AutoCAD Electrical 2018: Powerful 2D and 3D CAD Software by Autodesk

AutoCAD Electrical 2018 is a robust 2D and 3D CAD software developed by Autodesk, widely used by architects and engineers for technical drawings. Originally released in 1982 for CP/M and IBM PC, it now supports multiple platforms, including macOS, iOS, and Android. Since 2016, AutoCAD shifted to a subscription-based licensing model with flexible options such as term-based and pay-as-you-go. It also offers web and mobile app access to meet modern design requirements.

History of AutoCAD

Early CAD Systems and Origins

Before AutoCAD, most CAD programs operated on mainframe or minicomputers, with users working at separate graphics terminals.
AutoCAD’s roots trace back to 1977, evolving from a program called Interact CAD (also known as MicroCAD) developed prior to Autodesk’s formation by Michael Riddle.

First Releases and Platform Expansion

• The first Autodesk version was showcased at Comdex in 1982 and launched in December of the same year, supporting CP/M-80 computers.

• By 1986, AutoCAD had become the most widely used CAD program worldwide.

• Subsequent releases included a UNIX version (Release 10 for Xenix in 1989) and the first Windows version (Release 12 in 1993).

Key Features of AutoCAD Electrical 2018

Software Compatibility

AutoCAD integrates smoothly with other software:

• ESRI ArcMap 10 allows exporting as AutoCAD drawing files.

• Civil 3D exports as AutoCAD objects and LandXML.

• Various third-party file converters support specific international standards.

• PDF file conversions are possible but may sometimes produce distorted results.

Language Support

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are available in multiple languages, including:
English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Polish, and Hungarian. Localization ranges from full software translation to documentation only, with command sets also localized.

Extensions and Customization

AutoCAD supports a variety of APIs for automation and customization:

• AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA, .NET, and ObjectARX (a C++ class library).

• ObjectARX is the foundation for Autodesk’s specialized products like AutoCAD Architecture, Electrical, and Civil 3D.

• A wide range of plugins and add-ons are available via Autodesk Exchange Apps.

• The DXF format facilitates importing and exporting drawing data.

Vertical Integration and Industry-Specific Toolsets

Autodesk offers several vertical programs tailored for specific industries, including:

• Advance Steel

• AutoCAD Architecture

• AutoCAD Electrical

• AutoCAD Map 3D

• AutoCAD Mechanical

• AutoCAD MEP

• AutoCAD Plant 3D

• Autodesk Civil 3D

Since AutoCAD 2019, these verticals are included with the AutoCAD subscription under the Industry-Specific Toolset.

Example: AutoCAD Architecture

AutoCAD Architecture allows architectural designers to create intelligent 3D objects like walls, doors, and windows that carry data representing real-world products. This data can be used for pricing, material estimation, and generating standard 2D drawings such as elevations and sections.

Civil Design and Civil 3D Evolution

• Civil Design, Civil Design 3D, and Civil Design Professional support civil engineering calculations through data-specific objects.

• Softdesk Civil, originally developed by Softdesk (later acquired by Autodesk), evolved into Land Development Desktop and was eventually replaced by Civil 3D.