CAD and graphics links indexed alphabetically

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of a wide range of computer-based tools that assist engineers, architects and other design professionals in their design activities. It is the main geometry authoring tool within the Product Lifecycle Management process and involves both software and sometimes special-purpose hardware. Current packages range from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D parametric surface and solid design modellers.

CAD is sometimes translated as "computer-assisted", "computer-aided drafting", or a similar phrase. Related acronyms are CADD, which stands for "computer-aided design and drafting", CAID for Computer-aided Industrial Design and CAAD, for "computer-aided architectural design". All these terms are essentially synonymous, but there are some subtle differences in meaning and application.

CAD is used to design and develop products, these can be goods used by end consumers or intermediate goods used in other products. CAD is also extensively used in the design of tools and machinery used in the manufacture of components. CAD is used throughout the engineering process from conceptual design and layout, through detailed engineering and analysis of components to definition of manufacturing methods.

History

Designers have long used computers for their calculations. Initial developments were carried out in the 1960s within the aircraft and automotive industries in the area of 3D surface construction and NC programming, most of it independent of one another and often not publicly published until much later. Some of the mathematical description work on curves was developed in the early 1940s by Isaac Jacob Schoenberg, Apalatequi (Douglas Aircraft) and Roy Liming (North American Aircraft), however probably the most important work on polynomial curves and sculptured surface was done by Pierre Bezier (Renault), Paul de Casteljau (Citroen), S.A. Coons (MIT, Ford), James Ferguson (Boeing), Carl de Boor(GM), Birkhoff(GM) and Garabedian(GM) in the 1960s and W. Gordon (GM) and R. Riesenfeld in the 1970s.

It is argued that a turning point was the development of SKETCHPAD system in MIT in 1963 by Ivan Sutherland (who latter created a graphics technology company with Dr. David Evans). The distinctive feature of SKETCHPAD was that it allowed the designer to interact with computer graphically: the design can be fed into the computer by drawing on a CRT monitor with a light pen. Effectively, it was a prototype of graphical user interface, an indispensable feature of modern CAD.

First commercial applications of CAD were in large companies in the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as in electronics. Only large corporations could afford the computers capable of performing the calculations. Notable company projects were at GM (Dr. Patrick J.Hanratty) with DAC-1 (Design Augmented by Computer) 1964; Lockhead projects; Bell GRAPHIC 1 and at Renault (Bezier) – UNISURF 1971 car body design and tooling.

The most influential event in the development of CAD was the founding of MCS (Manufacturing and Consulting Services Inc.) in 1971 by Dr. P. J. Hanratty, who wrote the system ADAM (Automated Drafting And Machining) but more importantly supplied code to companies such as McDonnell Douglas (Unigraphics) Computervision(CADDS), Calma, Gerber, Autotrol and Control Data.

As computers became more affordable, the application areas have gradually expanded. The development of CAD software for personal desk-top computers was the impetus for almost universal application in all areas of construction.

Other key points in the 1960s and 1970s would be the foundation of CAD systems United Computing, Intergraph, IBM, Intergraph IGDS in 1974 (which led to Bentley MicroStation in 1984)

CAD implementations have evolved dramatically since then. Initially, with 2D in the 1970s, it was typically limited to producing drawings similar to hand-drafted drawings. Advances in programming and computer hardware, notably solid modelling in the 1980s, have allowed more versatile applications of computers in design activities. Key product for 1981 were the solid modelling packages - Romulus (ShapeData) and Uni-Solid (Unigraphics) based on PADL-2 and the release of the surface modeler Catia (Dassault). Autodesk was founded 1982 by John Walker, which led to the 2D system AutoCAD. The next milestone was the release of Pro/Engineer in 1988, which heralded greater usage of feature based modeling methods. Also of importance to the development of CAD was the development of the B-rep solid modeling kernels (graphics engines) Parasolid(ShapeData) and ACIS (Spatial Technologies) at the end of the 1980s beginning of the 1990s, both inspired by the work of Ian Braid. This led to the release of mid-range packages such as SolidWorks in 1995 SolidEdge (Intergraph) in 1996.

Today CAD is not limited to drafting and rendering, and it ventures into many more "intellectual" areas of a designer's expertise.

