AutoCAD#AutoCAD LT

Before AutoCAD was introduced, most CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with each CAD operator (user) working at a separate graphics terminal.{{cite web|url=http://cadhistory.net/02%20Brief%20Overview.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://cadhistory.net/02%20Brief%20Overview.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=Chapter 2 : A Brief Overview of the History of CAD |website=Cadhistory.net |access-date=2016-03-30}}

File:Man using AutoCAD (1987).jpg

AutoCAD was derived from a program that began in 1977, and then released in 1979{{cite web|last=Riddle|first=Michael|title=About|url=http://www.michaelriddle.com/?page_id=2|access-date=24 January 2014|quote=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.|archive-date=27 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027035507/http://www.michaelriddle.com/?page_id=2|url-status=dead}} named Interact CAD,{{Cite web |url=http://www.studiodaily.com/2012/01/the-fascinating-story-of-how-autodesk-came-to-be-part-1/ |title=The Fascinating Story of How Autodesk Came to Be (Part 1) |work=Studio Daily |publisher=Access Intelligence |first=Peter |last=Plantec |date=7 January 2012 |access-date=25 February 2013 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112035641/https://www.studiodaily.com/2012/01/the-fascinating-story-of-how-autodesk-came-to-be-part-1/ |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.michaelriddle.com/?page_id=2 |title=About |work=Michael Riddle's Thoughts |access-date=25 February 2013 |archive-date=27 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027035507/http://www.michaelriddle.com/?page_id=2 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.retrothing.com/2007/05/mike_riddles_pr.html |title=Mike Riddle's Prehistoric AutoCAD |work=Retro Thing |first=James |last=Grahame |date=17 May 2007}} 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.{{cite web|last=Walker|first=John|title=Information letter #5|url=http://www.fourmilab.ch/autofile/www/section2_9_7.html|access-date=24 January 2014|date=1 May 1982}}{{cite web|last=Yare|first=Evan|title=AutoCAD's Ancestor|url=http://www.3dcadworld.com/autocads-ancestor/|publisher=3D CAD World|access-date=24 January 2014|date=17 Feb 2012}}

The first version by Autodesk was demonstrated at the 1982 Comdex and released that December. AutoCAD supported CP/M-80 computers.{{citation|title=One Company's CAD Success Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qS4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA39|publisher=InfoWorld|access-date=19 July 2014|date=3 December 1984}} As Autodesk's flagship product, by March 1986 AutoCAD had become the most ubiquitous CAD program worldwide.{{citation|title=25 Year retrospective|chapter-url=http://www.cgw.com/Publications/CGW/2002/Volume-25-Issue-2-Feb-2002-/25-YEAR-RETROSPECTIVE-br-Part-2-CAD-CAM-CAE.aspx|year=2011|chapter=Part 2 CAD/CAM/CAE|publisher=Computer Graphics World|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104104652/http://www.cgw.com/Publications/CGW/2002/Volume-25-Issue-2-Feb-2002-/25-YEAR-RETROSPECTIVE-br-Part-2-CAD-CAM-CAE.aspx |access-date=29 March 2012|archive-date=2011-11-04}} The first UNIX version was Release 10 for Xenix in October 1989, while the first version for Windows was Release 12, released in February 1993.{{cite web |title=Autodesk Puts the AutoCAD up under the SCO Xenix V.386 |date=October 10, 1989 |publisher=New Statesman Media Group Ltd. |url=https://techmonitor.ai/technology/autodesk_puts_the_autocad_up_under_the_sco_xenix_v386 |access-date=December 21, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://www.shapr3d.com/history-of-cad/autodesk-and-autocad |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Autodesk and AutoCAD |author=David Weisberg |publisher=Shapr3D Zrt |access-date=December 21, 2023}}

Many software applications such as Autodesk Civil 3D and ESRI ArcMap 10 permits export as AutoCAD drawing files. Third-party file converters exist for specific formats such as Bentley MX GENIO Extension, PISTE Extension (France), ISYBAU (Germany), OKSTRA and Microdrainage (UK);{{cite web | url=http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/civil_users_guide0.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/civil_users_guide0.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live | title=AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 Drawing Compatibility | publisher=Autodesk | work=AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 User's Guide | date=April 2010 | access-date=January 29, 2013 | pages=141{{ndash}}142}} 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 and AutoCAD LT are available for English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Polish and Hungarian (also through additional language packs).{{Cite web|url=https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/downloads/caas/downloads/content/autocad-2020-language-packs.html|title=AutoCAD 2020 Language Packs {{!}} AutoCAD {{!}} Autodesk Knowledge Network|website=knowledge.autodesk.com|access-date=2020-03-26}} 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.

