Knowra Computer-aided design Computer-aided design Computer-aided design (CAD) uses software to create, modify, analyze, or optimize designs. It supports work ranging from two-dimensional drafting to three-dimensional models of products, buildings, and engineering systems.
Parametric design : A design method in which geometry is controlled by parameters, constraints, and relationships. CAD systems use parameters and dependencies to update related geometry when a design changes.
Computer graphics : The generation and manipulation of visual content using computers. CAD relies on computer graphics to display and interact with designed geometry.
Mechanical engineering : The engineering discipline concerned with machines, mechanisms, energy, and mechanical systems. Mechanical engineers use CAD to design components, mechanisms, and complete assemblies.
Sketchpad : Ivan Sutherland's 1963 interactive computer graphics system for drawing and manipulating geometric objects. Sketchpad demonstrated interactive graphical design operations that anticipated modern CAD.
Computer-aided drafting : The use of computer software to produce technical drawings, often without a full parametric product model. Drafting-focused CAD documents geometry, while model-based CAD can encode editable design relationships.
Boundary representation : A method for representing a solid by its enclosing faces, edges, and vertices. Many CAD systems store solid models as connected surface boundaries.
Technical drawing : A standardized graphic representation that communicates an object's shape, dimensions, and specifications. CAD automates the creation and revision of drawings used to communicate design intent.
Building information modeling : A process for creating and managing digital representations of buildings and their physical and functional characteristics. Building design extends CAD models with coordinated information about construction and facility components.
Ivan Sutherland : An American computer scientist whose work helped establish computer graphics and virtual reality. His Sketchpad project introduced influential ideas for interactive computer-aided drawing.
Direct modeling : A modeling approach that edits geometry directly rather than relying primarily on a history of features and parameters. Direct modeling offers an alternative to history-driven parametric CAD workflows.
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