AutoCAD was derived from a program called Interact, which was written in a proprietary language (SPL) and ran

on the Marinchip Systems 9900 computer (Marinchip was owned by Autodesk co-founders John Walker and Dan Drake.) When Marinchip Software Partners (later to be renamed Autodesk) was formed, they decided to re-code Interact in C and PL/1 -- C, because it seemed to be the biggest upcoming language. In the end, the PL/1 version was unsuccessful. The C version was, at the time, one of the most complex programs in that language to date. Autodesk even had to work with the compiler developer (Lattice) to fix certain limitations to get AutoCAD to run.
[1]

AutoCAD is a CAD software application for 2D and 3D design and drafting. It is developed and sold by Autodesk, Inc. First released in December 1982, AutoCAD was one of the first CAD programs to run on personal computers, notably the IBM PC. At that time, most other CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or mini-computers which were connected to a graphics computer terminal for each user. Early releases of AutoCAD used primitive entities lines, polylines, circles, arcs, and text to construct more complex objects. Since the mid-1990s, AutoCAD has supported custom objects through its C++ Application Programming Interface (API). Modern AutoCAD includes a full set of basic solid modeling and 3D tools. With the release of AutoCAD 2007 came improved 3D modeling, which meant better navigation when working in 3D. Moreover, it became easier to edit 3D models. The mental ray engine was included in rendering, it was now possible to do quality renderings. AutoCAD 2010 introduced parametric functionality and mesh modeling. AutoCAD supports a number of APIs for customization and automation. These include AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA, .NET and ObjectARX. ObjectARX is a C++ class library, which was also the base for products extending AutoCAD functionality to specific fields, to create products such as AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D, or third-party AutoCAD-based applications. AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are available for English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Russian, Czech, Polish, Hungarian, Brazilian Portuguese, Danish, Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Vietnamese. 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
AutoCAD was derived from a program called Interact, which was written in a proprietary language (SPL) and ran on the Marinchip Systems 9900 computer (Marinchip was owned by Autodesk co-founders John Walker and Dan Drake.) When Marinchip Software Partners (later to be renamed Autodesk) was formed, they decided to re-code Interact in C and PL/1 -- C, because it seemed to be the biggest upcoming language. In the end, the PL/1 version was unsuccessful. The C version was, at the time, one of the most complex programs in that language to date. Autodesk even had to work with the compiler developer (Lattice) to fix certain limitations to get AutoCAD to run.[1]

AutoCAD LT
AutoCAD LT is a lower cost version of AutoCAD with reduced capabilities first released in November 1993. AutoCAD LT, priced at $495, became the first product in the company's history priced below $1000 to bear the name "AutoCAD". In addition to being sold directly by Autodesk, it can also be purchased at computer stores, unlike the full version of AutoCAD which must be purchased from official Autodesk dealers. Autodesk developed AutoCAD LT so that they would have an entry-level CAD package to compete in the lower price level.

As of the 2011 release the AutoCAD LT MSRP has risen to $1200. While there are hundreds of small differences between the full AutoCAD package and AutoCAD LT, currently there are a few recognized major differences[2] in the software's features:

y y y y y

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, and VBA. Management and automation capabilities with Sheet Set Manager and Action Recorder. CAD standards management tools.

AutoCAD Freestyle
Built on the AutoCAD platform, AutoCAD Freestyle is a simplified, low-cost (US$149) application that makes it easy to create accurate, professional-looking 2D drawings and sketches. This software has been discontinued by Autodesk.

Student versions
AutoCAD is licensed at a significant discount over commercial retail pricing to qualifying students and teachers, with a 36-month license available. 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), the output will include a plot stamp / banner on all four sides. Objects created in the Student Version cannot be used for commercial use. These Student Version objects will "infect" a commercial version DWG file if imported.[3] The Autodesk student community provides registered students with free access to different Autodesk applications.

