We here at Scan2CAD know that no program is an island—even when it’s the ultimate vectorization software. The range of CAD software is incredibly broad, with specialized programs for practically every design purpose. Each program exists within an ecosystem, and an architect or designer may use several different programs in a standard workday.
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Now Included with AutoCAD. The AutoCAD Plant 3D toolset adds features to help you produce P&IDs, and then integrate them into a 3D plant design model. Generate and share isometrics, orthographics, and materials reports. Create schematic diagrams, plant layouts, and other drawings for plant design using specialized tools.
Experienced designers will know the ins and outs of each program they work with. However, for a newcomer, it can be hard to get answers to the basic question of which software does what. That’s why, in recent months, we’ve worked to provide useful guides to some of the most popular CAD software on the market. We’ve taken a look at software from Autodesk and Dassault Systèmes, and introduced users to lesser-known programs, such as Vectorworks.
In this article, we’ll be focusing on two of CAD’s big beasts: AutoCAD and SolidWorks. As the respective flagship programs for CAD powerhouses Autodesk and Dassault Systèmes, they’re certainly worthy of our attention. We’ll delve into the differences between these popular applications, and find out which is best suited to which purpose.
History
Whilst you’d be hard-pressed to find a CAD professional who isn’t familiar with AutoCAD, not everyone is aware of its backstory. Its origins lay in the little-known, late-70s software Interact CAD. Originally developed by programmer Mike Riddle, Interact CAD was acquired by Autodesk in the early 1980s. Autodesk then worked to develop the program further, and eventually chose it as the company’s flagship software, renaming it AutoCAD.
The first release of AutoCAD came in 1982, and it was immediately revolutionary. AutoCAD was the first CAD software built to run on PCs, rather than minicomputers. The public reaction was incredibly positive: within just a few years, AutoCAD had grown to become the most widely used design software in the world.
New releases over the years have brought new tools and functionality to AutoCAD. AutoLISP came with the 1985 release, the ability to open multiple drawings came in AutoCAD 2000, and object transparency came in AutoCAD 2011. The most recent version, AutoCAD 2018, came out in March this year, bringing support for 4K monitors and a new version of the DWG file format.
What it does
A screenshot of AutoCAD Architecture 2017. Image source: Softpedia
AutoCAD is a flexible CAD program that allows users to work in a variety of ways. Initially, the software specialized in the creation and editing of 2D geometry. However, over time, it has come to encompass a number of 3D modeling functions, including solids, surfaces, and meshes. It’s worth noting, though, that most people predominantly use AutoCAD for 2D drafts, rather than 3D modeling.
Other features of AutoCAD include the ability to annotate drawings, attach and import data from PDF files, and to extract object data to tables. 3D editing also brings with it the ability to view models in various viewports. Meanwhile, there is a variety of customization options, as readers of our guide to learning the AutoCAD basics in one hour will be familiar with.
Most users who work in AutoCAD will save their files in the native DWG file format. The format was initially exclusive to the software, but, given the necessity for designers to collaborate, many ways to view DWG files without AutoCAD now exist. AutoCAD also supports other vector file formats, notably including DXF.
Who uses it
By the late 90s, AutoCAD had established itself as the most widely used CAD software in the world. It should come as little surprise, therefore, to learn that AutoCAD has found users across many industries. Many of our own users use Scan2CAD to convert from PDF to vector formats specifically for use in AutoCAD.
Autodesk has responded to the widespread popularity of AutoCAD by creating a range of industry-specific ‘flavors’ of the software. Each of these versions has an individual design and set of custom features. The distinctiveness of these ‘flavours’ is easy to spot—compare the above screenshots of AutoCAD Electrical and AutoCAD Architecture.
However, the differences are more than surface-deep. Here are just a few of the features bundled with each industry version of AutoCAD:
All in all, virtually every design and engineering sector on the planet has, to some degree, made use of AutoCAD. However, it isn’t the only show in town. First off, there are plenty of affordable AutoCAD alternatives offering similar functionality to Autodesk’s flagship software. However, some CAD programs distinguish themselves by offering something different. Enter SolidWorks.
History
SolidWorks today is well known as one of Dassault Systèmes’ flagship applications, but it actually started life outside the company. MIT graduate Jon Hirschtick founded the SolidWorks Corporation, the company which first developed the software, in 1993. After two years of work, the first version of SolidWorks was ready for release in November 1995. It was an instant hit, bringing solid modeling to a wider audience than ever before.
