What is CAD?

What you'll learn

• Explain what CAD means in plain language.
• Recognise common uses for a 2D CAD drawing.
• Distinguish a drawing from a manufacturing instruction.

What CAD means

CAD means computer-aided design. It is the use of software to create and edit a design. In 2D CAD, that design can be described by points, lines, curves and dimensions instead of by appearance alone.

A CAD drawing can record where an edge starts, how long it is and how it relates to other geometry. That makes the drawing easier to revise and measure than a sketch whose sizes must be guessed from the picture.

Where CAD is used

People use 2D CAD to plan parts, prepare drawings for discussion, check dimensions and pass geometry to later fabrication steps. For example, a simple panel drawing might locate its outer edges and the centres of two holes at measured positions.

The CAD drawing describes the intended geometry. It does not, by itself, choose a material, verify engineering safety or tell a machine exactly how to make the part. Those decisions need separate checks and preparation.

Key points

• CAD describes an editable design, not just its appearance.
• A measurable 2D drawing can support later fabrication work, but it is not a manufacturing approval.