General FAQs

What is CAD?

CAD stands for Computer Aided Draughting although it is often used for Computer Aided Design. Most CAD programmes (and AutoCAD is no exception) are for creating 2 dimensional technical drawings of a design. Most are not particularly intuitive (despite claims to the contrary) and are thus not necessarily the best tools for the creative part of the design process

And what is Visualisation?

Visualisation is the method of creating photo - realistic images using CAD or other software. This entails building 3D models, applying realistic materials to the objects, then adding lighting. Finally the drawing is rendered and the resultant image is the visualisation

What can I use CAD for?

Or conversely what can’t I use CAD for? The strength of CAD programs is their accuracy, however they are still prone to Rubbish In, Rubbish Out. As such they are great for creating the technical drawings required to create something. They are not necessarily as good as intuitive, creative tools, because of their requirement for numbers to be used to create objects

So, in short they can be used for anything you want or need to draw

Are CAD programmes easy to learn?

All CAD programs manufacturers or their users claim that the latest version is more ‘intuitive’ than the last. Well they have all started off from a pretty low base for this claim. All CAD programs are complex in their own ways - have you seen the size of the manuals?

To make things worse none of them seem to work the same way - or talk to each other easily. Although some of us can learn these things from the manual or by just playing, the rest of us mere mortals need a helping hand and undertaking formal training is strongly advised - wherever you get it from. 

Do I need a really high end computer?

Most CAD programs basic needs are quite modest - plenty of RAM and a good video card certainly help but it’s difficult to buy a PC today that doesn’t have these basic requirements. If you are planning to do a lot of 3D work then you need more oomph in both processor and video departments. The requirements change with each release so check out the Autodesk website for the current version’s specifications, you will also find this on the next page.