AutoCAD is a pioneer of computer-aided design programs drafting software applications. It was developed and first released in December 1982 as a desktop app.
At that time when computers and software were still beginning, the popularity of AutoCAD led the company to growed steadily.
Nowadays, Autodesk offers a large number of software tools focused on design, modeling, rendering, applications, and many more.
Here are a few things you should know before learning about AutoCAD.
Available in: 14 Languages
Developers: Autodesk
Operating System: Windows, Mac OS, IOS, Android.
Stable release: 24 March 2021–11 Months ago
What is AutoCAD?
AutoCAD can be defined in simple words as the type of software organized to draw and model in 2D and 3D.
It allows the creation and modification of all geometric structures and objects.
AutoCAD has allowed us to work in different fields like architecture, engineering, graphic, and interior designing.
AutoCAD has a unique auxiliary tool covering every industrial field related to 2D Design and 3D Modelling.
In the latest version, a few of the tools were introduced.
2D Design
Autodesk has substantially improved the functions for 2D Design, refining the tools’ accuracy by improving some AutoCAD options.
- Dimensions create automatically
- Linkable forms with Excel Sheet
- Customs view can be saved
- Ability to extract Design from objects, blocks, and attributes
- Matrices Creation
3D Design
Autodesk has focused on enhancing the rendering and compatibility in AutoCAD.
- Realistic 3D Modelling
- Realistic Lighting in rendering
- Cross-sectional drawing
- Rendering capability in the cloud
From the above, you got to know the meaning of AutoCAD and the latest features upgraded by Autodesk in 2D and 3D designs.
Now let’s understand the uses of AutoCAD.
What is AutoCAD used for?
- AutoCAD helps create blueprints on engine valve spare parts for manufacturing with specific measurements.
- This designed blueprint can be shared with the production, quality, and handling teams to review the design.
- It can be used further to process wiring and surface diagrams for usage in manufacturing, assembling and repairing.
The above are some of the uses of AutoCAD. Now let’s see the benefits of AutoCAD.
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Benefits of AutoCAD
- Ability to produce accurate Design.
- Drawing can be created in 2D or 3D or rotated.
- Enables architects & engineers to design, analyze and solve design issues.
- 3D printing has the advantage of printing in various preferred formats.
- AutoCAD has the necessary tools to add and design the manufacture of jewellery, toys, and delicate objects.
- In the manufacturing Industry AutoCAD reduces manufacturing costs that require manual designing.
As you got to know the benefits and uses, with the help of that, let us understand how AutoCAD works.
How does AutoCAD Work?
AutoCAD works in layers with vector images, but bitmap images can also be imported, which can be from photoshop or illustrator programs.
I would like to explain through main key points on how it works,
File Type
AutoCAD works with its file type called DWG, which contains all the necessary information about designs, geometries, and images of the original file.
There is wide popularity in the software that has led to the development of other tools to visualize and even open AutoCAD files, through an info exchange system known as Drawing Exchange File (DFX).
Compatible with other programs
In addition to the standard DWG format, AutoCAD also has a vector illustration system that allows you to export to other graphic design products like Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw.
Similarly, we may operate in tandem with various CAD systems.
Block and Libraries
A block in AutoCAD is a building element put into the design from a library.
They can represent anything from simple furniture to more complicated buildings such as slabs, stairs, and woodwork.
When including in the design items that are repeated or of which we require a significant number, it is typical to employ blocks to save time.
AutoCAD blocks are organized into themed libraries with various specialized object blocks, such as the ones we’ve discussed.
Commands
The commands bar, which can be found in many screen positions, from docked to floating, is one technique to speed up your work when using AutoCAD.
Commands are instructions that allow you to accomplish tasks fast, such as saving your work, rounding the borders of an object, inserting things, and making arcs.
The list of available commands is extensive and freely accessible on the internet.
The following are a few of the most beneficial:
- AREA: To determine the size and perimeter of the selected object.
- SPACE: This command allows you to enter things from the workspace into the model, automatically scaling them.
- MULTIPLE: Keep repeating the same action until you decide to cancel it.
