What is CAD & how does it work?

CAD is software specifically to help draft documentation, visualize 2D or 3D design concepts using photorealistic renderings, simulate real-world functionality, and export CAD data to computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. CAD centralizes product design into an automated 3D environment. Any engineering design usually starts in CAD.

Why do architects use CAD?

Architecture is heavily reliant on the creation of complex yet highly accurate drawings and models, so CAD is an invaluable tool to architects. CAD is also useful to architects as certain software, like Revit and ArchiCAD, use BIM workflows to improve productivity.

What is general-purpose CAD software?

While some designers use very specific types of CAD, most use general-purpose CAD software to simulate what a design would look like in the real world. Computer-aided design is the use of computer software to create, modify, and optimize a design. Want to learn more about General-Purpose CAD Software? Explore General-Purpose CAD products.

What are the different types of CAD software?

General-purpose CAD software includes a wide range of 2D and 3D software. Before delving into the more specific types of CAD software, it’s important to understand the difference between 2D and 3D CAD and the various industries that leverage them. 2D CAD software offers a platform to design in two dimensions.