What are the BEST training books for AutoCAD 2015?

[gpeyton]

I would like to hear from CAD users to what their favorite Training Books for AutoCAD are and which ones are the easiest to learn from. I am updating from AutoCAD 2012 to AutoCAD 2015, the newer version has "The Ribbon" that I am not familiar with. So I know there will be a big learning curve. I work in the architectural field, so books leaning towards that field will better suit my needs. I will probably buy more than one training book. I see two books on Amazon not sure how well they are: Mastering AutoCAD 2015 and AutoCAD LT 2015 by George Omura & AutoCAD 2015 and AutoCAD LT 2015 Bible by Ellen Finkelstein. Does anyone know if they are for architecture? Is one better than the other for ease of learning? Any feedback will be appreciated. Thanks

[pendean · Accepted solution]

so the Ribbon was in R2012 (and earlier) so is that all you want to get our of the tutorials? You already listed the favorites for general AutoCAD use.

AutoCAD 2012/2015 are general cad use, not industry specific: are you actually using AutoCAD Architecture 2015 by chance? Very few books are written for a specific industry for plain non-specific AutoCAD 2012-2015.

Back to topic: The Ribbon is nothing more than a tabbed giant toolbar: the tabs let you see other toolbars stuck behind the one you are in. Are you having a specific difficulty that you need help with?

This is a good video to introduce the 2015 interface (already in the books you noted):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBAGbkU-Bwk
and here is a beginner tutorial for 2015:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyE-6loC_Aw
And this not-free course covers the ciritcal drafting topic you may need:
http://www.lynda.com/AutoCAD-LT-tutorials/AutoCAD-2015-Essential-Training/162105-2.html

And if for some reason you want the classic interface back in 2015:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qJjUux3_SA
http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/The-Aut...

[gpeyton]

I probably should have left the mention of the ribbon out of my post. I want a good book which covers the whole program as I want to be more proficient, and learn more commands. I would use it as both training and a reference guide. As far as the architectural aspect, I do not have the vertical product. I am also looking for a book in tutorial format which would show you how to draw a building step by step. Thanks for you input, I will check out the links you provided! 🙂

[owen66]

you say you're coming from 2012... are you experienced in 2012? if so, there's really not much difference (at least not enough to cripple you)

my biggest tip i give to people is to learn keyboard shortcuts. that way, Autodesk can change things around every year, but your shortcuts will stay with you always (mostly always).

if you want a command reference, here's THE command reference - a cool 1000 page document of everything 🙂
http://docs.autodesk.com/ACDMACLT/2013/ENU/PDFs/acdmaclt_2013_command_reference_guide.pdf

and supplemental updates:
http://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2016/ENU/?guid=GUID-4FEBA606-95E0-4DC4-A116-257ED86DCD58

as for learning, the best method is to just sit and practice. i've told people to draw their desk, cubicle or home office in CAD (try to force yourself to use the keyboard!)

after a while, you'll start to "feel" that you're doing something "the long way" and you should post questions to the forums. sometimes i just sit and read the forums (like i assume Dean does 😉

one that might help you out is the Drafting Techniques forum:

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/drafting-techniques/bd-p/23

oh, and as for the big bibles, they're fine for being comprehensive, but i've never used the ones i buy. one book i did pick up was Lynn Allens "AutoCAD Professional Tips and Techniques". It's got nice colored pages so i've found myself leafing through it pretty quickly just picking up things like "oh i never knew that".

[Anonymous]

I would not say, you could go for the Dummies series.

I have used AutoCAD for dummies 2012, and I really liked it, it had a lot to offer, and even today I often come back to it

you can check if the AutoCAD 2015 version is out yet, not actually sure it is already out.

I have also liked a lot the AutoCAD tutorial you can find on http://tutorial45.com, When I was starting, it helped a lot to figure some basic things out.

Good luck

[Anonymous]

From my experience, AutoCAD 2015 is not all that different from previous versions, therefore any good book on AutoCAD will just be fine. I would recommend any of the Autodesk approved authors like Scott Onstott. For huge collection of exercises to practice dowload this ebook, https://gum.co/sxXqs

[Anonymous]

I have used the Exercise Workbook for Beginning AutoCAD and Advanced  by Cheryl R. Schrock.  I still have the 2008 edition and it is still relevant in teaching the basics to my students.   {Running 2015 in our lab}   

[Anonymous]

Now it's 2017 and I was finding some good resources for Autocad. "Beginning AutoCAD 2017" is also a great book for beginners. This will teach you how to use AutoCAD software and provides clear descriptions, and good practice exercises. Also you can check here for best autocad books. Hope you will find right one.