AutoCAD 2018 Instructor Leach, James A. and Lockhart, Shawna

I have at home 35 books about AutoCAD but this one is really the best one. The best approach to the subject from a pedagogical and professional view, comprehensive enough but at the same time not in a repetitive or boring manner. The book lacks more of 3D area though, but if you get yourself one comprehensive book that covers only 3D like I did (Tickoo's 3D and Advanced), you'll need nothing else to start your professional experience in CAD.

Upon reading part of this book and paging through it to see what it holds. I do see that this would make a very good refresher or classroom instruction supplement. There are a number of exercises that can be drawn form in the book. Some do not have dimensions but that isn't a problem to most students. . There are a number of mechanical and architectural examples to redraw to ensure better learning of AutoCAD . There are a few electrical examples, as well , to work on. The book seemed like it wouldn't have many examples to draw, but after taking my time and looking through the whole book, slowly , it has very much to show for the price. There are a number of 3d examples as well but not nearly as many as 2d .It does have over 1200 pages and is very explanatory of the principles taught; It would be good for beginners, and students: The book does include a supplementary materials website too.This book is for anyone who loves to learn and wants to learn AutoCAD 2d and 3d Note: this is not a certification book

to big and heavy for me to study could be split up in to smaller books

I have a stack of AutoCAD books nearly a foot high. For my use, this one is far and away the best. As opposed to the tutorial approach of most of the other books, this one is set up as a reference. It explains virtually every feature of AutoCAD in a logical progression and in great detail. As an architect I have used AutoCAD for years but am learning many things that I did not know or fully understand from this book. I keep it right next to my computer when I am drawing in AutoCAD.The one negative is that the Index is extremely weak - 3 pages. The Table of Contents - 12 pages - is more useful but, of course not arranged alphabetically. One would think that a reference book would have an extensive and detailed index.

Great book. Each chapter has an introduction of the greater concept in the chapter, which helps me understand the finer points. AutoCAD is not as simple as it looks and this book gives you step by step instructions on how each tool works.