Get "Up and Running" with AutoCAD using Gindis' combination of step-by-step instruction, examples, and insightful explanations. The emphasis from the beginning is on core concepts and practical application of AutoCAD in Architecture, Engineering and Design. Equally useful in instructor-led classroom training or self-study, the book is written with the student in mind by a long time AutoCAD user and instructor, based on what works in the industry and the classroom.

This book is not like most on the market. While many authors certainly fancy their particular text as being unique and novel in its approach, I rarely reviewed one that was clear to a beginner student and distilled AutoCAD concepts down to basic, easy to understand explanations. The problem may be that many of the available books are written by either industry technical experts or teachers but rarely by someone who is actively both. One really needs to interact with the industry and the students, in equal measure, to bridge the gap between reality and the classroom.

After years of AutoCAD design work in the daytime and teaching nights and weekends, I set out to create a set of classroom notes that outlined, in an easy to understand manner, exactly how AutoCAD was used and applied, not theoretical musings or clinical descriptions of the commands. These notes eventually were expanded into the book that you now hold. The rationale was simple: I need this person to be up and running as soon as possible to do a job. How do we make this happen?

• Strips away complexities, both real and perceived and reduces AutoCAD to easy-to-understand basic concepts.
• Explains "why" something is done, not just "how": the theory behind each concept or command is discussed prior to engaging AutoCAD,  so the student has a clear idea of what they are attempting to do.
• All basic commands are documented step-by-step: what the student types in and how AutoCAD responds is spelled out in discrete and clear steps with numerous screen shots.
• Extensive supporting graphics (screen shots) and a summary with a self-test section and topic specific drawing exercises are included at the end of each chapter.  Additional practice is gained through  projects that the students work on as they progress through the chapters.
• Also available in a comprehensive volume that includes coverage of 3D drawing and modeling in AutoCad.  ISBN for comprehensive volume is 978-0-12-375717-3