Autocad types of programs. AutoCAD program (AutoCAD) - training for beginners from scratch. Description of the Autocad program

A new version of the most popular automated design system AutoCAD 2017 appeared on March 21, 2016, and AutoCAD 2016 became the most stable. With the help of this software package, most electronic graphic documentation is produced in our country. Why was AutoCAD originally created, what is it now and what are the development prospects? First things first.

About creating AutoCAD

The history of AutoCAD begins in 1982, when in January programmer John Walker invited several colleagues to create an application software development company.

Initially, it was planned to name the company and the first program differently, but in April of the same year, Autodesk was registered, and four months later, AutoCAD. They knew already then that this application would become popular. Thus, August 25 is considered the date of birth of the popular program.

Initially, the young company offered two versions of the program: for 8-bit processors running the CP/M operating system (Autocad-80), and a version for 16-bit processors running the MS-DOS operating system (Autocad-86). The program cost exactly one thousand US dollars.

Version 2.1, released on the market in May 1985, had a special language that allows you to write expressions and describe variables, in subsequent versions called AutoLisp. The first Russian version of the package appeared in 1988.

Starting with version 11 of AutoCAD, released in October 1990, it became possible to create three-dimensional models. Significant features were added to the program in 2006. AutoCAD 2007 made it possible to choose one of several types of user interfaces, had a new convenient panel and tools for working with three-dimensional objects, and allowed you to create animation.

Since then, the company has consistently released a new version of the package every year. There are currently over 35 desktop-only versions released. Mobile versions are being released, "Autocad" Russian version, as well as for operating systems Windows, OS X, iOS.

In addition to AutoCAD, the company produces other popular and world-famous packages related to visual modeling and drawing creation:

• 3ds Max.
• Maya.
• Fusion 360.
• Inventor Professional.

Purpose

So what is AutoCAD, what is it? The main function of this CAD is 2D drawing and creation of design documentation in various fields of knowledge. The environment contains various tools for working with standard and free-form shapes, allowing you to create any 3D models and analyze them. The approach based on dynamic blocks allows you not to redraw repeated elements, but to take them from the library or change the parameters of already drawn ones. Having 3D printing capabilities makes it easy to create physical mockups by printing designs on a 3D printer.

The presence of a mechanism for saving operations and creating macros allows you to enter commands even without programming experience. A variety of tools for working with 2D and 3D objects make it easy to switch between different display modes, zoom and rotate objects. AutoCAD has the necessary tools to create animated videos that can be used in presentations.

What files does it work with?

AutoCAD files have the extension DWG and DXF. C files are the most popular format for storing digital drawings (DWG-drawning). Autodesk owns this format, and it is the main one for its products. Design software environments from other manufacturers can also work with this format. The program allows you to open and use files of other common graphic and text formats.

DXF files (drawing exchange format) allow you to exchange graphic information between CAD applications. This format is also owned by Autodesk, but is supported by most CAD systems.

System requirements

Minimum computer requirements for the AutoCAD 2016 program (Russian version):

• Windows 8.1 operating system, Windows 7 operating system in version not lower than “Home Premium”;
• 32- or 64-bit Intel or AMD processors for the appropriate version of AutoCAD with a frequency of at least 1.0 GHz and support for SSE2 instructions;
• from 2 GB of RAM;
• a monitor with an extension of at least 1024*768 and a video card compatible with DirectX 9.

The program also requires:

• Windows Internet Explorer browser version no lower than 9.0;
• flash player Adobe Flash Player version no lower than 10;
• .NET Framework 4.5 libraries.

For AutoCAD 2017, the minimum system requirements are slightly higher: in particular, a monitor with a resolution of at least 1360*768 and a set of .NET Framework 4.6 libraries are required.

User Interface Features

The design system is based on an interactive approach, implying a dialogue between the user and the program using the language of special commands. Almost all commands have different execution options. The system decides how exactly to use the command based on an analysis of the user’s actions and dialogue with him.

The standard AutoCAD interface consists of a work area called a model, toolbars, additional windows and a line for entering commands. Starting from version 2009, the toolbars are located on the menu in the form of a ribbon, but it is also possible to switch to the classic view. A menu in the form of a so-called Ribbon ribbon is a general trend in modern application programs; Autodesk products have such an interface.

