Skip to main content

What is AutoCAD? What is the versions and uses of AutoCAD?

What is AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) program used for 2-D and 3-D design and drafting. This application was developed and marketed by Autodesk.  


Versions of AutoCAD?
Release no. Versions Released Date Description
1 AutoCAD 1.0 Dec-82 It was the first initial release of AutoCAD. It was demonstrated at the Comdex (computer expo trade show). The file format DWG R1.0 was introduced during the time of release.
2 AutoCAD 1.2 Apr-83 It was released after the first initial version. The file format DWG R1.2 was introduced.
3 AutoCAD 1.3 Aug-83 The file format DWG R1.3 was introduced. This version introduced add on features such as configuration, justified text, adjustment of alignment and plot origin, grid spacing, large plotter, standardized color numbers, and addition of header information in the DXF file.
4 AutoCAD 1.4 Oct-83 Some of the features were added, such as text fonts, ZOOM, and block enhancements, new commands (HATCH, UNITS, BREAK, FILLET, AXIS, and SKETCH), arrays, snap mode, aligned text, status line, rotation angle, and control keys.
5 AutoCAD 2.0 Oct-84 This version introduced add on features such as line type, text styles, attributes, the extension of area command, dynamic specifications, angle, commands (SAVE, VIEW, MIRROR, O SNAP, QTEXT, V SLIDE, M SLIDE, and ENDSV), etc.
6 AutoCAD 2.1 May-85 Some of the features were added, such as LIMITS, FILLET extended, 3D Visualization, polylines, layer, freeze command, holding values, new commands (CHAMFER, DXBIN, PRPLOT, BLIPMODE), etc.
7 AutoCAD 2.5 Jun-86 This version introduced add on features such as UNDO/REDO facility, PAN, ZOOM, enhanced keyboard, menu loading and capacity becomes faster than the previous version, COP, TIME, POINT, PLOT, RESUME, MINSERT, extended memory, angles, and commands (OFFSET, POLYGON, EXTEND, EXPLODE, MEASURE, STRETCH, MEASURE, etc.).
8 AutoCAD 2.6 Apr-87 Some of the features were added, such as 3D line and 3D face entities, REDRAW command, enhancement of DIMZIN, and AREA dimensioning variable.
9 AutoCAD R9 Sep-87 The R in these versions stands for Release. This version was based on the 8086 families of microprocessors. The R9 was the first version of AutoCAD that required an 80x87 math coprocessor. The additional features were MULTIPLE command modifier, spline curves, advanced user interface, etc.
10 AutoCAD R10 Oct-88 The added features include several linetypes, PURGE command, and viewports command. It also consists of the additional 3D capabilities commands such as UCSICON, line, DVIEW, 3D polish, 3D mesh, etc.
11 AutoCAD R11 Oct-90 The additional features in the R11 version include multiple viewports, several dimension enhancements commands such as DIMSCALE, DIMBLK, DIMCLRT, DIMCLRE, network support features, TILEMODE system variables, etc.
12 AutoCAD R12 Jun-92 The R12 version is more compatible with the previous (R11) version. After the configuration of this version, the AutoCAD displays the graphics screen, and the main menu has been eliminated. Some features were included, such as object snap, dimensioning, plot, hatch, etc.
13 AutoCAD R13 Nov-94 It includes the enhancement of all the commands.
14 AutoCAD R14 Feb-97 The added features include drawing productive tools (template drawings), customization tools, and management tools.
15 AutoCAD 2000 Mar-99 The introduction of various platforms, such as floating toolbars, screen layout, drawing preview, spelling checker, dimensioning styles, and families. The commands such as lengthen, extend, grouping, parallel lines, Boolean operations, etc.
16 AutoCAD 2000i Jul-00 The new capabilities were introduced from the worldwide design community resulting increase in drawing productivity, performance, usability, speed, design. The commands such as polyline, quick select, color, plot, trim, grips, fillet, etc. were introduced.
17 AutoCAD 2002 Jun-01 This version offers the power of collaborative designs. The introduction of the block, edit, and enhanced attributes, text scaling, spell checking, layer translator, data storage via the web, etc.
18 AutoCAD 2004 Mar-03 It includes new Express tools, a new tool palettes, sharing of files with Ease, and better efficiency.
19 AutoCAD 2005 Mar-04 It introduces new standard to increase the productivity of CAD, the evolution of design technology, etc.
20 AutoCAD 2006 Mar-05 This version introduces drafting and documentation tools, such as hatch, block, multiline text, dimensioning, streamline, tool palettes, etc.
21 AutoCAD 2007 Mar-06 The concept of visualizing, design, share, and documentation was implemented in this version to work efficiently.
22 AutoCAD 2008 Mar-07 It includes enhanced tables, annotation scaling, text, key, and leader enhancements.
23 AutoCAD 2009 Mar-08 The added features include a user interface, navigation bar, commands (block, array, and purge), technology IPv6, modern interface, and enhanced look.
24 AutoCAD 2010 Mar-09 The added features include 3D printing, free-form design, parametric drawing, and pdf enhancements.
25 AutoCAD 2011 Mar-10 The features include 3D Gizmos, updated UCS icon, background and grid colors, extended X and Y origin lines, Workspace menu, Viewcube in 2D frame, new navigation bar, etc.
26 AutoCAD 2012 Mar-11 The features included online storage, new arrays, multifunctional grips, content explorer, Pickauto setting, better snap mode, deletion of duplicate objects, etc.
27 AutoCAD 2013 Mar-12 The additional features such as OFFSET preview, array and online enhancements, improved PRESSPULL command, etc.
28 AutoCAD 2014 Mar-13 It includes command-line improvements, Xref upgrades, natural sort, file tabs, and Merge selected layers.
29 AutoCAD 2015 Mar-14 The features included are drafting, viewport resizing, block galleries, printable online maps and new text alignment.
30 AutoCAD 2016 Mar-15 The additional features of 2016 version are Mtext enhancements, smart dimensioning, easy editing revision clouds, status bar wrap, variable monitor, etc.
31 AutoCAD 2017 Mar-16 The features included are Autodesk app, sharing drawings, centerline, center marks, making 3D print file, migrate custom settings, and enhanced graphics.
32 AutoCAD 2018 Mar-17 The additional features are user interface, PDF Import, object selection, high-resolution monitor, share designs, external file references, etc.
33 AutoCAD 2019 Apr-18 The features included are Map 3D, Mechanical design, electrical design, architecture, new AutoCAD web and mobile app, raster design, and MEP (Mechanical Electrical Pumping).
34 AutoCAD 2020 Mar-19 The features included are block palettes, enhanced DWG, drawing annotation, quick measurements, cloud storage connectivity, etc.



