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What is CAD design?
CAD (computer-aided design) is used in almost every industry, in projects as wide-ranging as landscape design, bridge construction, office building design and film animation. With 2D or 3D CAD programs, you can perform a variety of tasks: you can create a 3D model of a design, apply material and light effects and document the design with dimensions and other annotations.
Types of CAD design
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Building design
Building design is used from concept through to completion by professionals working in architecture, construction, MEP engineering and structural engineering, and by building owners, operators and managers.
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Infrastructure design
Infrastructure engineers and planners use CAD design tools to create intelligent 3D models and engineering drawings for land development, transport, utilities, water and wastewater projects.
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Manufacturing design
CAD design software is used by manufacturers and CAM professionals to machine, fabricate, 3D print, inspect and fabricate better quality parts, faster.
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Product Design
Throughout the development cycle, from concept to manufacturing, CAD design software is used to create consumer products, industrial machinery, and building products and equipment.
How is CAD design used?
Re-inventing the earbud
Stephen Ambrose, pioneering creator of the in-ear monitoring technology used by musicians onstage, is re-inventing the earbud to prevent hearing loss.
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See what our customers are doing
Designing electric motorcycles
Electric motorcycle builders out-raced the petrol-powered competition with a superbike developed with generative design and 3D printed prototypes.
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Bringing modular buildings to construction
Modular construction innovators combine high-tech manufacturing and BIM in an ingenious system of standardised components for steel-frame buildings.
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CAD design Software
Professional design software for 2D and 3D CAD
BIM software to plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure
Cost-effective 2D CAD software for drafting and documentation
Simplified 3D BIM tool for producing 3D architectural designs and documentation
Civil engineering design and construction documentation
Manufacturing and product design software
Mechanical design and 3D CAD software for product development
Cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software for industrial and product design
Add 3D mechanical CAD into 2D workflows with part-level parametric modelling
CAM software for high-speed and 5-axis machining
Integrated 2.5- to 5-axis CAD/CAM programming for Inventor and SOLIDWORKS
CAD design resources
Learn more about CAD design with these blogs, tips, tutorials and guides.
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Learn from Autodesk University experts, hone your skills and see what’s possible with Autodesk software.
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Get the most out of your AutoCAD trial with these tutorials, tips and free resources.
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Start learning Revit so you can bring ideas from concept to construction with a model-based approach.
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Whether you're just getting to know Inventor or are a seasoned 3D CAD user, take a look at these tutorials to see how you can put Inventor to work for you.
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Get started in Fusion 360 (US Site)
Experience the power of cloud-based 3D CAD. Learn 3D modelling and 3D printing with beginning and advanced tutorials.
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Get shortcut keys and commands lists for popular Autodesk products.