AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a venerable computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting tool that is used by a wide range of industry professionals, including architects, engineers, project managers, and graphic designers. One of the first CAD programs available for a microcomputer, AutoCAD is currently available for Windows and MacOS, as well as for mobile and the cloud. There are also special versions for many different types of industries, as well as a student edition. They further offer a low cost edition that has limited features.
- Has unmatched tools for designing detailed and precise real world objects
- Provides a realistic 3D interface
- Offers industry specific versions
- Has cloud and mobile editions
- Is relatively easy to use
- Is excellent for large projects
- Has high-quality and professional customer support
- Has terrific documentation
- Has a huge user base
- Can be very expensive
- Requires lots of time to master all the tools
- The software allows you to design objects that cannot be built in the real world
AutoCAD has been around since 1982 and is now in its 32nd release. The software allows all sorts of professionals to design 3D objects on a computer that will eventually be built in the real world. Working in a realistic 3D work space, users of AutoCAD can create precise and detailed objects. The program is especially adept for very large projects. It is also relatively easy to use, especially if the user has any kind of experience with 3D content creation programs. Almost anything you can imagine can be built with it. AutoCAD also has excellent customer support and its documentation is super. It further has a large body of tutorials and and a big user base, who can provide peer-to-peer support. AutoCAD, though, does have it drawbacks. While it is not difficult to use, there are still a lot of tools to master. Also, the program will allow you to design objects that cannot be created in the real world, which can lead to lots of frustration for novices. Finally, AutoCAD is not an inexpensive tool. It is really priced for professional use only. Though its low cost version, AutoCAD LT, may be suitable for some beginners. But even this version is not cheap.