Up and Running with AutoCAD 2013 by Elliot Gindis is an easy-to-learn introduction to AutoCAD featuring step-by-step instructions that explain both the why and the how for using this industry standard software package. The book strips away complexities, both real and perceived, and reduces AutoCAD to easy-to-understand basic concepts. All concepts are explained first in theory, and then shown in practice, helping the reader understand what it is they are doing and why, before they do it.
The book is divided into three parts, guiding students through the subject matter from the beginning stages of using the software through advanced AutoCAD, including 3D features. Chapters deal with topics such as: layers, colors, linetypes, and properties; text, Mtext, editing, and style; blocks, Wblocks, dynamic blocks, groups, and purge; importing and exporting data; Boolean operations; Dview, walk and fly, animation, and action recording; and lighting and rendering. Also included is an extensive Appendix for each part, detailing additional useful CAD-related information not often found in other text books. In addition, the book contains supporting graphics (screen shots); a summary with a self-test section at the end of each chapter; drawing examples and exercises; and two running "projects" that the student works on as he/she progresses through the chapters .

This book will appeal to beginner through advanced users of AutoCAD; architectural engineers, drafting, civil/construction engineers, and mechanical engineers; and students taking drafting/engineering drawing courses in engineering and engineering technology programs.

Strips away complexities, both real and perceived and reduces AutoCAD to easy-to-understand basic concepts
Teaches only what is essential to operating AutoCAD first, thereby immediately building student confidence
All basic commands are documented step-by-step, meaning that what the student needs to type in and how AutoCAD responds is all spelled out in discrete and clear steps with screen shots added as needed
Using the author's extensive multi-industry knowledge of what is important and widely used in practice versus what is not, the material is presented by immediately immersing the student in practical, critically essential knowledge, with no padding of text or filler material
All concepts are explained first in theory, and only then is AutoCAD introduced and the actual "button pushing" discussed. This is one of the key concepts in having students understand exactly what it is they are doing and why, before they do it

Level 1

CHAPTER 1 AutoCAD Fundamentals Part I

CHAPTER 2 AutoCAD Fundamentals Part II

CHAPTER 3 Layers, Colors, Linetypes, and Properties

CHAPTER 4 Text, Mtext, Editing, and Style

CHAPTER 5 Hatch Patterns

CHAPTER 6 Dimensions

CHAPTER 7 Blocks, Wblocks, Dynamic Blocks, Groups, and Purge

CHAPTER 8 Polar, Rectangular and Path Arrays

CHAPTER 9 Basic Printing and Output

CHAPTER 10 Advanced Output-Paper Space

Level 2

CHAPTER 11 Advanced Linework

CHAPTER 12 Advanced Layers

CHAPTER 13 Advanced Dimensions

CHAPTER 14 Options, Shortcuts, CUI, Design Center, and Express Tools

CHAPTER 15 Advanced Design and File Management Tools

CHAPTER 16 Importing and Exporting Data

CHAPTER 17 External References (Xrefs)

CHAPTER 18 Attributes

CHAPTER 20 Isometric Drawing

Level 3

CHAPTER 21 3D Basics

CHAPTER 22 Primitives

CHAPTER 23 Object Manipulation

CHAPTER 24 Boolean Operations.

CHAPTER 25 Solid Modeling

CHAPTER 26 Advanced Solids, Faces, and Edges

CHAPTER 27 Surfaces and Meshes

CHAPTER 28 UCS, Vports, Text, and Dimensions in 3D

CHAPTER 29 Dview, Walk and Fly, Animation, and Action Recording

CHAPTER 30 Lighting and Rendering

APPENDICES