The composition of the tape can be customized to suit the needs of a specific user. The ribbon has tabs, each of which includes the necessary tools that are similar in groups. All elements have an additional context menu, traditionally called by the right mouse button.

Development trends

The development vector of Autocad is similar to the general trend of improvement. The stability, accuracy and performance of 3D graphics are consistently improving, a variety of intelligent tools are being introduced, and compatibility with other software products from Autodesk and other companies.

Versions of AutoCAD are produced for tablet computers and smartphones on popular mobile operating systems. Of course, no one talks about this “AutoCAD”, that it is a real alternative to traditional versions, but it opens up opportunities to perform some limited actions with projects literally “on the run.” The Autodesk company has not forgotten about cloud technologies. The Autocad WS version makes it possible to store information in the Autodesk 360 cloud and work with them via the network.

AutoCAD is a Computer Aided Design (CAD) system. It belongs to the class of CAD (Computer Aided Design) programs, which are intended primarily for the development of design documentation: drawings, object models, diagrams, etc.

The program allows you to create 2D and 3D drawings of any purpose and complexity with maximum accuracy.

The developer of the program is the American company Autodesk, which is a recognized leader in the world market among developers of CAD systems. The name of the program - AutoCAD - is derived from the English Automated Computer Aided Drafting and Design, which translated means “Automated drawing and design using a computer.”

AutoCAD users always have an efficient documentation system at their fingertips. It allows you to create a variety of projects, work with tables and text inserts, speeds up checking drawings, and also interacts with MS Excel. For working with two-dimensional projects, you simply cannot find a better utility, because it has the most necessary tools. The program has a user-friendly interface, the user can zoom images, as well as panoramic functions. In addition to the main functionality for drawing up drawings, the utility, through links, allows you to link objects that are stored in another database. Another additional and very useful AutoCAD tool is printing several drawings at the same time. The latest version of the utility has tools for three-dimensional design, makes it possible to view models from different angles, export them to create animations, check interference, and extract data for technical analysis.

AutoCAD supports several file formats:- DWG– a closed format developed directly by the utility; - DXF– open format, used for data exchange with users of other CAD systems; - DWF– for publishing 3D models and drawings.

All of these formats allow you to work with several layers, as a result of which design becomes especially convenient, because in this way you can work on each object separately. Layers can be turned off if necessary, thereby making objects invisible. In addition, the program supports reading and writing (via export/import procedures) files of the following formats: SAT, DGN, 3DS.

AutoCAD allows you to effectively and easily develop projects, visualize them, and draw up design documentation.

Hundreds of millions of professionals around the world create electronic documents in AutoCAD every day or use it as a platform for more specialized customizations and applications. Over the course of 35 years, AutoCAD has evolved from a simple drawing assistant to a powerful graphical operating platform that integrates all stages of project work: developing concepts, performing geometric constructions and calculations, working with databases and attributes, interacting with numerous Windows applications, preparing working documentation, management of the structure of an electronic project, presentation of solutions, preparation of a layout for printing, as well as tools for creating software applications.

A little earlier, we found out that in our country there are two most popular CAD systems (computer-aided design systems) designed for working with drawings. If we talk about the world as a whole, then, definitely, it confidently holds first place in popularity. We dedicate this article to this program. Here we will look at its capabilities, functionality and recent changes in more detail.

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design and drawing system developed by the company, designed to work with two-dimensional, three-dimensional objects. Let's start our review and before opening the program itself, let's remember where it all began.

History of the creation of the AutoCAD program

The program is a real mastodon among CAD systems, because the first version was demonstrated back in 1982 at the COMDEX exhibition in Atlantic City. At that glorious time, cars had carburetors, microchips were large, and personal computers were just entering the wider market.

Most programs were created for the huge IBM mainframes. However, an enterprising group of thirteen programmers managed to see the prospects for the development of computer technology and created a product specifically for personal computers. The program attracted everyone's attention after the first demonstration, and the developers realized that now their main task was to improve their “brainchild.”

Company Autodesk is still doing this successfully and in a timely manner. As a result, it has been the most popular program for working with both 2D drawings and 3D models for more than thirty years.

Basic features of AutoCAD

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If we talk about the main possibilities, then they are definitely very wide. We will not dwell in detail on the functions and tools provided by the program - there are corresponding textbooks for this. Moreover, it will take a lot of time to describe all the functions. Let’s just say that the modern one is in many ways superior in functionality to its earlier versions, which were deservedly called “electronic drawing boards.”