Vertical programs
Autodesk has also developed a few vertical programs, for discipline-specific enhancements. AutoCAD Architecture (formerly Architectural Desktop), for example, 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 allow designers to generate standard 2D drawings, such as elevations and sections, from a 3D architectural model. Similarly, Civil Design, Civil Design 3D, and Civil Design Professional allow data-specific objects to be used, allowing standard civil engineering calculations to be made and represented easily. AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD P&ID, AutoCAD Plant 3D and AutoCAD Structural Detailing are other examples of industry-specific CAD applications built on the AutoCAD platform.

AutoCard
AutoCAD's native file format, DWG, and to a lesser extent, its interchange file format, DXF, have become de facto standards for CAD data interoperability. AutoCAD in recent years has included support for DWF, a format developed and promoted by Autodesk for publishing CAD data. In 2006, Autodesk estimated the number of active DWG files to be in excess of one billion. In the past, Autodesk has estimated the total number of DWG files in existence to be more than three billion.[4]

Official Name

Version Release

Date of release

Comments

AutoCAD Version 1.0

1.0

1982, December

DWG R1.0 file format introduced.

AutoCAD Version 1.2

1.2

1983, April

DWG R1.2 file format introduced.

AutoCAD Version 1.3

1.3

1983, August

DWG R1.3 file format introduced.

AutoCAD Version 1.4

1.4

1983, October

DWG R1.4 file format introduced.

AutoCAD Version 2.0

2.0

1984, October

DWG R2.05 file format introduced.

AutoCAD Version 2.1

2.1

1985, May

DWG R2.1 file format introduced.

AutoCAD Version 2.5

2.5

1986, June

DWG R2.5 file format introduced.

AutoCAD Version 2.6

2.6

1987, April

DWG R2.6 file format introduced. Last version to run without a math co-processor.

AutoCAD Release 9

9.0

1987, September

DWG R9 file format introduced.

AutoCAD Release 10

10.0

10

1988, October

DWG R10 file format introduced.

AutoCAD Release 11

11.0

11

1990, October

DWG R11 file format introduced.

AutoCAD Release 12

12.0

12

1992, June

DWG R11/R12 file format introduced. Last release for Apple Macintosh till 2010.

AutoCAD Release 13

13.0

13

1994, November

DWG R13 file format introduced. Last release for Unix, MS-DOS and Windows 3.11.

AutoCAD Release 14

14.0

14

1997, February

DWG R14 file format introduced.

AutoCAD 2000

15.0

15

1999, March

DWG 2000 file format introduced.

AutoCAD 2000i

15.1

16

2000, July

AutoCAD 2002

15.6

17

2001, June

AutoCAD 2004

16.0

18

2003, March

DWG 2004 file format introduced.

AutoCAD 2005

16.1

19

2004, March

AutoCAD 2006

16.2

20

2005, March

AutoCAD 2007

17.0

21

2006, March

DWG 2007 file format introduced.

AutoCAD 2008

17.1

22

2007, March

Annotative Objects introduced. First release for the x86-64 versions of Windows XP and Vista.

AutoCAD 2009

17.2

23

2008, March

Revisions to the user interface including the option of a Microsoft Office 2007-like tabbed ribbon.

AutoCAD 2010

18.0

24

2009, March 24

DWG 2010 file format introduced. Parametrics introduced. Mesh 3D solid modeling introduced. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of AutoCAD 2010 and AutoCAD LT 2010 are compatible with and supported under Microsoft Windows 7.

AutoCAD 2011

18.1

25

2010, March 25

Surface Modeling, Surface Analysis and Object Transparency introduced. October 15, 2010[5] AutoCAD 2011 for Mac was released. Are compatible with and supported under Microsoft Windows 7

AutoCAD 2012

18.2

26

2011, March 22

Associative Array, Model Documentation

Work with Fields

In AutoCAD, you can create a sheet set and insert LispVariables and SheetSet Manager fields. The LispVariables and SheetSet Manager fields are not available in AutoCAD LT. The drawings created in AutoCAD that contain LispVariables or SheetSet Manager fields can be opened without errors in AutoCAD LT and the cached value is displayed.

