Computer-aided design

: This article is about computer-aided design. For other meanings, see CAD (disambiguation).

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Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of a wide range of computer-based tools that assist engineers, architects and other design professionals in their design activities. It is the main geometry authoring tool within the Product Lifecycle Management process and involves both software and sometimes special-purpose hardware. Current packages range from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D parametric surface and solid design modellers.

Related Topics:
Computer - Engineer - Architect - Design - Geometry - Product Lifecycle Management - Software - Hardware - Current packages - Vector - Drafting

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CAD is sometimes translated as "computer-assisted", "computer-aided drafting", or a similar phrase. Related acronyms are CADD, which stands for "computer-aided design and drafting", CAID for Computer-aided Industrial Design and CAAD, for "computer-aided architectural design". All these terms are essentially synonymous, but there are some subtle differences in meaning and application.

Related Topics:
Drafting - CAID

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