In addition to using graphic primitives to obtain more complex objects in two-dimensional space, it makes it possible to create full-fledged three-dimensional models using solid polygonal and surface modeling. However, in certain points in the field of 3D modeling it is inferior to such specialized CAD systems and, for example, SolidWorks.

In addition, AutoCAD provides you with extensive capabilities for working with layers and annotative objects. The latest versions of the program suggest the ability to dynamically link a drawing with real cartographic data and print models on a 3D printer. AutoCAD works with several file formats. The main ones are DWG and DWT.

DWG is a file format in which the drawing itself is stored. This format allows you to store both two-dimensional and three-dimensional objects, and is also supported by other Autodesk applications.

DWT – a file with this extension is a template. So, for example, you can save a project with all the settings you set as a template and use it in the future.

AutoCAD Applications

AutoCAD is often used as a base for creating application applications. Thus, programs such as AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD have already been released based on it. Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, Promis-e, PLANT-4D, AutoPLANT, GeoniCSAndetc..

Interface

AutoCAD 2017.

If you are already familiar with earlier versions, you will understand that the interface AutoCAD 2017 differs little from its predecessors. Of course, mastering this program from scratch without appropriate training is almost impossible. Nevertheless, the interface can be called quite user-friendly, the program is completely Russified, and the purpose of many virtual buttons can be guessed intuitively by looking at their designation.

AutoCAD 2017 System Requirements

keeps up with the times and places quite serious demands on your PC. certified for Windows, and for OS X However, if you are the owner of a Mac, today only the 2013 version will be available to you.

Last changes

Unlike previous releases, the new version allows you to import PDF files. The program also implements the ability to snap to lines with breaks, associative center markers and center lines. Of course, many users, despite the release of the updated version, continue to use the previous ones. Why not, if your version fully meets the objectives. However, it can be useful to keep up with updates because... Each new version offers new features and improvements.

Where to start learning AutoCAD for dummies?

Yes, when you see the program interface in front of you, with many buttons, you can get confused. However, it is worth remembering that you do not need to be a computer genius to work in it. After all, technology CAD- computer-aided design – implies only the automation of processes previously performed manually by people. In other words, , just like 30 years ago, it is primarily your “electronic” drawing board, which simply replaces a sheet of paper and a pencil in your hand.

First of all, you need to realize this fact, understand why you need certain tools. To memorize the location of all commands and the sequence of their application is a fundamentally absurd and extremely difficult task. So don’t rush to cram, but strive to understand. A clear understanding of your task, coupled with knowledge of the principles of interaction between the program and the user, will make the process much easier. Independent study, however, can take a lot of time. There are many additional courses for studying this program - after all, when they help you understand previously unknown things, the learning process goes faster.

The most important advantage of the programAutoCAD - with the appropriate level of user training, it is undoubtedly much more convenient than working on a project directly “by hand”. Knowledge of this program is 100% likely to make you a more valuable and professional specialist.

It is often used for educational purposes. While studying at the university, students of many technical specialties get acquainted with this CAD system for the first time and perform various educational tasks with the help. The first coursework, which requires the presence of a graphic part, i.e. drawings, forces students to install on their computers and actively take up the study of this excellent and very useful software package. Finally, here is some advice from - if your future specialty is related to architecture, design, construction, design of any industrial facilities - start studying now. Get started, don’t feel sorry for yourself, and one day you will remember this advice with a kind word. We wish you good luck in mastering, and remember that our specialists are always ready to support you!

Today we will talk about the history of the development of the AutoCAD program. Over the 30 years of its existence, it has gained a strong position throughout the world, and has held the leadership position for quite some time. Maintaining high positions is much more difficult than gaining them. This fact alone is worthy of taking a closer look at the history of the program.

So, in this article we will talk about how the AutoCAD program came into being, why it got its name, how the market was conquered, and what factors allow the program to remain a leader for such a long time.

“Hello, I'm AutoCAD. My mission is to bring your plans to life.”

AutoCAD is a best-selling CAD software. Today it is one of the most popular programs in the world in its segment. It is quite multifunctional: it allows you to create not only drawings, but also visualization and animation.

