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Computer-aided design is the general term for using computers or workstations to create maps, designs, or models. Shortened to CAD, this software sees widespread use in countless professional spheres.
One particular CAD program stands out amongst the rest - AutoCAD.
So what is AutoCAD, and why does this application lead the field in drafting for engineering, architecture, and other professional purposes?
Let’s dig in.
AutoCAD is a computer-aided design program developed and published by Autodesk. It has been around for nearly four decades.
First released in 1982, AutoCAD software is not only popular among architects but also civil engineers, surveyors, and designers. Furthermore, it is often part of many schools’ curricula.
But why?
In addition to being one of the oldest CAD applications, it allows you to design, draft, and make sketches in two and three dimensions.
Its benefits are clear:
It is much quicker to draft designs via a computer than by hand. It allows for less room for human errors and is highly versatile. The primary file type associated with AutoCAD is .dwg.
It is available for Windows and macOS, but it also has mobile applications for Android and iOS devices.
Being a highly flexible application, AutoCAD has many uses.
Here are some examples of how you can use the program.
Let’s look at some of AutoCAD’s hallmark features and what makes it popular among professionals.
First of all, the program isn’t overly challenging to learn.
Upon starting the application, you will see a blank canvas and a menu with numerous icons at the top. This layout should instantly feel familiar if you’ve used any Microsoft Office programs before. Newer AutoCAD versions are more intuitive and easy to get the hang of.
From here, you can start drawing right away, either in 2D or 3D.
Using tools is easy, simply navigate the top ribbon area and select what you want to place on the canvas.
You can easily draw lines, curves, and circles - and all elements can be manipulated and combined. Placing text boxes is also an option. To draw, all you have to do is click and drag.
This mode is excellent for drafting floor plans or even more abstract graphic design.
You can carefully edit all aspects of every object, whether it’s smoothing out corners or creating new shapes on the canvas. What’s more, you can create tables and import spreadsheets from Microsoft Excel.
And this is just the AutoCAD basics.
If you want to visualize your projects better, AutoCAD can depict your plans in 3D.
Modeling in 3D works similarly to 2D drawing but with an added dimension. You can manipulate the canvas in any way, allowing you to see your model from every possible perspective.
Then there is rendering.
This brings your AutoCAD designs to life by applying lighting and material effects to your model. It makes the finished construction result look true to life.
Rendering is a fairly resource-intensive process.
But if you are short on disk space or processing power, you can use the application’s cloud rendering.
Breaking away from the world of computers for a bit, AutoCAD also has mobile apps for iOS and Android. It’s not as capable as the PC and Mac versions, but still lets you access your plans on your phone to make simple adjustments.
AutoCAD’s 3D modeling and rendering processes require a computer with sufficient capabilities.
AutoCAD runs on Windows and macOS and has varying requirements.
You will need a 64-bit version of Windows, 8.1 or above. Windows 7 is not supported.
In terms of processor, a 2.5 GHz CPU is necessary. However, Autodesk recommends 3 GHz for an optimal experience.
AutoCAD also needs at least 8 GB of RAM.
Your graphics card needs at least 1 GB of memory, with 4 GB and above preferable. You will also need 7 GB of free disk space for installation and .NET Framework version 4.8 or better.
AutoCAD requirements for Mac need the following models:
A 64-bit Intel CPU with an Intel Core i7 or better is best.
Autodesk requires at least 4 GB of memory, but you will need 8 GB or more for 3D modeling. As for the install size, 3 GB of free disk space should suffice.
The AutoCAD Mobile app is a separate application you can download for your phone or tablet. Through it, you can load and view your desktop files. It is not a replacement for the main version but is suitable for quick adjustments and on-site plan reviews.
What devices support AutoCAD Mobile?
The app runs on iOS 11.0 or later in conjunction with iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. As for Android, the official website makes no mention of specific demands. But the Google Play store page lists Android 7.0 and up.
AutoCAD is a comprehensive tool capable of drafting, drawing, or modeling floor plans, 3D renders of exteriors, roads, plumbing, wiring, etc. This intuitive program is popular among architects, engineers, and construction managers.
Drawing lines, circles, and curves in 2D is straightforward, while its 3D modeling is a pleasure to work with.
And even though it looks intimidating upon initial startup, it’s easier to learn than you think!
There is a bit of a learning curve. But the AutoCAD basics are easy to pick up on, and there are plenty of online tutorials. Once you know where everything is, using the application is straightforward.
Designing floor plans and exteriors is way quicker and easier than by hand. Furthermore, you can get a much clearer picture of how the finished project will look by using 3D rendering.
It’s a program best used for designing buildings and civil engineering plans, both in 2D and 3D. It is a type of computer aided design application.
Architects and engineers primarily use AutoCAD to design buildings, floor plans, electrical plans, and more. For more detailed examples, check out the What is AutoCAD? section of this article.
Georgi Karaivanov
My fascination with technology began from quite an early age thanks to computers and video games. Nowadays, I love anything related to music production and astronomy. Coincidentally (or is it?), both of those have a great deal to do with tech. Honestly, most of the stuff that can be accomplished with modern electronics kind of seems like magic to me. This is why I feel this strong need to constantly learn more about it and talk about it, almost to the detriment of others.
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