- OOPS: Reverts to the previous element you erased.
- EXTEND: This function extends an object until it reaches another thing’s edges.
As of now, you got to know about AutoCAD on how it works. Now let me tell you about the application of AutoCAD.
Applications of AutoCAD
AutoCAD allows you to create nearly any type of line drawing you want. AutoCAD can make any drawing that a human can produce. Here are a few examples of AutoCAD’s applications:
- All kinds of architectural drawings
- Facility planning and interior design
- Organizational diagrams and flowcharts
- Presentations and proposals
- Graphs of many types
- Electronic, Civil, Mechanical, Automotive, and Aeronautical Engineering drawings are available
- Nautical Charts and Topographic Maps
- Design of a yacht
- Plots and other mathematical and scientific function representations
- Lighting concepts for theatre sets
- Scores for Music
- Diagrams of assembly and technical illustrations
- Logos of businesses
- Cards for greetings
- Drawings in line for fine art
When using AutoCAD to sketch, you’re doing more than just drawing. You can group or layer related components to create complex things that you can manipulate as a whole.
The locations, sizes, and colours of the objects you design are AutoCAD. Remember the information and store it in a database for later access, analysis, and manipulation.
Now you may get an overview of AutoCAD. But I think, to get the total overview. You have to go through the uses of AutoCAD as well.
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Uses of AutoCAD
- The usage of AutoCAD aids in the creation of plans for engine valves and engine spare parts for accurate manufacture.
- Production teams, quality teams, and machine handling teams will examine the Design for any comprehension issues and continue machining with the support of blueprint drafters from start to completion.
- Wiring and surface model diagrams are two types of diagrams that can be used in manufacturing, assembling, and repairing parts.
- Used to track how many orders were completed in a certain amount of time.
Who uses AutoCAD?
As you got to know the uses and importance of AutoCAD. Let me give you a clear picture on who uses AutoCAD.
AutoCAD is used by many different professions like,
- Architects
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Civil Engineers
- Landscape Architects
- Industrial Designers
- P&ID Designers
- Plant Engineers
- Piping Designers
- MEP Engineers
- Surveyors
- Urban Planners
- GIS Specialists
Now let us know the career pathway for AutoCAD Learners.
Top 3 Career opportunities in AutoCAD
1) Mechanical Engineer
AutoCAD beginners with degrees in Mechanical Engineering can work across various entry-level to senior-level positions in the field.
Here engineers specialize in designing and producing objects in motion such as gas turbines, generators, and other types of machinery.
2) Fashion Designer
Fashion Designers are fond of AutoCAD as it gives pathways to explore different colorways, makes alteration and rectification easily, accurate designing, and reduces the chances of errors.
In fashion Designing, designers conduct the whole print and collection development process virtually on AutoCAD, this reduces the cost of raw materials and accelerates the production and development process.
3) Civil Engineer
Certified engineers design, build, manage, supervise and maintain the infrastructures like buildings, roads, tunnels, airports, bridges, and sewage systems.
AutoCAD is essential software for civil engineers, required to plan and design structures, create base maps, analyze the strength of infrastructure, and many more.
Conclusion
If you’re not confident that you need AutoCAD, you can use the free 30-day trial of the entire program to see if it’s worth it for your specific needs.
I highly recommend that option if you’re at all on the fence.
If you are a student or mentor, you can get free access for one year through the AutoCAD education license.
In case you are totally into AutoCAD. I suggest you join our courses and internship courses to be future-ready/upskilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AutoCAD hard to learn?
Yes, there is a great deal to learn. AutoCAD, on the other hand, is not difficult to use. The trick is to take small steps at a time.
Is AutoCAD free for students?
Students and educators can acquire a free one-year educational subscription to Autodesk products and services, which is renewable as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
Can you use AutoCAD on two computers?
You can install AutoCAD LT software on up to three computers or other devices with a subscription. On a single computer, however, only the identified user can sign in and use that software at any given time.
What’s the difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT?
AutoCAD has 2D and 3D drafting and automation tools, while AutoCAD LT includes a full 2D drafting toolkit.
