Who Uses AutoCAD and Why is it Important? ONLC Training Center

CAD stands for Computer-Aided Drafting and AutoCAD is the most popular brand of software utilized for CAD. Most people who have heard of AutoCAD usually think about drafters or architects drawing up blueprints for buildings on the computer. However, it has infinitely more uses than just drawing up blueprints. AutoCAD can be used to design anything and everything in detail and to scale.

Who Uses AutoCAD?

Architects and Drafters use AutoCAD to design blueprints for building, bridges, and roads. The house or apartment you are currently living in was most likely designed using CAD software. It gives the designer a tool to draw things to scale. This means that someone can take these drawings and follow the measurements included in them to create tangible items that fit together precisely. These plans were previously drawn by hand and then copied. Having this capability on the computer makes this process infinitely easier and faster.

Engineers, especially Mechanical Engineers, use it extensively to design everything from simple tools to things as complicated as the space shuttle. CAD drawings can also be adapted and fed into 3D printers and CNC machines to manufacture design prototypes, custom tools, and parts for larger devices. Smaller pieces can be precisely fabricated from CAD drawings that fit together to make larger machines. AutoCAD is software that helps engineers transfer designs from their minds to the real world.

AutoCAD Is Here to Stay

Some believe that AutoCAD is outdated because it is best used for 2D drawings and has been around for over 20 years. Newer 3D modeling software, such as Revit and Fusion, is now available for very intricate designs. However, AutoCAD is still the preferred choice of most designers, because of its low cost and user-friendly UI. Many designers use AutoCAD to first create a two-dimensional drawing and then feed that into a more sophisticated piece of three-dimensional modeling software. AutoCAD is still very much a viable solution for the drafting needs of many projects.

Despite what some may believe, AutoCAD isn't going anywhere. It's in fact under new development and progressing with the times quite nicely. The hard client that installs directly to your PC isn't going anywhere, but there are now additions that run online in the cloud and also even mobile applications that let you view and edit drawings right on your mobile devices. AutoCAD has been around since 1982 and is itself older than most current Revit and Fusion users. AutoCAD is used by architects, engineers, interior designers, real estate developers, artists, and the list goes on and on. Over the years AutoCAD has built a substantial army of users and with over 20 different pieces of software being offered in its suite.

AutoCAD Classes and Certifications

AutoCAD has been one of the most powerful, user-friendly drafting software solutions for over 20 years. If you want to learn how to unleash the true power of AutoCAD, consider quality training from ONLC. We offer classes from introductory levels all the way to the most advanced. AutoCAD and ACP certification courses are also available.