nonsense, beginner’s guide to drafting and 3D modeling with Autodesk AutoCAD
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| Author | Yasser Shoukry (Author), Jaiprakash Pandey (Author) |
| Rating | 4.3 |
| Level | Beginner-friendly |
| eBook | Available |
Are you looking for the best AutoCAD book for civil engineering beginners? If yes, this can be an excellent find. AutoCAD Lt and AutoCAD can be two imperative software applications for engineering and architectural designs.
It is also the most prevalent computer-aided design (CAD) platform for 3D modeling and 2D drafting. With this book, you will discover everything you need to know to make the most of this power-packed tool, starting from basics to interface familiarity and using advanced tools.
Once you acquire knowledge on all the topics, you will also find several practical exercises at the end of every chapter. It can help you get a hands-on grip on visualizing and rendering your AutoCAD designs. After you complete it all, you will know how to work with AutoCAD software confidently to build impressive 2D and 3D drawings.
What the book covers?
It can be the best book to learn AutoCAD from scratch. Some things covered in this book are:
- Familiarity with elementary functions, navigation, and components
- 2D drawing and 3D modeling
- Familiarity with the AutoCAD GUI, file format, and drawing tools to get started with CAD projects
- Various drawing management tools to work on large projects
- Discovering techniques to modify, create, and manage 3D models
- Converting the 2D plans to 3D models and shapes
- Effective drawing management using layers, dynamic blocks, and groups
- Adding annotations and plot like professionals
- Familiarity with advanced features like isometric drawings, drawing utilities for managing and recovering complex files, quantity surveying, and multidisciplinary drawing files using xRefs
- Clarity on surface and mesh modeling tools such as Fillet, Trim, and Extend
Who should buy this book?
It is the best AutoCAD book for beginners, design engineers, mechanical engineers, architects, and anyone working in construction, manufacturing, or similar fields. Students, beginners, or professionals hoping to upgrade their engineering design skills will find this a great help.
What do you need?
As such, you need no prior knowledge of AutoCAD or CAD. Just get the AutoCAD software and practice what you learn.
What did we not like?
Though it is one of the best books, at around 800 pages, it feels somewhat bloated.
2. AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
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| Author | David Byrnes (Author), Lee Ambrosius (Author) |
| Rating | 4.3 |
| Level | Beginners |
| eBook | No |
Another top competitor in our list for the best books to learn AutoCAD is this magnificent read that breaks down all complex topics into easy-to-understand, bite-sized pieces.
Hence, it will accelerate the whole process of comprehending things. It contains ten easy-to-follow mini books detailing every AutoCAD aspect, including AutoCAD 2007 features. Thus, making it easier to learn what you must know.
What the book covers?
It is one of the best books for AutoCAD mechanical. Some things you discover in this book are:
- AutoCAD basics, such as setting up drawings, finding your way around the interface, and using all the tools
- Drawing and modifying objects in 2D and annotating your drawings
- Creating precision to 14 significant digits
- Reusing some parts of your drawings by copying and pasting
- Printing the drawings on any scale
- Understanding how AutoCAD LT differs from AutoCAD
- Draw things full size
- Setting up your drawings for plotting to paper and publishing
- Creating illustrations that are easy to read even when reduced
- Designing in 2D or 3D
- Electronically share and distribute drawings
- Drafting skills like organizing drawings, working with blocks, and using AutoCAD utilities
- 3D modeling and viewing, working with solids and surfaces, and rendering
- Choosing your required program from AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD
- Sharing your drawings online for collaboration
- Customizing and programming AutoCAD to make it work the way you want it to
Who should buy this book?
It is one of the best AutoCAD books for anyone starting to learn AutoCAD.
What did we not like?
Some sections in this book require an update.
3. Discovering AutoCAD 2020 1st Edition
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| Author | by Mark Dix (Author), Paul Riley (Author) |
| Rating | 4.6 |
| Level | Introductory |
| eBook | Available |
Next on our list is the best book to learn AutoCAD for introductory learners. It is a hands-on, activity-based book that familiarizes you with the shortcuts, tips, techniques, and insights to help you better understand the topic.
Every topic is organized carefully. It helps turns the progress seamless. You will find test questions towards the end to assess how well you comprehend the subject.
Across the book, the instructor follows a structured, intuitive approach. Also, you will find detailed graphics across the book to support the text. It helps with intuitive learning.
To boost up your learning you can check out these AutoCAD courses online and have a wholesome learning experience.
What the book covers?
