AutoCAD

Last updated
AutoCAD
Developer(s) Autodesk
Initial releaseDecember 1982;41 years ago (1982-12)
Stable release
AutoCAD 2025 (25.0) / March 26, 2024;7 months ago (2024-03-26)
Operating system Windows, macOS
Available in14 languages
List of languages
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Polish and Hungarian
Type Computer-aided design
License Software as a service
Website www.autodesk.com/autocad

AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software application developed by Autodesk. [1] It was first released in December 1982 for the CP/M and IBM PC platforms as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. [2] Initially a DOS application, subsequent versions were later released for other platforms including Classic Mac OS (1992), Microsoft Windows (1993) and macOS (2010), iOS (2010), and Android (2011).

Contents

AutoCAD is a general drafting and design application used in industry by architects, project managers, engineers, graphic designers, city planners, and other professionals to prepare technical drawings. After discontinuing the sale of perpetual licenses in January 2016, [3] commercial versions of AutoCAD are licensed through a term-based subscription or Autodesk Flex, a pay-as-you-go option introduced on September 24, 2021. Subscriptions to the desktop version of AutoCAD include access to the web and mobile applications. However, users can subscribe separately to the AutoCAD Web App online or AutoCAD Mobile through an in-app purchase.

History

Before AutoCAD was introduced, most CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with each CAD operator (user) working at a separate graphics terminal. [4]

Origins

A man using AutoCAD 2.6 to digitize a drawing of a school building. Man using AutoCAD (1987).jpg
A man using AutoCAD 2.6 to digitize a drawing of a school building.

AutoCAD was derived from a program that began in 1977, and then released in 1979 [5] called Interact CAD, [6] [7] [8] also referred to in early Autodesk documents as MicroCAD, which was written prior to Autodesk's (then Marinchip Software Partners) formation by Autodesk cofounder Michael Riddle. [9] [10]

The first version by Autodesk was demonstrated at the 1982 Comdex and released that December. AutoCAD supported CP/M-80 computers. [11] As Autodesk's flagship product, by March 1986 AutoCAD had become the most ubiquitous CAD program worldwide. [12] The first UNIX version was Release 10 for Xenix in October 1989, while the first version for Windows was Release 12, released in February 1993. [13] [14]

Features

Compatibility with other software

Many software applications such as Autodesk Civil 3D and ESRI ArcMap 10 permits export as AutoCAD drawing files. Third-party file converters exist for specific formats such as Bentley MX GENIO Extension, PISTE Extension (France), ISYBAU (Germany), OKSTRA and Microdrainage (UK); [15] also, conversion of .pdf files is feasible, however, the accuracy of the results may be unpredictable or distorted. For example, jagged edges may appear. Several vendors provide online conversions for free such as Cometdocs.

Language

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are available for English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Polish and Hungarian (also through additional language packs). [16] The extent of localization varies from full translation of the product to documentation only. The AutoCAD command set is localized as a part of the software localization.

Extensions

AutoCAD supports a number of APIs for customization and automation. These include AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA, .NET and ObjectARX. ObjectARX is a C++ class library, which was also the base for:

There are a large number of AutoCAD plugins (add-on applications) available on the application store Autodesk Exchange Apps. [17] AutoCAD's DXF, drawing exchange format, allows importing and exporting drawing information.

Vertical integration

Autodesk has also developed a few vertical programs for discipline-specific enhancements such as:

Since AutoCAD 2019 several verticals are included with AutoCAD subscription as Industry-Specific Toolset.

For example, AutoCAD Architecture (formerly Architectural Desktop) permits architectural designers to draw 3D objects, such as walls, doors, and windows, with more intelligent data associated with them rather than simple objects, such as lines and circles. The data can be programmed to represent specific architectural products sold in the construction industry, or extracted into a data file for pricing, materials estimation, and other values related to the objects represented.

Additional tools generate standard 2D drawings, such as elevations and sections, from a 3D architectural model. Similarly, Civil Design, Civil Design 3D, and Civil Design Professional support data-specific objects facilitating easy standard civil engineering calculations and representations.

Softdesk Civil was developed as an AutoCAD add-on by a company in New Hampshire called Softdesk (originally DCA). Softdesk was acquired by Autodesk, and Civil became Land Development Desktop (LDD), later renamed Land Desktop. Civil 3D was later developed and Land Desktop was retired.

