3D Visualization and Navigation Using AutoCAD 2009

Using AutoCAD 2009 you can display your models in various forms for both modeling and presentation purposes.
Use visual styles to view the model as wireframe geometry, conceptual-style faces, or realistic materials. Learn to apply materials from an extensive library that is included with AutoCAD, or create and modify your own custom materials.
The AutoCAD design team hosted a “sneak peek and test drive” for London-area AutoCAD users to offer their feedback on future AutoCAD functionality. This is one of the many ways the AutoCAD team collects information to continually improve your experience and productivity with CADsoftware.

AutoCAD Software for Higher Education Students

AutoCAD helps prepare students for academic and professional success. As a student, you can join our free Student Engineering and Design Community, get access to Autodesk 3D design software, or purchase Autodesk software at a discount.
AutoCAD Student CommunityStudents and faculty can access free CAD software, self-paced tutorials, worldwide discussion groups and forums, job postings, and more by joining the AutoCAD Student Engineering and Design Community.
Student Design SuccessesSee innovative designs created by students from around the world using AutoCAD 3D design tools in the Student Engineering and Design Community.
VideosStudents developing technical skills with Autodesk design tools in college are finding design careers more easily than ever before. Learn how students and young professionals are using their imagination and passion for innovation to succeed in their respective industries.
Today’s Design CareersWhether you see yourself at a desk, in the field, or in a lab, there’s a design career that’s just right for you. Learn about the variety of options at your fingertips.

Mechanical Standard Parts Library Development

At home and abroad as the most popular CAD software general, AutoCAD powerful graphics capabilities, friendly user interface, as well as strong secondary development function for mechanical standard parts in CAD drawing in the provision of a quick convenience.
For mechanical design and drawing inevitable query to standard, as the standard mapping is extremely complex, and require repeated investigation to find the manual, very time-consuming and labor-intensive, it is necessary to use AutoCAD second development, developing fast, accurate search and mapping Mechanical standard software to enhance the graphics and speed to save human resources. The system designed by mechanical standard parts library, a settlement of this series.
The design standard parts library based on the premise: query and mapping work for the background, transparent to customers, and its purpose is to enable users to carry out only the simplest operation can be drawn from the system's standard graphics, and inquiries into the Standard-related information.

Mechanical Standard Parts Library Development

At home and abroad as the most popular CAD software general, AutoCAD powerful graphics capabilities, friendly user interface, as well as strong secondary development function for mechanical standard parts in AutoCAD drawing in the provision of a quick convenience.
For mechanical design and drawing inevitable query to standard, as the standard mapping is extremely complex, and require repeated investigation to find the manual, very time-consuming and labor-intensive, it is necessary to use AutoCAD second development, developing fast, accurate search and mapping Mechanical standard software to enhance the graphics and speed to save human resources. The system designed by mechanical standard parts library, a settlement of this series.
The design standard parts library based on the premise: query and mapping work for the background, transparent to customers, and its purpose is to enable users to carry out only the simplest operation can be drawn from the system's standard graphics, and inquiries into the Standard-related information.

The difference between CAD and AUTOCAD

AutoCAD is Autodesk U.S. companies to develop an interactive mapping software is used in two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, graphics system tools, users can use it to create, view, manage, print, export, share and reuse accurate rich With the design of information graphics.
CAD (Computer Aided Design) refers to the meaning of computer-aided design, computer technology is an important application in the field.
AutoCAD is a software platform, in order to cover almost all those in need in the field of painting, not the software customized for specific industries. For example, during the two-dimensional mechanical design, AutoDesk, there's a professional AutoCAD Mechanical 2000 software, AutoCAD 2000 as a platform to a custom frame, the title bar, add a library and computing module, according to AutoDesk's own tests With the completion of the professional software of the same design or engineering task than simply using AutoCAD Express 6 times. This shows that there is only the AutoCAD software platform, use it to direct Laigao design, mechanical design in particular is very difficult and inefficient.

