CAD

Computer-aided design (CAD), also known as computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) ,^[1] is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Computer Aided Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer. CADD software, or environments, provides the user with input-tools for the purpose of streamlining design processes; drafting, documentation, and manufacturing processes. CADD output is often in the form of electronic files for print or machining operations. The development of CADD-based software is in direct correlation with the processes it seeks to economize; industry-based software (construction, manufacturing, etc.) typically uses vector-based (linear) environments whereas graphic-based software utilizes raster-based (pixelated) environments.

CAD environments often involve more than just shapes. As in the manual drafting of technical and engineering drawings, the output of CAD must convey information, such as materials, processes, dimensions, and tolerances, according to application-specific conventions.

CAD may be used to design curves and figures in two-dimensional (2D) space; or curves, surfaces, and solids in three-dimensional (3D) objects.^[2]

CAD is an important industrial art extensively used in many applications, including automotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries, industrial and architectural design, prosthetics, and many more. CAD is also widely used to produce computer animation for special effects in movies, advertising and technical manuals. The modern ubiquity and power of computers means that even perfume bottles and shampoo dispensers are designed using techniques unheard of by engineers of the 1960s. Because of its enormous economic importance, CAD has been a major driving force for research in computational geometry, computer graphics (both hardware and software), and discrete differential geometry.^[3]

The design of geometric models for object shapes, in particular, is occasionally called computer-aided geometric design (CAGD).^[4]

• 1 Overview
• 2 Uses
• 3 Types
• 4 Technology
• 5 History
• 6 See also
• 7 References

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_CAD_software

This page compares computer-aided design (CAD) software that engineers and architects use to create drawings for the fields of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) in terms of aspects that can be directly compared. It does not judge power, ease of use, or other user-experience aspects.

CAD refers to a specific type of drawing and modeling software application that:

• Is designed for creating technical drawings for distribution electronically and on paper
• Uses the accuracy inherent in a floating point, as opposed to fixed-point drawing database

For all-purpose 3D programs, see Comparison of 3D computer graphics software.