💻 AutoCAD: what is this classic program and what is it for?

The days when designs or plans could be commissioned on handmade paper are long gone, especially because of the excellent design software that exists today. Among them is the Autodesk AutoCAD program, very popular with professional architects, and which also offers the AutoCad for students as an alternative for architects or designers in training.

Index

1. What is AutoCAD and what is it for
2. Advantages of AutoCAD: what can you create?
3. Specialties that use AutoCAD
4. AutoCAD toolsets
5. AutoCAD for students

What is AutoCAD?

If we go back to its roots, we can refer to it as Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, which means that it is a computer-aided design program. The creation of this disruptive product dates back to 1982, after being developed by the North American firm Autodesk.

The success story of this product, which has been evolving for almost 40 years, can be attributed to the high quality that earned it to become the favorite of architects, industrial designers, engineers or graphic designers. In more recent times, students have also been training with this program, as there is a free AutoCAD alternative for them.

Its 2D drawings and 3D modeling give it that wide editing capacity that positions it as a reference for design and architecture. On this section, we have an AutoCAD course that we will present to you later.

What is AutoCAD for?

Professionals in mechanics, engineering, architecture, or any related career can maximize their productivity with the design aggregation and documentation tools built into the program. Thanks to it, design and documentation workflows are automated and accelerated, while AutoCAD drawings bypass the tedious hand drawings that were previously done.

If you already knew what AutoCAD is and what it is for, it is worth knowing the wide variety of possibilities it offers, since with this program you can create realistic 3D models through solid, mesh and surface modeling tools. Also, through AutoCAD commands and its interfaces, there is the possibility of integrating its functions with other programs or applications.

With AutoCAD you can model, from plans of a complex electrical installation, to packaging models of a new product, both in 2D and 3D. The same applies for slightly more common purposes, such as the interior design of a particular building, and to these are added other AutoCAD tasks for beginners, more basic but no less useful.

Among the AutoCAD tools, the point cloud also stands out, to scan objects in the environment and start projects that start from there. On the other hand, the possibility of printing to scale in AutoCAD, in 3D format, facilitates designs that can be created quickly.

Other advantages of AutoCAD lie in its wide compatibility with other tools and functions that speed up workflows. The software supports PDF, DWG Convert, Materials Library, Social Media Sharing, AutoCAD WS, Autodesk 360 Connectivity, among others.

It can also be used on various operating systems. For example, there is a version of AutoCAD for Mac that Apple users can use, or the AutoCAD alternative online to keep the device you use out of the box.

1. Architectural planning

With proper knowledge of the program, any professional could receive projects that involve architectural AutoCAD plans, so that the construction of structures or buildings can be replicated in real time.

On the other hand, if we consider more updated versions, the program can even analyze the components of a building and solve any tension problem that its virtual design may present.

2. Engineering

The Autodesk program is among the most recommended software alternatives in this field. AutoCAD drawing tools have a unique precision in the market that, among many other things, facilitate the design of piping systems, mechanical components or electrical systems that may arise according to the need.

Human errors are minimized thanks to its wide repertoire of resources, which make it a useful program for systems, civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, to name just a few.

3. Graphic design

In this section, AutoCAD can be surpassed by other more complete applications. However, its innate characteristics make it an ideal tool to prepare the design of architectural spaces, whose space can be used together with 3D Max, Maya, among other animation and design applications, if necessary.

The compatibility of the program also enters into graphic design, as its interface can support other advanced CAD applications in their animation projects.

4. Industrial Design

The program’s CAD interface can design working prototypes of almost any object, as well as check that it works properly during design. This can help reduce the accumulated cost in the production of any product, which is appreciated for companies that prepare products in mass and seek to optimize their profits.

In summary, within industrial design, it could be pointed out that AutoCAD provides tools to design initial prototypes and to adjust their ergonomics, all prior to actual production.

5. Fashion industry

Even if you didn’t think of it that way from a consumer perspective, consider that the jewelry designs may have come from drawings in AutoCAD. A piece of jewelry that you wear, or that you have seen, could have careful considerations behind it that came from that software.

The intuitive interface of the program can be used very well with designs of very peculiar shapes that involve tetrahedra, octagons, or other figures.

6. 3D printing

Three processes must be met to achieve a successful 3D printing: the choice of the object, a virtual 3D representation of it, and the feeding of the printer with the necessary material. Enter here to carve the program, because users can prepare 3D models in their workspace, and then print to scale in AutoCAD.

Each indicated industry relies on AutoCAD tool sets, as they facilitate better and more specialized work. The Autodesk official site presents them as follows.

• Architecture: Add features for architectural drawing, documentation, and programming, and for automating sketching tasks.
• Electrical: Add electrical design capabilities to help you create, modify, and document electrical control systems.
• Map 3D: Incorporate a GIS topology with AutoCAD so you can use and maintain CAD and GIS data for planning, design, and data management.
• Mechanical: Add a library of standards-based tools and parts to help you create, modify, and document mechanical designs for manufacturing.

• MEP: Adds features to help you draw, design, and document MEP building systems in an AutoCAD environment.
• Plant 3D: It adds functions to help you produce P&ID, and then integrates them into a 3D plant design model.
• Raster Design: Add raster to vector tools to help you convert raster images to DWG ™ objects. Edit scanned drawings in a familiar AutoCAD environment.
• AutoCAD mobile app: It helps you take the program with you wherever you go so you can view, create, edit and share drawings on mobile devices.

All of these tools can be used quite agilely using AutoCAD commands. In addition, several are compatible with alternative versions of the program, such as the aforementioned AutoCAD for Mac or AutoCAD online.

The license to use AutoCAD currently costs about $ 1,690 per year. Although it is a price that may not be affordable for designers or architects in training, the good news is that there is a free and totally legitimate alternative for them: AutoCAD for students.

The Autodesk Education Plan provides eligible students and teachers with single-user access to Autodesk software and learning tools. This initiative, which provides the long-awaited “free AutoCAD” sought after by many, is designed to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to start a successful career, starting from this program.

This version provides free access to desktop, cloud, web, and mobile products, as well as services available through the Education Community website. With it you can start to build your path, and even if you start from a beginner level of AutoCAD, you can continue to grow until you are a professional.

How to get AutoCAD for students?

On the Autodesk website, you must go to the “Get products” section and log in (if you don’t have an account, you can create one with your personal email). You will have to start creating your education profile by indicating your country and the educational center where you study. If your college or university is not on the default list, you can enter that information manually, although it may take up to seven days for the company to validate it.

The next thing is to enter your name, email and password, and accept the terms. Autodesk may require additional documentation to verify that you meet the requirements.

The documents you submit must contain your full legal name, the name of your educational institution, and a date within the current school term. You can use transcripts, a confirmation letter written by the school, or a copy of the student ID provided they meet all three requirements. Once you have signed up for access, you will have 14 days to submit one of those documents.

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email as a welcome to the education community. The email will include links to the Get Products page, the Support Courses page, and the Education Community page. From that moment, you will have a full year of access to the education plan that you can renew as long as you continue to meet the requirements.

Now that you know what AutoCAD is and what it is for, and how to get AutoCAD for students, it is time to know and master this program so important for engineering, architecture, industrial design, and many other disciplines. To do this, at Crehana we offer you a complete AutoCAD course by Professor Elkin Arias, who will help you create 2D and 3D plans.

Master the program and start creating awesome projects!