Once the basic AutoCAD drawing commands have been used and the rough drawing has been laid out, the objects may need a few final touches. Using simple AutoCAD commands will help you get the information or help you make slight modifications to what you have already created.
Obtaining Information from a Drawing
Once an object has been drawn in AutoCAD, you may need additional information about what has been drawn. For example, you may need to find the distance between two points or the area of a room. Knowing the corresponding AutoCAD commands will help you get the information.
To find the distance between two given points, type "dist" then hit "enter." Click on the two points you want the distance measured between. AutoCAD will tell you what the measurement is in inches and feet, unless metric units were used in creating the drawing.
To find the square footage of an object, such as a particular room or area on a floor plan, type "area" then hit "enter." Select each corner of the area you need measured. Look at the second number in parenthesis to view the square footage of the area.
Should you need information on a closed object such as a circle, use the properties command. First, click on the object you need information about. Second, type "pr" then hit "enter." This will provide the area of the circle and other relevant information.
Modifying an Existing Object
Perhaps you look at your drawing and notice one line is not as long as you need it to be. Without redrawing the line or object, use the stretch command. Type "stretch" then hit "enter." Choose the area to be stretched by clicking on it and hitting enter. Click on an empty spot on your drawing and stretch the line or area out as you want it.
Using the "fillet" command allows you to round the corners of an object. Type "F" then "enter." Change the radius in the settings mode by typing "R" then enter. Type in the desired radius and select the two lines that make up the corner that you want rounded.
To create a straight diagonal line at the corner, use the "chamfer" command. Type "Cha" then hit enter. Type "D" for distance, then type in two numbers representing the distance of each line and where you want the diagonal line to begin. Click on the two lines involved and the diagonal line will appear.
Changing the size of an object in your drawing can easily be accomplished without having to redraw the object by using the "scale" command. Type "sc" then hit "enter." Select the object to be resized by clicking on it. Select the base point, which is the location that you want the object to grow or shrink around. Next, type in the scale factor.
To make the object 100 percent larger, type a number "one" as a scale factor. To make it 200 percent larger, type in the number "two." To decrease the size by 90 percent, type in a ".9" scale factor. To decrease the size of an object by 50 percent, type in a ".5" scale factor.
To undo something created in error, type "u" then "enter" for the undo command. To get an object back that was erased in error, type in "oops" and hit "enter." The "oops" command will immediately bring back what was lost.
CAD (Computer Aided Design) software is software created to allow the design of archtitectural, engineering and construction projects on a computer. CAD software is used widely in architecture, engineering and construction--anything from designing new homes to designing new spaceships.
History
Computer-aided design (CAD) and the related computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) were both originally developed in the 1960s. Even from its origins, CAD allowed a significant reduction in the time and cost of producing new products by allowing engineers to directly produce mechanical drawings themselves, by allowing production of complex shapes to be tested in software and by allowing the rapid development of new assembly lines.
Significance
CAD software has diversified to include software specializing in house design and planning (architectural CAD), software specializing in producing integrated circuits (with programs such as SPICE), high-end software used by aerospace and space industries, to low-end software used for graphics and computer-generated-imagery (CGI).
Function
CAD is used at all phases of a product's life cycle from initial design to decommissioning. It finds its way into the design of new homes, as well as into the redesign of old homes. At the simplest, CAD replaces the functions of the draftsman and his table, allowing detailed drawings to be created with ease. At the most complex, CAD output can be connected directly to machines which form final parts, or to stereo lithographic machines which build parts out of plastic polymers.
Types
There are three mains types of CAD software: architectural, engineering and construction.
Architectural CAD software is targeted toward producing architectural drawings of buildings, living and working spaces.
Construction CAD software is targeted toward construction of new buildings or renovation of old buildings, and expands upon architectural CAD software by including lists of materials needed, and other information vital to the process of completing a building.
Engineering CAD software is targeted toward developing new machines and vehicles. Included in different engineering CAD software packages is not only an understanding of the strength of materials used, but also methods of determining heat flows, stresses and other qualities of materials necessary to the successful construction of new machinery.
Considerations
Using most CAD software requires a good knowledge of mathematics and engineering. While there are many architectural CAD software programs designed to be used by the average DIYer (Do-It-Yourselfer), it may be confusing to those who are not comfortably doing their own construction.
Misconceptions
Like all software, CAD software is only as good as the people using it; it is possible to make massive mistakes without a detailed understanding of the real world in which a CAD design will exist.
There is a lot of CAD software available nowadays ranging from free to very expensive, and price alone should not be used to determine quality.
Benefits
CAD software allows designs to be completed more quickly, evaluations of new products to be made more rapidly, and generally decreases the time-to-market of mechanisms large and small.
CAD software has allowed industry to move more quickly in designing, developing and deploying new products in all ranges of commerce.