AutoCAD supports a number of APIs for customization and automation. These include AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA, .NET, JavaScript, 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.{{cite web|title=AutoCAD Exchange Apps|url=http://apps.exchange.autodesk.com/|publisher=Autodesk|access-date=11 August 2013}}

AutoCAD's DXF, drawing exchange format, allows importing and exporting drawing information.

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

• Advance Steel
• AutoCAD Architecture
• AutoCAD Electrical
• AutoCAD Map 3D
• AutoCAD Mechanical
• AutoCAD MEP
• AutoCAD Plant 3D
• Autodesk Civil 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.

File:Detail Autocad.jpg

AutoCAD's native file formats are denoted either by a .dwg, .dwt, .dws, or .dxf filename extension. .dwg and, to a lesser extent, .dxf, have become de facto, if proprietary, standards for CAD data interoperability, particularly for 2D drawing exchange.{{Cite journal|last1=Björk|first1=Bo-Christer|last2=Laakso|first2=Mikael|date=2010-07-01|title=CAD standardisation in the construction industry — A process view|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926580509001800|journal=Automation in Construction|series=Building information modeling and interoperability|language=en|volume=19|issue=4|pages=398–406|doi=10.1016/j.autcon.2009.11.010|issn=0926-5805|url-access=subscription}}

The primary file format for 2D and 3D drawing files created with AutoCAD is .dwg. While other third-party CAD software applications can create .dwg files, AutoCAD uniquely creates RealDWG files.{{cite web |title=RealDWG Platform Technologies |url=https://www.autodesk.com/developer-network/platform-technologies/realdwg |access-date=January 14, 2022 |work=Autodesk Developer Network |publisher=Autodesk}} The drawing version code changes between AutoCAD releases.{{Cite web |title=Drawing format version codes for AutoCAD |url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/drawing-version-codes-for-autocad.html |date=November 22, 2022 |access-date=June 22, 2023 |website=Autodesk Support}}

Using AutoCAD, any .dwg file may be saved to a derivative format. These derivative formats include:

• Drawing Template Files .dwt: New .dwg are created from a .dwt file. Although the default template file is acad.dwt for AutoCAD and acadlt.dwt for AutoCAD LT, custom .dwt files may be created to include foundational configurations such as drawing units and layers.
• Drawing Standards File .dws: Using the CAD Standards feature of AutoCAD, a Drawing Standards File may be associated to any .dwg or .dwt file to enforce graphical standards.
• Drawing Interchange Format .dxf: The .dxf format is an ASCII representation of a .dwg file, and is used to transfer data between various applications.{{cite web |title=About Importing and Exporting DXF Files |url=https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2019/ENU/AutoCAD-Core/files/GUID-D4242737-58BB-47A5-9B0E-1E3DE7E7D647-htm.html |access-date=January 14, 2022 |work=AutoCAD User's Guide |publisher=Autodesk}}

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 service from $360 per year; as of 2018, three subscription plans were available, from $50 a month to a 3-year, $1170 license. Since AutoCAD LT 2024, AutoCAD LT support LISP customization.

While there are hundreds of small differences between the full AutoCAD package and AutoCAD LT, there are a few recognized major differences{{cite web|url=http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/autocad_lt_2011_faq.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/autocad_lt_2011_faq.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=Questions and Answers |website=Images.autodesk.com |access-date=2016-03-30}} 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 (Feature introduced with release 2024)
• Management and automation capabilities with Sheet Set Manager and Action Recorder.
• CAD standards management tools.

