CADprogram

A CAD program, or computer-aided design program, is software used to create, modify, and analyze designs. CAD programs support 2D drafting and 3D modeling and are used in engineering, architecture, manufacturing, and product design. Many CAD systems offer parametric modeling, where geometry is defined by parameters, while others provide direct modeling without constraints.

Typical features include drawing and editing tools, dimensioning, constraint management, part and assembly modeling, rendering, and simulation. Advanced CAD packages integrate with computer-aided manufacturing and engineering workflows, and they support collaboration, version control, and cloud storage. Common file formats include DWG and DXF for 2D drawings, and STEP, IGES, or native formats for 3D data to enable cross-system exchange.

CAD emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as a replacement for manual drafting. AutoCAD, released by Autodesk in 1982 for personal computers, helped popularize desktop CAD. Since then CAD has evolved to 3D solid modeling with parametric design. Major vendors include Autodesk, Dassault Systèmes (CATIA, SolidWorks), PTC (Creo), Siemens (NX), and Bentley Systems. Cloud-based platforms such as Fusion 360 and Onshape have grown in popularity for collaboration.

CAD programs are used across industries: architects for buildings; mechanical, civil, and electrical engineers for components and systems; industrial designers for products; and infrastructure projects such as bridges. They support design validation, documentation, and digital-twin workflows.

Choosing a CAD program depends on industry requirements, modeling approach, collaboration needs, licensing, and hardware. Data interoperability, training, and long-term maintenance of project data are important considerations.