What is CAD?

Computer-aided design or just CAD is the use of computer in the formation, modification, analysis, or setting the behaviour of a design. CAD software increases the efficiency of the designer, better the designs quality, improves documentation, and manipulates the database formed for manufacturing. The output of the CAD is often in the form of electronic files. Following are some CAD software discussed.

LibreCad

Librecad is open source software that can run on many operating systems. This is good 2d cad software that will be helpful to anyone building something as well as graphic designers that want to replace t squares, triangles and other precision drawing equipments. The readable file formats are.dwg and .dfx and writable file formats are .dfx, .jpeg, .png and .pdf.

Mostly used for architecture, designing, electrical and mechanical use.
Users are mostly architects, industrial designers and students.
Main functionality is assembly modelling, rendering and documentation.
Mostly used in engineering and construction industry.
Important features are 2d drawing with various specifications, , click and drag geometry, copy surface extend, knit, stylize shapes, bend lines, bend tables and many more.

DraftSight

DraftSight is a 2d vector graphics package. It is fully UI but also has a command line interface which borrows heavily from the industry standard AutoCAD software. It is made by Dassault Systèmes. Draftsight is a medium which lets you create, edit. View and manipulate any sort of 2D drawing. It has productivity tools; it has an API, a friendly interface for user which makes it easy to use. It allows you to make use of existing DWG files and create new ones with ease and comfort.

The intended users are architects, engineers and students.
Mostly used in AEC, aerospace, construction, energy and many more industries.
Important features include 2d drawing, advanced surfacing, conceptual design, meld design, drag geometry, copy surfaces, annotations, construction modelling, landscaping tools and many more
Main functionality is assembly modelling and documentation.

QCad

QCad is made by RibbionSoft GmbH and is designed to work on multiple OS such as Mac, Linux and Windows. QCad helps you to create many 2d models using various design features. As soon as you start your model, you will want to produce it, QCad analysis tool helps you in making error free 2d designs.

Mostly used for architecture, designing and mechanical use.
Users are mostly architects, industrial designers and students.
Main functionality is assembly modelling and documentation.
Mostly used in engineering and construction industry.
Important features are 2d drawing 3d modelling and parametric modelling, Archive and share, command line, copy details, symmetry check analysis, stairs and railings, walls, doors, windows, 2d circuit design, electrical symbol library, hole tables and toggle flat display.

Nanocad

Nanocad is the ultimate CAD software for drawing and drafting. It is fast consistent and simple. It is used by millions of designers and engineers around the globe. By default it produces native DWG files; the user can create dwg drawing design according to their needs. It gives the benefits of constructing and editing technical drawings. It has an operative system which helps to establish user friendly drawing interface and an open API. It is available through a low cost annual subscription including updates and priority online support.librecad is a very useful tool for creating precise professional 2d drawings quickly and easily.

It is free drafting software with full capabilities with built in support of .dwg format.
Meet the standards of industry. Working experience is same as that of AutoCAD.
Mostly used for architecture, designing and mechanical use.
Users are mostly architects, industrial designers and students.
Main functionality is part assembly modelling, simulation and analysis, cost estimation and documentation.
Mostly used in automotive, construction and education industry.
Important features are 2d drawing and its various speifications such as parametric 2d design, alteration of external references, viewing 3d designs, orbit commands, creating of mesh products and many more

Solid Edge 2D Drafting

Solid edge is cad software manufactured by Siemens which aims at each process of development – 3d designs, simulation, data management and many more. Solid Edge provides us with innovation and motivates you to design something using synchronous technology. This technology helps in designing faster and sharper without the constraints of native 3d modelling. Solid Edge provides fully functional mobile design and collaboration, with access to processes of designs at any minute and any place. Using SolidEdge, you can implement a powerful and intuitive 3D design portfolio on your terms.

Mostly used for designing and electrical and mechanical use.
Users are mostly engineers, industrial designers and students.
Main functionality is part assembly modelling, simulation and analysis, cost estimation and documentation.
Mostly used in automotive, cargo handling computer electronics and software industry.
Important features are that 3d modelling and direct modelling, part and assembly, sheet metal design, 2d modelling, advanced surfacing, animations, productivity, cost estimation, training and many more.

AutoCAD Student Version

AutoCAD is cad software developed by Autodesk in 1982. It is used for architecture, construction and manufacturing of blueprints and their actual products i.e. engineering plans. It was released for desktop computers but since 2010 Autodesk released the mobile versions and web versions of AutoCAD as well.

AutoCAD provides the privilege, to students and educationists , of using AutoCAD freely i.e. the student version. The student version of AutoCAD is somewhat identical to the commercial version of AutoCAD with one difference that DWG files created or edited by a student version have an internal bit-flag set. The work done on student version cannot be used for commercial use

Mostly used for architecture, designing and mechanical use.
Users are mostly architects, industrial designers and students.
Main functionality is part assembly modelling, simulation and analysis, cost estimation and documentation.
Mostly used in automotive, construction and education industry.
Important features are that 3d modelling and parametric modelling, click and drag geometry, copy surface curvature analysis, draft analysis, photorealistic images, rendering, elevation, landscaping tools and many more.