Work with Multiple User Coordinate Systems

In AutoCAD, you can choose to use a different user coordinate system (UCS) in each viewport in a single drawing file. In AutoCAD LT, you can use only one UCS in each drawing file. The AutoCAD LT behavior is the same as it was in previous releases. When you open an AutoCAD drawing file in AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD LT uses only the UCS from the current viewport. If you edit the drawing in AutoCAD LT, and then save it and reopen it in AutoCAD, you may notice some discrepancies in UCS usage. User coordinate systems that were set individually in AutoCAD will probably change if the viewports that use them were activated in the AutoCAD LT session.

Work with AutoCAD 2D and 3D Solid Object Shading

In AutoCAD, visual styles provide shading and wireframe options for objects in the current viewport. AutoCAD LT does not support visual styles. The SHADEMODE command in AutoCAD LT provides only the 2D Wireframe and Hidden options. You can use SHADEMODE in AutoCAD LT to turn off visual styles in viewports that were created in AutoCAD. This exposes the underlying geometry so you can easily edit drawings and use the geometry with precision drawing tools such as object snaps.

Work with Constraints

Some of the drawings that you work with will contain design requirements enforced within the drawing itself through the use of constraints. Using constraints, you can enforce requirements while experimenting with different designs. A constrained object will move in a predictable manner when edited or moved. A single variable change can cause all related objects to change automatically, enabling you to run through design iterations simply and effectively. There are two general types of constraints supported: Geometric and Dimensional.

Geometric constraints determine the relationships between 2D geometric objects or points on objects relative to each other. Use constraint bars to view the geometric constraints applied to objects. Constraint bars are visible only when you place your cursor over the highlighted nodes.

Dimensional constraints control distances or angles between 2D geometric objects in a drawing. The main dimensional constraints are: dynamic, annotational, and reference constraints.

y y y

Dynamic constraints (default) - Used to constrain objects and are displayed on demand. Annotational constraints - Used to create associative variables, offset distances, and so on. Reference constraints (read-only) - Read-only dimensional constraints (either dynamic or annotational).

When you place your cursor over a constrained object, you will see a glyph denoting the object is constrained. With AutoCAD LT, you can do the following:

y y

View drawings containing constraints created using AutoCAD. View and edit the geometric and dimensional constraints. NoteYou cannot create constraints within AutoCAD LT.

Work with Dynamic Blocks

In AutoCAD, you can add new constraint parameters to a dynamic block in the Block Editor. In AutoCAD LT, you can open drawings which include a block definition containing geometric or dimensional constraints or a block properties table but cannot add new parameters to the block definition. When you work with constrained dynamic blocks in the Block Editor in AutoCAD LT, you can modify the constraint values and delete constraints but cannot add constraints in the Block Editor. You can manage the constraints while in the Block Editor from the Parametric tab.

utoCAD has special software design and drafting software called AutoCAD Mechanical for manufacturing. It has been build to ease and accelerate the mechanical design. The key features of software that make it extremely useful in mechanical system design and manufacturing are as follows: Standard Parts and Features A mechanical equipment or assembly has large numbers of components or part that constitute the product. Drawing each part may take up large amount of time. There is over 700,000 ready to use mechanical part designs which can be directly used in new designs. Some of the key parts, used in manufacturing, whose ready deigns, are available are:

o o o o o o o

Screws, Nuts, Washers Pins, Rivets, Bushings Plugs, Lubricators, Sealing Rings Bearing and Shaft Components Structural Steel Shapes Through, Tapped, Blind, and Oblong Holes Undercuts, Keyways, and Thread Ends

These parts can be inserted with ease, making the design process efficient.