Trending

Draw a line using polar co-ordinate system in AutoCAD

1. Open AutoCAD software from desktop short cut or from start menu.   2. Now type "LINE" and press ENTER KEY. Then enter 0,0 as first point of the line.   3. Then type 5<30 as second point of the line. This "<" symbol is used for the line point moves to 30 degrees from positive x-axis. 4.  Now again type 2.45<270 as next point of the line. 5. After generating the line press <Esc> key from key board to exit from line command. The lines shown like below image. BACK to Day-1 Lessions CLICK HERE to get CAD HOME Work help or project help (paid)

How to draw a line using cartesian coordinate system on graph paper?

The Cartesian coordinate system in two dimensions (also called a rectangular coordinate system) is defined by an ordered pair of perpendicular lines (axes), a single unit of length for both axes and an orientation for each axis. The lines are commonly referred to as the x- and y-axes where the x-axis is horizontal and the y-axis is vertical. The point where the axes meet is taken as the origin for both, thus turning each axis into a number line. For a given point P, a line is drawn through P perpendicular to the x-axis to meet it at X and a second line is drawn through P perpendicular to the y-axis to meet it at Y. The coordinates of P are then X and Y interpreted as numbers x and y on the corresponding number lines. The coordinates are written as an ordered pair (x,y). BACK to Day-1 Lessions CLICK HERE to get CAD HOME Work help or project help (paid)

Change the layers to drawing elements in AutoCAD

1. a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut menu. b)Select new document icon from quick access toolbar and open “ansi-a” template. c)Now click on model layout tab. d)Click on “LINE” command from draw panel. e)Now move the cursor to 4 units in X axis and 2 units in Y axis and pick the line stating point. f)Now move the cursor 2 units horzontally rights side and pick another point of the line. g)Like wise above steps move the cursor or cross hair to required points shown bellow image and pick the points to get the required shape. h)Finally enter “C” to close the line. i)And draw circle by using Circle command. Now pick a point, that bellow left to the created object by usinng left mouse button and move the cursor upwards left. 2.After picking a point top right to the created object then we can see the all entities in the enclosed window appeared with blue boxes. 3.Now hold down the key from key board and select the blue colored center lines by using left mouse but...

