What is Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software?

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of an application to help create or optimize a design.
Therefore, CAD software allows engineers, architects, designers, and others to create precision
drawings or technical illustrations in 2D or 3D. This category of software can increase productivity,
improve quality, and maximize organization by creating a documentation database for
manufacturing.

CAD software has a host of applications, including the design of manufacturing parts, electronic
circuit boards, and prototypes for 3D printers, and buildings. Typically, this software uses either
traditional vector-based graphics or raster graphics which show how finished objects would actually
look.

CAD software can also facilitate the flow from the design process to the manufacturing process.
This software can simulate the movement of a part through the manufacturing process in three
dimensions. As this software becomes ever better at simulating the manufacturing process,
specialized software for designing the manufacturing process and controlling machine tools called
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) has become integrated with CAD as a single platform.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Features & Capabilities

Professional-level software packages usually have the following features:

• 2D/3D Design
• Electrical design
• CAM integration
• Simulation and analysis, such as simulating real world use of an item to identify areas with a
propensity for thermal stress and buckling
• Augmented reality
• Data management
• Additive manufacturing

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software Comparison

To compare different CAD programs, consider these factors for each product offering:

2D vs. 3D specialty: Leading CAD software will support both 2D and 3D design, however,
some do specialize in one mode of design over the other. Fully investigate reviews of the software
you’re considering for what type of design it may excel and/or falter at.

Industry-focus: Some CAD programs are specially designed for specific industries, or have
add-on sets to make your CAD experienced tailored to your application. For
example, Autodesk tools are really popular within the animation and art industries,
whereas SketchUp sees a lot of popularity amongst architects given its tools for building design.

Usage and team size: CAD software can get increasingly expensive the more employees you
need to use it simultaneously. Most tools have caps on how many users can use one license,
and how many workstations the software can be installed upon. Identifying the number of
users and workstations should be one of the first steps of your CAD software buying process.

What is Computer-Aided Design (CAD) used for?

CAD software is used to increase designer efficiency by saving time, increasing precision, and
improving quality, improve communication through documentation, and help maintain a
 production archive. CAD can also be used to create electronic files for printing, machining, or
other manufacturing operations.

What are examples of Computer-Aided Design (CAD)?

There are a few ways Computer-Aided Design (CAD) can be categorized:

• 2-D design (traditional animation, architectural site maps)

• 3-D design (figures, product design)
• Common roles: engineers, drafters, product designers, etc.
• Common industries: consumer products, architecture, aerospace & aviation, healthcare, etc.

Who uses Computer-Aided Design (CAD)?

While CAD software has a wide variety of use cases ranging from animation to architectural design,
it is most commonly used by, and thus associated with, engineers.

A wide variety of engineers utilize CAD programs such as electrical, manufacturing, mechanical,
industrial, and product development engineers. Other common roles are "designers" or "drafters".

CAD software is an incredibly useful tool for anyone who has to create either 2D or 3D designs as
a major component of their role

.Menu Bar
• At the top-left of the application window, on the right end of the Quick Access toolbar, click the
drop-down menu Show Menu Bar.

• At the Command prompt, enter MENUBAR. Enter 1 to display the menu bar.

Toolbar
• To display a toolbar, click Tools menu > Toolbars and select the required toolbar.
Drawing Area :-
Once you open AutoCAD by double-clicking the AutoCAD icon, you can create a new drawing by
clicking the [START DRAWING] icon on the first page of the AutoCAD application.

You also can select a different template by clicking [TEMPLATES] under start drawing. The default
setting is [acad.dwt]

Your recent documents will show in the middle of the first page. You also can click to open the
recent documents.

For the tutorial provided by Autodesk, you can click [LEARN].

