CAD Design

CAD design software is used in virtually every industry including the creation of landscape designs, bridges, office buildings and movie animation. CAD, also known as computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), is the use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. If you work in the architecture, mechanical or engineering field you have probably worked with CAD software, which can include creating a 3D model of a design, applying material and lighting effects, and documenting the design with dimensions and other annotations.

Since the introduction of AutoCAD® software in 1982, Autodesk has been a leader in the development of CAD design software. Autodesk has helped define what CAD can do by helping bring architects, engineers, builders and owners together to explore a project’s key physical and functional characteristics digitally before a job or product is built. Find the right CAD design tool for your job.

General Construction Design

CAD design software can be used to produce precise drawings and specifications. These plans not only provide the detailed designs necessary to build, but also helps estimate quantities of materials needed for the project. Learn more about Autodesk CAD design software for architecture, engineering and construction.

Product Design

CAD is utilized to create consumer product designs like watches, industrial machinery as well as building equipment and fabrication. Autodesk uses a digital prototyping process that gives engineers and designers the ability to design, visualize, and simulate a complete product, which reduces reliance on physical prototypes and gets more innovative products to market faster.

Digital Prototyping (DP) gives engineers and designers the ability to design, visualize, and simulate a complete product, helping them reduce reliance on physical prototypes and get more innovative products to market faster.

Mechanical Design

CAD design tools are used for conceptual design, to create 2D engineering drawings and 3D representations of the final product for either top-down design or bottom-up design modeling. The benefits of using a CAD design tool is to help you automate common mechanical design tasks, and assess if the components can be assembled and fit together. Autodesk’s CAD software has been used in complex designs for aerospace, automotive and transportation industries.

Manufacturing Design

CAD design systems in 2D and 3D are useful for visually drafting plant designs or factory layout designs. AutoCAD design tools help you to create, document, share designs, and manage P&ID tasks.

Animation Design in Entertainment

Create compelling visual effects often seen in films, games or television shows with CAD programs. Autodesk developed Autodesk® Maya® 3D animation software and Autodesk® 3ds Max® software to deliver Academy Award®-winning effects, create innovative experiences and improve production efficiency. Learn more about CAD for the entertainment industry and Autodesk’s Digital Entertainment Creation (DEC) process.

Electrical Design

CAD design for electronics and industrial machinery is often referred to as electronic design automation (EDA or ECAD). Autodesk offers a suite of products to help design electronic systems with features for component connection management and intelligent wiring diagrams.