ZWCAD compare with AUTOCAD

Domestic independent development of CAD software - in the hope CAD, fully compatible with the popular use of AutoCAD. ZWCAD2006" software to install and run into the main interface, the following is the "ZWCAD2006" interface, and its interface with AutoCAD "deja vu."
From the above and see exactly the same as AutoCAD, of which there are only two differences (bold words), a script for the record, this is also the hope of the merits. Another system for the minimum configuration (memory / hard drive), in the hope that occupy less resources.
2D CAD software as a domestic, "ZWCAD2006" compatibility, easy to operate. In the hope of the CAD interface, operation habits, and even ordered all fast AutoCAD with basically the same, AutoCAD users will be able to learn without the use of the smooth look of CAD. As the hope of having CAD conversion can read, write and display DWG files, for the majority of CAD designers, this information is the biggest gospel
Of course, in the hope that relative to the CAD for AutoCAD, there are still some gaps. Also in the building look good, but is commonly used in the construction industry Tianzheng construction, and construction is Tianzheng AutoCAD software support, as if looking in the CAD will support the construction Tianzheng software, it would be good news for the people.

The basic function of AUTOCAD

*Drawing aids. AutoCAD provides orthogonal, to capture the target, the polar axis tracking, tracing, and other graphics to capture aids. Orthogonal functions so that users can easily draw the level of vertical straight line, to help pick up the object to capture the geometric object on the particular point, and tracking functions so that the painting and a slash in different directions along the anchor easier.
*Graphics editor. AutoCAD with powerful editing features, you can move, copy, rotate, array, stretching, extended cut, zoom, and other objects.
*Three-dimensional graphics. Can create a 3D CAD model of the surface and entities, the entity itself can be edited.
*Network. Graphics can be released on the network, or network access through AutoCAD resources.
*Data exchange. AutoCAD provides a wide range of graphics image data interchange format and the corresponding order.
*Secondary development. AutoCAD allows users to customize menus and toolbars, and the use of language embedded Autolisp, Visual Lisp, VBA, ADS, ARX, such as the development of a second

About AutoCAD

AutoCAD from Autodesk Inc. Autodesk United States in the 1980s to the early application of computer technology and the development of CAD drawing software program, after endless perfect, it is the international community has become widely popular graphics tools. AutoCAD has a good user interface, through the interactive menu or command-line mode will be able to carry out various operations. Its multi-document environment designed for non-computer professionals can quickly learn to use. In the process of constant practice to better grasp its various applications and the development of skills in order to continuously improve work efficiency.
AutoCAD with a wide range of adaptability, it can be a variety of operating systems supported by micro-computers and workstations running on and supports the resolution by the 320 × 200 to 2048 × 1024 of a variety of graphical display more than 40 kinds of equipment, as well as the digital instrument and mouse More than 30, the plotter and dozens of printers, which for the popularity of AutoCAD to create the conditions.

Compare with AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a CAD (Computer Aided Design) software application for 2D and 3D CAD design and drafting, developed and sold by Autodesk, Inc. Initially released in late 1982, AutoCAD was one of the first CAD programs to run on personal computers, and notably the IBM PC. Most CAD software at the time ran on graphics terminals connected to mainframe computers or mini-computers.
Begin your drafting career using AutoCAD. Develop these skills and more:
1》Use of basic CAD equipment; coordinate systems and software used with CAD programs.
2》Use of drafting equipment, media, and reproduction methods.
3》Dimensioning, geometric construction, and geometric tolerancing.
4》AutoCAD commands. Electrical and electronic schematic drafting with AutoCAD.
Penn Foster Career School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools for high school and vocational-technical programs, and by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).

Mechanical CAD Drawing

Sellvinds provides outsourcing services in mechanical CAD drawing, Raster to Vector Conversion, 3D modeling and surfacing, outsourcing component drawing, 2D 3D modeling, 2D 3D surfacing and 2D 3D Product Development
The professional organization providing mechanical CAD drawing/documentation services to customers worldwide. We assist our client's in the mechanical engineering field with our professional and affordable CAD drawing /documentation services. Our short lead-time, industry expertise and affordable cost structure makes us among the most sought after engineering drawing providing company in the region.
Mechanical CAD drawing conversion services, 2D 3D mechanical CAD drafting services, 3D mechanical design India, convert CAD, mechanical CAD drawings, cad engineering, mechanical engineering drawing

Electrical CAD - Save 80% time!

Why you can save up to 80% time by using PCschematic ELautomation as your electrical CAD software? ... Well, the answer is a combination of different features designed specially for electrical CAD.
The free IDF Plug-In enables PCB designers to import PCB designs for use in mechanical and electrical CAD systems in a bi-directional, neutral format within the Sunstone ECOsystem Design Environment.
GLHN Architects and Engineers Inc. hired eleven new employees to its architecture, engineering, business development and administration departments this year. New in Electrical Engineering are: Gilbert C. Brito, electrical CAD technician
Candidates will be also be involved in the full project development lifecycle for a range of systems, software and equipment in line with specific customer requirements, making this opportunity considerably more than simply a straightforward PLC software or Electrical CAD “manipulation” role - and successful candidates will relish the challenges and variety they will face and will demonstrate a desire to forge a career working as part of a larger team – so communication skills, enthusiasm, drive and self motivation are essential requirements.