Once you click [START DRAWING], you will see this user interface below.
• Application menu: New, open, save, import, export, print
• Quick access toolbar: User can save tools that they often use
• Info Center: Ask a question, find out answers from Autodesk community
• Ribbon: Main menus – Home, Insert, Annotate, View, Manage
• Ribbon tab
• Ribbon view: User can minimize and maximize the ribbon
• File tab: Navigate files and create and open files
• Drawing area/graphic area: Main drawing space
• View cube: User can change the view, top, front, 3D, or more
• Navigation bar: Zoom in and out, pan, zoon to all, and more
• Command box: Can type commands and see the previous commands
• Layout tab: Can see model space and print spaces
• Status bar: Can set grid, snaps, scales, and more

Dialog boxes and windows :-

When executing a command that should display a browse or other dialog window in AutoCAD
products, none appears.
• This may also occur when selecting buttons within a dialog window that pop out a secondary
dialog window, such as Modify in the DIMSTYLE dialog.
• Affected commands include, but are not limited to:
o OPEN
o SAVEAS
o RECOVER
o IMPORT
o HATCH
o XATTACH
o MAPIINSERT
 o SCRIPT
o DIMEDIT
o DGNIMPORT
o QLEADER
o UNITS
o STEPOUT
o IGESOUT
Also:
• The software may look like it's frozen and in a loading loop.
• Pressing the Escape key on the keyboard may cause the software to be responsive again.
• It might only occur for some Windows users.
• When using SAVE to save a file, the file path and information appear in the command bar
instead of getting the Save window dialog box. This also occurs with other dialog windows in
AutoCAD.

• When using SAVEAS command to save the file with a new name, the command bar shows
only options for previous versions, LT / DXF, or it prompts file formats next to the cursor.

ZOOM Command (Z)

You can also access the Zoom command with the keyboard by entering its alias, Z. There are
many options within the Zoom command, but the most common are Extents, which was explained
earlier, Window, which will allow you to specify a window to zoom to by clicking with your mouse,
and All, which will zoom to the drawing limits. Drawing limits is an area specified by
the Limits command, which will be explained in a later chapter and is usually established in a
template. If you can’t zoom out far enough to see all the objects in your drawing with the mouse
wheel, it’s because your drawing limits are too small. You can correct this problem by using Zoom
Extents to see all of your objects. Entering the Zoom command with the keyboard can be useful if
you are working on a laptop without a mouse because you can simply press Z Enter E Enter for
Zoom Extents or Z Enter A Enter for Zoom All.

Undoing & Redoing Zoom

Unlike other programs, Undo and Redo will affect Zooming and Panning as well as will other
commands. This can potentially cause problems if you are undoing steps and zoom or pan before
redoing. If you enter any command including zoom after you have undone other commands, you
will not be able to redo them. Therefore, it is not recommended that you Zoom or Pan whilst using
Undo and Redo.
Isometic Drawing :-
Using Isometric commands is one of the simplest ways to give a 3-D representation while using
only 2-D commands. This has been the usual way of doing things before CAD allowed true 3-D
work to be done. Many times an isometric drawing is used to compliment or give more information
to a 3 view orthographic drawing. See the sample below.
AutoCAD has a command called ISOPLANE which allows you to easily draw at a 30 degree angle
as needed for an isometric drawing. You can switch between the three 'isoplanes' (top, right, left)
by using this command or by pressing the F5 key.

Command: ISOPLANE <ENTER>

Current isoplane: Right
Enter isometric plane setting [Left/Top/Right] <Left>: T <ENTER>
Current isoplane: Top
Newer versions of AutoCAD have an Isoplane icon on the status bar. You can click this to enter
Isometric Drafting Mode as shown below. You can also change your Isoplanes here (but F5 is
faster).

PAGE SETUPS :-

AutoCAD uses page setups to control layout settings and plotter properties. Page setups can be
saved and applied to multiple layouts in the same drawing file. This guide explores the process of
creating setups for printing that can be used over and over again each time the same drawing is
issued.
To open the Page Setup Manager click the Page Setup Manager button from the
Ribbon Output tab > Plot panel.
Command-line: To start the Page Setup Manager from the command line, type “PAGE” and press
[Enter].
Note: If you have the Model and Layout tabs shown, you can also right-click on the layout tab and
choose Page Setup Manager
Different page setups are depending on whether you are currently in Model space or Paper space.
Before creating any page setups, ensure you are in the correct ‘space’.

