Starting out in software design courses can be confusing when the learning material spans multiple AutoCAD releases, different authors, and very different prices. The four books here range from a Like New 2021 tutorial to a Brand New 2022 guide, with two 2019 options in between. Your real decision comes down to edition, condition, and how much depth you need before you start.
Quick take
If you want the most recent AutoCAD release, Autodesk AutoCAD 2022 Fundamentals is the pick. If you just need a low-priced First Level tutorial, the 2021 and 2019 editions are the least expensive copies here. If you prefer a broader 'Basics' reference from the 2019 release, AutoCAD and Its Applications Basics 2019 is the mid-range alternative.
Listed price comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Condition | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| AutoCAD 2021 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals | USD 6.27 | Like New | |
| AutoCAD 2019 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals | USD 6.44 | Good | |
| AutoCAD and Its Applications Basics 2019 | USD 31.88 | Good | |
| Autodesk AutoCAD 2022 Fundamentals | USD 48.75 | Brand New |
Decision matrix
- If your priority is a Brand New copy of the newest release in this set, Autodesk AutoCAD 2022 Fundamentals gives you the 2022 title at the highest price in the group.
- If you want a first-level tutorial at the lowest listed price, AutoCAD 2021 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals is the direct match.
- If you only need a lower-priced way into 2D fundamentals and can accept a slightly older release, AutoCAD 2019 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals is the alternative.
- If you want a broader reference rather than a first-level walkthrough, AutoCAD and Its Applications Basics 2019 offers a multi-author 'Basics' treatment of the 2019 release.
Product notes
AutoCAD 2021 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals
This trade paperback, credited to Luke Jumper and Randy Shih, is the least expensive listing in the group at USD 6.27. It is marked Like New, so the main thing to expect is possible shelf wear rather than markings or highlighting. The ISBN is 9781630573393, and the title places it squarely at the beginning level by covering first-level 2D fundamentals. If you are just opening AutoCAD for the first time, that is the most useful entry point. The limitation is that it is not a Brand New copy, and the 2021 release is one step behind the 2022 title in this comparison.
AutoCAD 2019 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals
At USD 6.44, this Perfect Paperback by Randy Shih is close in price to the 2021 tutorial and listed in Good condition. Since it is Good, you may find light wear, notes, or highlighting, and supplemental items such as CDs or access codes may not be included. It still covers first-level 2D fundamentals, but from the 2019 release rather than a newer version. That makes it a reasonable choice if you want a lower-priced entry and do not mind following a slightly older interface. The trade-off is that the condition is not pristine.
Autodesk AutoCAD 2022 Fundamentals
Listed at USD 48.75, this is the most expensive title in the comparison and the only one listed as Brand New. Written by Elise Moss and published by SDC Publications in April 2021, it covers the 2022 AutoCAD release, making it the most recent release in the group. The trade paperback ISBN is 9781630573997. You are paying more for the combination of a new copy and the newest workflow covered here. If your goal is to learn on the 2022 interface and avoid a used book, this is the one to choose. The obvious drawback is the listed price, which is much higher than the other three listings.
AutoCAD and Its Applications Basics 2019
This USD 31.88 title is a Good-condition copy of the 2019 'Basics' reference, written by Terence M. Shumaker, David P. Madsen, and David A. Madsen, with a release year of 2018 and ISBN 1635634601. It is not limited to a first-level tutorial in the same way as the Shih titles; instead, it is framed as a Basics textbook, so it can serve as a broader grounding in AutoCAD fundamentals. Because it is Good, you should expect possible light spine wear, some notes or highlighting, or a 'From the library of' label, and any included media such as CDs may be missing. The mid-range listed price reflects a broader reference rather than a new or recent copy.
Final recommendation by use case
- If you need the newest release and a fresh copy: Autodesk AutoCAD 2022 Fundamentals
- If you want a first-level tutorial at the lowest listed price: AutoCAD 2021 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals
- If a minimal-cost tutorial is enough: AutoCAD 2019 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals
- If you want a broad 'Basics' reference for the 2019 release: AutoCAD and Its Applications Basics 2019
