AutoCADs

AutoCADs refers collectively to the AutoCAD family of computer-aided design (CAD) software products developed by Autodesk. The original AutoCAD was released in 1982 for microcomputers and rapidly became a de facto standard in drafting and design. Since then Autodesk has released many variants and specialized toolsets that share the same core drawing engine and DWG file format.

Core capabilities include 2D drafting and annotation, 3D modeling with solids, surfaces, and meshes, precise dimensioning, layer management, blocks and references, and data interoperability through DWG and DXF formats. Users can customize workflows with scripting and application programming interfaces such as AutoLISP, VBA, .NET, and ObjectARX.

AutoCAD is used in architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and product design for creating plans, schematics, parts, and assemblies, as well as for documentation and revision control. The software supports collaboration through shared drawings, cloud storage, and design reviews.

Platforms and licensing: AutoCAD runs on Windows and macOS, with companion mobile and web apps that provide on-the-go drafting and viewing. Licensing is primarily subscription-based, with options for individuals, teams, and enterprises, and pricing tiers that reflect feature sets and storage capacity.

History and impact: AutoCAD helped standardize digital drafting and spurred the development of compatible file formats and workflows. It coexists with Autodesk's broader ecosystem, including BIM-focused tools like Revit and specialized CAD products for civil, mechanical, and electrical design.