Computer-Aided Design (CAD): What It Is — and Why It’s Important

By

Samantha Nemeny

Last Updated Sep 28, 2026

By

Samantha Nemeny

When most people envision a construction worker, they see a person at a construction site wearing a hard hat and a high-vis vest. Perhaps this person is putting up plasterboard, hammering nails, laying flooring, or even sitting on a jobsite eating a meat pie. Although all these constitute part of the job, construction is in many ways a tech job. This hasn’t always been the case — but with the introduction of computer-aided design (CAD), technology's role in the industry and the impact it has on the job have both grown.

History of CAD

The origins of CAD trace back to the early 1960s systems of Patrick Hanratty and Ivan Sutherland. While working at General Motors Research Laboratories, Hanratty helped develop a program called DAC, the first system which used interactive graphics and a numerical control programming system.

Just two years later, in 1963, Ivan Sutherland designed a system that “broke new ground in 3D computer modeling and visual simulation, the basis for computer graphics and CAD/CAM.” Sutherland called his program Sketchpad, and explained it “let designers use a light pen to create engineering drawings directly on a CRT.”

In 1971, Hanratty developed a program called ADAM. It was described as the “first commercially available integrated, interactive graphics design, drafting, and manufacturing system.”

Writing in 1998, American Machinist estimated that around 90% of commercial drafting software could trace its roots back to ADAM.

Hanratty upgraded ADAM over time, enabling it to run on 16-bit, and later 32-bit computers. With a name change to AD-2000 along with more machining and surfacing capabilities, the program became more and more of a success.

Purpose of CAD

Used by engineers, architects, and construction managers, CAD has replaced manual drafting in many places. It helps users create both 2D and 3D designs to better visualise construction.

CAD enables the development, modification, and optimisation of the design process. Engineers can make more accurate representations and modify them easily to improve design quality. The software also takes into account how various materials interact: this is especially relevant as more details are added to drawings by subcontractors.

For how those drawing sets are structured and coordinated on Australian projects, see best practice in construction drawings.

Today, drawings/plans can be stored in the cloud, giving contractors access to CAD-based drawings/plans on site. Entire teams can check out plan modifications easily. This way, it is possible for all relevant parties to recognise the possible impact the changes might have on construction and adapt and communicate as needed.

Effective utilisation of all information can help increase productivity. CAD helps enable designers to consider electricity, plumbing, and other elements to create a more comprehensive design. Ultimately, this translates to fewer work changes and fewer surprises during construction.

Popular CAD software options in construction

AutoCAD Civil 3D

AutoCAD Civil 3D is used for planning, designing, and managing civil engineering projects. The projects can be divided into “three main categories of land development, water, and transportation projects; and can include construction area development, road engineering, river development, port construction, canals, dams, embankments, and many others. … [It's] used to create three-dimensional (3D) models of land, water, or transportation features while maintaining dynamic relationships to source data such as grading objects, breaklines, contours, and corridors.”

AutoCAD Plant 3D

AutoCAD Plant 3D offers modern 3D design solutions for plant designers and engineers. The program helps simplify the modelling of plant components, including piping and support structures. The software offers a number of tools to deal with typical plant and process design challenges, such as the standardisation and customisation of parts for a particular project. It also improves accuracy as well as increases design and engineering productivity as typical challenges are addressed when building the model.

CATIA

CATIA is a cloud-based design software used for physical modelling and is used in many industries. In construction, it facilitates the design of buildings. The software is also seen as a top-notch surfacing (developing the shape of an object) tool. What's more, CATIA supports multiple stages of product design and aids in the design of various systems, such as electronic HVAC.

SkyCiv Structural 3D

SkyCiv Structural 3D is a cloud-based structural engineering software program geared towards civil and structural engineers. Completely online, the program enables users to model, analyse, and design a wide range of structures. Engineers can analyse multiple issues like bending, stress, and buckling. With smart repair model functionality, the program helps users identify and repair issues.

SolidWorks Premium

A program that runs on Microsoft Windows, SolidWorks Premium has powerful 3D design capabilities. While it can be used to create 2D designs, the 3D-related tools are what make it so valuable for mechanical engineers and designers. SolidWorks “integrates powerful design tools — including industry-leading part, assembly, and drawing capabilities with built-in simulation, rendering, animation, product data management, and cost estimation.” The program allows users to create a 3D model from a 2D plane, and vice versa.

Written by

Samantha Nemeny

35 articles

Sam has spent a decade in content marketing, with eight years focused on Australia’s construction industry. She has a knack for making complex ideas easy to understand, turning industry jargon into clear, engaging stories. With a background in SEO and marketing, she’s spent the past four years at Procore, helping industry professionals navigate the world of construction with content that’s both insightful and easy to digest.

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