Platforms

An architectural detail drafted in AutoCAD (Windows) Detail Autocad.jpg
An architectural detail drafted in AutoCAD (Windows)
Operating system Latest release
Windows 10 October 2018 Update and later2025 (x64) [18]
10 2022 (x64) [19]
8.1 2021 (x64) [20]
8 2016 (IA-32,x64) [21]
7 2020 (x64) [22]
7, 8.1 and 102019 (IA-32) [23]
Vista 2012 [24]
XP 2014 (IA-32,x64) [25]
2000 2008 [26]
NT 4.0 2004 (IA-32) [27]
98 and Me 2002 [28]
95 2000i
NT 3.51 Release 14 (IA-32)
3.1x, NT 3.5–3.51 (IA-32, Alpha)Release 13 [29]
macOS 12 and later2025
11 2024
10.15 2023
10.14 2022
10.13 2021
10.12 2019
10.11 2018
10.10 2017
10.9 2016
10.8 2015
10.6–10.7 2013 (x64)
10.5 2011 (x64) [30]
7.x Release 12
6.x Release 10
Solaris 2.0, IRIX, AIX, HP-UX and DOS (386)Release 13
SunOS 4.1 and Ultrix Release 12
DOS (286)Release 11
Xenix and OS/2 1.x Release 10
CP/M-80 and CP/M-86 1.4

File formats

AutoCAD's native file formats are denoted either by a .dwg , .dwt, .dws, or .dxf filename extension. .dwg and, to a lesser extent, .dxf, have become de facto, if proprietary, standards for CAD data interoperability, particularly for 2D drawing exchange. [31]

The primary file format for 2D and 3D drawing files created with AutoCAD is .dwg. While other third-party CAD software applications can create .dwg files, AutoCAD uniquely creates RealDWG files. [32] The drawing version code changes between AutoCAD releases. [33]

Using AutoCAD, any .dwg file may be saved to a derivative format. These derivative formats include:

Variants

AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT is the lower-cost version of AutoCAD, with reduced capabilities, first released in November 1993. Autodesk developed AutoCAD LT to have an entry-level CAD package to compete in the lower price level. Priced at $495, it became the first AutoCAD product priced below $1000. It was sold directly by Autodesk and in computer stores unlike the full version of AutoCAD, which must be purchased from official Autodesk dealers. AutoCAD LT 2015 introduced Desktop Subscription service from $360 per year; as of 2018, three subscription plans were available, from $50 a month to a 3-year, $1170 license. Since AutoCAD LT 2024, AutoCAD LT support LISP customization.

While there are hundreds of small differences between the full AutoCAD package and AutoCAD LT, there are a few recognized major differences [35] in the software's features:

AutoCAD Mobile and AutoCAD Web

AutoCAD Mobile and AutoCAD Web (formerly AutoCAD WS and AutoCAD 360) [36] is an account-based mobile and web application enabling registered users to view, edit, and share AutoCAD files via mobile device and web [37] using a limited AutoCAD feature set — and using cloud-stored drawing files. The program, which is an evolution and combination of previous products, uses a freemium business model with a free plan and two paid levels, including various amounts of storage, tools, and online access to drawings. 360 includes new features such as a "Smart Pen" mode and linking to third-party cloud-based storage such as Dropbox. Having evolved from Flash-based software, AutoCAD Web uses HTML5 browser technology available in newer browsers including Firefox and Google Chrome.

AutoCAD WS began with a version for the iPhone and subsequently expanded to include versions for the iPod Touch, iPad, Android phones, and Android tablets. [38] Autodesk released the iOS version in September 2010, [39] following with the Android version on April 20, 2011. [40] The program is available via download at no cost from the App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android) and Amazon Appstore (Android).

In its initial iOS version, AutoCAD WS supported drawing of lines, circles, and other shapes; creation of text and comment boxes; and management of color, layer, and measurements — in both landscape and portrait modes. Version 1.3, released August 17, 2011, added support for unit typing, layer visibility, area measurement and file management. [37] The Android variant includes the iOS feature set along with such unique features as the ability to insert text or captions by voice command as well as manually. [40] Both Android and iOS versions allow the user to save files on-line — or off-line in the absence of an Internet connection. [40]

In 2011, Autodesk announced plans to migrate the majority of its software to "the cloud", starting with the AutoCAD WS mobile application. [41]

According to a 2013 interview with Ilai Rotbaein, an AutoCAD WS product manager for Autodesk, the name AutoCAD WS had no definitive meaning, and was interpreted variously as Autodesk Web Service, White Sheet or Work Space. [42] In 2013, AutoCAD WS was renamed to AutoCAD 360. [43] Later, it was renamed to AutoCAD Web App.

Student versions

AutoCAD is licensed, for free, to students, educators, and educational institutions, with a 12-month renewable license available. Licenses acquired before March 25, 2020, were a 36-month license, with its last renovation on March 24, 2020. [44] The student version of AutoCAD is functionally identical to the full commercial version, with one exception: DWG files created or edited by a student version have an internal bit-flag set (the "educational flag"). When such a DWG file is printed by any version of AutoCAD (commercial or student) older than AutoCAD 2014 SP1 or AutoCAD 2019 and newer, the output includes a plot stamp/banner on all four sides. Objects created in the Student Version cannot be used for commercial use. Student Version objects "infect" a commercial version DWG file if they are imported in versions older than AutoCAD 2015 or newer than AutoCAD 2018. [45]

Version history

See also

Open source CAD software:

Related Research Articles

AutoCAD DXF is a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD on different platforms.

Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational software corporation that provides software products and services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment industries. Autodesk is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and has offices worldwide. Its U.S. offices are located in the states of California, Oregon, Colorado, Texas, Michigan, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Its Canada offices are located in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta.

DWG is a proprietary binary file format used for storing two- and three- dimensional design data and metadata. It is the native format for several CAD packages including DraftSight, AutoCAD, ZWCAD, IntelliCAD, Caddie and Open Design Alliance compliant applications. In addition, DWG is supported non-natively by many other CAD applications. The .bak, .dws, .dwt and .sv$ files are also DWG files.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AutoSketch</span>

AutoSketch is a 2D vector drawing program by Autodesk. It is less powerful than Autodesk's AutoCAD and does not support 3D models.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhinoceros 3D</span> 3D computer graphics software

Rhinoceros is a commercial 3D computer graphics and computer-aided design (CAD) application software that was developed by TLM, Inc, dba Robert McNeel & Associates, an American, privately held, and employee-owned company that was founded in 1978. Rhinoceros geometry is based on the NURBS mathematical model, which focuses on producing mathematically precise representation of curves and freeform surfaces in computer graphics.

SketchUp is 3D modeling software that is used to create and manipulate 3D models. It is used in architecture and interior design.

Design Web Format (DWF) is a file format developed by Autodesk for the efficient distribution and communication of rich design data to anyone who needs to view, review, or print design files. Because DWF files are highly compressed, they are smaller and faster to transmit than design files, without the overhead associated with complex CAD drawings. With DWF functionality, publishers of design data can limit the specific design data and plot styles to only what they want recipients to see and can publish multisheet drawing sets from multiple AutoCAD drawings in a single DWF file. They can also publish 3D models from most Autodesk design applications.

Open Design Alliance is a nonprofit organization creating software development kits (SDKs) for engineering applications. ODA offers interoperability tools for CAD, BIM, and Mechanical industries including .dwg, .dxf, .dgn, Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Navisworks, and .ifc files and additional tools for visualization, web development, 3D PDF publishing and modeling.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IntelliCAD</span> CAD editor and development platform

IntelliCAD is a CAD editor and development platform with an Application Programming Interface API published by the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium ("ITC") through shared development. IntelliCAD emulates the basic interface and functions of AutoCAD, however, it is particularly able to incorporate and interchange freely between a wide variety of file types.

The table below provides an overview of notable computer-aided design (CAD) software. It does not judge power, ease of use, or other user-experience aspects. The table does not include software that is still in development. For all-purpose 3D programs, see Comparison of 3D computer graphics software. CAD refers to a specific type of drawing and modelling software application that is used for creating designs and technical drawings. These can be 3D drawings or 2D drawings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BricsCAD</span> Computer-aided design software

BricsCAD® is a software application for computer-aided design (CAD), developed by Bricsys nv. The company was founded in 2002 by Erik de Keyser, a longtime CAD entrepreneur. In 2011 Bricsys acquired the intellectual property rights from Ledas for constraints-based parametric design tools, permitting the development of applications in the areas of direct modeling and assembly design. Bricsys is headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, and has additional development centers in Nizhny Novgorod and Novosibirsk, Russia; Bucharest, Romania and Singapore. Bricsys is a founding member of the Open Design Alliance, and joined the BuildingSMART International consortium in December 2016.

AutoCAD Architecture is a version of Autodesk's flagship product, AutoCAD, with tools and functions specially suited to architectural work.

3D computer graphics software refers to packages used to create 3D computer-generated imagery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SprutCAM</span> Computer-aided manufacturing software

SprutCAM X is a high-level Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software that provides off-line features for programming of various CNC machines used for cutting, wire electrical discharge (EDM), 2, 3, and multi axial machining.

GstarCAD is a CAD software platform, using the Open Design Alliance DWG libraries to read and write the DWG file format made popular by the AutoCAD CAD package.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drawing Express</span>

Drawing Express is a 2D and 3D CAD software application. The software is developed, sold and supported by the British company 'Trial Systems Ltd' based in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire. The software was first released in 1994, developed by Peter Boyce & Steven Pearce with Anton Heymann.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SolveSpace</span> Open-source computer-aided design software

SolveSpace is a free and open-source 2D/3D constraint-based parametric computer-aided design (CAD) software that supports basic 2D and 3D constructive solid geometry modeling.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Onshape</span> Computer-aided design software system

Onshape is a computer-aided design (CAD) software system, delivered over the Internet via a software as a service (SaaS) model. It makes extensive use of cloud computing, with compute-intensive processing and rendering performed on Internet-based servers, and users are able to interact with the system via a web browser or the iOS and Android apps. As a SaaS system, Onshape upgrades are released directly to the web interface, and the software does not require maintenance by the user.

AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application by Autodesk. The first release of the software started with version 1.0 in December 1982. The software has been continuously updated since its initial release.

CorelCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) application for 2D and 3D design. It works on macOS and Windows operating systems. There is also a mobile app of CorelCAD for Android and iOS devices, but it needs a license in order to be accessible.

References

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