The X,Y coordinate system Everything that you draw in AutoCAD is exact. It will be more accurate than you will ever need it to be. We're talking 14 decimal points accurate. All objects drawn on the screen are placed there based on a simple X,Y coordinate system. In AutoCAD this is known as theWorld Coordinate System (WCS). You must understand this to know how to put things where you want them. (3-D work has an added axis, the Z-axis, but this is not covered in this lesson.) Below is a diagram showing you how this system works (place your mouse on the diagram for more info).

In order to work effectively with AutoCAD, you have to work with this system. Until you are comfortable and familiar with it, learning AutoCAD will be more of a chore. My experience in teaching is that the better a student is with coordinates, the better CAD draftsperson they will become. Here is how it works: AutoCAD uses points to determine where an object is located. There is an origin where it begins counting from. This point is (0,0). Every object is located in relation to the origin. If you were to draw a line straight out to the right from the origin, this would be considered the positive X-axis. If you were to draw a line straight up, this would be the positive Y-axis. The picture above shows a point located at (9,6). This means that the point is 9 units over in the X-axis and 6 units up in the Y-axis. When you are working with points, X always comes first. The other point shown is (-10,-4). This means that the point is 10 units in the negative X-axis (left) and 4 units in the negative Y-axis (down). A line has two points, a start point and an end point. AutoCAD works with the points to display the line on the screen. Move your cursor over the picture above and you will see line drawn from the absolute points of (-10,-4) to (9,6). Most of the time you will not have an indication of where the origin is. You may need to draw a line from the endpoint of an existing line. To do this you use relative points. These work the same way, but you

have to add the @ symbol (shift+2) to tell AutoCAD that this next point is relative from the last point entered. To review: ABSOLUTE POINTS are exact points on the drawing drawing space. RELATIVE POINTS are relative to an OBJECT on the drawing space. Its a simple system, but mastering it is the key to working with AutoCAD and is explained in more detail further below. Angular Measurement AutoCAD measures angles in a particular way also. Look at the diagram below and then place your mouse on it to see how this is done.

When drawing lines at an angle, you have to begin measuring the angle from 0 degrees, which is at the 3 o'clock position. If you drew a line at 90 degrees, it would go straight up. The example above (when you move your mouse over it) shows a line drawn at +300 degrees (270+30), or -60 degrees. You might not always have an obvious reference point for 0 degrees. Look at the example below and place your mouse on the image to find out the angle in question.

In this example, you are given information about the lines, but not the angle AutoCAD needs to draw the line from the start point. What you are given though, is (a) the knowledge that 0 is at the 3 o'clock position (b) the knowledge that 180 is at the 9 o'clock position and (c) the angle between 180 and the line you want to draw is 150. With this information, you can figure out what angle you need. Here is a fool-proof way of getting the angle you need: 1.) Start at the 0 position and measure counter-clockwise (+) to 180. 2.) From 180, measure clockwise 150 (-) 3.) Consider that you just went +180-150 and use that as an equation: +180-150=30 4.) Now you can draw your line using polar coordinates (discussed below) Entering Points in AutoCAD You can enter points directly on the command line using three different systems. The one you use will depend on which is more applicable for the situation. The first assignment will get you used to this. The three systems are as follows: ABSOLUTE CO-ORDINATES - Using this method, you enter the points as they relate to the origin of the WCS. To enter a point just enter in the exact point as X,Y. RELATIVE CO-ORDINATES - This allows you to enter points in relation to the first point you have entered. After you've entered one point, the next would be entered as @X,Y. This means that AutoCAD will draw a line from the first point to another point X units over and Y units up relative to the previous point. POLAR CO-ORDINATES - You would use this system if you know that you want to draw a line a certain distance at a particular angle. You would enter this as @D<A. In this case, D is the distance and A is the angle. Example: @10<90 will draw a line 10 units straight up from the first point. The three ways of entering coordinates shown above are the ONLY way AutoCAD accepts input. First decide which style you need to use, and then enter as shown. Remember that X is always before Y (alphabetical). Don't forget the '@' symbol when you are entering relative points. Any typing error or omission will give you results you don't want. If you make a mistake and need to see what you typed, press F2 to bring up the text screen and check your typing. (press F2 to get back to your drawing.)

