AutoCAD

Commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application

AutoCAD

Developer(s)| Autodesk
Initial release| December 1982; 40 years ago (1982-12)
Stable release|

AutoCAD 2024 (24.3) / March 28, 2023; 8 months ago (2023-03-28)

Operating system| Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Available in| 14 languages

List of languages

English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Polish and Hungarian

Type| Computer-aided design
License| Software as a service
Website| www.autodesk.com/autocad

AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software application for desktop, web, and mobile developed by Autodesk.[1] It was first released in December 1982 for the CP/M and IBM PC platforms as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers.[2] Initially a DOS application, subsequent versions were later released for other platforms including Classic Mac OS (1992), Microsoft Windows (1992), web browsers (2010), iOS (2010), macOS (2010), and Android (2011).

AutoCAD is a general drafting and design application used in industry by architects, project managers, engineers, graphic designers, city planners and other professionals to prepare technical drawings. After discontinuing the sale of perpetual licenses in January 2016,[3] commercial versions of AutoCAD are licensed through a term-based subscription.

## History[edit]

Before AutoCAD was introduced, most commercial CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with each CAD operator (user) working at a separate graphics terminal.[4]

### Origins[edit]

A man using AutoCAD 2.6 to digitize a drawing of a school building.

AutoCAD was derived from a program that began in 1977, and then released in 1979[5] called Interact CAD,[6][7][8] also referred to in early Autodesk documents as MicroCAD, which was written prior to Autodesk's (then Marinchip Software Partners) formation by Autodesk cofounder Michael Riddle.[9][10]

The first version by Autodesk was demonstrated at the 1982 Comdex and released that December. AutoCAD supported CP/M-80 computers.[11] As Autodesk's flagship product, by March 1986 AutoCAD had become the most ubiquitous CAD program worldwide.[12] The 2022 release marked the 36th major release of AutoCAD for Windows and the 12th consecutive year of AutoCAD for Mac. The native file format of AutoCAD is .dwg. This and, to a lesser extent, its interchange file format DXF, have become de facto, if proprietary, standards for CAD data interoperability, particularly for 2D drawing exchange.[13] AutoCAD has included support for .dwf, a format developed and promoted by Autodesk, for publishing CAD data.

## Features[edit]

### Compatibility with other software[edit]

ESRI ArcMap 10 permits export as AutoCAD drawing files. Civil 3D permits export as AutoCAD objects and as LandXML. Third-party file converters exist for specific formats such as Bentley MX GENIO Extension, PISTE Extension (France), ISYBAU (Germany), OKSTRA and Microdrainage (UK);[14] also, conversion of .pdf files is feasible, however, the accuracy of the results may be unpredictable or distorted. For example, jagged edges may appear. Several vendors provide online conversions for free such as Cometdocs.

### Language[edit]

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are available for English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Polish and Hungarian (also through additional language packs).[15] The extent of localization varies from full translation of the product to documentation only. The AutoCAD command set is localized as a part of the software localization.

### Extensions[edit]

AutoCAD supports a number of APIs for customization and automation. These include AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA, .NET and ObjectARX. ObjectARX is a C++ class library, which was also the base for:

* products extending AutoCAD functionality to specific fields
* creating products such as AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D
* third-party AutoCAD-based application

There are a large number of AutoCAD plugins (add-on applications) available on the application store Autodesk Exchange Apps.[16] AutoCAD's DXF, drawing exchange format, allows importing and exporting drawing information.

### Vertical integration[edit]

Autodesk has also developed a few vertical programs for discipline-specific enhancements such as:

* Advance Steel
* AutoCAD Architecture
* AutoCAD Electrical
* AutoCAD Map 3D
* AutoCAD Mechanical
* AutoCAD MEP
* AutoCAD Plant 3D
* Autodesk Civil 3D

Since AutoCAD 2019 several verticals are included with AutoCAD subscription as Industry-Specific Toolset.

For example, AutoCAD Architecture (formerly Architectural Desktop) permits architectural designers to draw 3D objects, such as walls, doors, and windows, with more intelligent data associated with them rather than simple objects, such as lines and circles. The data can be programmed to represent specific architectural products sold in the construction industry, or extracted into a data file for pricing, materials estimation, and other values related to the objects represented.

