The new version of the most popular AutoCAD 2017 automatic design system appeared on March 21, 2016, and AutoCAD 2016 became the most stable. With the help of this software package, most of the electronic graphic documentation is produced in our country. Why was AutoCAD originally created, what is it now and what are the development prospects? First things first.
About creating AutoCAD
The story of AutoCAD begins in 1982, when in January programmer John Walker suggested several colleagues set up an application software company.
Initially, it was planned to name the company and the first program differently, but in April of the same year Autodesk was registered, and after four months, AutoCAD. That this application will be in demand, they knew already then. Thus, the birth date of the popular program is considered August 25th.
Initially, the young company offered two versions of the program: for 8-bit processors running the CP / M operating system (Autocad-80), and a version of 16-bit processors in the MS-DOS operating system (Autocad-86). The program was worth exactly one thousand US dollars.
Released in May 1985, version 2.1 had a special language that allows you to write expressions and describe variables, in subsequent versions called AutoLisp. The first Russian version of the package appeared in 1988.
Starting with the 11th version of AutoCAD, released in October 1990, there were opportunities to create three-dimensional models. Significant opportunities were added to the program in 2006. AutoCAD 2007 made it possible to choose one of several types of user interfaces, had a new convenient panel and tools for working with three-dimensional objects, and allowed you to create animations.
Since then, the company has been steadily releasing a new version of the package annually. There are currently over 35 desktop-only versions released. There are mobile versions, "AutoCAD" Russian version, as well as for operating systems Windows, OS X, iOS.
In addition to AutoCAD, the company also produces other popular and world-famous
application packages related to visual modeling and drawing creation:
- 3ds max.
- Maya.
- Fusion 360.
- Inventor Professional.
Appointment
So what is AutoCAD, what kind of computer-aided design system is this ? The main function of this CAD system is 2D-drawing and the creation of project documentation in various fields of knowledge. There are various tools in the environment for working with standard and arbitrary forms, which allow you to create any 3D models and analyze them. The approach based on dynamic blocks allows not to draw repeating elements, but to take them from the library or change the parameters of already drawn ones. The availability of capabilities for three-dimensional printing makes it easy to create physical layouts, printing projects on a 3D printer.
The presence of a mechanism for saving operations and creating macros allows you to enter commands without even having programming experience. A variety of tools for working with two- and three-dimensional objects make it easy to switch between different display modes, zoom and rotate objects. AutoCAD has the necessary tools to create animated videos that can be used in presentations.
What files does it work with
AutoCAD files have the extension DWG and DXF. Files with the DWG extension are the most popular format for storing digital drawings (DWG –drawning). Autodesk owns this format, and it is the main one for its products. Design environments for other manufacturers can also work with this format. The program allows you to open and use files of other common graphic and text formats for work.
DXF files (drawing exchange format) allow the exchange of graphic information between CAD applications. This format is also owned by Autodesk, but is supported by most CAD systems.
System requirements
Minimum requirements for the computer program "AutoCAD" 2016 (Russian version):
- Windows 8.1 operating system, Windows 7 operating system in the version no lower than “Home extended”;
- 32- or 64-bit Intel or AMD processors for the corresponding AutoCAD version with a frequency of at least 1.0 GHz and support for SSE2 instructions;
- from 2 GB of RAM;
- a monitor with an extension of at least 1024 * 768 and a video card compatible with DirectX 9.
The program also requires:
- Windows Internet Explorer version no lower than 9.0;
- Flash player Adobe Flash Player version no lower than 10;
- .NET Framework 4.5 libraries.
For AutoCAD 2017, the minimum system requirements are slightly higher: in particular, a monitor with a resolution of at least 1360 * 768, a set of .NET Framework 4.6 libraries are required.
User Interface Features
The design system is based on an interactive approach, which implies a user dialogue with the program in the language of special commands. Almost all teams have different versions. The system decides exactly how to use the command based on the analysis of user actions and dialogue with him.
The standard AutoCAD interface is a workspace called a model, toolbars, additional windows and a line for entering commands. Starting from version 2009, toolbars are located on the menu in the form of a ribbon, but it is also possible to switch to the classic look. The menu in the form of the so-called Ribbon tape is a general trend of modern application programs, Avtodesk products have such an interface.
The composition of the tape can be customized to the needs of a particular user. The ribbon has tabs, each of which includes the necessary tools similar to the groups. All elements have an additional context menu, traditionally called with the right mouse button.
Development trends
The development vector of Autocad is similar to the general trend of improving application software. Consistently improving stability, accuracy and performance of 3D-graphics, introducing a variety of intelligent tools, compatibility with other software products from Autodesk and other companies.
AutoCAD versions for tablet computers and smartphones on popular mobile operating systems are released. Of course, no one talks about such an AutoCAD that it is a real alternative to the traditional versions, but there are opportunities to perform some limited actions with projects literally “on the run”. Avtodesk also did not forget about cloud technologies. The Autocad WS version provides the ability to store information in the Autodesk 360 cloud and work with them over the network.