Editing Computer-aided design (section)

==Software==
[[File:Drafter - 1992 - BLS.png|thumb|Drafter at work with CAD. (1992)]]
{{see also|History of CAD software}}
Starting with the IBM Drafting System in the mid-1960s, computer-aided design systems began to provide more capabilitties than just an ability to reproduce manual drafting with electronic drafting, and the [[Cost–benefit analysis|cost-benefit]] for companies to switch to CAD became apparent. The software automated many tasks that are taken for granted from computer systems today, such as automated generation of [[Bill of materials|bills of materials]], auto layout in [[integrated circuits]], interference checking, and many others. Eventually, CAD provided the designer with the ability to perform engineering calculations.<ref name="Schoonmaker2003">{{Cite book|last=Schoonmaker|first=Stephen J.|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/50868192|title=The CAD guidebook : a basic manual for understanding and improving computer-aided design|date=2003|publisher=Marcel Dekker|isbn=0-8247-0871-7|location=New York|oclc=50868192}}</ref> During this transition, calculations were still performed either by hand or by those individuals who could run computer programs. CAD was a revolutionary change in the engineering industry, where draftsman, designer, and engineer roles that had previously been separate began to merge. CAD is an example of the pervasive effect computers were beginning to have on the industry.
Current computer-aided design software packages range from 2D [[vector graphics|vector]]-based drafting systems to 3D [[Solid modeling|solid]] and [[Freeform surface modelling|surface modelers]]. Modern CAD packages can also frequently allow rotations in three dimensions, allowing viewing of a designed object from any desired angle, even from the inside looking out.<ref name="Schoonmaker2003" /> Some CAD software is capable of dynamic mathematical modeling.<ref name="Schoonmaker2003" />

CAD technology is used in the design of tools and machinery and in the drafting and design of all types of buildings, from small residential types (houses) to the largest commercial and industrial structures (hospitals and factories).<ref>{{cite web
 | title = 3D Model-Based Design: Setting the Definitions Straight
 | author = Jennifer Herron
 | publisher = MCADCafe
 |date= 2010
 | url = http://www10.mcadcafe.com/nbc/articles/2/867959/3D-Model-Based-Design-Setting-Definitions-Straight
}}</ref>

CAD is mainly used for detailed design of 3D models or 2D drawings of physical components, but it is also used throughout the engineering process from conceptual design and layout of products, through strength and dynamic analysis of assemblies to definition of manufacturing methods of components. It can also be used to design objects such as jewelry, furniture, appliances, etc. Furthermore, many CAD applications now offer advanced rendering and animation capabilities so engineers can better visualize their product designs. [[4D BIM]] is a type of virtual construction engineering simulation incorporating time or schedule-related information for project management.

CAD has become an especially important technology within the scope of [[CAx|computer-aided technologies]], with benefits such as lower product development costs and a greatly shortened [[Systems development life cycle#Design|design cycle]]. CAD enables designers to layout and develop work on screen, print it out and save it for future editing, saving time on their drawings.

=== License management software ===
In the 2000s, some CAD system software vendors shipped their distributions with a dedicated license manager software that controlled how often or how many users can utilize the CAD system.{{r|Schoonmaker2003|p=166}} It could run either on a local machine (by loading from a local storage device) or a local [[File server|network fileserver]] and was usually tied to a specific IP address in latter case.{{r|Schoonmaker2003|p=166}}