As the price of CAD software continues to plummet, and as the realm of rapid prototyping moves from the very expensive high-end down to the Do-It-Yourself level, it may soon be that individuals at home can design, develop and produce their own unique products for sale around the world.
As CAD software continues to grow in use and decrease in price, its availability increases, potentially allowing any interested person to use it profitably.
Using CAD software requires weeks of learning and a strong interest in engineering and mathematics.
Computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software includes a number of powerful applications that make the old methods of hand-drawing obsolete. With so much information out there about CAD software and its applications it is hard to know where to begin educating yourself. Fortunately, there are only a few basic pieces of information you'll need to know to be able to evaluate computer-aided drafting as a career or an addition to your business.
History
In previous decades, drafters had to draw their designs by hand. Mistakes and revisions meant that entire sets of drawings had to be completely redone. Since its inception, computer-aided drafting has saved untold man hours by allowing drafters to correct mistakes and make revisions without manually redrawing pages of blueprints. Further, block libraries make it possible to insert common objects into a drawing without having to draw the object each time it is used.
Function
Computer-aided drafting and design allows users to create drawings for a variety of purposes. Drafting standards exist for different disciplines within this field. CAD software allows the user to create blueprints for architectural, mechanical, civil, electrical and aeronautical projects among others. The drawings must be accurate, as they are usually used in the field by construction workers, installers, electricians and other professionals who follow the drawings to the letter.
Types
A variety of computer-aided drafting and design programs exist that allow the user to draw in different ways. Two-dimensional drafting is the most common type, where users draw floor plans and production schematics from different projections to create a usable drawing. Three-dimensional parametric solid-modeling programs are also popular. These programs work by having the user enter in the type of solid they wish to create (such as cube or sphere) then enter parameters such as the length of a side or arc.
Features
CAD and drafting software allows the user to do more than just draw objects. The programs also have dimensioning features that allow the user to insert dimension lines that automatically show the correct size of a drawing object. Tables allow the user to put schedules (such as what kind of windows are installed when) or materials lists (such as what types of metal are used and where they are ordered from) in the drawing for field workers to use.
Education
Those looking to get into the field of computer-aided drafting and drawing have a number of options. Many community and city trade colleges offer programs in CAD, as do vocational high schools and private four-year technology colleges. At least two years of training is normally required to enter the field as a junior drafter. The more diversified your education in the field, the greater are your prospects for future employment.
Engineers, architects, and interior designers are a few of the professions that use computer-aided design (CAD) software practically every day in their businesses. CAD software allows users to render 2D and 3D models of technical drawings. These drawings detail technical design aspects or show the floor plan and layout of potential homes. CAD software is quickly becoming commonplace in the technical professions.
Time Saving and Ease of Use
CAD software uses common computer interface procedures (such as using a mouse to point and click options, or inputting data into a field and having the program compute the result) which makes creating the technical drawings faster than the traditional paper-and-pencil method. Erasing or fixing a mistake no longer requires a drafter to scrap the entire page; a simple "undo" command allows the user to fix the mistake and move forward. Further, multiple tools (such as squares, compasses, and rulers) are no longer needed because these tools are built right into the CAD software.
Virtual Simulations
Prior to CAD software, people in the technical professions (like engineers) had to either create a new presentation to show how a design worked or had to explain it in words. With CAD software, the presenter can input commands that allow the CAD program to show a virtual simulation of the design. This makes presentations easier to comprehend and improves the overall product design process.
Higher Quality Product Development
CAD software produces intricately detailed drawings and technical specifications that were simply not available with other methods. The ability to explore numerous design functions with the simple point-and-click of a mouse and the ability to input great amounts of data produce higher-quality concepts.
Clear Communications
Because CAD drawings are produced on the computer, the data communicated by the drawing is clearer than drawings produced by hand. Questionable lines or human errors are reduced by the clean and crisp lines produced by the CAD software.
omputer-aided design, or CAD, is a field of computer software programs that help designers, architects, and amateurs design two or three dimensional objects. CAD is often used to make layout plans for buildings or structural models of products like furniture, appliances, and cars. Other use CAD software to make two dimensional images like billboard signs, logos, brand images, or web icons and web buttons. Most CAD programs come with a huge library of pre-made designs that you can edit and integrate into your design.
Logo
Use a CAD vector-based program to make a logo. The logo could be for a brand your selling, such as a clothing line, or the logo could be for a company you wish to start. A good CAD program to use for logo design is Adobe Illustrator, a vector-based graphics editor. Vector graphics allow you to scale your image without any loss in quality, so you can make a logo for the web or for a t-shirt.
Home
AutoCAD is a sophisticated program that you can use to design a home. The program offers complex tools and measurements to lay out a floor plan, display section views, and rotate your three dimensional object in real time. AutoCAD can help you design a home and populate it with furniture, appliances, and other features using their library of images.
