AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and

AutoCAD
drafting software application. Developed and marketed by
Autodesk,[1] AutoCAD was first released in December 1989 as a
desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics
controllers.[2] 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.[3] Since 2010, AutoCAD was released as a mobile- and
web app as well, marketed as AutoCAD 360.

AutoCAD is used in the industry, by architects, project managers,

engineers, graphic designers, city planners and other professionals.
It was supported by 750 training centers worldwide in 1994.[1]

Developer(s) Autodesk
Initial release December 1982
Contents
Stable release 2020 / March 28, 2019
Introduction
Operating system Windows, macOS, iOS,
Features
Android
Compatibility with other software
Language Available in English, German, French,
Extensions Italian, Spanish, Korean,
Vertical integration Chinese Simplified,
Variants Chinese Traditional,
AutoCAD LT Brazilian Portuguese,
AutoCAD 360 Russian, Czech, Polish
Student versions and Hungarian
Ports
Type Computer-aided design
Windows
Mac License Trialware
See also Website autodesk.com/autocad (htt
References ps://www.autodesk.com/aut
Further reading ocad)

External links

Introduction
AutoCAD was derived from a program that began in 1977, and then released in 1979[4] called Interact CAD,[5][6][7] 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.[8][9]
The first version by Autodesk was demonstrated at the 1982 Comdex and released that December. AutoCAD supported CP/M-80
computers.[10] As Autodesk's flagship product, by March 1986 AutoCAD had become the most ubiquitous CAD program
worldwide.[11] The 2020 release marked the 34th major release of AutoCAD for Windows. The 2019 release marked the ninth
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. AutoCAD has included support for .dwf, a format developed and promoted by Autodesk, for publishing CAD data.

Features

Compatibility with other software

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);[12] 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.autoCAD commonly use in all purposes.

Language
Auto CAD and AutoCAD LT are available for English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese
Traditional, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Polish and Hungarian, Albanian (also through additional language packs).[13]
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
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.[14] AutoCAD's DXF, drawing exchange format, allows importing and exporting drawing information.

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

AutoCAD Advance Steel

AutoCAD Architecture
AutoCAD CIVIL 3D
AutoCAD Electrical
AutoCAD ecscad
AutoCAD Map 3D
AutoCAD Mech
AutoCAD MEP
AutoCAD Structural Detailing
AutoCAD Utility Design
 AutoCAD P&ID
AutoCAD Plant 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.

Variants

AutoCAD LT
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 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[15] 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 360
Formerly marketed as AutoCAD WS, AutoCAD 360 is an account-based mobile and web application enabling registered users to
view, edit, and share AutoCAD files via mobile device and web[16] 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 — marketed as Pro ($4.99 monthly or $49.99 yearly) and Pro Plus ($99.99 yearly) —
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 360
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.[17] Autodesk released the iOS version in September 2010,[18] following with the Android
version on April 20, 2011.[19] 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.[16] 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.[19] Both Android and iOS versions allow the user to save files on-line — or off-line in the absence of an Internet
connection.[19]

In 2011, Autodesk announced plans to migrate the majority of its software to "the cloud", starting with the AutoCAD WS mobile
application.[20]

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.[21]

Student versions
AutoCAD is licensed, for free, to students, educators, and educational institutions, with a 36-month renewable license available.
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.[22]

Ports

Windows
AutoCAD is a software package created for Windows and usually, any new
AutoCAD version supports the current Windows version and some older ones.
AutoCAD 2016 to 2020 support Windows 7 up to Windows 10.[23]

Mac
Autodesk stopped supporting Apple's Macintosh computers in 1994. Over the
An architectural detail drafted in
next several years, no compatible versions for the Mac were released. In 2010
AutoCAD (Windows)
Autodesk announced that it would once again support Apple's Mac OS X
software in the future.[24] 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.[18]
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.[17][18] 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 the OS X.[17] AutoCAD 2019 for Mac requires
Apple OS X v10.11 (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.[24] The latest version available for Mac is AutoCAD 2019 as of December 2018. As of 2019, no AutoCAD
release is listed for purchase on the Mac App Store.

See also
Autodesk 3ds Max
Autodesk Maya
Autodesk Revit
AutoShade
AutoSketch
Comparison of CAD editors for CAE
Comparison of computer-aided design editors
Design Web Format
Feature creep
LibreCAD - cross-platform, free and open source 2D CAD
FreeCAD - cross-platform, free and open source 3D CAD
BRL-CAD - cross-platform, free and open source 3D CAD

