Computer-aided design (CAD), also known as computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) [1] , is the

use of computer technology for the process of design and design-documentation. Computer Aided
Drafting describes the process of drafting with a computer. CADD software, or environments, provides the
user with input-tools for the purpose of streamlining design processes; drafting, documentation, and
manufacturing processes. CADD output is often in the form of electronic files for print or machining
operations. The development of CADD-based software is in direct correlation with the processes it seeks
to economize; industry-based software (construction, manufacturing, etc.) typically uses vector-based
(linear) environments whereas graphic-based software utilizes raster-based (pixelated) environments.

CADD environments often involve more than just shapes. As in the

CAD may be used to design curves and figures in two-dimensional (2D) space; or curves, surfaces, and
solids in three-dimensional (3D) objects.[2]

CAD is an important industrial art extensively used in many applications, including automotive,
shipbuilding, and aerospace industries, industrial and architectural design, prosthetics, and many more.
CAD is also widely used to produce computer animation for special effects in movies, advertising and
technical manuals. The modern ubiquity and power of computers means that even perfume bottles and
shampoo dispensers are designed using techniques unheard of by engineers of the 1960s. Because of its
enormous economic importance, CAD has been a major driving force for research in computational
geometry, computer graphics (both hardware and software), and discrete differential geometry.[3]

The design of geometric models for object shapes, in particular, is occasionally called computer-aided
geometric design (CAGD).[4

Overview
Beginning in the 1980s Computer-Aided Design programs reduced the need of draftsmen significantly,
especially in small to mid-sized companies. Their affordability and ability to run on personal computers
also allowed engineers to do their own drafting work, eliminating the need for entire departments. In
today's world most, if not all, students in universities do not learn drafting techniques because they are
not required to do so. The days of hand drawing for final drawings are almost obsolete. Universities no
longer require the use of protractors and compasses to create drawings, instead there are several classes
that focus on the use of CAD software such as Pro Engineer or IEAS-MS.
Types
There are several different types of CAD [6] . Each of these different types of CAD systems require the
operator to think differently about how he or she will use them and he or she must design their virtual
components in a different manner for each.

There are many producers of the lower-end 2D systems, including a number of free and open source
programs. These provide an approach to the drawing process without all the fuss over scale and
placement on the drawing sheet that accompanied hand drafting, since these can be adjusted as required
during the creation of the final draft.

3D wireframe is basically an extension of 2D drafting (not often used today). Each line has to be manually
inserted into the drawing. The final product has no mass properties associated with it and cannot have
features directly added to it, such as holes. The operator approaches these in a similar fashion to the 2D
systems, although many 3D systems allow using the wireframe model to make the final engineering
drawing views.

3D "dumb" solids are created in a way analogous to manipulations of real world objects (not often used
today). Basic three-dimensional geometric forms (prisms, cylinders, spheres, and so on) have solid
volumes added or subtracted from them, as if assembling or cutting real-world objects. Two-dimensional
projected views can easily be generated from the models. Basic 3D solids don't usually include tools to
easily allow motion of components, set limits to their motion, or identify interference between components.

3D parametric solid modeling require the operator to use what is referred to as "design intent". The
objects and features created are adjustable. Any future modifications will be simple, difficult, or nearly
impossible, depending on how the original part was created. One must think of this as being a "perfect
world" representation of the component. If a feature was intended to be located from the center of the
part, the operator needs to locate it from the center of the model, not, perhaps, from a more convenient
edge or an arbitrary point, as he could when using "dumb" solids. Parametric solids require the operator
to consider the consequences of his actions carefully.

Some software packages provide the ability to edit parametric and non-parametric geometry without the
need to understand or undo the design intent history of the geometry by use of direct modeling
functionality. This ability may also include the additional ability to infer the correct relationships between
selected geometry (e.g., tangency, concentricity) which makes the editing process less time and labor
intensive while still freeing the engineer from the burden of understanding the model’s. These kind of non
history based systems are called Explicit Modellers or Direct CAD Modelers.
Top end systems offer the capabilities to incorporate more organic, aesthetics and ergonomic features
into designs. Freeform surface modelling is often combined with solids to allow the designer to create
products that fit the human form and visual requirements as well as they interface with the machine.

Current computer-aided design software packages range from 2D vector-based drafting systems to
3D solid and surface modellers. Modern CAD packages can also frequently allow rotations in three
dimensions, allowing viewing of a designed object from any desired angle, even from the inside looking
out. Some CAD software is capable of dynamic mathematic modeling, in which case it may be marketed
as CADD — computer-aided design and drafting.

CAD is used in the design of tools and machinery and in the drafting and design of all types of buildings,
from small residential types (houses) to the largest commercial and industrial structures (hospitals and
factories).

[5]
CAD is mainly used for detailed engineering of 3D models and/or 2D drawings of physical components,
but it is also used throughout the engineering process from conceptual design and layout of products,
through strength and dynamic analysis of assemblies to definition of manufacturing methods of
components. It can also be used to design objects.

CAD has become an especially important technology within the scope of computer-aided technologies,
with benefits such as lower product development costs and a greatly shortened design cycle. CAD
enables designers to lay out and develop work on screen, print it out and save it for future editing, saving
time on their drawings.