Where does the name AutoCAD come from?

CAD: This fancy acronym stands for Computer-Aided Design. It has an analogue in English, although not as beautiful: CAD (Computer-Aided Design). This is the second part of the “name”.

In addition to the functional purpose inherent in the abbreviation CAD, the program has a creator and developer - the one who takes care of its further growth and development. The creator of the program will be discussed below. As for the “guardian”, this is the well-known world-famous company Autodesk. This is how the official name of the AutoCAD program appeared. Everything is clear, understandable and functional.

Computer-aided design systems, and therefore AutoCAD, make life much easier for engineers, designers, architects, industrial designers and all related professionals. Today it is difficult to imagine a design bureau that does not use CAD when creating at least some complex industrial product. Drawing boards are a thing of the distant past: ineffective, expensive (automation significantly reduces the number of specialists working on the project) and long.

It's a matter of CAD. They not only reduce costs, but also improve quality, significantly reduce development and production time, and even simplify the processes of interaction between numerous project participants. By the way, thanks to information technology and CAD, now technical specialists can be attracted from all over the world without any difficulties and additional costs (for relocating a specialist and family members, providing housing, obtaining a work permit for a foreigner, etc.)

How it all began?

The history of the creation of the AutoCAD software package is closely connected with the development of Autodesk. It is difficult to say which of them gave birth to whom. Especially considering the fact that in the initial stage of its development and active entry into the market, Autodesk was a company with a single product.

So how did it all start? The history of Autodesk began in 1982, in April, when a group of programmers allocated $60 thousand from their personal savings for a startup, starting the development of several programs for personal computers.

The created company was called Desktop Solutions (this was the first working name of Autodesk). Initially, a group of 13 programmers focused their efforts on several software products, including MicroCAD, a fairly simple but convenient computer-aided design system.

But, nevertheless, the co-founders made their main bet on Autodesk - an office program for the PC, which includes a calendar, electronic filing cabinet, etc. At that time, computers began to actively penetrate offices, and Autodesk had to relieve office workers from piles of papers by automating many processes.

As for the MicroCAD program, initially, even before the creation of Desktop Solutions, it was developed by one of the company’s co-founders, Mike Riddle. And only in May 1982, the programmer transferred all rights to the program to Autodesk, in exchange for future royalties.

Meet Mike Riddle and the MicroCAD drawing editor

The company's founders met programmer Mike Riddle shortly after the company was formed. Mike showed the working group the prototype of the MicroCAD drawing editor he was developing. The program aroused widespread interest, and therefore the spreadsheet and word processor faded into the background. All efforts were devoted to finalizing the drawing program.

The first demonstration of the AutoCAD program took place in November 1982 at COMDEX in Atlantic City. This demonstration brought significant success: the product became a hit of the exhibition program.

What allowed an ordinary drawing editor to quickly gain a position in the market? The uniqueness of the program was that, unlike other CAD systems, it was developed for a regular PC. At that time (and this was 1982, when the personal computer was just beginning to conquer the market), all self-respecting programmers wrote programs, at a minimum, for huge IBM mainframes. But the founders of Autodesk had a vision: they understood that the future lay in compact and affordable personal computers. That's why they were the first to offer a great design solution specifically for PCs.

While “heavy” CAD systems cost $70-90 thousand, a solution from Autodesk comparable in capabilities and performance could be purchased for $10-15 thousand, including the cost of a PC. Even small architectural firms could afford it. Accordingly, the software product quickly became popular and brought good cash flow to the company.

Further development of AutoCAD

After the success at COMDEX, the creators of the program realized that all their efforts needed to be focused on improving it. Since 1982, the program has been constantly modernized. New versions with additional options were released every year. Let's list some of the most significant innovations.

In April 1983, a version of AutoCAD (R2) was released, in which, for additional money, an additional option appeared: the ability to arrange dimensions.

Another feature was added to AutoCAD (R6) - a language for describing expressions, including variables, later renamed AutoLISP.

The possibility of three-dimensional modeling appeared in AutoCAD (R11).

Starting with AutoCAD (R14), the program completely moved to the Windows platform.

The most significant changes are presented in the version of AutoCAD 2007, created in 2006:

• it became possible to choose one of two interface options (“Classic” or “3D modeling”);
• the presence of a new combined toolbar for creating 3D objects and new capabilities for editing 3D objects;
• new feature: animation creation.

