AutoCAD - popular computer aided drafting programs

One of the most popular computer-aided drafting (CAD) programs currently on the market today is AutoCAD. It is developed and marketed by the AutoDesk and features a wide range of basic solid modeling and 3D tools.

It's amazing to think that the first AutoCAD program was created over two decades ago in 1980, by thirteen programmers who met to develop a graphical user interface (GUI) system known as ?Automated Desk.? Automated Desk not only had the capability of collecting information, it was also equipped with a multi-computer communication system, calendar, and an automated drawing system. Automated Desk soon became known as AutoCAD and its first version was released in 1982 as AutoCAD 1.0.

AutoCAD is a program used for creating technical drawings in which measurements and precision are vital because these drawings will be used to construct a product. In order to take full advantage of AutoCAD, the user has to be aware of the DWG (Drawing(s)) file format, in which AutoCAD saves drawings and its DXF (Drawing Interchange Format). Both DWG and DXF are AutoCAD's native file formats. The program can also support several Application Programming Interfaces (API) including AutoLISP, Visual LISP, and VBA, which is used for customization and automation.

AutoCAD was originally offered for a variety of operating systems, including CP/M, UNIX, and Macintosh. However, Autodesk eventually settled on Microsoft Windows as the sole operating system for AutoCAD. AutoCAD 2007 works with Microsoft Windows XP?Professional, Home, and Tablet PC editions and Windows 2000.

Home page

Disclaimers

Reviews of CAD Manufacturers

For Architects

Other uses for Cad software

FAQ's

Where to buy