What Can Automotive CAD Software Do?

AutoCAD software has made the auto industry advanced in leaps and bounds.The first step is to design the car. Often times this is done in a pencil sketch but quickly moved into a wire-frame or basic outline into some sort of automotive CAD software.

Simply designing and building the car isn’t all automotive CAD software can do. A large and somewhat new aspect is the simulations that it can run. Digital Car Design is the online resource for automotive designers, engineers and modellers, covering both technical and visual software. Take a look round the site to find information and tutorials on key programs like Autodesk AliasStudio, Rhino, AutoCAD, CATIA and more.

As you can see the automotive industry has gone high tech. Not only are the means in which they produce the cars in their factories incredibly complex but the automotive CAD software they use to design it is too. Slowly the architect, the engineer and the car designer all merge into one being. No longer can a love of cars and a good eye get you into the industry. Now and days you have to be good with computers and automotive CAD software. As technology advances the reliance on automotive CAD software and computers as a whole will increase.

CAD beginners how to improve the efficiency

In the hope of CAD software, and other categories, there are many very convenient shortcut keys, left hand up and easy to operate, such as the space bar on the keyboard equivalent to the enter key, the big left thumb on the space bar to facilitate the operation of abnormal, and Is the standard operating fingering, and the enter key criteria should be fingering a small right hand thumb, CAD operation, the right hand holding the mouse, it is not convenient, is not the mouse Moreover.
According to the findings of modern medicine, to make full use of his left hand, will be beneficial to the development of intellectual brain, right brain to promote the flow of blood to prevent brain hardening of the arteries, reducing the possibility of a stroke.
I verified in practice, it summed up the following number of common shortcuts: in the hope that regardless of CAD software, Tianzheng CAD software, Word, Excel, and other software, or in Photoshop, Illustrator and web design software, and so on, all of the common effective Command, it must seek a strong memory! Keyboard on the "Ctrl" keys in memory and can be used to write "∧" to show that.
∧ C - Copy (Copy)
∧ V - paste (Paste)
∧ X - Cut (Cut)
∧ A - Select All (ALL)
∧ S - save (Save)
∧ N - New (New)
∧ O - Open (Open)
∧ P - printing (Print)
∧ Z - withdrawal of operation (Undo)
Above, there are common characteristics of these general-purpose shortcut keys, the next point to remember martial arts will certainly be beneficial. . Look in the use of CAD software, I strongly advocate Qiaojian Pan left hand, right hand with the mouse, to minimize the use of the drop-down menu!
Reference：http://www.zwcad.org

CAD drawing skills——How to approach such as axis drawing

CAD drawing skills with the CAD software——How to approach such as axis drawing From the beginning of R10, such as the axis in order to draw the way often is not the structure of the painting, such as the first choice. Despite such as AutoCAD Shaft there, but if it is R10 or later, will feature the use of 3D structural model, and then type DVIEW or VPOINTS axis, and so on the way to observe the design. The features such as AutoCAD Shaft SNAP order to visit his son Style options such as axis control mode, this option under the standard or optional, and so on the way axis. Once inside the shaft and so on the way, Ctrl E to activate the top, right or left. Upon obtaining the correct plane, you can paint the object. 3D functions such as axis and the difference is the way to capture 3D CAD software generated by the real-size model, and the shaft, and other entities to capture a distorted way, in fact, the entity that is not the way.

AutoCAD Tips:Convert a 3D solid to a 2D drawin

This AutoCAD tip explains how to Convert a 3D solid to a 2D drawing with a hidden view, but you can create a wireframe as well. It uses the SOLPROF command to create a profile. By transferring the results to another file, you get a solely 2D  CAD drawing.

1.  Create the 3D model. 

2.  Set up the hidden view that you want.

3.  Start the UCS command and use the New>View option to set the XY plane parallel to the view.

4.  Choose a layout tab. By default, a viewport is created automatically. Otherwise, choose

View>Viewports>New View (MVIEW command) and create a viewport.

5.  Double-click inside the viewport to switch to model space.

6.  Type solprof on the command line At the prompt, select the 3D model and accept the defaults (Y each time) for all three prompts. You should now see a wireframe profile, as shown here in a viewport. (The profile is one object.)

