What Are CAD Drawings & Conversion?

CAD allows architects and engineers to draw using a computer.

Computer-aided design (CAD) allows architects, engineers and designers to draft, edit and develop drawings on the computer. The software allows quick and easy drafting, and it allows the standard file types, DWG and DXF, to be converted between many different formats.

Orthographic Drawings

CAD is very similar to traditional drafting. In fact, the same types of drawings are used: orthographic projection drawings. Orthographic projections are drawings that show a part of a structure at a specific scale, and all corners and angles are accurate, without distortions. The types of orthographic projections are a plan, which is a drawing that looks down at a given organization of rooms or spaces; an elevation, a drawing that shows the face or vertical walls of a structure; and a section, a drawing that is similar to a plan but is a vertical cut through a structure showing interior heights and vertical connectivity.

Three-Dimensional Drawings

CAD drawings can show three-dimensionality using perspective or isometric construction. A perspective looks like what our eye or a camera sees. Isometric drawings show a structure at an angle, and all measurements are scaled accurately; isometric drawings do not show angles correctly.

Printing

CAD drawings can be viewed on a computer, but they are usually printed on paper for architects, engineers and designers to mark up. Most drawings require an over-sized printer that can print as wide as 48 inches.

Converting Between CAD Programs

CAD drawings can be converted to be used on different CAD programs. For example, someone using AutoCAD may convert her DWG file to a DGN file for another designer using Microstation. There are many different CAD formats, though most programs use DWG and DXF.

Converting Between Graphics Files

CAD files can be saved as popular formats, such as PDF, JPG and Adobe Illustrator. The CAD files may be converted to use for other purposes. Most popular drawing programs cannot open CAD files; Adobe Illustrator is a notable exception.

References

• Autodesk: AutoCAD Services & Support--Migration Tools

Resources

• Autodesk: AutoCAD--Support