In 1997, Dassault Systèmes acquired SolidWorks for $310 million. It was great news for SolidWorks, who were able to take advantage of Dassault’s clout and existing CAD experience—the latter having already developed the powerful CATIA software. Meanwhile, Dassault Systèmes reaped the benefits of their new acquisition, which, over time, acquired a user base of over 3.2 million.
Already a powerful tool when first released, SolidWorks has undergone major development over the years. From 2001, the program was one of the pioneers in incorporating simulation within the design process. More changes came with the most recent edition, SolidWorks 2018, which arrived just two short months ago. The version brought the ability to sketch freehand on touch screen devices, and integrated CAM and topology study tools for the first time.
What it does
Topology Study in SolidWorks 2018. Image source: SolidWorks
The name is a giveaway: SolidWorks is a solid modeling application. It employs a parametric feature-based approach to model creation. In layman’s terms, this means designers create models using engineering terms, such as bosses, holes and slots, rather than using geometric terms.
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Though best known for its 3D CAD functionality, SolidWorks also allows users to draw accurately in 2D. In fact, SolidWorks models typically start life as 2D sketches. From there, users can extrude their parts into three dimensions using a number of available tools.
SolidWorks, however, has long aimed to be more than simply a drafting application. As noted above, the software has included simulation tools for over a decade, allowing users to test their parts by simulating real-world conditions. These tools include computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, the ability to simulate fluid flow, heat transfer and fluid forces, and life cycle assessment (LCA) features.
Additionally, the software includes powerful rendering features which enable users to see photo-realistic visualizations of the parts they create. Other tools in SolidWorks’ extensive arsenal include PDM packages, and a range of electrical solutions that make it simple to create accurate schematics and circuit data.
Who uses it
With such a wide range of different features, it comes as little surprise to learn that SolidWorks has users across numerous industries. Firstly, this includes a number of businesses in commercial industries that rely on SolidWorks for their day-to-day operations. Key sectors here include the aerospace and automotive industries, including major clients such as Amtrak and BAE Systems.
As a major modeling program, engineers naturally also form a major part of the SolidWorks user base. SolidWorks’ integrated simulation tools make it easy to evaluate designs and materials before creating physical prototypes. One engineering client is Daka, which managed to achieve 50% development cost savings on its sea scooter.
SolidWorks users include both traditional industries, such as construction, oil and gas, and emerging sectors, including alternative energy and robotics. With so much on offer, a range of SolidWorks packages are available to meet various industry needs, including:
You’ve heard plenty about both programs so far—but when it comes to AutoCAD vs SolidWorks, which is best for you? In the table below, you’ll find plenty of useful information to help you make an informed decision.
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits to both AutoCAD and SolidWorks. Those in the AEC sector, as well as mechanical and electrical drafters should consider AutoCAD. This is also a great choice for anyone working exclusively or primarily in 2D. For most 3D CAD purposes, though, SolidWorks is likely to be the way to go. It’s also ideal for those working in the automotive and aerospace industries, and boasts a wider range of simulation and visualization tools.
Whichever option is best for you, you’ll be pleased to learn that both programs accept DXF files. This means that you can convert from raster or PDF to DXF using Scan2CAD, and get started in no time.
I use AutoCAD since R14. It already has paperspace (old term for old people like me, AutoCAD layout to younger you), but using model space is still very common. And it looks like my tutor was too lazy to teach me how to use paperspace. So I’m quite familiar with modelspace until I decided to use AutoCAD layout. AutoCAD layout today is very simple and very powerful to use. I wish we had this in early 90’s. It makes setting up plot easy. And there are many advanced features we can use with layout.
I’m not sure why today people still prefer to set their drawing border and title block in model space. I can understand if you are a veteran AutoCAD ninja who already comfortable with it. And I do know some drawings don’t need to use layout, especially schematic drawings.
But for the younger users, I expect them to start using layout. There are many advantages of using layout. These are 10 advantages I can find.
SIMPLIFY DRAWINGS
First, using AutoCAD layout will simplify the drawing. Below we have several drawings with different scales. How do we do it in model space? We were actually draw them in different scales. If you have a detailed view, then you have to copy and scale that part of your drawing. When we need to change it, then we have to update them all manually.
Using layout will give us several advantages below.
1. We Always Draw in Full Scale
It doesn’t matter if you have 2, 4, or 10 different scales in your sheet later. We can always draw in full scale 1:1. Even for beginners can easily complete the drawing without having to think how they need to scale the drawing, creating different dimension styles, etc.
2. Show Different Area of One Model
Even we only draw once with full scale, we can represent the model many times. We can represent the drawing with several viewports, showing different area of the model. Sometimes we simply need it because the model is too large for one sheet. And sometimes, we need it to show it in different scales for detailed drawings.
Because we only draw in one model, we only need to update the modelspace. Other viewports will automatically updated. We don’t have to update each drawing separately.
3. Less Styles to Manage
Let’s see image below. We have a stair section and create a detail from it. When we need to add dimension to both drawing, we have to create two dimension styles. They have different scales, so we need to create another dimension and control the dimension value by changing the scale factor. If you scale it 4x, then you need another dimension style with scale factor 1/4. You can override the properties manually, but it will take more time.
If you don’t understand, it’s OK. It can’t be explained in a paragraph or two. That’s what nice about layout: less confusion.
You have to switch between dimension styles and can bring unnecessary mistakes. What if you have 3 or 4 different scales? What if in your model space you have more than one sheet with more different scales? You will have many styles!
4. Easy to Control Drawing Scale
Another good thing about layout is it’s easy to control the drawing scale. As we discussed in no.1, we only need to draw in full scale. We can arrange them easily in layout.
It’s not so easy to explain how to apply scale, drawing border, and placing title block in model space to a new user. Using viewport, it’s easier to explain.
You can create a viewport, select it, and change the scale using viewport scale at the right bottom of your screen.
In the past, we have to use zoom scale. But today, it’s very easy after AutoCAD has scale list feature. You can see how it work in YouTube video, go to this viewport tips to see it.
ONE MODEL, MULTIPLE REPRESENTATIONS
If we work with modelspace, we treat it like drawing manually in a paper. When you need to represent a drawing several times, then you need to copy it to show each instance. Layout allows you to draw one model, and represent it several times. In no.2, we already discussed how we can show different areas with different scales. But there are more.
5. Different Drawing Orientation
Each viewport can be configured to have different angle orientation. I don’t explain much about it here, but you can do it with single drawing in model space too. For example you want to show a site plan with true north orientation. But you also want to show a building plan in the site plan with different orientation. It’s quite easy to do it with layout.
6. Different Drawing Representation with Layer Properties per-Viewport
Since AutoCAD 2008, we have ‘layer properties per-viewport’. We can set the layer properties for each viewport independently. For example, you can turn on hatch layer for detailed drawing, but turn it off for larger scales. You can show detailed objects for some viewports, and hide it for the others.
You can also read how I use it with layer states.
7. Get the Advantages of Annotation Scaling
Another great feature that has been added to AutoCAD is annotation scaling. We can use it in model space, however, we can get the benefits mostly in layout.
Previously, we discussed how we need only to create one drawing and we can represent it in different scales. Annotation scale allow us to do it with annotation, ensuring our annotation readable in different scales. And because we only create one annotation for all scales, any changes will reflected to all of your viewports.
If annotation scaling doesn’t not suite your needs, you can annotate your drawings in layout. It’s probably the most comfortable way for many users. Each of them has it’s own benefits. Either way, they are easier to manage than setting your sheets in modelspace.
MANAGE AND AUTOMATE
Another good thing about layout is we tell AutoCAD to recognize the sheets. It allow us to use other features that relate to layout to manage and automate several processes. What are they?
8. Control Printing Preferences Easily
Printing preferences are very easy to set when you use layout. If you are not familiar with setting up sheet in modelspace, remember that we draw in full scale. Then we add a border and title block to include the drawing. We need to calculate the scale in plot scale below.
With layout you simply select the paper size, and always use 1:1 full scale. Plot margin will be shown in dashed lines. You can also use page setup to quickly apply your settings.
It is very easy to comprehend, even if you don’t use AutoCAD intensively. If your company already has a template, it will be easier for you.
9. Sheet Set Manager Advantages
Sheet set is a good tool to manage your drawings in a project. If you are not familiar with it, you can try to download these white papers or take a look to our e-book: document management with AutoCAD Sheet Set.
In short, we can manage the sheets so we can easily access them. After we have a drawing set, we can eTransmit and pack the whole project files as one zip file, ready to send along with dependent files. We can also plot them all at once with publish command.
Other advantage you can get is sheet set fields. Sheet set has it’s own fields, you can show the sheet number, project name, and so on. You can also create sheet list automatically. Sheet Set takes it further!
10. Batch Plot
You can plot many drawings at once with sheet set’s publish. However, if you don’t use sheet set, you can also use publish manually and add layouts from many layouts. You can plot many layouts at once, even send them to different plotters!
Can we use batch plot if we set the drawings in modelspace. Yes, but it means you have to create saved views, and create a page setup for each saved views.
What About You?
As I mentioned before, you may find using layout is not that useful for you. Maybe you can list your reasons why shouldn’t use it. And if you do like it, do you have more reasons to love it?
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