7.  You'll now see two new layers in the Layer Control drop-down list. One starts with PV-

and could be PV-ad, PV-125, or any suffix. The other starts with PH- and has the same suffix. The PV layer contains the front parts of the profile (V stands for visible). The PH

layer contains the hidden parts (H stands for hidden). Make the PV- layer the current layer.

8.  Freeze all other layers. Now you see the hidden view. If you want a wireframe, don't freeze the PH- layer.

9.  Press Ctrl+C and select all objects (which won't include the frozen layers) to copy the

profile to the Windows Clipboard.

10. Start a new drawing.

11. Press Ctrl+V to paste in the profile and specify any point to place it. You should see the profile  looking  exactly  the  same  as  before.  (If  the  angle  looks  wrong,  reproduce  the viewpoint you had in the previous drawing and set the UCS to View again.)

12. Start the EXPLODE command (because the profile comes in as a block) and select all objects. (Skip this step if you want to leave it as one object.)

13. The new profile may not be the same scale as the original. If not, measure any length in the original 3D drawing.

14. Use the SCALE command and select all the objects. Then use the Reference option. At

the prompt to specify the reference length, specify the beginning and end of the length you measured, that is, the same object in the new 2D drawing.

15. At the prompt to specify the new length, enter the length that you measured to scale the 2d model to that new length.

Now, You completed the conversion of a 3D solid to a 2D  cad drawing. Can you work in this AutoCAD tips?

Export X-Y-Z coordinates of AutoCAD drawing blocks?

Somebody want to know How to Export X-Y-Z coordinates of Auto CAD drawing blocks? In fact,

there are several ways to export a list of XY or XYZ coordinates of AutoCAD blocks/symbols or other objects in an AutoCAD drawing.

In all AutoCAD versions you can use the ATTEXT command and prepare an export template containing the X and Y coordinates of the reported blocks (see AutoCAD User Guide).

In a much more user friendly way you can use the EATTEXT (resp. DATAEXTRACTION) command (wizard) to report AutoCAD drawing block information from the current drawing (plus other drawings). Start the wizard and confirm all default values (name your DXE file in Step 1, use only blocks in Step 3, include the position properties in Step 4). In Step 6, choose the export to an external file (XLS, MDB, CSV, TXT).

What is 2D CAD ?

2D is called as the creation, display and manipulation of objects in the computer in two dimensions .2D Cad Drawing programs and 2D CAD programs allow objects to be drawn on an X-Y scale as if they were drawn on paper.Although 3D images can be drawn in 2D CAD programs, their views are static. 2D CAD can be scaled larger or smaller, but they cannot be rotated to different angles as with 3D objects in 3D Cad programs. They also lack the automatic lighting effects of 3D programs. Any desired shadows must be created by the artist using color fills or gradients.

2D Cad Drawing for Conversion to 3d Cad Drawing

How to Prepare a 2d Cad Drawing for Conversion to 3d Cad Drawing for Topcon Rovers?

This is just one of an assortment of ways to simplify the 2D Cad to 3D conversion process that it takes to create a fully functional 3D map. The most important step in minimizing polylines while at the same time maximizing the use of memory.

1. Using AutoCAD, open the 2-D *.dwg file that you received from the architect or engineer. 99% of the time the architects or engineers will e-mail you or otherwise just give you a copy of their dwg files without any further charge .

2. Make a backup copy naming the project whatever you wish. For TopCon users; file naming is crucial at this stage. You want to break the project down into groups. You should really start with the very first thing that you're going to do on the project...

3. Isolate that specific layer. Most likely the operators will have already cleared the area so we are dealing with a blank slate. You should always start with either your biggest cut or fill or your shortest haul distance. For this example, it will be creating a 2 lane highway. We need to first create a file showing

So, Maybe you can Prepare a 2d Cad Drawing for Conversion to 3d Cad Drawing for Topcon Rovers

The Cool cad software

Let’s take a look at some of the cool CAD software:

ARCHICAD:ArchiCAD is architectural CAD software for developed by Graphisoft. It is easy to use software popular amongst architects and designers. ArchiCAD automatically generates all required 2D and 3D output from a single file. Users work and edit directly in both 3D and 2D. The newest version (2007) is ArchiCAD 11.

CHIEF ARCHITECT:Specially designed for residential design professionals, The cad software makes easier to visualize design ideas. Architectural drafting software commonly used by professional designers, builders and architects. Available in integrated 2D and 3D package.