An important factor was that new versions of the program always remained compatible with previous versions, starting with AutoCAD (R2).

The distribution of AutoCAD in Russia began with version R10. Since 2003, program updates have been released every year in March.

AutoCAD spreads across many industries

AutoCAD is used in many industries. Due to the fact that design processes in different industries are similar, the program is used both in mechanical engineering, architecture, and in other industries, for example, in electrical engineering. Of course, each industry has its own specifics. But the company took care of this a long time ago. Based on AutoCAD, it produces “vertical” solutions taking into account the specifics of a particular industry.

Thus, the AutoCAD Architecture project for architects allows you to automatically generate sections and elevations from the plan, place windows and doors in the walls, apply room marks, indicate the area, etc.

A project for electrical circuit designers, AutoCAD Electrical allows you to automate the numbering of wires and navigate through devices. It also contains extensive libraries of ready-made components from all well-known manufacturers, which are constantly updated.

There are many options for a software product, up to the creation of a solution for each specific enterprise. In addition, each version of the program contains built-in standard documentation, which greatly facilitates the preparation of a package of documents. All documents are subject to manual changes if necessary.

To summarize, we can say that today the AutoCAD software package is quite weighty and well calibrated. It can satisfy almost any user. Lightweight versions of the program with the abbreviation LT contain only the most necessary functionality, while the cost of the package is half as much. The most demanding needs are fully satisfied with full versions of programs for a particular industry.

If we talk about the development of the company itself, today its offices are located in many countries around the world. The total number of employees is about 7,000 people. The company's development strategy has been developed, management is organized at a high level. This means that the company keeps its finger on the pulse and constantly produces new developments and improvements to its products. By purchasing the AutoCAD software package, you as an end user can experience this in practice.

Some interesting facts about the company:

• 12+ million users of professional products
• 115+ million consumer product users
• 7,300 employees worldwide
• more than 100 products
• products translated into 17 languages
• Over the past 18 years, every Oscar winner for Best Visual Effects in a film has used Autodesk solutions
• The Autodesk education community has over 6 million members, including students and educators, who are entitled to free access to Autodesk software products

Early versions of AutoCAD operated with a small number of elementary objects, such as circles, lines, arcs and text, from which more complex ones were composed. In this capacity, AutoCAD has earned the reputation of an “electronic drawing board”, which remains with it to this day. However, at the present stage, the capabilities of AutoCAD are very wide and far exceed the capabilities of the “electronic drawing board”.

In 2D design, AutoCAD still allows you to use basic graphics primitives to create more complex objects. In addition, the program provides very extensive capabilities for working with layers and annotative objects (dimensions, text, symbols). The use of an external reference (XRef) mechanism allows you to split a drawing into multiple files for which different developers are responsible, and dynamic blocks expand the ability of the average user to automate 2D design without the use of programming. Since version 2010, AutoCAD has implemented support for two-dimensional parametric drawing.

The current version of the program (AutoCAD 2012) includes a full set of tools for complex three-dimensional modeling (solid, surface and polygon modeling are supported). AutoCAD allows you to obtain high-quality renderings of models using the mental ray rendering system. The program also implements 3D printing control (the modeling result can be sent to a 3D printer) and support for point clouds (allows you to work with 3D scanning results). However, it should be noted that the lack of three-dimensional parameterization does not allow AutoCAD to directly compete with middle-class mechanical engineering CAD systems such as Inventor, SolidWorks and others. AutoCAD 2012 includes the Inventor Fusion program, which implements direct modeling technology.

Development and adaptation tools

The wide distribution of AutoCAD in the world is due not least to its developed development and adaptation tools, which allow you to customize the system to the needs of specific users and significantly expand the functionality of the basic system. A wide range of application development tools makes the basic version of AutoCAD a universal platform for application development. Based on AutoCAD, Autodesk itself and third-party manufacturers have created a large number of specialized application applications, such as AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Architecture, GeoniCS, Promis-e, PLANT-4D, AutoPLANT, SPDS GraphiCS, MechaniCS and others.