Additional tools generate standard 2D drawings, such as elevations and sections, from a 3D architectural model. Similarly, Civil Design, Civil Design 3D, and Civil Design Professional support data-specific objects facilitating easy standard civil engineering calculations and representations.

Softdesk Civil was developed as an AutoCAD add-on by a company in New Hampshire called Softdesk (originally DCA). Softdesk was acquired by Autodesk, and Civil became Land Development Desktop (LDD), later renamed Land Desktop. Civil 3D was later developed and Land Desktop was retired.

## File formats[edit]

AutoCAD's native file formats are denoted either by a `.dwg`, `.dwt`, `.dws`, or `.dxf` filename extension.

The primary file format for 2D and 3D drawing files created with AutoCAD is `.dwg`. While other third-party CAD software applications can create `.dwg` files, AutoCAD uniquely creates RealDWG files.[17]

Using AutoCAD, any `.dwg` file may be saved to a derivative format. These derivative formats include:

* Drawing Template Files `.dwt`: New `.dwg` are created from a `.dwt` file. Although the default template file is `acad.dwt` for AutoCAD and `acadlt.dwt` for AutoCAD LT, custom `.dwt` files may be created to include foundational configurations such as drawing units and layers.
* Drawing Standards File `.dws`: Using the CAD Standards feature of AutoCAD, a Drawing Standards File may be associated to any `.dwg` or `.dwt` file to enforce graphical standards.
* Drawing Interchange Format `.dxf`: The `.dxf` format is an ASCII representation of a `.dwg` file, and is used to transfer data between various applications.[18]

## Variants[edit]

### AutoCAD LT[edit]

AutoCAD LT is the lower-cost version of AutoCAD, with reduced capabilities, first released in November 1993. Autodesk developed AutoCAD LT to have an entry-level CAD package to compete in the lower price level. Priced at $495, it became the first AutoCAD product priced below $1000. It was sold directly by Autodesk and in computer stores unlike the full version of AutoCAD, which must be purchased from official Autodesk dealers. AutoCAD LT 2015 introduced Desktop Subscription service from $360 per year; as of 2018, three subscription plans were available, from $50 a month to a 3-year, $1170 license.

While there are hundreds of small differences between the full AutoCAD package and AutoCAD LT, there are a few recognized major differences[19] in the software's features:

* 3D capabilities: AutoCAD LT lacks the ability to create, visualize and render 3D models as well as 3D printing.
* Network licensing: AutoCAD LT cannot be used on multiple machines over a network.
* Customization: AutoCAD LT does not support customization with LISP, ARX, .NET and VBA.
* Management and automation capabilities with Sheet Set Manager and Action Recorder.
* CAD standards management tools.

### AutoCAD Mobile and AutoCAD Web[edit]

AutoCAD Mobile and AutoCAD Web (formerly AutoCAD WS and AutoCAD 360)[20] is an account-based mobile and web application enabling registered users to view, edit, and share AutoCAD files via mobile device and web[21] using a limited AutoCAD feature set — and using cloud-stored drawing files. The program, which is an evolution and combination of previous products, uses a freemium business model with a free plan and two paid levels, including various amounts of storage, tools, and online access to drawings. 360 includes new features such as a "Smart Pen" mode and linking to third-party cloud-based storage such as Dropbox. Having evolved from Flash-based software, AutoCAD Web uses HTML5 browser technology available in newer browsers including Firefox and Google Chrome.

AutoCAD WS began with a version for the iPhone and subsequently expanded to include versions for the iPod Touch, iPad, Android phones, and Android tablets.[22] Autodesk released the iOS version in September 2010,[23] following with the Android version on April 20, 2011.[24] The program is available via download at no cost from the App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android) and Amazon Appstore (Android).

