All processes in the world are so automated that it is no longer difficult to find some kind of tool for creating projects. What is "AutoCAD", few know. Usually, graduates of construction universities have clearly heard about him. Even those who work with the application daily may not know all the subtleties of working with it.
About the program
So, AutoCAD is a whole software system that is designed to work with the design and drawing of two- and three-dimensional projects. The program is automated, which gives the engineer many opportunities. For the first time, what is "AutoCAD", learned in 1982. It was then that the first version of the program appeared.
Since this is a whole system, there are a number of applications that are based on it. These conditional additions can be used in various fields. There are separate utilities for engineering, construction, architecture, etc.
Availability
Interestingly, it is possible to choose one of the 18 available interface languages. Localization works both with full translation and with partial adaptation of reference books. If we talk about the Russian-language version, that is, a fully translated version. Fully adapted interface, command line, documentation and user manual.
Many people think that AutoCAD is free. This is not entirely true. There is a trial version for which you will not be charged. But it is given for a certain period. If you want the official full program, you will have to pay $ 185 a month, $ 1,470 a year, and $ 4,410 for 3 years. For large companies, this is a little money, so they usually install a licensed version.
Students
But there is still a free "AutoCAD". This version applies to a student license. It is designed for students and teachers only for educational purposes. You can install this version of the program from the Autodesk Education Community website.
There are practically no differences from the paid version. At least in terms of functionality. But something will still be limited. For example, files with the DWG extension, which will be either created or edited in the program, will receive a special mark. It will be displayed even when printing. In general, if you have a small company, then perhaps this option is the best solution. Since a paid subscription still costs a lot of money.
Opportunities
A clear understanding of what "AutoCAD" is, and allows a description of the features of the program. The first versions were the most primitive. You could work with a circle, line, arc, or text — the parts from which more complex elements were created. It was after this that the program began to be called the electronic shuttle, which is generally true, given its capabilities.
Now AutoCAD is difficult to call so, because its functionality has become so wide that it is impossible to do such operations on an ordinary culmination.
As mentioned earlier, work is being done with two- and three-dimensional projects. In the first case, you can also use simple graphic primitives to assemble complex objects from them. It is possible to work with layers and all kinds of objects such as text, symbols and sizes.
If it is necessary to break the drawings in AutoCAD into component parts, there are special external links. It is so easy to distribute work, especially when the project is large. Each user works on his own element. Dynamic blocks help in design automation. It is especially convenient for ordinary users so as not to use programming.
Two-dimensional projects in 2010 with the release of the new version acquired a two-dimensional parametric drawing. And after 4 years it became possible to use the dynamic connection of drawings in AutoCAD with geolocation.
3D design
In the 2014 program, a full package of tools for three-dimensional design was implemented. The system has acquired support for solid-state, surface and polygonal modeling. The visualization of the models was developed due to the rendering system.
Among other things, there was three-dimensional printing. Not always a useful feature, but still it allowed to immediately realize the project using a 3D printer. New versions lack only three-dimensional parameterization. If this option existed, then the software could become a competitor to engineering CAD.
Popularity
The AutoCAD program has gained its popularity for many reasons. She has well-developed development and adaptation tools. It is easy for the user to customize the system for themselves. The basic functionality can be expanded. There is a whole set of tools that complement, expand, improve software. Based on AutoCAD, many applications have been made, both by the developer and third-party participants.
Facilities
Different versions of AutoCAD had their own specific capabilities. For example, not all macros became known immediately. In general, macros are a simple means of adaptation. For example, there may be a command that displays a menu bar, clears, includes line weights, etc.
In the 2009 version, Action Macros appeared. So, the user could easily execute a number of commands that were recorded thanks to this tool. Menu Macros is a tool for creating your own buttons that could trigger commands or a series of commands.
Support
Anyone who finds out what AutoCAD is, of course, wants to install a program for work. To do this, you need to understand which systems can support this CAD system. In general, there should not be any difficulties with installing it if your PC runs on Windows and OS X.
AutoCAD 2018 version is now available. It works correctly with Windows 7, 8.1 and 10. The first two systems support 32 and 64 bits, and the “Ten” only works with the 64-bit version. For proper operation, 4 GB of RAM will suffice, although 8 GB is recommended.
The central processor must have a frequency of 1 GHz. The video card supports a resolution of 1360 x 768, full color mode and DirectX 11. To install on the disk you will need 4 GB of free memory. If you use three-dimensional modeling, it is better that the operating memory is from 8 GB, and disk space will need from 6 GB extra.
In general, as practice shows, users have enough average PCs for the correct operation of AutoCAD. It is not necessary to acquire a top-end hardware. It is important that there is enough RAM.