How fast can I learn AutoCAD?

Yes, you can get proficient at it, but I'd recommend getting something a bit better than a "Dummies" book. That's nothing against them, but certain books are better for understanding a software program.

My company is actually a reseller of Autodesk software. We teach 2 day AutoCAD courses using the books from Ascent.

http://ascented.com/

http://www.ascented.com/courseware_acad2008_fundam...

I'm aware that at $100 you had better be serious at learning the softeware, but for two days of learning you won't find a better book to learn the program. Give yourself 3-4 days and you'll be able to do most of the basics and do them better (maybe slower due to experience, but still technically more correct) than many people that use it every day.

The AutoCAD Bible is a great book, but it's not the ideal for learning the program in a rush. It's the Bible because its such a good reference tool.

BUT... for just doing 3D buildings the AutoCAD Bible can work fine. But as an individual that also has a degree in Architecture, I can tell you in order to do good architectural 3D work it's going to take some time and practice to do it well. Programs like AutoCAD Architecture and Revit are actually better than base AutoCAD at this process.

Auto Cad is highly technical software

you need to have knowledge of Drafting

it is different from other graphic software in the sense that ,there is nothing artistic about making a floor design or making a mechanical part drawing

you need to have exact dimensions of evrything

so better learn drafting techniques first

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It takes years to learn all the ins and outs of auto cad one weekend will not teach you anything but the basics