The default page setup will have the same name as the layout.
CREATING PAGE SETUPS
To create a new page setup, click the New… button. The New Page Setup dialogue will display.
Enter a name for your page setup. Logical names help find your page setup later.
• The Printer/plotter section will allow you to choose from installed printers and AutoCAD PC3 files.

An installed printer is installed on your PC.

Dimensioning and Tolerancing :-

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is a system for defining and
communicating engineering tolerances and relationships. It uses a symbolic
language on engineering drawings and computer-generated three-dimensional solid models that
explicitly describe nominal geometry and its allowable variation. It tells the manufacturing staff and
machines what degree of accuracy and precision is needed on each controlled feature of the part.
GD&T is used to define the nominal (theoretically perfect) geometry of parts and assemblies, to
define the allowable variation in form and possible size of individual features, and to define the
allowable variation between features.

• Dimensioning specifications define the nominal, as-modeled or as-intended geometry. One

example is a basic dimension.
• Tolerancing specifications define the allowable variation for the form and possibly the size of
individual features, and the allowable variation in orientation and location between features.
Two examples are linear dimensions and feature control frames using a datum reference
Orthographic constraints :-

Precision modeling is imperative for architects. It would be great if we could have an option to turn
on an orthographic constraint to facilitate architectural modelling (ORTHO on AutoCAD
nomenclature). Another important thing is that the floating input could accept positive values and
choose the direction by the position of the mouse (not typing -X)

Annotations :- An annotation tool is a customizable AutoCAD Architecture toolset tool for adding
the following types of annotations to drawings:

• Multi-line text notes

• Symbol-based notes with attributes
• Reference keynotes
• Sheet notes
The annotation tools appear on the Annotation tab of the Document tool palette:
Note: Design Center tools do not generate objects that respond to annotation scaling.

An annotation object is any object that participates in annotation scaling. The following are
annotation objects created by AutoCAD Architecture 2021 toolset:

• Multi-view blocks
• AEC dimensions
Multi-view blocks derive their annotative properties from their block definition. AEC dimensions
derive their annotative properties from their dimension style.

The following are annotation objects created by AutoCAD:

• Text
• MText
• Dimensions
• Leaders
• Block References
• Hatches

Layers :-
The first thing is create three layers. Layers are used to organize drawings. Imagine a large project
for a high-rise tower. The designers would create layers for the electrical, plumbing, landscape and
more. It is necessary to control the drawing and turn some layers off and view only the ones you
want. This is one reason why layers are needed. When you go on to use AutoCAD professionally,
every drawing you deal with will have layers (possibly dozens or hundreds).

We will be creating a layer for the dimensions, one for the objects (lines that were drawn) and
another for the text. Start the LAYER command (LA <ENTER>). This will bring up the Layer
Properties Manager Palette (shown below). We'll cover some basic things that are used in this
lesson.

Looking at the Dialog Box, you will see a lot of information.

From left to right, this is what the columns are for (not everything is used in this level).
 Dimensioning :- There are several different types of dimensions, here are the ones will be using
in this lesson (Each of the dimensioning icons gives quick as to which type of dimension it will
create.)

COLUMN DESCRIPTION
LINEAR dimensions are used for dimensioning either horizontal or vertical distances.
ALIGNED dimensions will measure the actual length of an angled line.
RADIUS dimensions will give you the radius of either arcs or circles.
DIAMETER dimensions are used on circles.
ANGULAR dimensions will measure the angle between two lines that you pick.
BASELINE dimensions are a special type that will automatically stack dimensions along one plane as you
pick points. This is only seen on the Annotate Ribbon with 'Continue'.
We'll start with the most common (and easiest): Linear Dimensions. It will use this type to add
dimensions to the rectangle in the bottom left of your drawing. Pick on the icon and then look at the
command line.

Command: _dim
Select objects or specify first extension line origin or
[Angular/Baseline/Continue/Ordinate/aliGn/Distribute/Layer/Undo]: <SELECT TOP LEFT
CORNER>
What is Solid Modeling?

