In today’s article, we will focus our attention on AutoCAD. We will discuss what AutoCAD is and what tasks it performs, along with how new users can effectively set up an AutoCAD account, and finally, some useful tips on how to use AutoCAD.
Since 2010, AutoCAD has been released as a mobile and web app. (Source: pixabay)
Developed in the late 1970s and released in December of 1982, AutoCAD is a computer-aided drafting software that is used by various professionals to complete tasks, such as drawings, prototyping, 3D printing, geometry figures for blueprints, designing, and rendering.
Many drafters frequently use 2D or 3D applications such as AutoCAD to create blueprints for buildings, bridges, and computer chips.
Before its release as a desktop app used on microcomputers (personal use computers), most commercial 3D CAD programs ran on mainframe computers and were not as user-friendly.
In short, CAD is a computer-aided design software to create, modify, analyse, and optimise a design.
CAD systems or software are used to drastically improve the productivity of the designer and improve the quality of the overall design.
Drafters are not the only ones who use AutoCAD; architects, engineers, city planners, and graphic designers all use this 3D design software to make their jobs easier and save time.
Autodesk Inc. produces AutoCAD. The release of the 2020 edition launched on March 28, 2019, marked the 34th version of this software for Windows. AutoCAD is also available for download and compatible with Mac.
Throughout the years, AutoCAD has continuously developed, and each new version has become better than its predecessor. For example, with the first edition of AutoCAD, users were very limited and could only create basic objects such as polygons, circles, lines, and arcs to create complex objects!
In 2010, AutoCAD was released as a mobile or web app to help all working professionals access their drafts or blueprints on the go.
AutoCAD is available in multiple languages, such as English, German, French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese Simplified and Traditional, Russian, and Polish.
The AutoCAD software has made drafting and making blueprints much more efficient in comparison to past methods. (Source: pixabay)
Alright, so you’ve decided to take the plunge and invest in AutoCAD!
There are a few steps that need to be taken before downloading AutoCAD onto your PC or Mac.
What are the necessary steps?
First, it is required to create an Autodesk account to download, activate, and use the software.
The following is a step-by-step process of how to effectively set up an Autodesk account:
How do I choose a subscription?
The subsequent six steps demonstrate to new users how to choose a subscription:
If all of the previously mentioned steps are followed correctly, creating an Autodesk account and choosing an AutoCAD subscription should be a piece of cake!
Before concluding this section, it is essential to mention that there is a free trial offered for new users and a 30-day money-back guarantee on yearly subscriptions of AutoCAD.
Software systems such as AutoCAD may seem complex for first-time users. (Source: Unsplash)
For beginners without any previous training at a technical institute, learning how to use the fundamentals and crucial functions of AutoCAD may need time to correctly grasp.
Nevertheless, since AutoCAD is such a popular design software, many experienced users are willing to share valuable information, tips and tricks for beginners on Youtube channels, blog posts, and magazine articles with those who have no previous experience using the software.
While it is essential to state that AutoCAD may be challenging to master for some individuals, it is a highly recommended 3D modelling software that can be mastered with the help of a private Superprof tutor. Therefore, with a little practise and research; you’ll be sending 3D models, blueprints, and drafts to your future employer in no time!