AutoCAD compared to other drawing packages

[keithwhoriskey]

Hi guys,

A project I am working on requires me to talk about the main benefits or reasons for using AutoCAD over other drawing packages such as Microstation, Pro engineer etc.

Does anybody out there have any expertise on these packages and the pros and cons for using them compared to the beloved AutoCAD?

Cheers,

Keith.

[PacificOcean]

Mr. keithwhoriskey,

I will compare AutoCAD with Microstation first, as they both are mostly used for 2-D drafting. AutoCAD has been around longer than microstation. I guess before AutoCAD became famous CAD Key was around, you may want to include that too.

Microstation opens AutoCAD files directly as .dwg file. Also ability to put 3D embedded models. See bentley website click on 3D in pdf topic.

I got training in both softwares, even though I taught AutoCAD more. Most Department of transportation use microstation. Files are automatically saved, no backup files required.

Inventor, Solidworks and Pro-Engineer are for 3-D design. Another advantage of AutoCAD is you can transfer 2-D files as sketches in Inventor. Mastercam is more friendly with DXF files rather than microstation files.

Similarity: Both companies rob you for training and software upgrades.

Thanks,

_PacificOcean
www.GTEservices.com

[ReMark]

AutoCAD was first release December 1982.

Both Microstation and CADKey were released in 1985.

[CADTutor]

I guess that if you want a full roundup of other similar apps, you should include Vectorworks. Once a Mac-only CAD app but now matured as a Windows app.

As with many things, it's horses for courses. AutoCAD, Microstation and Vectorworks are all generic CAD applications that were originally designed for 2D plan graphics but which have evolved 3D modelling as well. These 3 all do basically the same thing but in slightly different ways. AutoCAD is probably used more widely than any other and is therefore the first one people think of.

The other apps like Inventor are more specialist in nature and there are loads of this type of software, all specifically directed towards different skill groups - Architects, Engineers etc.

Any choice has to be pragmatic and cost effective - that's the only way to work it out.

[ReMark]

For a little historical reference try reading about the History of CAD at the following link:

http://mbinfo.mbdesign.net/CAD-History.htm

You can also find the history of the PC at the same site.

[Lazer]

Good link there ReMark :wink: