<p>I want to become proficient in AutoCAD by myself. Is it possible? What books do you recommend to learn AutoCAD by yourself? Can a student purchase a student version of AutoCAD individually? How long does it take for someone to learn AutoCAD?</p>
<p>most CAD programs have integrated tutorials so you don’t even necessarily need a book. it’s very easy to learn</p>
<p>^^^Exactly. And if you still have difficulties there are free tutorials on youtube and at CAD forums.</p>
<p>Yes you can. CAD itself is relatively straightforward. Once you know the basics, you can always look up a command in the help menu.</p>
<p>Just make sure you learn the ideas behind CAD (drafting), After all, CAD is just a tool to use to make technical drawings. Know wgat should go into a title box, know what hidden lines are, understand what views are necessary, etc.</p>
<p>You could buy a book and do the examples/problems. It’s always good to practice that sort of thing because from what I’ve been told by professors and fellow students who were working with technical drawings, speed + accuracy is what matters. I’m sure that applies to engineers, the whole being efficient thing.</p>
<p>I pretty much learned it on my own. I have found that it’s helpful to take a one- or two-day class every few years, to learn some of the new tricks. I also enjoy working on projects with other companies, because I always learn something new about AutoCAD. It reminds me of playing video games - there are lots of “cheats” that you don’t necessarily find out on your own.</p>
<p>It is possible to learn the basics, but it will take much longer to learn alone than from taking a course. Just take the class, you will enjoy it.</p>
<p>AutoCAD itself is fairly easy to learn. I taught myself and have been fine. There is nothing wrong with taking the class though. On the other hand, I don’t think I would have learned basic drafting on my own without taking a class.</p>
<p>I have an interest in embedded design/systems of microcontrollers. Ive read on the hardware side of microcontrollers you use CAD, but it did not specify what type. Im a little confused because I didnt think you would have to use CAD. So Im curious if anybody with experience in design of circuit boards and embedded microcontrollers actually use CAD. I know that Matlab, VHDL, C/C++ is used. Correct me if Im wrong in anything I mentioned. This is the field I plan on going into to.</p>
<p>The best way to learn is by doing, especially with AutoCAD. I taught myself only when I need to do it. If you don’t use AutoCAD for a time you will find that you get rusty fast. But yet, it is easily self-taught.</p>