It is the best AutoCAD book to learn the following:
- Familiarity with the AutoCAD commands
- A simple overview of elementary command sequences in a step-by-step format
What did we not like?
It is undoubtedly one of the best books to learn AutoCAD, but the paper and the print quality are sub-par.
4. AutoCAD 2021 Instructor 1st Edition
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| Author | Shawna Lockhart (Author), James Leach (Author) |
| Rating | 4.5 |
| Level | Beginners |
| eBook | No |
It is one of the best CAD books that provide extensive AutoCAD knowledge. It can be an excellent resource if you back it with an instructor-led class or learn it yourself. The book has an in-depth pedagogy coverage, a hallmark of the Leach texts.
It has been one of the top-selling books for over a decade and continues to help you learn in the most easy-to-understand and structured manner.
Across the book, the instructor follows an engaging writing style, introduces all the topics straightforwardly by breaking down every piece of information into smaller pieces, and then builds on that information.
What the book covers?
It is one of the best AutoCAD books for beginners to learn the following:
- Commands similar to the organization of AutoCAD’s menu system
- Fundamental drawing commands and skills for AutoCAD learners
- Elaborate procedures and specialized applications
What did we not like?
It stresses the commands and does not cover every other aspect associated with AutoCAD.
5. AutoCAD 2022: A Power Guide for Beginners and Intermediate Users Paperback – June 3, 2021
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| Author | CADArtifex (Author), John Willis (Author), Sandeep Dogra (Author) |
| Rating | 4.6 |
| Level | Beginner and Intermediate level |
| eBook | Yes |
Next, we have one of the best books for AutoCAD mechanical. It can be a top pick for new AutoCAD users and is a superior choice for classroom training. You will find 13 chapters comprising 546 pages that cover significant workspaces of AutoCAD, such as Drafting & Annotation and 3D Modeling.
Across the book, you will find step-by-step tutorials and comprehensive coverage of every tool with a hands-on test drive to accentuate your skills. There are also added tips and notes for your easier understanding. Faculties will find customized content for PowerPoint Presentations.
What the book covers?
It is the best book to learn AutoCAD topics, such as:
- Using AutoCAD software for creating, editing, plotting
- Managing real-world 2D engineering drawings and 3D Models
- Tools/commands of AutoCAD
- How to create mechanical designs and illustrations with ease
- Working with Drawing Aids and Layers
- Modifying and Editing Drawings
- Editing Dimensions and Adding Text
- Printing and Plotting
- Hatching and Gradients
- Working with Dimensions and Dimensions Style
- Working with Blocks and Xrefs
- Introducing 3D Basics and Creating 3D Models
- Working with Layouts
Who should buy this book?
It is the best AutoCAD book for beginners and intermediate users. Further, anyone who just shopped for instructor-led classes or is into self-paced learning can also opt for this book. In addition, this book will benefit designers, engineers, and CAD operators who wish to learn AutoCAD to build 2D engineering drawings and 3D models.
What did we not like?
The print quality in this book is not the best.
6. Mastering AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021 2nd Edition
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| Author | Brian C. Benton (Author), George Omura (Author) |
| Rating | 4.8 |
| Level | All levels |
| eBook | Yes |
Next, we have another vital inclusion in this list of the best CAD books. It has downloadable project files, straightforward instructions, and real-world examples. It is also one of the bestselling books, recently updated with all the latest features from the 2021 version of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.
It takes you through everything from getting you ready for the Autodesk AutoCAD certification to getting adept at the CAD professionals’ Command.
What the book covers?
It is one of the best books for AutoCAD mechanical to learn the following:
- Developing AutoCAD drawings from concept to creation
- Using hatches, fields, and tables
- Applying 3D modeling and imaging techniques
- Working with dynamic blocks, attributes, drawing curves, and solid fills
- Personalizing the interface
- Configuring the template settings and styles
- Getting ready to take the Autodesk AutoCAD Certification exam
Who should buy this book?
When industry professional seeks the best AutoCAD book to learn the latest CAD trends and techniques, they opt for this book. CAD professionals can also check out these AutoCAD interview questions to prep well. This book is also one of the best picks for architects, project managers, engineers, city planners, and other design professionals.
What did we not like?
In our view, it is one of the best CAD books, and there is nothing unlikable about it.
7. AutoCAD 2022 For Beginners Paperback – April 22, 2021
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| Author | CADfolks (Author) |
| Rating | 4.3 |
| Level | Beginners |
| eBook | No |
Next, we have another vital inclusion in this list of the books to learn AutoCAD.