AutoCAD Mobile and AutoCAD Web (formerly AutoCAD WS and AutoCAD 360){{cite web |url=https://www.bmarq.co.uk/blog/goodbye-autocad-360-hello-autocad-mobile/ |title=Goodbye AutoCAD 360, Hello AutoCAD Mobile! |date=20 February 2017 |website=benchmarq }} is an account-based mobile and web application enabling registered users to view, edit, and share AutoCAD files via mobile device and web{{cite web|last=Autodesk|title=AutoCAD WS|url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/autocad-ws/id393149734|work=iTunes Preview|publisher=Apple|access-date=30 September 2011}} 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, 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 Web 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.{{cite web|last=Ozler|first=Levent|title=AutoCAD for Mac and AutoCAD WS application for iPad and iPhone|url=https://www.dexigner.com/news/21266|work=Dexigner|date=September 2010 |access-date=30 September 2011}} Autodesk released the iOS version in September 2010,{{cite web|last=Ozler|first=Levent|title=AutoCAD for Mac 2012: Built for Mac OS X Lion|url=https://www.dexigner.com/news/23640|work=Dexigner|date=17 August 2011 |access-date=30 September 2011}} following with the Android version on April 20, 2011.{{cite web|last=Ozler|first=Levent|title=AutoCAD WS for Android|url=https://www.dexigner.com/news/22874|work=Dexigner|date=13 April 2011 |access-date=30 September 2011}} 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. 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. Both Android and iOS versions allow the user to save files on-line — or off-line in the absence of an Internet connection.

In 2011, Autodesk announced plans to migrate the majority of its software to "the cloud", starting with the AutoCAD WS mobile application.{{cite web|last=Thomson|first=Iain|title=Autodesk Shifts Design Apps to the Cloud|url=https://www.theregister.com/2011/09/22/design_reshaped_by_cloud_autodesk_claims|work=The A Register|access-date=30 September 2011}}

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.{{cite web

|title=AutoCAD WS: Moving Forward

|url=http://www.augi.com/library/autocad-ws-moving-forward

|publisher=Augi Autodesk Users Group International, January 29th, 2013

|access-date=26 April 2013}} In 2013, AutoCAD WS was renamed to AutoCAD 360.{{cite web |url=https://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/2013/05/autocad-ws-is-now-autocad-360.html |title=AutoCAD WS is now AutoCAD 360 |date=21 May 2013 |website=Between the Lines |author=Shaan Hurley |publisher=Autodesk }} Later, it was renamed to AutoCAD Web App.

AutoCAD is licensed, for free, to students, educators, and educational institutions, with a 12-month renewable license available. Licenses acquired before March 25, 2020, were a 36-month license, with its last renovation on March 24, 2020.{{Cite web|title=Term length for Educational Licenses {{!}} Search {{!}} Autodesk Knowledge Network|url=https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/simplecontent/content/term-length-for-educational-licenses.html|access-date=2020-07-18|website=knowledge.autodesk.com|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719014928/https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/simplecontent/content/term-length-for-educational-licenses.html|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://docs.autodesk.com/ACD/2011/ENU/filesAUG/WS1a9193826455f5ffa23ce210c4a30acaf-6050.htm|title=Overview of Plotting|access-date=19 March 2016}}

{{main|AutoCAD version history}}

• Autodesk 3ds Max
• Autodesk Maya
• Autodesk Revit
• AutoShade
• AutoSketch
• CAD Overlay
• Comparison of computer-aided design software
• Design Web Format

Open source CAD software:

• QCAD Community Edition
• LibreCAD
• FreeCAD
• BRL-CAD

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|AutoCAD}}

{{Wikibooks}}

• {{Official website|https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview}}
• [http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/autocad-release-history.html AutoCAD release history]
• [http://www.digibarn.com/stories/mike-riddle/index.html Digibarn.com: Mike Riddle & the Story of Interact, AutoCAD, EasyCAD, FastCAD & more]
• [https://cadblocks.click: Architecture AutoCAD Drawings]

{{AutoCAD related articles}}

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{{Autodesk products}}

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