In the age of modern technology, the design of buildings and structures, like many other things, has been shouldered by automated systems. There was an opportunity in a short time to create a full-fledged project, show the customer, quickly change something or add to it. Tools such as CAD programs will be discussed in this article.
What is CAD?
A computer-aided design system is nothing more than the domestic name CAD (computer-aided design). Its essence is to increase the productivity of designers and engineers, as well as improving the quality of their work. This is achieved due to several useful properties of CAD programs:
- the process of creating all the documentation takes place automatically;
- the ability to use parallel design by several people;
- previously created projects are easy to use in new ones, connecting them in a short time;
- there is no need to use models and tests;
- reduces the percentage of errors and shortcomings.
In this way, CAD systems have brought design to a whole new level, reducing labor costs and increasing productivity.
Overview of CAD programs
There are many different software solutions on the market for a wide variety of design industries. It is worth considering them in more detail.
AutoCAD
This review would not be complete without the inclusion of this CAD mastodon. AutoCAD has been on the market for over 20 years and has long taken the position of the best CAD program. Everything that a designer needs is implemented in this software.
However, technology and requirements do not stand still, and very soon the capabilities of AutoCAD began to be missed. It is suitable for medium and small projects. But if you need to create a full-fledged huge project, working with it will already be inconvenient.
Therefore, the Autodesk development company went further and created the Architectural Desktop. Its users are professional architects and specialists in the field of civil and industrial construction. With all its capabilities, this CAD program was able to maintain the ease of use of AutoCAD.
Since design covers a large number of industries for which drawings and plans are needed, Autodesk has also created several highly specialized solutions. All products of the developer are paid and significantly expensive.
Archicad
This is one of the CAD programs that is gaining popularity among designers. It has great features. In particular, it provides a virtual model with which you can work out not only the internal structure, but also the external appearance to the smallest detail.
The program can also generate all the necessary set of documents for registration.
Large architectural studios and bureaus will like the function of working together on a project. Parallelization of tasks significantly speeds up the creative process.
Athena
CAD program for creating drawings and projects. It specializes mainly in solutions for facade and metal structures. But the latest versions can also design full-fledged buildings and complexes.
Work takes place both in 2D mode and in three-dimensional space.
CAD software for Linux
As you know, in the Linux environment the most common programs that have free licenses or even open source. In most cases, they are far behind in features from paid products of the Windows environment. However, we will consider some decent CAD solutions that can solve the tasks of designers.
Qcad
Distributed under the free GNU GPL. However, there is a version for professionals, whose price is about $ 33.
The scope of the software product is 2D drawings, sketches. In general, the system is suitable for creating small and not complex projects.
Open cascade
This product is already focused on creating full-fledged 3D projects. In addition, there are tools for quick exchange of documentation, visualization and joint development.
CASCADE is distributed in free form, there is an open source code. However, under the terms of the license, if the user has made changes to the code, he must notify the developers.
ARCAD
And this is a paid solution for the Linux environment. A complete system designed for professionals. It has great features. In particular, the creation of a 3D model, visualization, calculations of the necessary volumes and masses, as well as much more.
CAD and Android
With this trend in the development of mobile devices, it is not surprising that smartphones and tablets will soon completely replace their “big brothers”. And now such complex and heavy tools as CAD tools are also available on mobile platforms. Next will be a short review of CAD programs for Android.
AutoCAD 360
This product was already mentioned at the beginning of the article. The developer of the program is the same - Autodesk. The application is free, but there are also commercial versions of Pro and Pro Plus. This same representative can work with files of a full-fledged PC version, that is, create and edit them. The interface is simple and straightforward. True, there is one small limitation - you can work with files less than 10 MB.
Cadtouch
A good CAD editor and viewer. Free, simple and intuitive. It has an extensive list of tools, working with DWG files, as well as a raster mode.
Unfortunately, development in the 3D environment has not yet been finalized, but the application has room to grow. Like most programs, it has a Pro version, for which you need to pay about $ 20.
Turboviewer
This application is not an editor, but a simple file viewer like DWG / DXF. It works pretty fast. It will be a good solution for designers when it is necessary to quickly show the working elements of the project to the customer away from the computer.
Conclusion
Design automation software is available on all well-known platforms. Some are paid solutions, while others are open source. But all of them are united by one thing - the ability to quickly create a complete project of an object.