Software providers today This is an ever changing industry with many well know products and companies being taken over and merged with others. There are many CAD software products currently on the market. More than half of the market is however covered by the four main PLM corporations Autodesk, Dassault Systemes, PTC, and UGS Corp., but there are many other CAD packages with smaller user bases or covering niche user areas.

Packages are can be classified into 3 types: 2D drafting systems (e.g. AutoCAD, Microstation); mid-range 3D solid feature modellers (e.g. SolidWorks, SolidEdge, Alibre); and high-end 3D hybrid systems (e.g. CATIA, NX (Unigraphics)). However these classifications cannot be too strictly taken as many 2D systems have 3D modules, the mid-range systems are increasing their surface functionality, and the high-end systems have developed their user interface in the direction of interactive Windows systems.

-oooOooo-

Links to most popular sites on the net....

Autodesk - The Design Resource Leader
Main home page for Autodesk, Inc., the world's leading supplier of advanced PC design tools, including AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, Autodesk Inventor, Mechanical Desktop, and Autodesk MapGuide.
http://www.autodesk.com/

Autodesk University 2005
Autodesk University 2005 and the Worldwide GIS User Conference, the premier Autodesk learning and networking events.
http://www.autodeskevents.com/au2005/

AcadAME Software Developers
Electrical and Mechanical software that creates project equipment schedules, coordinates between disciplines and places schedules in cad.
http://www.acadame.com

Ameri-CAD, Inc.
Ameri-CAD has provided this language for product development through software, systems, and AEC services since 1989. The Language of Building® enhances the building process by generating data that can be shared in the internal enterprise and across cooperative networks.
http://www.americad.com/

Arbeit MF
AutoCAD automation tools, hatch utilities, programming services for AutoCAD
http://www.arbeit.ro

ARCHSOFT®
Hundreds of commands and symbols designed specifically for Architectural drawings.
http://www.grovetec.com/

Atoll GeoCAD
Mapping, 3D Landscape Design & GIS for AutoCAD & IntelliCAD
http://www.atoll-geocad.com

AutoCAD and Visual Basic
MT_SECTION are Visual Basic For Applications program for professional Engineers using in AutoCAD2002, MAP, Land Development Desktop, Architectural Desktop etc.
http://www.geocities.com/tintmichael/MT_PROG/MT_SECTION.htm

AutoCAD R14/2000 Drafter
Revelation Revision Computer Services.
http://autocaddrafter.homestead.com/autocadpg.html

A Team CAD - Drafting/Training/customization
We offer drafting services, training (seminars or in-house), and custom software for increased productivity. - CHECK US OUT!
http://www.ateam.net/drafting.htm

A&A Geoinformatics Corporation
A Philippines based CAD GIS company. Products - Digital Maps of the Philippines
http://www.aag.com.ph

A/E/C SYSTEMS
A/E/C SYSTEMS is the one tradeshow and exposition that delivers technology solutions for all aspects of the asset lifecycle - designing, building, owning, managing - and everything in between.
http://www.aecsystems.com/

AAC Solutions
AAC Solutions - software and services for CAD, GIS/FM, PLM, solutions for intranets. AutoCAD add-ons and custom software development. Excellink, LiveLabel, iPROJECT, AutoDWF...
http://www.aac-solutions.cz

ABC's of AutoLISP: Contents at Glance
Contents at Glance. Introduction; Introducing AutoLISP; Storing and Running Programs; Organizing a Program; Interacting with the Drawing.
http://klobouk.fsv.cvut.cz/~chour/Lisp/Contents.htm

Abscissa 3D models
Furniture, vehicles and people surface models with custom preassigned materials for AccuRender.
http://www.abscissa.net/

Acad2PDF
Acad2PDF is the best utility application to convert AutoCAD drawings(CAD, DWG format) to PDF (Portable Document Format) and also provide a versatile PDF editor with merge, insert pages, extract pages/images, rotation, and watermark functions. Users can easily convert multiple drawings in just a few steps and within a very short time. Acad2PDF provide the following support items for PDF conversion.
http://www.geowebtech.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1

acadconversion
Affordable cad conversion, manually interpreted paper to cad drafting, taking your scanned paper documents and turning them into accurate cad drawings that are as accurate as the original drawing.
http://www.acadconversion.com

acadPlan
AutoCAD applications for Urban Design and Landscape Planning
http://www.acadbfplan.de/index_e.htm

ACAD-Plus
Software Consultants to the Engineering and Architectural Disciplines
http://www.acad-plus.com/

ACADX.com
AcadX.com is an avenue for AutoCAD developers to further their knowledge of customization.
http://www.acadx.com/

ACERI
A software engineering, specialised in development and integration of CAD/CAM/CAE solutions.
http://www.aceri.com/index.htm

Acme Data Services Links
Data Conversion to SGML & HTML, Medical Transcription - Transcribes & Creates history database, Auto-Cad & AM/FM -Digitizing maps to softcopy, free XML Developments, free Database Softwares in C, C++.
http://www.acmedataservices.com/index.htm

ACRE Surveying & Development
A Philippines based Land Surveying Company with over 20 years of experience in the Geodesy field.
http://www.acre.com.ph

Actify
Actify offers the easiest and most effective solutions to view and access CAD/CAM models.
http://www.actify.com/

ActiveCAD
Here you will find help on every aspect of using ActiveX Automation and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) with AutoCAD or IntelliCAD.
http://www.cadvault.com/activecad/

ActiveDwg
Our purpose is to help enable and enhance productivity in the CAD drawing environment. Our primary focus is AutoCAD and AutoCAD VBA.
http://www.activedwg.com

ActiveEngineer
ActiveEngineer's mission is to provide cost effective solutions to the engineering industry.
http://www.activeengineer.com

ADD Software
An easy and productive way to architectural design in AutoCAD. Compatible with AutoCAD 2000/2000 i/2002 and LT
http://www.addsoftware.it

add-MEM
Add-MEM is a group of professional AutoCAD, engineering and facility consultants.
http://add-mem.com

Adee's AutoCAD Answers
Answers to Frequently asked AutoCAD Questions.
http://www.satelephone.com/~adee/aaa/

ADLandsys
ADLandsys has extensive industry experience in delivering effective automation and technology solutions to the Land Development/Municipal Engineering community. Their unique mindset of focusing on existing client technology and how this can be leveraged to its full potential to help reduce costs is what sets ADLandsys apart.
http://www.adlandsys.com

Advanced Technologies Group
ATG combines facility management expertise and information technology to help organizations operate more effectively
http://www.atginc.com/

AdvantaCAD Services
Autocad Services for increasing drafting efficiency by providing customized libraries and macros for more efficient document production. Template and drafting standard creation.
http://www.advantacad.com

AEC Design Group
AECDG develops and distributes AutoCAD-based software products for the Process Piping, Commercial Piping, HVAC, and steel construction industries
http://www.cadpipe.com/

AEC Links
AECLinks is devoted to linking the AEC industry to the information it needs.
http://aeclinks.com/

AECenters.com
Cad Resources guide and educational software shop.
http://www.aecenters.com

AEG Engineering Translation (English to Russian)
AEG translates engineering documentation including drawings utilizing AutoCAD (2D), Solid Works (2D), and BOM from English to Russian. All translation is done by experienced Engineers holding Masters degrees in their fields.
http://in-russian.tripod.com

AfraLisp
The AutoLisp, Visual Lisp, DCL, VBA, VB Resource Website. Lot's of FREE Tutorials.
http://www.afralisp.com

Agile
Agile Software is the leading provider of Collaborative Manufacturing Commerce solutions.
http://www.agilesoft.com/

Ahmann Design, Inc.
Our team of house plan and multi family plan designers has created more than 2000 house plans ranging in size from 1100 to over 13000 square feet and in styles such as ranch, traditonal and country. Our award-winning house plans have been nationally recognized by the American Institute of Building Designers and Professional Builder Magazine. Creating house floor plans for residential development and new home construction with an imaginative blend of design style and modern convenience - that's what Ahmann Design is known for. Builder ready blueprints available.
http://www.ahmanndesign.com

AKROPOLIS.NET
AKROPOLIS.NET Community for Architects and Designers
http://www.akropolis.net/

Alan Cullen Sewer Design
The ideal tool for fast interactive sewer design for Civil Engineering Design Technicians and Draftpersons
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~akc054/

Alexander Kosov
Software for geologists and geophysicists, surveyors and miners, builders-designers. GEOL_DH. Graphical representation of geological, surveyor, mining and calculation data in 3D space. Reserve calculation. Graphic log. Digitizing. KAI-2001. Various programs (more than 60) for increase in productivity of work.
http://geol-dh.narod.ru/en_index.html

ALGOR, Inc.
ALGOR's product line features design, analysis and simulation tools to work with CAD solid modelers such as Autodesk Inventor and Mechanical Desktop.
http://www.algor.com/

All American Products
All American Products Co. is the largest drill bushing manufacturer and work holding solutions provider in the United States.
http://www.allamericanproducts.com/

All Engineering Schools
All Engineering Schools makes it easy to find the engineering colleges that interest you. Search for engineering schools by location, program type, or specialty.
http://www.AllEngineeringSchools.com

Allan E Johanson & Associates
CAD tips and links, AutoCAD and Architectural related mainly
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~ajohans

Allegria Software
Our product line includes products from view & markup and print management solutions to real-time online collaboration of engineering designs and graphics documents.
http://www.allegria.com/

AmeriCAD®
Cylinder Model Selection & Drawing Generator Software.
http://www.americancylinder.com/americad.html

Amsatek
Connecting people with information by providing a full range of GIS/Mapping solutions.
http://www.amsatek.com/

Andy's Best CAD
Providing AutoCAD design and drafting services for HVAC, plumbing, mechanical fabrication, architectural, electrical, fire protection, CAD standards creation and CAD conversion projects
http://www.andysbestcad.com

AnybodyCAD
AnybodyCAD from Storm Lake Software is a new easy-to-use ergonomics tool for product development and manufacturing professionals.
http://www.stormlakesoftware.com/

AnyDWG
AnyDWG develops software for viewing, converting and storing files used in engineering organizations. AnyDWG provides innovative customization solutions for CAD systems to improve the efficiency of your work.
http://anydwg.com

Arbor Image
Leaders in Raster to Vector Conversion
http://www.arborimage.com/aihome.htm

Arcaid Systems, Inc.
A full service IS/IT company. Providing a full range of services for networking and cadd applications.
http://www.arcaidsystems.com

Archibot.com - Architecture News
Architecture news and discussion portal with the focus on top designers and famous architects.
http://www.archibot.com/

Architectural and Engineering Software
Software for Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Geololgists. included Domus.Cad, DigiCad 3D and Nonio C. For Windows and Macintosh.
http://www.interstudio.net

Architectural CADD Consultants
How to get greater productivity, Better coordination, better presentations for your architectural firm.
http://www.architecturalcadd.com

Architectural Computer Modeling Services
A.C.M.S. is a unique new service which offers you the ability to see your new construction project in full color perspective view, before it is built.
http://www.acms-cad.com

Architectural Details
Your #1 SOURCE for high quality, pre-drawn construction details.
http://www.details-details.com/

architectural rendering
3D architectural rendering & illustration services
http://www.3dfabrique.com

Architecture Resources
Architecture related news, books and web resources
http://www.utyx.com/architecture/

Architecture.ca
Welcome to the starting point for Canadian architecture on the Web.
http://www.architecture.ca/

ArchSymb
Architectural overlay of symbols and routines for AutoCAD.
http://www.archsymb.com/

ArchT
Top architectural firms worldwide rely on award-winning ArchT to augment their process for commercial, institutional, interior and residential design projects.
http://www.archt.com/

Art4Engineers.com
Hang something on the wall that reflects who you are! Antique engineering drawings reproduced as fine art lithographic prints.
http://www.art4engineers.com

Articulate Solutions Partnership
AutoCAD add-on for stage design, including truss and lights placement, weight loads checking, and equipment list creation.
http://www.fatcad.com/

ArtscapersDesign
A website archive for the development of AutoCAD applications in the Microsoft Windows tradition of visual interface and speed interface, applying Microsoft Visual Studio technologies and the core ms Office10 connections. This is in development... We also offer support for landscape architectural, architectural and environmental design and planning supports, from graphics, planning and design, to database schemology using the latest Microsoft products and concepts for SQL and Jet databases and data strategies.
http://www.artscapers.com

ARUP
Columbus is a FREE document management tool that allows you to organise data the way you perceive it. You can gather project data under one heading even though it is spread across multiple servers around the globe, accessed by different methods (remote file systems, FTP) and is on multiple file systems including UNIX, NT and Novell. It can view over 300 file formats making it easier for all staff to find, view, edit, print and issue data regardless of where it resides.
http://columbus.arup.com/

Ashtech Precision Products
Ashtech Precision Products from Magellan Corporation are the recognized leaders in precision solutions for global positioning.
http://www.ashtech.com/

ASPire3D
Providing products and services in the area of mechanical CAD, design by simulation, collaborative virtual prototyping and realtime visualization.
http://www.aspire3d.com/

Association of Lisp Users
This site is devoted to the needs of the existing and potential Lisp community:
http://www.alu.org/table/contents.htm

Asuni CAD. AEC Software Specialist
Asuni CAD is a manufacturer and distributor of vertical applications on AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, and technological partner of Autodesk. VisualARQ, LT Express, Pipe 2D, Penguin, Bubble for AutoCAD, ModelCAD Library, etc.
http://www.asuni.com

Asvic Engineering Software
ASVIC develops and distributes AutoCAD-based software products for a wide range of engineering fields ranging from Mechanical, Piping, HVAC and Structural Steel Detailing.
http://www.asvic.com.au/

Augiworld
Augiworld is a collection of information media that provides members of AUGI with content about the vast Autodesk Community
http://www.augiworld.com/home/default.asp

Austin AutoCAD Users Group
The Austin AutoCAD User Group (AAUG) has a long and rich history of being a valuable resource for AutoCAD users since the early 1980's.
http://www.austinautocad.org/

AutoCAD 2000 & AutoCAD 2002 Software Training
AutoCAD 2000 offers some of the best drawing & design capabilities today. You will find yourself designing amazing objects with AutoCAD.
http://autocad-2000-2002-software-training.com/

AutoCAD Academia
International Online User Group featuring a forum, Link Library, tutorials, a Newsletter, Chat Lounge and Gallery
http://www.autocad-academia.com

AutoCAD Architect
AutoCAD Architect is a supplement to the traditional classroom environment. You can access AutoCAD lessons, order the AutoCAD Architect book, and learn more about AutoCAD.
http://www.autocadarchitect.com/

AutoCAD Blocks
More than 300 Autocad blocks of Architecture to free download.
http://www.bloquesautocad.com

AutoCAD Help Community
AutoCAD Everything is a friendly online community helping each other with AutoCAD issues and having general discussion regarding AutoCAD
http://www.autocadeverything.com

Autocad iobjects
This site is a resource for designers who make use of Autodesk's AutoCAD and Discreet's 3D Studio Max.
http://iobjects.co.uk/

AutoCAD lessons
Smaller site dedicated to teaching users the basics of AutoCAD.
http://www.kwic.com/~crowell

AutoCAD Resource Site from LLP - Users Helping Users
AutoCAD, AutoLisp, AutoCAD Online Magazines, User Groups, Links, News Groups, Tutorials... and more. This is my site for AutoCAD connections.
http://www.llpsite.com

AutoCAD Shareware CD-ROM
The CAD Utility Library is a collection of freely distributable source code, utilities, applications, etc. for AutoCAD professionals.
http://www.emsps.com/cadutil.htm

AutoCAD Training
CADtech's goal is to train design professionals to utilize AutoCAD more efficiently through seminars, CD-ROM, and on-site training.
http://www.autocadtraining.com

AutoCAD Unser Group of Ecuador
Este es el Grupo Nacional de Usuarios de Autodesk en Ecuador. Servimos en Ecuador a nuestros afiliados. Informacion en VERA QUINTANA
http://www.veraquintana.com/

AutoCAD users forum
Community for AutoCAD users, a CAD software from Autodesk. Commercial informations are not allowed appart if they are explicitely requested by a member or posted in the special "Commercial only" message board.
http://communities.msn.com/AutoCADusersforum/

AutoCAD Version Explorer
AutoCAD Version Explorer (AVE) is a quick way to check version information on AutoCAD files (.dwg) in an Explorer-like interface.
http://www.freewebs.com/acadexp/index.htm

autocad4landscapearchitects
This club is directed to help landscape Architects/Designers who use autocad. I hope we can exchange autocad tips and tricks, lists, blocks, etc. to make autocad faster and easiser to compete landscape plans. This club is also open to anyone that thinks they can be any help to us.
http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/autocad4landscapearchitects

Autocadsites.biz
The online directory of all things related to Autocad.
http://www.autocadsites.biz

AutoCATALOGO5(3d piping)
Within the framework of this integrated offering, in 1993 FIP's Research & Development technicians developed AutoCATALOGO. Using AutoCATALOGO 5 it is possible to produce three-dimensional models of an entire plant or one of its parts, by obtaining information on the geometry and characteristics of each component from a database that can be expanded and personalised. Once the three-dimensional model has been produced, the isometric sketches of the bill of materials and the two-dimensional orthographic views are generated automatically.
http://www.fipnet.it

AUTO-CODE
Your source for information about AutoCAD and Mechanical/Manufacturing Applications.
http://www.autocode.com/

Autodesk User Group International (AUGI)
Officially recognized user group. It is an independent, international organization of Autodesk product users, run by users, for users.
http://www.augi.com/

autodrop.com
Your one stop for free i-drop blocks. Over 1000 available and growing daily!
http://www.autodrop.net/

Autodsys, Inc. - Developers of IntelliCAD and ArchT
Autodsys develops the IntelliCAD platform, the cost-effective alternative to AutoCAD, as well as the easy-to-use yet powerful ArchT architectural software, and the highly acclaimed AutoLINE linetype manager.
http://www.autodsys.com/

AutoLISP Exchange
A site for AutoLISP enthusiasts to exchange AutoLISP, functions and tips.
http://web2.iadfw.net/terrycad/

AutoLisp Resources
AutoLISP programmer's favourite sites. You can get many useful sample routines, and a special one - Simple Symbol System
http://www.simplecad.com/lisp/lisp.htm

AutoMate Corp.
AutoMate's world class Engineering Document Management solutions.
http://www.cadmandu.com/

Automated Design Systems
A.D.S. is one of Canada's premiere Autodesk Authorized Systems Centers providing CADD related services throughout Ontario and British Columbia.
http://www.autodes.com/default.asp

Automatic Nesting : PLUS - 2D
PLUS 2D:rectangular nesting software for generating optimized layouts in 2D Rectangular cutting (Guillotene cutting or shearing) processes. It finds application in varied industries such as Glass, Sheet Metal, Woodwork, Building panel, Carpet, PCB, acrylics etc.
http://www.nirvanatec.com/plus2d.html

Autoset
Cad Publisher processes CAD DXF files to formats for import into graphics, DTP applications and high resolution printing devices.
http://www.jwgraphics.com.au/

AutoSM.com
Sheet metal design and unfolding technology for Autodesk MCAD products.
http://www.autosm.com/

Avatech Solutions Inc.
Avatech Solutions, Inc. (OTCBB: AVSO.OB) is a leading provider of design automation and PLM solutions for the manufacturing, building design, civil engineering and GIS markets. Headquartered in Owings Mills, Maryland, the company specializes in software development, technical support, training and consulting aimed at improving design and documentation efficiencies and the seamless integration of workflow processes.
http://www.avatechsolutions.com

AZCAD
Symbol Libraries for AutoCAD® & IntelliCAD®.
http://www.dbm.com.au/azcad/default.htm

a-zine
A one-stop source for dynamic news and information in the Autodesk Community
http://www.a-zine.com/

AzTechSoft
Software and Resources for the Engineering, AutoCAD, and Visual Basic Communities.
http://www.aztechsoft.com/

Cad Resources Index Page A

On these pages you will find the history and uses for CAD and Comprehensive links to CAD and graphics sites, indexed alphabetically

Links to most popular sites on the net....