Solid modeling is the most advanced method of geometric modeling in three dimensions. Solid
modeling is the representation of the solid parts of the object on your computer. The typical
geometric model is made up of wire frames that show the object in the form of wires. This wire
frame structure can be two dimensional, two and half dimensional or three dimensional. Providing
surface representation to the wire three dimensional views of geometric models makes the object
appear solid on the computer screen and this is what is called as solid modeling.

Uses of Solid Modeling

Solid modeling is used not only for creating solid models of machine parts, but also the buildings,
electric circuits and even of the human beings. The solid modeling software are being used for a
large variety of applications, here are some of them:

1) Engineering: The engineering design professionals use solid modeling to see how the designed
product will actually look like. The architects and civil engineers use it to use the layout of the
designed building.

2) Entertainment industry: The animation industry has been using solid modeling to create
various characters and the movies out of them.
Building Information Modelling: An Introduction to BIM
According to the United Nations, the global population is projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050. The
global architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is responsible for supporting this
growth by developing sustainable infrastructure, and maintaining and restoring existing buildings
and developments. This obligation is a tall order and requires smarter, and more efficient ways to
design and build – not just to keep up with the ever-growing population, but for the overall quality
and resilience of future developments.
Building Information Modelling is the perfect solution to this. It is used to design and document
building and infrastructure designs, and helps stakeholders understand what the finished product
will be – highlighting key steps of the construction process along the way. Additionally, it is a great
way to ensure all parties involved are kept up-to-date with the project’s progress.

What is Building Information Modelling?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that provides AEC
professionals with every detail need to plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and
infrastructure. BIM allows design and construction teams to work more efficiently, while enabling
them to capture the data they create during the process. This data benefits operations and
maintenance activities, and informs planning and resourcing on the project. BIM can be used in a
number of industries, but in architecture it is used to make better design decisions, improve building
performance, and collaborate more effectively throughout the project lifecycle. Other industries
using BIM include civil engineering, construction, plant, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing),
and structural engineering.

The BIM process

Plan
BIM’s ability to capture real-world data and generate context models of pre-existing environments is
essential information for project planning.
Design
During this phase, conceptual design, analysis, detailing and documentation are performed. The
preconstruction process begins using BIM data to inform scheduling and logistics.

Build
During this phase, fabrication begins using BIM specifications. Project construction logistics are
shared with trades and contractors to manage timing and efficiency.

Operate
BIM data carries over to operations and maintenance of finished assets. BIM data can be used
down the road for cost-effective renovation or efficient deconstruction too.

Uses and benefits

BIM technology is used to manage information on a construction project across the project
lifecycle. It is the digital description of every aspect of the built asset, and provides modelling and
management information which enables all the parties to work to the same standard and to be kept
in the loop regarding any updates and changes. Additional benefits include, better project
coordination and collaboration with stakeholders, efficient workflows, 3D virtualizations, and overall
improved project outcomes.
BIM brings together all the information about each individual component of a building, in one easily
accessible place. This makes it possible for anyone to access that information for any purpose and
to integrate different aspects of the design more effectively. This results in mistakes and abortive
costs being minimised. So who uses BIM? We’ve broken it down to the types of clients who are
and should be using BIM, and what they can use it for:
1. Contractors and sub-contractors – BIM compliance, reworking native BIM models from
consultants and building in additional data, and of course shop drawing production.
2. Project Managers – Overall management and coordination of projects via BIM, time-lining, and
animations linked to the program.
3. Claims and litigation legal firms – Forensic BIM to validate and support claims.
4. Quantity surveyors – Re-measure via bulk quantity takeoffs through BIM.

What is a BIM object?

BIM objects are the components that make up a BIM model. These components feature the
following characteristics:
• Information content that defines a product.
• Product properties, such as thermal performance.
• Geometry representing the products physical characteristics.
• Visualisation data giving the object a recognisable appearance.
• Functional data, such as detection zones, that enables the object to be positioned and behave
in the same manner as the product itself.
If any of the above elements are changed, BIM software will update the model to reflect the
change. This means that all parties involved in the construction process, from designers to project
managers, are able to work in a more collaborative environment as the model will remain
consistent and coordinated throughout the entire process.