Procedure to use zoom previous tool in AutoCAD 2015

1. a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut menu. b)Select open document icon from quick access toolbar and open “Willhome” from student files. 2.Now click on Extents option from Navigate panel. After selecting Zoom extents we can see the drawing like below. 3.Now click on window option from navigate panel. And pick a point like shown below and move the cursor right downwards. Then pick another point as zoom window opposite corner. Now we can see the zoomed area in the workspace. 4.Now click on Undo icon from quick access tool bar. 5.Now we can observe the view comes back to previous view. 6.Now continue to clicking on undo icon until the icon not activate positon.

Procedure to publish the drawing set in AutoCAD

1. a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut icon or start menu. b)Click on “Open icon” and select “welding_fx” file from database files then click on “Open” button to open the document. 2.Type “PUBLISH” command and press ENTER KEY. 3.Select “Welding_fix-Model” from sheet name list and click on “Remove” button. 4.Select “DWF” option from Publish to list. 5.Click on “Publish options” button. 6.Make sure “Multi-sheet file” as Type and “Include” as Layer information for general dwf options. 7.Click on Preview button to preview the drawing and click on close preview button. 8.Click on “Publish” button and give name as “CH15_EXERCISE5” and press ok button. 9.Click on “NO” button.

How to offesetting objects with construction lines in AutoCAD

1. a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut icon or start menu. b)Open previously saved document. 2.Click on the drop down arrow near Draw and select “XLINE” tool. 3.Select “Offset” tool. 4.AutoCAD prompts for offset distance. 5.Type “2” as offset distance and press ENTER KEY. 6.Select right side vertical line to offset. 7.Move the cursor right wards and pick a point to offset the selected element. 8.Now again AutoCAD prompts for selecting elements. 9.Pick top most horizontal line and move the cursor upwards and pick a point anywhere at upside to the selected element. 10.Press ENTER KEY to exit from “XLINE” command. 11.Now select “XLINE” from draw panel and select “Offset” tool and type “3” as offset distance and press ENTER KEY then select newly generated vertical line and move the mouse right wards and pick a point to offset the selected element in right wards. Again select “XLINE” from draw panel and select “Offset” tool from modify panel and type “3” as offset...

How to create new layers in AutoCAD

1. a) Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut menu. b) Click on Layer properties icon from home menu ribbon. 2. After clicking new layer icon, a new layer created with default name “Layer 1” now we can edit this name as “Dim” and press Enter Key from key board. Then the layer created with named as Dim. 3. Again press ENTER KEY to repeat the last command i.e. create a new layer. Then change layer name as “Object”. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.Save the drawing by clicking on save icon from quick access tool bar. BACK to Day-2 Lessions

How to use Undo and Redo in AutoCAD

1. a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut menu. b)Select new document icon from quick access toolbar and open “ansi-a” template. c)Now click on model layout tab. d)Draw a line by using line command. 2. 3. 4.Now save the drawing by clicking on save icon from quick access tool bar. BACK to Day-2 Lessions

The procedure to Activate Viewport in AutoCAD

In AutoCAD we can add number of layouts depending upon the print scale of drawings. Basically model space is used to create the drawings and other layout spaces are used to see the real time output drawings. We need to set the layout spaces according to printing size of the document. 1. a) Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut menu. b) Select new document icon from quick access toolbar and open "ansi-a" template. c) Now double click on center of the ANSI A Tool box layout with mouse left button. After double clicking with left mouse button see the layout outline. In this layout the model space objects appeared. We can draw or scale the elements in this layout also. See the image bellow. 2. a) Whenever we move the cursor inside the dark lined layout, the cursor transforms like cross hair (looks like plus symbol shape). Whenever we move the cursor after this dark lined layout the cursor transforms its shape like arrow symbol. See the bellow two image...

How to Switch model spcae to layout space in AutoCAD 2013

In AutoCAD we can add number of layouts depending upon the print scale of drawings. Basically model space is used to create the drawings and other layout spaces are used to see the real time output drawings. We need to set the layout spaces according to printing size of the document. 1.a)Open AutoCAD application from desktop shortcut menu. b)Select new document icon from quick access toolbar and open “ansi-a” template. c)Now click on model tab that is near bottom left corner of workspace. 2. a)Now click on “ANSI A Title block” tab and observe the UCS. 3.Save the drawing by clicking on “SAVE” icon from quick access toolbar and browse the location need to save then enter document name and click on save button.