AutoCAD 2017 Reference AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk[1] AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers.[2] Before AutoCAD was introduced most commercial CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or minicomputers with each CAD operator (user) working at a separate graphics terminal.[3] Since 2010 AutoCAD was released as a mobile- and web app as well marketed as AutoCAD 360.
Since AutoCAD 2019 several verticals are included with AutoCAD subscription as Industry-Specific Toolset.

For example AutoCAD Architecture (formerly Architectural Desktop) permits architectural designers to draw 3D objects such as walls doors and windows with more intelligent data associated with them rather than simple objects such as lines and circles. The data can be programmed to represent specific architectural products sold in the construction industry or extracted into a data file for pricing materials estimation and other values related to the objects represented.

Additional tools generate standard 2D drawings such as elevations and sections from a 3D architectural model. Similarly Civil Design Civil Design 3D and Civil Design Professional support data-specific objects facilitating easy standard civil engineering calculations and representations.

Softdesk Civil was developed as an AutoCAD add-on by a company in New Hampshire called Softdesk (originally DCA). Softdesk was acquired by Autodesk and Civil became Land Development Desktop (LDD) later renamed Land Desktop. Civil 3D was later developed and Land Desktop was retired.
AutoCAD is used in the industry by architects project managers engineers graphic designers city planners and other professionals. It was supported by 750 training centers worldwide in 1994.[1]