Choosing an AutoCAD study guide for a software design course usually means deciding between a quick tutorial and a comprehensive reference, while keeping your software release in mind. The four guides span a wide cost range, so there's a real budget and readability decision before you even open the first chapter. Should you save money on a first-level tutorial, spend more on a hardcover classic, or land in the middle with a current-version course text? Here's how they compare.
Quick Take
For a student starting with 2D drawing, the AutoCAD 2019 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals is the low-cost way in. If your course uses recent software and expects a thorough tour, the AutoCAD 2021 Instructor is a stronger study companion. A classic engineering graphics course will feel at home with Bethune's Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD Release 13, while Autocad and Its Applications B offers an applications-centered alternative.
Listed Price Comparison
| Product | Format | Condition | Listed Price | Price Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD Release 13 (2nd Edition) | Hardcover | Very Good | USD 64.22 | |
| AutoCAD 2021 Instructor | Trade Paperback | Very Good | USD 23.85 | |
| Autocad and Its Applications B | - | Very Good | USD 19.98 | |
| AutoCAD 2019 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals | - | Good | USD 6.44 |
The listed prices span from USD 6.44 to USD 64.22, a spread of USD 57.78 between the least and most expensive guides.
Decision Matrix
| Priority | Guide | Listed Price |
|---|---|---|
| Most affordable entry point | AutoCAD 2019 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals | USD 6.44 |
| Comprehensive instructional text for a 2021 release | AutoCAD 2021 Instructor | USD 23.85 |
| Applications-focused course book | Autocad and Its Applications B | USD 19.98 |
| Classic engineering graphics reference | Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD Release 13 (2nd Edition) | USD 64.22 |
Product Notes
Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD Release 13 (2nd Edition)
James D. Bethune's Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD Release 13 is for learners who want a substantial textbook they can keep on a shelf. It's a 61.7-ounce, 11-inch-long hardcover in Very Good condition, with all pages present and legible. The main reason to choose it is the engineering graphics focus: rather than a quick how-to, this reads like a traditional graphics course. The limitation is the AutoCAD release. Because it's built around Release 13, it won't match a classroom using more recent AutoCAD versions, so make sure your coursework is compatible before investing in the format.
AutoCAD 2021 Instructor
The AutoCAD 2021 Instructor by Shawna Lockhart, Eric Tilleson, and James Leach gives you a large 10.8-by-8.5-inch Trade Paperback with a 1.6-inch thickness. It's in Very Good condition, with all text legible and only possible markings or highlighting. Choose it when your course is built around AutoCAD 2021 and you want an all-in-one instructional text rather than a slim tutorial. The trade-off is size and condition: it's a thick book to carry, and this used copy may show minor signs of wear. For learners who need a current-version reference, the 2021 release and instructor-style structure make it a solid classroom companion.
Autocad and Its Applications B
Autocad and Its Applications B is aimed at learners who want to move past fundamentals and see AutoCAD used in applied coursework. The copy is marked Very Good, though as with many textbooks, it may not include supplemental items such as CDs or access codes. Its strength is the applications-centered approach: the title signals a focus on how AutoCAD is used in practice, which suits a hands-on software design class. The trade-off is the possible lack of extras, so course materials may need to fill that gap. It offers a middle-ground path between a basic tutorial and a large reference.
AutoCAD 2019 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals
The AutoCAD 2019 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals is a direct on-ramp for two-dimensional drawing. It's in Good condition, with the usual caveat that textbooks may not include supplemental items such as CDs or access codes. Its advantage is the first-level, 2D focus: if your coursework starts with basic drawing, this guide is organized around exactly that. The limitation is the version: 2019 may not align with newer classroom software, and the used copy shows Good rather than Very Good condition. It's a practical entry point when you want a focused tutorial and a gentle price.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- For a budget-conscious start in a 2D design course, choose the AutoCAD 2019 Tutorial First Level 2D Fundamentals.
- For a comprehensive instructional text, choose the AutoCAD 2021 Instructor.
- For an applications-based course book, choose Autocad and Its Applications B.
- For a classic engineering graphics reference, choose Engineering Graphics with AutoCAD Release 13 (2nd Edition).