Dynamic blocks

Dynamic blocks are two-dimensional parametric objects with a customizable set of properties. Dynamic blocks provide the ability to save in one block (a set of graphic primitives) several geometric implementations that differ from each other in size, relative arrangement of block parts, visibility of individual elements, etc. Using dynamic blocks, you can reduce libraries of standard elements (one dynamic block replaces several regular ones). Also, the active use of dynamic blocks in some cases can significantly speed up the release of working documentation. Dynamic blocks first appeared in AutoCAD 2006.

Macros

Action Macros

Action Macros first appeared in AutoCAD 2009. The user executes a sequence of commands that are recorded using the Action Recorder tool. The recorded macro can be edited and saved, and subsequently transferred to the toolbar, or launched from a special menu.

Menu Macros

The user has the opportunity to create his own buttons, with which you can call a series of commands (macros) pre-recorded according to certain rules. Macros can include expressions written in DIESEL and AutoLISP.

DIESEL

DIESEL (Direct Interprietively Evaluated String Expression Language) is a string operating language with a small number of functions (28 functions in total). It allows you to generate strings that must have variable text depending on some conditions. The result is output as a string, which is interpreted by AutoCAD as a command. The DIESEL language is used primarily for creating complex macros as an alternative to AutoLISP. This language is of particular importance for the AutoCAD LT version, which lacks all programming tools, with the exception of DIESEL. This language first appeared in AutoCAD R12.

Visual LISP

AutoLISP

AutoCAD VBA

AutoCAD, starting with version R14, has introduced support for VBA (Visual Basic for Application). Unlike VisualLISP, VBA is a visual programming environment, but VBA applications work with AutoCAD only through ActiveX, and interaction with AutoLISP is very limited. The advantages of VBA are more complete ActiveX support and the ability to load DLL libraries.

Starting with AutoCAD 2010, the VBA development environment is not enabled by default. Autodesk is phasing out VBA support in AutoCAD in favor of .NET. .

ObjectARX

The ObjectARX SDK is an addition to the Microsoft Visual Studio development environment and contains special libraries, header files, examples and auxiliary tools designed to create programs that function exclusively in the AutoCAD environment. ARX ​​applications can directly access the pattern database and geometry kernel. You can create your own commands, similar to standard AutoCAD commands. For the first time, the ObjectARX package was implemented for AutoCAD R13; previously, there were similar packages ADS (for AutoCAD R11) and ARX (for AutoCAD R12). The ObjectARX version designations are the same as the AutoCAD versions for which this package is intended. Programs created for one specific version of AutoCAD are not compatible with other versions. The compatibility problem is usually solved by recompiling the program in the appropriate version of ObjectARX.

.NET

COM

Undocumented ability to work with AutoCAD in all programming languages ​​that support COM technology. The most popular programming language among developers is Delphi.

Supported Operating Systems

AutoCAD is certified to run on the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems. The 2011 version supports Windows XP (SP2), Windows Vista (SP1), and Windows 7 operating systems. On October 15, 2010, AutoCAD 2011 for Mac OS X was officially released (prior to this, the last version for Mac OS was AutoCAD Release 12, released in 1992). The package (for Windows) includes versions for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. AutoCAD supports the use of computing resources on multiprocessor and multicore systems.

AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT is a specialized solution for 2D drawing. It costs less than the full version of AutoCAD (about a third of the cost of the basic version). AutoCAD LT completely lacks 3D modeling and visualization tools (however, it is possible to view 3D models made in the basic version), system adaptation software tools (such as AutoLISP and VBA) are excluded, which makes it impossible to install useful applications and add-ons that expand the basic capabilities of AutoCAD (GeoniCS , SPDS GraphiCS, Project Studio CS), there is no possibility of creating parametric drawings, as well as a number of other differences, it was first introduced in 2009 in version 2010.

AutoCAD WS

A free cloud-based Internet application, as well as a program for mobile devices on Apple iOS (iPad and iPhone) and Android. Allows you to view and edit DWG files uploaded to the AutoCAD WS Online workspace, but the set of editing tools is quite limited. AutoCAD 2012 provides the ability to directly communicate with this service.

Student licenses

Student editions of AutoCAD, intended solely for educational use by students and teachers, are available for free download from the Autodesk Education Community. Functionally, the student version of AutoCAD is no different from the full version, with one exception: DWG files created or edited in it have a special mark (the so-called educational flag), which will be placed on all views when printing the file (regardless of from which version - student or professional - are you printing).

