What is the purpose of AutoCAD software?

What are the possible uses?

Created in December 1982, AutoCAD is a multidisciplinary 2D and 3D technical drawing software. In 1992, AutoCAD was developed for Mac OS, then for Windows in 1994.

Its publisher, Autodesk Inc. has made it a must in design and engineering offices around the world.

In this article, we tell you more about the possible uses of AutoCAD software and explain what this tool is actually used for.

Overview of AutoCAD software and CAD

AutoCAD software was created in 1982 by Autodesk Inc. based in San Rafael, California. Its usefulness is such that updates follow one another to offer users ever more features. Since 2004, Autodesk Inc. has been launching a new version of its software every year.

AutoCAD is a universal CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAD (Computer Aided Design) application.

CAD and CAD are very powerful tools, which allow you to make and modify computer drawings easily and quickly.

This versatile software offers the ability to design various elements and objects in 2D and 3D. Users can create their own manufacturing plans, but also realistic images of their models by applying colours and textures. They can also animate these objects to simulate the operation of a machine or take a virtual tour of a house, for example.

In its first version, AutoCAD software was developed for mechanical engineers. However, since 2004, the software has been constantly updated to offer more and more functionalities and data specific to the trades that use computer-aided design.

Below, we explain in more detail how AutoCAD has become a reference for many professional fields.

AutoCAD for architecture jobs

AutoCAD Architecture is a version of AutoCAD software that incorporates features dedicated to architectural production.

This allows architectural professionals to develop plans for residential and commercial buildings.

This version is more advanced than the basic software, since it offers object classes specific to the architecture field.

In addition, with AutoCAD Architecture, any changes can be automatically updated on all elements in which they appear. This avoids wasting time and homogenizing the entire drawing in a single action.

AutoCAD for the commercial and tertiary space planning professions

If AutoCAD is a recognized software in the field of architecture and construction, it is also recognized for interior design, space planning and interior decoration.

Indeed, thanks to the 3D function and the many resources that the software makes available to users, such as unique materials, a rich colour palette, special layouts or everything necessary for electricity and plumbing, space planning professionals can give free rein to their creativity and offer complete, realistic, attractive and personalized plans to their customers.

AutoCAD is becoming essential for the professions of projector draftsman in space planning (tertiary, retail, stand and exhibition).

AutoCAD for urban planning professions

AutoCAD is also very useful for urban planning professions.

With its 3D Civil version, civil engineering professionals can design plans for the use in the design and construction of roads, bridges, other transportation systems or sewer systems.

3D project models to create surfaces, earthworks volumes, quantities of materials and cut designs provide accurate and realistic results.

AutoCAD for the construction professions

AutoCAD is a software that is also widely used in the construction trades.

As we have explained for the fields of architecture and spatial planning, AutoCAD has the advantage of offering a wide range of tools for all types of buildings and facilities.

The alternation between 2D and 3D plans is also very useful for the different trades that work on a site. This makes it easier to visualize the entire project, even if it is still in its infancy.

AutoCAD for mechanical professions

Mechanical draftsmen, using AutoCAD, prepare plans for machines and mechanical devices.

With 700,000 standard parts and objects and an advanced mechanical drawing toolbar, AutoCAD users can create highly accurate 2D and 3D drawings that are faithful to the final product they will obtain.

Everything is designed in this software to save time for its users. For example, the mechanical draftsman can easily resize a chamfer or a fitting, rather than completely resize it, using the settings in the original dialog box by double-clicking on it.

AutoCAD for industrial jobs

AutoCAD software is also used in industrial applications. Industrial designers represent and define the objects to be manufactured.

Based on strict specifications, they calculate and determine the various parts that will constitute the final object and then assemble them virtually on a computer.

These drawings will then be used to develop prototypes and marketable series.

Every detail, be it the shape, size, colour or material, is thought out in advance and highlighted in the design for an optimal result.

AutoCAD for the electronics industry

AutoCAD is also an essential tool for electronics professionals.

Indeed, electronic designers prepare wiring diagrams for use in the manufacture, installation and repair of electronic gadgets.

These drawings facilitate the installation of the wiring, since everything is thought out in advance down to the last detail.

AutoCAD for landscaping jobs

Landscaping jobs are not to be outdone. AutoCAD is a software that allows these professionals to better visualize the rendering before starting work and planting.

Thanks to its realism, its numerous tools and its plant database, AutoCAD is ideal to formalize a plan and illustrate perspectives to immerse the customer in a future development.