New users to the program often ask what’s the main difference between Autocad 2d and 3d. The Autocad program was first released in 1982 as an MS-DOS application, and over the last 30 years has developed into the large, complex program we have today, becoming the world-leader in CAD (computer aided design) programs. Initially Autocad dealt only with 2d drafting drawings, but in 1992 AutoDesk introduced its 3d modeling engine, which especially in the last few releases has become increasingly powerful. The two sets of functions exist in the same program – there are two interfaces, one for 2d drawings and one for 3d modeling, and it’s very easy to switch between the two. We cover all the essentials skills involved in our Autocad courses.
Autocad 2d and 3d are used by various professions, from architecture and construction, to engineering, to interior and landscape design. The main features of the 2d workspace are its ability to draw and modify geometry accurately, together with adding precise dimensions and text. Geometry can be viewed at different scales and organized using layers, line types and colours. And a variety of sheet layouts for printing are usually set up, with symbols or blocks being imported for multiple objects.
The main features of the 3d environment are the ability to create and modify solid objects within a 3d space, either as extruded from a 2d drawing, or created from scratch. Real-world materials and lighting can also be applied to the model to created photo-realistic images, or cameras can be added in order to output the scene as an animated movie.
Both interfaces are user-friendly and easy to learn. More information on all features of Autocad can be found at the AutoDesk website.
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Other related Autocad 2D Blog Posts:

• Autocad 2D basics
• Autocad 2D introduction
• Autocad 2D drawing
• Autocad 2D workspace