Magazine
Computer-aided design has revolutionized the publishing world by making it much easier to design the layout for books, presentations, magazines, newspapers, and more. Adobe InDesign lets you view all your pages at once or zoom in to a specific page to edit. With a huge catalogue of fonts to choose from, you can type an entire magazine in the program or import content from elsewhere and change the look, style, and feel of the text.
CAD software exists in all areas of the fashion industry. Fashion media, retailers and designers all use CAD software to some extent. However, the importance of CAD software resides primarily in fashion design.
Concept
CAD software helps fashion designers create design concepts or ideas. CAD aids in creating the fashion illustration for each ensemble of a fashion collection. The software also allows designers to create new fabric prints to compliment their designs.
Manufacturing
Textile manufacturers use CAD software to make fabrics. Fashion textile manufacturers use CAD software to weave complex fabrics such as jacquards, according to Fashion Era.
Production
CAD facilitates the production of flat patterns by creating the patterns and making multiple sizes of the same pattern (grading) for garment construction. The software also simplifies garment specifications (specs) by allowing designers to import the dimensions of the pattern pieces into a garment spec sheet for the construction team to use.
Cost
CAD software helps to reduce the overall cost of producing a fashion collection, as it requires less human labor and reduces human error, according to Forbes.com. In addition, CAD software accelerates product turnaround time, so designers can develop and deliver collections to retailers faster.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) software comes in various formats, including those used for specific industries such as architecture, interior design, engineering, and others. CAD software is available for Windows, Linux/UNIX and Mac operating systems. Although the exact system requirements vary according to each different CAD software program used, basic operating system and other system requirements of the most popular CAD programs are available.
Windows OS
Many versions of Windows OS are available, and most CAD programs are available for use on all of them. For example, CADPro Platinum Series requires Windows XP or newer, Pentium II CPU or better and no less than 64 MB RAM and 40 MB of hard drive disk space. AutoCAD requires Windows XP Home with SP2 or newer, an Intel Pentium 4 or an AMD Athlon processor and a minimum of 2 GB of RAM and 1.8 GB of hard drive disk space free. However, Hullform, which is also available for Linux, requires Windows 95 or better.
Linux/UNIX OS
Because Linux/UNIX builds and distributions are open source, thousands of versions exist, as do thousands of CAD programs, and each will have its own requirements for processor speed and RAM, among other requirements. For example, QCad is made for KDE desktop users of Linux; LinuxCAD is for any Linux OS; Hullform is for both Linux and Windows; and FreeCAD requires a Debian-based Linux core in addition to Python modules for version .9 or later.
Mac OS
TurboCAD Mac Pro 4.0 SP1 (Apple) requires no less than Mac OS X version 10.4 or newer, no less than a PowerPC G4 processor, 256 MB RAM, 32 MB RAM for video, 200 MB of hard drive disk space free. Domus.Cad 15.0.3 requires simply the Mac OS X version 10.4 or newer be used. Vector Works 2010 Sp4 for Mac requires Mac OS X version 10.5 or 10.6 and a PPC/Intel processor. TurboCAD requires Mac OS X version 10.4 or newer using either Leopard or Snow Leopard in addition to a G4 processor or better, a minimum of 256 MB RAM and a minimum of 200 MB hard drive disk space free.
Advances in computing technology have made designing architectural plans more accurate and efficient. Architects, engineers and others use computer-aided design (CAD) and building software programs to develop engineering plans that guide construction. There are many types and brands of CAD and building software; users should evaluate features and functionality of programs to determine the program that best fits their needs.
Design
The features and functionalities of CAD and building software make designing architectural and engineering plans more efficient. These software programs have utility functions such as copying and pasting, and offer time-saving features such as templates, mirroring and conversions. CAD program features and functions make drafting more efficient, increase productivity and decrease design errors, especially with complex designs.
Editing
Gone are the days of paper and pencil drafting, when boundaries, elevations and pitches needed to be revised by erasing the lines or redrawing the blueprint. CAD software allows users to easily edit drafts of architectural and engineering plans, and draft versions can be saved and digitally stored. Computer-aided design software provides users with more opportunity for revision.
Dimensional Views
One of the significant benefits of CAD and master builder software is the ability to design and preview plans in 2D and 3D. Most CAD software programs provide users with the option to design plans in 3D and then convert them to a 2D digital working blueprint that can be easily shared via email with members of the project team.
Analysis
Some CAD and master builder software includes the ability to perform functional analyses, such as cost estimations or safety analyses. The software uses the building plans to calculate lists of building materials, flow charts or project time estimates. Analysis features provide users with the advantage of integrated insight and efficient planning.
Used in many industries, CAD software, short for computer-aided drafting software, enables the design and production of a wide range of items including buildings, digital cameras, computers, clothing, cell phones, roads and aircraft, to name a few.