What the book covers?
It is a good AutoCAD book for civil engineering students. You can use it to learn the following:
- AutoCAD basics
- Basics of the interface and commands
- How to create, edit, dimension, and print drawings
- Creating drawings with drawing tools
- Preparing your illustration for printing
- Creating and editing 3D models
- Adding dimensions and annotations to drawings
- Creating and editing complex illustrations with the modifying tools
- Making Architectural floor plans, elevations, stair detail, roof plan, and roof and wall details
- If you want to learn AutoCAD quickly and easily, AutoCAD 2022 For Beginners gets you started today.
What do we not like?
Though it is one of the best CAD books, it has some fluff that the author could avoid.
8. AutoCAD 2022 for the Interior Designer: AutoCAD for Mac and PC 1st Edition
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| Author | Dean Muccio (Author) |
| Rating | 5 |
| Level | Introductory |
| eBook | No |
As apparent, it is one of the best AutoCAD books for interior designers. It is centered around the hotel suite project and offers the Interior Design student a straightforward approach to learning the AutoCAD program better. So, students with no CAD experience become well-versed with the program and complete projects in this single-semester-sized text.
Across the book, the instructor follows a structured and progressive approach, which sets it apart from the others.
What the book covers?
Some things you will love in this book are:
- Getting well-versed with descriptions and instructions
- Using AutoCAD for the Interior Design field
- Creating architectural drawings
- Command descriptions
- Practical use of commands using the AutoCAD ribbon workspace, rather than the multiple (and seldom used) command options
- Application of the commands learned in the preceding chapters
- Creating 2-D Interior Design work using AutoCAD
Who should read this book?
- It is one of the best CAD books for beginners with no background.
- Interior designers will love this book
- PC and Mac users can equally relish this read
What did we not like?
Mechanical and civil engineers may not find this book helpful.
9. Technical Drawing 101 with AutoCAD 2022: A Multidisciplinary Guide to Drafting Theory and Practice with Video Instruction 1st Edition
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| Author | Ashleigh Fuller (Author), Antonio Ramirez (Author), Douglas Smith (Author) |
| Rating | 4.2 |
| Level | All levels |
| eBook | No |
It is well-planned and one of the best CAD books with the right mix of information and projects, which any faculty can cover reasonably. The data is just enough to ensure easy comprehension by the learners in a single semester.
In addition to the text reading, the author has also compiled extensive video training, available for free.
What the book covers?
It can be the top choice to learn the following:
- Making freehand, multiview sketches of machine parts
- Creating an AutoCAD dimension style
- Getting students comfortable with the user interface
- Clarity on AutoCAD’s commands and features
- Basics of drawing setup (units, limits, and layers)
- Tools of the Draw, Modify, and Dimension toolbars
- Fundamentals of 3D modeling
- Advanced CAD concepts and techniques (paper space, viewports, xrefs, annotative scaling, etc.)
- Making working drawings for a mechanical assembly as well as for an architectural project
Who should buy this book?
It is the best AutoCAD book for mechanical and architectural students. It has several projects related to its field.
What did we not like?
It lies slightly on the pricier end of the spectrum.
Bonus Exercise Workbooks
Once you have acquired the skills, it is necessary to practice more to get a solid grip on the concepts. For this, the below-listed two books can help:
1. 100 AutoCAD Exercises – Learn by Practicing: Create CAD Drawings by Practicing with these Exercises
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It is one of the best AutoCAD books for civil engineering students and designers interested in learning AutoCAD by practicing 100 real-world CAD exercises. In this, you will not find step-by-step instructors but rather practice questions to put your acquired knowledge into practice. It can help elevate your skills.
2. Beginning AutoCAD® 2023 Exercise Workbook: For Windows
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It is a bestselling workbook, which can be the ideal pick to help you hone your acquired skills. So, whether you are a beginner who hopes to better your 2D drawing skills or an interested learner who wants to get well-versed with the latest updates, this book can prove beneficial.
You will find several exercises and tips to familiarize the students and get them comfortable with the subject.
In a dilemma about learning AutoCAD, here’s a detailed pros and cons list of using it.
Conclusion
So, these are the top 9 best AutoCAD books with 2 workbooks. They are all excellent picks, one better than the other. But two of our top recommendations include:
- Mastering AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021 2nd Edition
- 100 AutoCAD Exercises – Learn by Practicing: Create CAD Drawings by Practicing with these Exercises
While the first will take you from the beginner to advanced level, the second will help ensure you practice everything you learn.