Specialized applications based on AutoCAD

• AutoCAD Architecture- a version aimed at architects and containing special additional tools for architectural design and drawing, as well as tools for issuing construction documentation.
• AutoCAD Electrical designed for designers of electrical control systems and is characterized by a high level of automation of standard tasks and the presence of extensive libraries of symbols.
• AutoCAD Civil 3D- a solution for the design of infrastructure facilities, intended for land managers, general plan designers and designers of linear structures. In addition to its core capabilities, AutoCAD Civil 3D can perform tasks such as geospatial analysis for site selection, stormwater analysis for environmental compliance, cost estimating, and dynamic earthmoving calculations.
• AutoCAD MEP focused on the design of engineering systems of civil engineering projects: plumbing and sewerage systems, heating and ventilation, electrical and fire safety. Implemented the construction of a three-dimensional parametric model, obtaining drawings and specifications based on it.
• AutoCAD Map 3D created for specialists carrying out projects in the field of transport construction, energy supply, land and water use and allows you to create, process and analyze design and GIS information.
• AutoCAD Raster Design- image vectorization program that supports optical character recognition (OCR).
• AutoCAD Structural Detailing- a tool for the design and calculation of steel and reinforced concrete structures, supporting building information modeling technology. Basic objects are beams, columns, plates and reinforcing bars, etc.
• AutoCAD Ecscad allows electrical engineers to create electrical circuit diagrams using scripts and symbol libraries.
• AutoCAD Mechanical designed for design in mechanical engineering and is distinguished by the presence of libraries of standard components (more than 700 thousand elements), component generators and calculation modules, automation tools for design tasks and documentation, and the ability to collaborate.
• AutoCAD P&ID is a program for creating, editing and managing pipeline and instrumentation diagrams.
• AutoCAD Plant 3D- a tool for designing technological objects. AutoCAD Plant 3D integrates AutoCAD P&ID.

SPDS module

In 2010, Autodesk released a free add-on for AutoCAD, designed for drawing up drawings in accordance with SPDS standards, GOST 21.1101-2009 “Basic requirements for design and working documentation” and other regulatory documents. The module creates the “SPDS” tab in the AutoCAD menu ribbon and adds a set of drawing fonts to the program that comply with GOST 2.304-81. AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Civil 3D and AutoCAD Mechanical 2010 and 2011 versions are supported.

Supported File Formats

AutoCAD's primary file format is DWG, a proprietary format originally developed by Autodesk. To exchange data with users of other CAD systems, it is proposed to use the open DXF format. It should be noted that files with DWG and DXF extensions can be read by most modern CAD systems, since these formats are the de facto standard in the field of two-dimensional design. To publish drawings and 3D models (without editing), the DWF format is used, also created by Autodesk.

In addition, the program supports writing and reading (via import/export procedures) files in 3DS, DGN, SAT and some other formats.

AutoCAD 2012 includes the Inventor Fusion program, which allows you to convert files obtained from three-dimensional CAD systems (such as Inventor, SolidWorks, CATIA, etc.) into DWG format.

AutoCAD version history

Links

Notes

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2. From an electronic drawing board to a three-dimensional model. SevZapNTS (07/19/2007). Archived
3. Malyukh V. N. Introduction to modern CAD: A course of lectures. - M.: DMK Press, 2010. - 192 p. - ISBN 978-5-94074-551-8.
4. Irina Chikovskaya Quiet revolution. Electronic drawing board or building information model // CADMaster. - M., 2008. - No. 3(43). - pp. 88-92.
5. Ilya Tatarnikov 3D is coming to the masses with AutoCAD 2011 // CAD and Graphics. - M.: ComputerPress, 2010. - No. 5. - P. 14-18.
6. Dmitry Ushakov“Free” Inventor Fusion as part of AutoCAD 2012 radically changes the situation in the 3D CAD market. isicad (23.03.2011). Archived from the original on June 2, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2011.
7. Zuev S.A., Poleshchuk N.N. CAD based on AutoCAD - how it's done. - St. Petersburg. : “BHV-Petersburg”, 2004. - P. 1168. - ISBN 5-94157-344-8
8. Bricscad enters the 3D CAD market for mechanical engineering. isicad (01/26/2011). Archived from the original on June 2, 2012. Retrieved April 2, 2011.
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