AutoSketch is a 2D vector drawing program by Autodesk. It is less powerful than Autodesk's AutoCAD and does not support 3D models.
AutoSketch uses SKD and SKF, in later versions, as its native format,[ citation needed ] but can support DWG and DXF. Version 2.1 for Windows supported macros which has been removed in later versions.
AutoSketch was developed by Foresight Resources under the name "Drafix" to run under Microsoft DOS, and was one of the first Windows based CAD software products. An Atari ST version was also available around 1989. [1] Drafix won the first American Institute of Architect's "CAD Shoot-out". Among the features that made the original Drafix stand out when compared to the much more expensive AutoCAD were the ease of learning, the variety of dimensioning available out of the box, including relative dimensions, and being able to draw new primitives (line, circle, square, etc.) relative to existing primitives or points on them using keyboard shortcuts. One limitation of the first DOS release was that it needed to store all of a drawing in RAM, while editing and could not use any sort of swapping. This limited the size of the drawings. [2] In later versions Drafix took advantage of virtual memory available in Windows to edit more complex drawings. One important limitation was that while Drafix was a complete drawing tool at a reasonable price for many industries, especially architecture and industrial design with relatively small drawings, it lacked the extendability AutoCAD had thanks to its LISP interpreter. [3]
Drafix also took advantage of Windows Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) prior to any Autodesk product. This allowed Drafix to offer features to help automate reporting such as cost estimation and part list generation. Autodesk apparently found this product both a threat and opportunity and bought the company.
After Version 2.1, Autodesk massively changed Autosketch. It was very different in function, menu structure and used a different file format. It is unclear if it was a complete 32 bit rewrite by Autodesk or if they bought in a 32 bit CAD programme and renamed it AutoSketch. Older files had to be converted in order to be opened in the new Autosketch. Much of the speed and ease of older Autosketch was lost, and many users continued to use Autosketch 2.1 while it would still run on 32 bit Windows.
The final version of Autosketch, version 10, was released on November 14, 2008. Since October 26, 2016, Autosketch has been discontinued. Autodesk no longer supports Autosketch and offers no assistance to run the program. [4] The online Knowledge Base still carries a forum, documentation and some technical support. [5]
Earlier Windows versions used the .CAD file extension for drawings which changed to .SKD in version 2, later switching to the .SKF extension. The earlier .CAD and .SKD files could be opened by the later versions.
All technical 2D drawings created can be printed to scale from A4 up to A0 size, saved in native AutoCAD file format or exchanged with other CAD programmes using the DXF file format. Accurate 2D drawings can be opened in Trimble SketchUp and easily 'push - pulled' into 3D models.
The illustrated AutoSketch produced drawing, used by UK Advanced Joinery Students in the practical workshop while demonstrating their skills in the manufacture and production of complex frames.
Using AutoSketch allows students to use and practice 2D CAD techniques on relatively inexpensive software and produce files in the native AutoCAD DWG and DXF file formats that can be used in their workplace and to demonstrating their skills to their employers.
QuickCAD was similar to Autosketch but with a slightly reduced set of features. In particular some 3D effects were not available. QuickCAD also retained the .CAD file format. QuickCAD was marginally cheaper than AutoSketch.
AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software application for desktop, web, and mobile developed by Autodesk. 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. Initially a DOS application, subsequent versions were later released for other platforms including Classic Mac OS (1992), Microsoft Windows (1992), web browsers (2010), iOS (2010), macOS (2010), and Android (2011).
AutoCAD DXF is a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs.
Caddie is a mid-range computer-assisted draughting (CAD) software package for 2D and 3D design. It is used primarily by architects, but has tools for surveyors and mechanical, civil and construction engineers. It was initially designed as an electronic drawing board, using concepts and tools clearly related to a physical board.
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.
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 a suite of subscription products that include SketchUp Pro Desktop, a 3D modeling computer-aided design (CAD) program for a broad range of drawing and design applications — including architectural, interior design, industrial and product design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, theater, film and video game development.
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.
Navisworks is a 3D design review package for Microsoft Windows.
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.
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.
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.
Advance Concrete is a computer-aided design (CAD) software application was developed by GRAITEC, but is now an Autodesk product, used for modeling and detailing reinforced concrete structures. Advance Concrete is used in the structural / civil engineering and drafting fields.
Advance Steel is a CAD software application for 3D modeling and detailing of steel structures and automatic creation of fabrication drawings, bill of materials and NC files. It was initially developed by GRAITEC, but was acquired by Autodesk in 2013. The software runs on AutoCAD. As of March 29th, 2023 Advance Steel was put on maintenance mode, meaning no new updates will be introduced.
Alibre Design is a 3D parametric computer aided design software suite developed by Alibre for Microsoft Windows. Available in fifteen languages. Alibre is a brand of Alibre, LLC, a company based in Texas.
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.
Landscape Express is a CAD software application for 2D and 3D design and drafting. It is used primarily by landscape designers. 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 2012, developed by Peter Boyce and Steven Pearce in conjunction with Anton Heymann. The software is based on the Drawing Express CAD system which utilizes tablet and pen interface. A graphics tablet, pen and overlay are used to select, use and manipulate commands thus mimicking the draughtsman's drawing board. This differs from the traditional CAD software ‘drop-down’ menu structures on-screen as the menu system is laid out in front of the user. The method of drawing in this way is aimed at being intuitive allowing the user to create and amend drawings as quickly as possible.
ABViewer is multifunctional software for working with AutoCAD DWG, DXF, PLT, STEP, IGES, STL and other 2D and 3D CAD files. The application allows creating and editing drawings, as well as saving them to AutoCAD DWG/DXF, PDF, JPG and a number of other vector and raster file formats.
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.
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