References
1. "Autodesk, Inc" (http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Autodesk-Inc-company-History.html).
FundingUniverse. Lendio. 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2012.
2. "Chapter 8 : Autodesk and AutoCAD" (http://cadhistory.net/08%20Autodesk%20and%20AutoCAD.pdf) (PDF).
Cadhistory.net. Retrieved 2016-03-30.
3. "Chapter 2 : A Brief Overview of the History of CAD" (http://cadhistory.net/02%20Brief%20Overview.pdf) (PDF).
Cadhistory.net. Retrieved 2016-03-30.
4. Riddle, Michael. "About" (http://www.michaelriddle.com/?page_id=2). 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."
5. http://www.studiodaily.com/2012/01/the-fascinating-story-of-how-autodesk-came-to-be-part-1/
6. http://www.michaelriddle.com/?page_id=2
7. http://www.retrothing.com/2007/05/mike_riddles_pr.html
8. Walker, John (1 May 1982). "Information letter #5" (http://www.fourmilab.ch/autofile/www/section2_9_7.html).
Retrieved 24 January 2014.
9. Yare, Evan (17 Feb 2012). "AutoCAD's Ancestor" (http://www.3dcadworld.com/autocads-ancestor/). 3D CAD
World. Retrieved 24 January 2014.
10. One Company's CAD Success Story (https://books.google.com/books?id=qS4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA39&lpg=PA3
9), InfoWorld, 3 December 1984, retrieved 19 July 2014
11. "Part 2 CAD/CAM/CAE", 25 Year retrospective (http://www.cgw.com/Publications/CGW/2002/Volume-25-Issue-2-
Feb-2002-/25-YEAR-RETROSPECTIVE-br-Part-2-CAD-CAM-CAE.aspx), Computer Graphics World, 2011,
retrieved 29 March 2012
12. "AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 Drawing Compatibility" (http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/civil_users_guide0.pdf)
(PDF). AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 User's Guide. Autodesk. April 2010. pp. 141–142. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
13. "AutoCAD 2016 Language Packs | AutoCAD | Autodesk Knowledge Network" (https://knowledge.autodesk.com/s
upport/autocad/downloads/caas/downloads/content/autocad-2016-language-packs.html).
knowledge.autodesk.com. Retrieved 2016-11-03.
14. "AutoCAD Exchange Apps" (http://apps.exchange.autodesk.com/). Autodesk. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
15. "Questions and Answers" (http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/autocad_lt_2011_faq.pdf) (PDF).
Images.autodesk.com. Retrieved 2016-03-30.
16. Autodesk. "AutoCAD WS" (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/autocad-ws/id393149734?mt=8). iTunes Preview.
Apple. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
17. Ozler, Levent. "AutoCAD for Mac and AutoCAD WS application for iPad and iPhone" (https://www.dexigner.com/
news/21266). Dexigner. Dexigner. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
18. Ozler, Levent. "AutoCAD for Mac 2012: Built for Mac OS X Lion" (https://www.dexigner.com/news/23640).
Dexigner. Dexigner. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
19. Ozler, Levent. "AutoCAD WS for Android" (https://www.dexigner.com/news/22874). Dexigner. Dexigner.
Retrieved 30 September 2011.
20. Thomson, Iain. "Autodesk Shifts Design Apps to the Cloud" (https://www.dexigner.com/news/23929). The A
Register. The A Register. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
21. "AutoCAD WS: Moving Forward" (http://www.augi.com/library/autocad-ws-moving-forward). Augi Autodesk Users
Group International, January 29th, 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
22. "Overview of Plotting" (http://docs.autodesk.com/ACD/2011/ENU/filesAUG/WS1a9193826455f5ffa23ce210c4a30
acaf-6050.htm). Retrieved 19 March 2016.
23. "System requirements for AutoCAD 2016 | AutoCAD | Autodesk Knowledge Network" (http://knowledge.autodes
k.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2016.ht
ml). Knowledge.autodesk.com. 2015-12-16. Retrieved 2016-03-19.
24. Clark, Don (16 August 2011). "Autodesk Adopts Apple App Store for Mac Software" (https://blogs.wsj.com/digits/
2011/08/16/autodesk-adopts-apple-app-store-for-mac-software/?KEYWORDS=AutoCAD). The Wall Street
Journal. Retrieved 30 September 2011.

Further reading
Hurley, Shaan. "AutoCAD Release History" (http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/autocad-release-histor
y.html). Between the lines.
"Mike Riddle & the Story of Interact, AutoCAD, EasyCAD, FastCAD & more" (http://www.digibarn.com/stories/mik
e-riddle/index.html). DigiBarn Computer Museum. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
"About" (http://www.michaelriddle.com/?page_id=2). Michael Riddle's Thoughts. Retrieved 12 November 2016.
Plantec, Peter (7 January 2012). "The Fascinating Story of How Autodesk Came to Be (Part 1)" (http://www.studi
odaily.com/2012/01/the-fascinating-story-of-how-autodesk-came-to-be-part-1/). Studio Daily. Access Intelligence.
Grahame, James (17 May 2007). "Mike Riddle's Prehistoric AutoCAD" (http://www.retrothing.com/2007/05/mike_r
iddles_pr.html). Retro Thing.

External links
Official website (https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview)

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=AutoCAD&oldid=921091428"

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