In its initial iOS version, AutoCAD WS supported drawing of lines, circles, and other shapes; creation of text and comment boxes; and management of color, layer, and measurements — in both landscape and portrait modes. Version 1.3, released August 17, 2011, added support for unit typing, layer visibility, area measurement and file management.[21] The Android variant includes the iOS feature set along with such unique features as the ability to insert text or captions by voice command as well as manually.[24] Both Android and iOS versions allow the user to save files on-line — or off-line in the absence of an Internet connection.[24]

In 2011, Autodesk announced plans to migrate the majority of its software to "the cloud", starting with the AutoCAD WS mobile application.[25]

According to a 2013 interview with Ilai Rotbaein, an AutoCAD WS product manager for Autodesk, the name AutoCAD WS had no definitive meaning, and was interpreted variously as Autodesk Web Service, White Sheet or Work Space.[26] In 2013, AutoCAD WS was renamed to AutoCAD 360.[27] Later, it was renamed to AutoCAD Web App.

### Student versions[edit]

AutoCAD is licensed, for free, to students, educators, and educational institutions, with a 12-month renewable license available. Licenses acquired before March 25, 2020 were a 36-month license, with its last renovation on March 24, 2020.[28] The student version of AutoCAD is functionally identical to the full commercial version, with one exception: DWG files created or edited by a student version have an internal bit-flag set (the "educational flag"). When such a DWG file is printed by any version of AutoCAD (commercial or student) older than AutoCAD 2014 SP1 or AutoCAD 2019 and newer, the output includes a plot stamp/banner on all four sides. Objects created in the Student Version cannot be used for commercial use. Student Version objects "infect" a commercial version DWG file if they are imported in versions older than AutoCAD 2015 or newer than AutoCAD 2018.[29]

## Ports[edit]

### Windows[edit]

An architectural detail drafted in AutoCAD (Windows)

AutoCAD Release 12 in 1992 was the first version of the software to support the Windows platform - in that case Windows 3.1. After Release 14 in 1997, support for MS-DOS, Unix and Macintosh were dropped, and AutoCAD was exclusively Windows supported. In general any new AutoCAD version supports the current Windows version and some older ones. AutoCAD 2016 to 2020 support Windows 7 up to Windows 10.[30]

### Mac[edit]

Autodesk stopped supporting Apple's Macintosh computers in 1994. Over the next several years, no compatible versions for the Mac were released. In 2010 Autodesk announced that it would once again support Apple's Mac OS X software in the future.[31] Most of the features found in the 2012 Windows version can be found in the 2012 Mac version. The main difference is the user interface and layout of the program. The interface is designed so that users who are already familiar with Apple's macOS software will find it similar to other Mac applications.[23] Autodesk has also built-in various features in order to take full advantage of Apple's Trackpad capabilities as well as the full-screen mode in Apple's OS X Lion.[22][23] AutoCAD 2012 for Mac supports both the editing and saving of files in DWG formatting that will allow the file to be compatible with other platforms besides macOS.[22] AutoCAD 2019 for Mac requires OS X El Capitan or later.

AutoCAD LT 2013 was available through the Mac App Store for $899.99. The full-featured version of AutoCAD 2013 for Mac, however, wasn't available through the Mac App Store due to the price limit of $999 set by Apple. AutoCAD 2014 for Mac was available for purchase from Autodesk's web site for $4,195 and AutoCAD LT 2014 for Mac for $1,200, or from an Autodesk authorized reseller.[31] The latest version available for Mac is AutoCAD 2022 as of January 2022.

## Version history[edit]

Main article: AutoCAD version history

## See also[edit]

* Autodesk 3ds Max
* Autodesk Maya
* Autodesk Revit
* AutoShade
* AutoSketch
* Comparison of computer-aided design software
* Design Web Format

Open source CAD software:

* LibreCAD
* FreeCAD
* BRL-CAD

## References[edit]

1. ^ "Autodesk, Inc". FundingUniverse. Lendio. 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
2. ^ "Chapter 8 : Autodesk and AutoCAD" (PDF). Cadhistory.net. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09. Retrieved 2016-03-30.
3. ^ "What happened to perpetual licenses?". Autodesk.com. Retrieved 2023-08-16.
4. ^ "Chapter 2 : A Brief Overview of the History of CAD" (PDF). Cadhistory.net. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09. Retrieved 2016-03-30.
5. ^ Riddle, Michael. "About". Archived from the original on 27 October 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2014. "I've been building CAD products for over 29 years now, starting with Interact for the Marinchip 9900 released back in 1979, one of the first PC-based CAD programs available. Interact went on to become the architectural basis for the early versions of AutoCAD. I was one of the original 18 founders of that company."
6. ^ "The Fascinating Story of How Autodesk Came to be (Part 1)". 2012-01-07. Archived from the original on 2020-11-12. Retrieved 2013-02-25.
7. ^ "Michael Riddle's Thoughts » About". Archived from the original on 2016-10-27. Retrieved 2013-02-25.
8. ^ "Mike Riddle's Prehistoric AutoCAD".
9. ^ Walker, John (1 May 1982). "Information letter #5". Retrieved 24 January 2014.
10. ^ Yare, Evan (17 Feb 2012). "AutoCAD's Ancestor". 3D CAD World. Retrieved 24 January 2014.
11. ^ One Company's CAD Success Story, InfoWorld, 3 December 1984, retrieved 19 July 2014
12. ^ "Part 2 CAD/CAM/CAE", 25 Year retrospective, Computer Graphics World, 2011, retrieved 29 March 2012
13. ^ Björk, Bo-Christer; Laakso, Mikael (2010-07-01). "CAD standardisation in the construction industry — A process view". Automation in Construction. Building information modeling and interoperability. 19 (4): 398–406. doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2009.11.010. ISSN 0926-5805.
14. ^ "AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 Drawing Compatibility" (PDF). AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 User's Guide. Autodesk. April 2010. pp. 141–142. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
15. ^ "AutoCAD 2020 Language Packs | AutoCAD | Autodesk Knowledge Network". knowledge.autodesk.com. Retrieved 2020-03-26.
16. ^ "AutoCAD Exchange Apps". Autodesk. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
17. ^ "RealDWG Platform Technologies". Autodesk Developer Network. Autodesk. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
18. ^ "About Importing and Exporting DXF Files". AutoCAD User's Guide. Autodesk. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
19. ^ "Questions and Answers" (PDF). Images.autodesk.com. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-10-09. Retrieved 2016-03-30.
20. ^ "Goodbye AutoCAD 360, Hello AutoCAD Mobile!". benchmarq. 20 February 2017.
21. ^ a b Autodesk. "AutoCAD WS". iTunes Preview. Apple. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
22. ^ a b c Ozler, Levent. "AutoCAD for Mac and AutoCAD WS application for iPad and iPhone". Dexigner. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
23. ^ a b c Ozler, Levent. "AutoCAD for Mac 2012: Built for Mac OS X Lion". Dexigner. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
24. ^ a b c Ozler, Levent. "AutoCAD WS for Android". Dexigner. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
25. ^ Thomson, Iain. "Autodesk Shifts Design Apps to the Cloud". The A Register. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
26. ^ "AutoCAD WS: Moving Forward". Augi Autodesk Users Group International, January 29th, 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
27. ^ Shaan Hurley (21 May 2013). "AutoCAD WS is now AutoCAD 360". Between the Lines. Autodesk.
28. ^ "Term length for Educational Licenses | Search | Autodesk Knowledge Network". knowledge.autodesk.com. Archived from the original on 2020-07-19. Retrieved 2020-07-18.
29. ^ "Overview of Plotting". Retrieved 19 March 2016.
30. ^ "System requirements for AutoCAD 2016 | AutoCAD | Autodesk Knowledge Network". Knowledge.autodesk.com. 2015-12-16. Retrieved 2016-03-19.
31. ^ a b Clark, Don (16 August 2011). "Autodesk Adopts Apple App Store for Mac Software". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 30 September 2011.

## Further reading[edit]

* Hurley, Shaan. "AutoCAD Release History". Between the lines.
* "Mike Riddle & the Story of Interact, AutoCAD, EasyCAD, FastCAD & more". DigiBarn Computer Museum. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
* "About". Michael Riddle's Thoughts. Archived from the original on 27 October 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
* Plantec, Peter (7 January 2012). "The Fascinating Story of How Autodesk Came to Be (Part 1)". Studio Daily. Access Intelligence. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
* Grahame, James (17 May 2007). "Mike Riddle's Prehistoric AutoCAD". Retro Thing.

## External links[edit]

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