More AutoCAD Basics Subjects covered in this section: The AutoCAD screen - Workspaces - Starting Commands - Terminology The AutoCAD Screen

Move your cursor around the image above to find the names of various areas of the screen.          Application Button - This button displays commands for printing, saving, drawing utilities and other non-drawing tool. Quick Access Toolbar - This is for quick access to common commands like New, Open, Save, Plot Filename - The name of the current file you are working on. Search Bar - Search for text in your drawing or search the help files. Ribbon - The Ribbon has most of the commands/tools that you will use while you are working. Tabs - A series of Tabs make up the Ribbon (Home, Insert, Manage, etc) and organize the Tools into common groups. Panels - Contain a group of tools Tools - These are the icon that start the commands you use to draw, modify, etc. Tool Tip - If you hover your mouse over a tool, a tool tip will appear to give your more information. Hold it longer for more info.

 

 

Drawing Space - These is where you draw your designs. Command line - When you type a command, you will see it here. AutoCAD uses this space to 'prompt' you for information. It will give you a lot of information and tell you where you are in the command. Watch this line while learning. Status bar - This allows to see and change different modes of drawing such as Ortho, Osnaps, Grid, Otrack, etc. You can right click this area to toggle between icons and text for this area

Extended Draw Toolbar for Manufacturing Provides additional options for drawing creation such as more than 30 options for rectangle, arc, and circle creation. The hatching patterns and sizes required for manufacturing are built in along with many other features. Powerful and Smart Dimensions The automatic dimensioning tool allows creation of multiple dimensions with minimal input, resulting in instant groups of ordinate, parallel, or symmetric items that are appropriately spaced. The dimensions automatically adjust themselves in available space. Reusable Detailing Tools AutoCAD Mechanical has intelligent drafting tool for easily re-editing the drawing without changing the original feature set. Similarly the tools are available for details views in different scales, hole charts, title & revision block in English and metric. Associative Balloons and Bill of Materials (BOMs) The BOM specifically developed for manufacturing is automatically created & updated as the design changes. The BOM can be exported to manufacturing resource planning (MRP), enterprise resource planning (ERP), or data management systems thereby doing away with need for updating the system every time the drawing changes. Layer Management The intelligent layer management system automatically places items on the correct layer, color, and line type as drawing are created as per the customizable requirement. Machinery Generators and Calculators AutoCAD Mechanical includes machinery generator and calculator tools shaft, spring, belt, chain, and cam generators. These tool help in making iterative changes to improve design and at the same time reports are created and revised designs are analyzed. This leads to lots of time saving in redesign. Data Exchange between CAD Systems AutoCAD Mechanical includes the industry-standard IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) and STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data) formats for exchanging data between dissimilar CAD systems making the design process usable on other systems.

An assembly drawing shows how all of the parts of a multi-component design fit together, and are generally depicted as one or more orthographic projections. One or more full section views are often used in assembly drawings to show necessary internal features. There are several different types of assembly drawings and designs. They are outline or setting drawings, erection drawings, assembly working drawings, diagram drawings, part assembly drawings, and general assembly drawings.

MEP Engineering India types of Assembly Drawings

y y y y y y
Design Assembly General Assembly Detail Assembly Erection Assembly Subassembly Pictorial Assembly

Assembly Drawing Advantages:

y y y y y
The final output is editable and will be in DXF or DWG (or any other CAD format). Can create as many layers as our require.Generate separate layers for dimensions, text, body, hidden lines, and centerlines, etc Text is separated and has its own layer and is recognizable as text Dimensions are intact and are shown by a separate layer Use blocks for different entities

Definition of assembly drawing:: An aircraft drawing which shows a group of parts laid out in the relationship they will have when they are assembled.