Uses
CAD software allows users to develop conceptualized models of items and to share, analyze and add to the model through the use of a computer. CAD capabilities vary by the type of CAD software as some products entail more complex models than others.
Types
Two-dimensional CAD software is suitable for drafting and other general-purpose projects, whereas more complex projects, such as those involving engineering, product development and complex surfacing, require three-dimensional CAD software . A similar software to CAD software is computer-aided manufacturing, or CAM, software. CAD software can be exported to CAM software to help with larger manufacturing processes.
Platforms
CAD software typically runs on mainframe or personal computers and is compatible with common operating systems for those types of computers. Some CAD programs may require special add-ons to perform specialized operations.
Technological advancements have revolutionized fields that depend on accurate and detailed drafts, such as engineering and architecture. Computer-assisted design, or CAD, software allows users to create detailed three-dimensional renderings on the computer.
History
CAD imaging software has largely replaced hand drafting in architectural and engineering fields, but it also is used to supplement traditional drawings.
Types
Many computer programs employ CAD technology. The Texas State Technical College lists AutoCAD, Pro Engineer Wildfire, Architectural Desktop and 3D Studio VIZ among the CAD software used in their program.
Function
CAD software enables the creation of two-dimensional isometric drawings and three-dimensional models of objects and spaces. Different CAD packages have different features, enabling the use of this technology at all levels of production from design to manufacture. CAD software has many diverse applications, from bridges and public projects to mobile phones.
Benefits
Engineering and architectural jobs rely on precise calculations, and CAD software enables users to integrate mechanical constraints, such as force, stress and motion, from the beginning of the design process.
Expert Insight
The Electronic Journal for Engineering Technology suggests that CAD programs enable easier visualization of concepts, improves student learning and increases enjoyment in engineering programs.
Architects use a variety of software types to create the buildings they design. These range from programs that enable them to create conceptual sketches to CAD programs for technical drawings and advanced BIM systems to create realistic models and generate information.
Conceptual Programs
Much initial design takes place in the form of rough sketches that are refined. Traditionally this was done on paper. Now, programs allow an architect to sketch out ideas proportionally to gain an aesthetic overview of a building on the computer.
CAD Systems
CAD programs generally require detailed numerical information, allowing precise technical drawings to be created. These are then used by the construction teams to build the project. 3D visualizations can also be created by many of these programs.
BIM programs
Building Information Modeling is a method of designing in three dimensions from the start of a project. As the building is designed, information about the structural, mechanical and other elements of the construction is automatically generated. At the same time, a realistic 3D model that can be walked through is also created.
Alt There are various CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software packages available over the Internet: AutoCAD, CADPro and TurboCAD are three of the most popular and are each useful for different purposes.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD, by Autodesk, is two- and three-dimensional design and design-documentation software. AutoCAD specializes in CAD speed, communication and flexibility for manufacturing, architectural and construction applications.
CADPro
CADPro, by Delta Software International, is a specialized home-design CAD software package. CADPro bundles home design; home drafting; blueprint presentation; floor, deck and house plan, and home improvement programs together.
TurboCAD
TurboCAD, by IMSI/Design, is two-dimensional drafting, three-dimensional modeling and multidimensional training CAD software. TurboCAD specializes in architectural and mechanical design, photorealistic rendering and CAD-training applications.
hough the vast majority of technical and construction drawings are done on CAD systems, the need to convert manually drafted drawings into a suitable electronic format rises occasionally, so that they can be edited in a CAD program.
Scanning
The first stage of the process involves the scanning of the paper drawing. If it is a large drawing, then a large-scale scanner is required. Otherwise, it must be scanned in sections, then reassembled.
Editing
Once the drawing is scanned, it can be worked on in the specialist software. This can include removing marks added when the drawing was scanned and improving the appearance of lines. If the drawing was scanned in parts, it can be stitched back together to form one file.
Converting
Lastly, the completed scanned file can be converted into the desired CAD format. This means taking the drawing from its current raster format and converting it to a vector format, usually as a DWG file. The drawing can now be worked on in the CAD program.
The ability to view CAD drawings is important in a range of disciplines. Using viewers allows those without specialist software to review files on-screen. It also enables easy electronic distribution of files in their original format.
Function
CAD viewing software allows a user without a CAD program to look at drawing files. As the drawing is in its original format, there is no loss of information. CAD viewers cannot allow any changes to be made to the file. Most CAD viewers are able to print the drawing.
Program-Specific Viewers
Most CAD program makers provide free CAD viewers. These are specific to their software format and, therefore, will only open files produced by that CAD program. These viewers can usually be obtained from the vendor's website.
General Viewers
Some CAD programs enable viewing of several different file types. This can be useful if working in a mixed program environment. It also means you only need one program to view all your CAD drawings.