Professional CAD Review

Professional computer-aided design (or CAD) software makes creating the world's tallest skyscrapers or your new house a possibility. New advancements in professional CAD software have taken a very time consuming and difficult process and made it possible for just about anyone with a little experience to accomplish. Software like AutoCAD, TurboCAD Pro Platinum and CorelCAD include features that make it possible to design just about anything. The professional grade software we reviewed focuses on 2D and 3D architectural and mechanical drafting. You can design an entire house with simple 2D features, and with just a few clicks you can transform your new drawing into a 3D masterpiece. Large engineering companies turn to professional CAD software to ensure that every aspect of their design is accurate and easy to understand.

Professional CAD software provides the needed tools for both architectural and mechanical drafting. Features like wall and snap tools make creating even the most complex floor plans a breeze. Over the years, software developers have added dozens of different features that eliminate the tedious CAD redundancies every professional dreads. When comparing consumer grade CAD software to professional grade software, it's easy to see what makes the difference. Professional grade CAD software includes advanced features like plotting tools, 2D to 3D conversions and many others that you won't find in standard CAD applications. You can also check out our learning center articles on professional CAD software to learn more about these amazing products.

Professional AutoCAD software: What to Look For

When it comes to finding the ideal software for your growing company, it's important to take a step back and assess the features and tools provided by each product. The following are the criteria we used to evaluate and rank the top professional CAD software on the market.

Features
Professional CAD software should not only include the basic features like layers and the ability to import other file types, but it should include anything and everything needed for CAD design. The best software will provide a large list of commands, which make production much faster. Top software will also implement shortcuts, previews for commands that are hard to visualize and even drag-and-drop functionality. The real test is whether a company can implement the needed features and still make the software easy to use and effective.

Design Tools
Design tools are what make or break any decent CAD product on the market. Most company's use a template similar to the one Autodesk designed when they released AutoCAD. Tools like chamfering, arrays, dimensions and many others are what make the design process possible. The main thing we look for in this section is how accessible the tools are and how each of them work. Just because the application has the tool, doesn't mean it works the way it should or is easy to use. Professional CAD software should also include tools that make adding doors, windows, stairs or other projects simple and effective. We also look at whether the 3D tools and 3D workspace works as it should and streamlines this complex process.

File Compatibility
Since not all software uses the same file types, the best professional CAD software should be able to open and use file types from other applications. The most common file type used in CAD software is DWG, since it is the standard set by Autodesk. However, you should also be able to open the basic image formats such as DWF, DXF, DGN and many others. Additional file types like IGES and STEP ensure that 3D drawings are loaded completely and that no data is lost when opening a file on different software.

Ease of Use
It doesn't matter what kind of software you are looking for, if the software is clunky and hard to use it will never become popular. Professional CAD software is quite complex in design; as such, it is crucial that tools and other features are well labeled and easy to understand. You should be able to find the tool you're looking for without spending hours searching through different submenus or toolbars. The best software will take complex tools and make them easy to use.

Help & Support
Questions about the purchasing process or technical issues will most likely arise at some point while working with any type of software. CAD software constantly receives updates, which include new tools or features that may need a little explanation. The best companies will not only offer tutorials on how these features work, but will also provide phone numbers, email addresses and online forums. Being able to get in contact with the company in a variety of ways is what differentiates the good from the mediocre in this category.

Whether you're buying professional CAD software for your business for the first time or simply need to upgrade, it's crucial that you know which products are available and what to look for within each product. With professional CAD software, you will be able to design the latest skyscraper or the newest rocket engine. Our side-by-side comparisons make choosing the ideal software for your needs quick and easy.

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