ZWcad:ZWCAD is a reliable CAD software for 2D&3D design, a cost-effective CAD drawing & drafting program, with affordable price to reduce your CAD budget. ZWCAD 2008i Standard is a powerful CAD tool for 2D drawing and can be customized with LISP, ADS (C++) or DRX and allow users to develop third-party applications.

MicroStation:Originally developed by Intergraph, It’s widely used among architects, contractors,GIS professionals and engineers to work on buildings and other projects.

DATACAD:DATACAD is a comprehensive CADD package, which includes a number of automated features for architects. The only software endorsed by the American Institute of Architects.
SolidWorks:SolidWorks is a 3D mechanical CAD program developed by SolidWorks Corporation. SolidWorks is used by mechanical engineers and designers.

By the way , cad software download here!

CAD software freeware

I found some CAD software freeware in the free cad software website.

Free CAD is software with not many advanced features but has advanced Motion Simulation capabilities.Is good for using CAD software freeware in a educational evironment, for learning design, physics, vibrations, geometry, kinematics and dynamics and many more other things. With FreeCAD you can create and manipulate assemblies of parts.

You can Find CAD Software freeware in the zw cad or Ar-cad.

If you have any resoure about CAD Software freeware, Please tell us . Thanks very much.

How to Purchase 3D software

How to Purchase 3D software? That is a important problem to 3d designer. Now , Let's share some experiences about purchasing 3D software.

If you want to Purchase 3D software,Plese ask yourself the following questions:

1. What type of parts do you make (injection molded, machined, cast, etc.)?
2. Does your company plan to use the 3D model design for downstream processes? If so, which processes?
3. What level of accuracy does your company require? Determine the level of accuracy (third order or above) in the wire frame, surface, and solid geometry needed to produce your designs. Find out if the software under consideration supports this level of accuracy.
4. Does the software under consideration support all required engineering design and analysis functions?
5. How will you maintain your existing designs (legacy data)?
6. Will your existing staff be sufficient to support the new software and hardware?
7. How long before your current personnel become productive with 3D modeling software?
8. Will the software purchase require your company to purchase new hardware?
9. What hardware is needed? Be careful! The cost per 3D modeling workstation can be very misleading. Most software is packaged in some modular fashion. When you compare 3D design software costs, be sure to compare apples to apples.

So, I beleive you can do you best for Purchaseing 3D CAD.

CAD / CAM Software Download

The term CAD/CAM is a shortening of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). There are lots of CAD/CAM for downloading, I guess you will like .

AutoCad Download
AutoCAD by Autodesk is one of the best professional design & drafting programs on the market. This award winning program is used by engineering and manufacturing companies around the world.

Zw CAD Download
ZWCAD is a reliable CAD software for 2D&3D design, a cost-effective CAD drawing & drafting program, with affordable price to reduce your CAD budget. ZWCAD 2008i Standard is a powerful CAD tool for 2D drawing and can be customized with LISP, ADS (C++) or DRX and allow users to develop third-party applications.

EZCAM CAD/CAM Systems Download
Introduced by Bridgeport Machines, EZ-CAM CAD/CAM software has over 10,000 users worldwide. Developed by a team of software and machining specialists, the software combines an easily learned interface with powerful machining capabilities.

TubeCad Download
Perform 3-D tube layout and design for forming and bending tube assemblies quickly and accurately with this simple software.

AlphaCAM Download
LICOM AlphaCAM is a comprehensive and fully-featured CAD/CAM system for the Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT/2000 platforms. Capable of 3-5 axis milling, 3D router, turning, engraving, punching, laser & waterjet profiling. Available in 14 languages.

IronCAD Download
3D CAD software for foundries by Novacast. Works fully in 3D and changes in design can be made without going to 2D. The most suitable CAD system for a jobbing foundry. Easy import of most common CAD files. Comes with 20 different foundry catalogs.

Some Typical Problems Faced Using 2D?

What are some typical problems faced using 2D? With 2D drawings, engineers and manufacturing personnel have to interpret or visualise flat 2D drawing as a 3D assembly. At times, interpreting 2D drawings results in misinterpretation of the engineer’s original design intent, leading to delays .

The design and manufacturing process is needlessly extended as all these processes analysis , prototyping, stereolithography, manufacturing , fabrication and assembly - require 3D solid geometry. Additional time is required to manage and recreate design data. (Vice-president , Asia Pacific Operations, SolidWorks Corporation)

benefits of using 3D solid modeling

What are the biggest benefits for using 3D solid modeling to create new products?
Solid modeling is the unambiguous representation of the solid parts of an object, that is, models of solid objects suitable for computer processing. Primary uses of solid modeling are for CAD, engineering analysis, computer graphics and animation , rapid prototyping, medical testing, product visualisation and visualisation of scientific research. Solid modeling software creates a virtual 3D representation of components for machine design and analysis.

Interface with the human operator is highly optimised and includes programmable macros, keyboard shortcuts and dynamic model manipulation. The ability to dynamically re-orient the model, in real-time shaded 3-D , is emphasised and helps the designer maintain a mental 3-D image.

The productivity gains from 3D CAD software can increase a manufacturer’s competitiveness. Solid modeling shortens design cycles, streamlines manufacturing processes and accelerates product introductions by improving the sharing of product design information and communication throughout an organisation, as well as among its suppliers and customers .

Faster time-to-market and higher quality products translate into increased revenue, while reduced design costs provide larger profit margin. Engineers benefit from improved handling and visualisation of design data, leading to greater design innovation, testing and confidence. (writen by Vice-president , Asia Pacific Operations, SolidWorks Corporation)

The AutoCAD Resource

CADTutor delivers very good free tutorials and articles for AutoCAD, 3ds Max and associated applications along with a friendly AutoCAD forum and an AutoCAD FAQ. If you need to learn AutoCAD, the site is the right choice:http://www.cadtutor.net/tutorials/autocad/index.php

Various types of anonymous blocks in AutoCAD

AutoCAD drawing database (DWG) can contain various types of anonymous (unnamed) blocks. The pseudo-names of anonymous blocks always start with an asterisk "*". You normally cannot use AutoCAD block editing commands with anonymous blocks. Examples of anonymous blocks:

*U### - general anonymous blocks
*E### - anonymous blocks from non-uniformly scaled blocks - when exploded (e.g. solids, regions)
*D### - anonymous dimensions (dim blocks)
*X### - anonymous hatches (hatch blocks)
*A### - anonymous groups
*T### - anonymous blocks in tables AutoCAD add-on applications may create also other types of anonymous blocks.

Making a CAD Standard

The article is is extracted from Dale Batko's article"Understanding CAD Standards": One of the best ways to ensure the productivity of your CAD department is to create and work to a set of CAD standards. Doing so will bring new employees up to speed faster, speed projects to completion with greater accuracy, and facilitate more effective data exchange with clients and collaborating firms.

What Makes a CAD Standard?

As little or as much information as necessary to make CAD work more productive! At the very least, the CAD standard should guide a user through opening existing drawings and plotting them out. This would be enough information to get a new CAD operator up and running on day #1 at the job. A document outlining these steps would be less than one page!

Beyond this, users should know how to effectively edit drawings. This means knowing where the symbol library is located and how to access it, and what "layers" or "levels" drawing information should be placed on. It would also help if the CAD user knew what customizations have been done to the system, because not all companies set up software the same way. Documenting this may take several pages.

A well thought out CAD standard would also include information on how to set up new projects and drawings, and show steps for exchanging CAD data with clients and other companies. There may also be a FAQ section to help users with troubleshooting their CAD systems. Appendices may also be included to impart additional information to the CAD users in a way that does not detract from the overall focus.

How to Select CAD Software

There are many CAD software, but how to select a right one? The article is from "World Transactions on Engineering and Technology Education" :

Three different models for choosing CAD software are presented here. The most desirable is the scientific model based on a systematic assessment using objective measures. However, one lesson from history is that this approach is costly to implement when the technology changes rapidly.

The second approach to select CAD software is to use the reviews of experts in journals and trade magazines. These are usually very subjective but are up-to-date, and reveal important information about the functionality, cost and availability of the latest software and its upgrades. The reviews also reveal information about adoptions, that is, about the assessments of others who commit resources to it.

The third approach to select CAD tools is the stakeholder model and this is the one most used by the College in the past although trade publications are certainly followed.

Free AutoCAD Drawing Viewer download

AutoCAD Drawing Viewer is a free utility for viewing AutoCAD drawing files. Features include: View and open drawings, view block attribute values, view text values, view layer information, print drawings, copy drawing to ClipBoard, save drawing as a BMP file, etc.

AutoCAD Drawing Viewer does not require AutoCAD to run and is compatible with all AutoCAD drawing versions.

Download here