One of the most exciting fields in software today is computer-aided design software. For centuries, designers have relied almost exclusively on the use of old-fashioned pen-and-paper techniques in order to design clothing, architecture and even objects such as maps. However, with the development of technology, the computer iteslf has become an important part of the design process itself. This software allows people to design their products directly on computer, either complementing the hand-design process or allowing for design to start right from scratch.
Computer aided design software actually started with computer-aided drafting. This was the result of the fact that drafting requires primarily geometric objects placed on a two-dimensional space. This fit well with the limitations of early computer technology, as geometric objects in two-dimensional space require little processing speed to complete. Computers also provided the ability to ensure that the specifications produced were compatible with the requirements needed for the actual construction of homes.
This same pattern continues with today’s computer-aided design (or CAD) software. In general, they allow designers to do two things. First, they allow them to produce designs for the actual product that are very easily manipulated and that allow the designer to correct or revise designs as is needed. This can greatly improve the speed of the design process, as designers no longer need to start over again should they want to make a substantial change to their pattern. Second, they allow designers to produce standardized patterns for the actual production of their product. As CAD software becomes increasingly sophisticated, producers are actually standardizing their production techniques for computer-generated plans. This makes everyone’s jobs a lot easier, and it can prevent costly mistakes.
The software market has risen to the task of assisting designers as well, producing tools in a number of different areas. At first, many of these tools were free for download. However, as the engineering of the programs has become more sophisticated and their use has become more “mandatory”, the number of paid products has itself increased. Nonetheless, because of the ease of distribution, even someone on a budget can usually find just the CAD resources that they are looking for at a reasonable price.
Computer-aided design software has a language of its own that is good to be familiar with before one starts looking for just the right program. The following is a short lexicon of the most common acronyms used on computer-aided design:
CAD: Computer-Aided Design
CADD: Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (sometimes used as a more general term, but becoming less common)
MCAD: Mechanical Computer-Aided Design (used by mechanical engineers)
CAM: Computer-Aided Manufacture (when CAD is applied to actual production)