Some 2D CAD programs contain libraries of standard building components, such as beams, doors, or furniture. Designs can also be copied quickly, and sections or features altered to compare and contrast variations in the final design. By drafting views such as plans, sections, and elevations, designers can visualize the completed design and make any amendments as needed.

However, using 2D CAD provides a number of benefits.

Some architects still prefer to sketch their initial designs on paper before transferring them to a 2D CAD program. While preparing drawings using 2D CAD software is much faster than manual drawing methods, it also allows designers to explore different design options more efficiently. These drawings – often called construction drawings – form part of the contract documents for a project, alongside other documentation such as the specification.

Other information may be included on the drawings that will help ensure the project gets built correctly, such as schedules or lists. These views explain how the structure will be built and provide information on the materials to be used and the specification or performance to be achieved. Within the built environment, 2D CAD is used to create plan, section, and elevation views and details of structures. 2D CAD drawings are characterized by their two-dimensional lines, polylines, and arcs, as well as text and annotations.ĢD CAD is used across a wide range of industries – such as automotive, aerospace, fashion, and industrial design – to produce line drawings and layouts for different applications. CAD replaced these manual, hand-drafted drawings with a digital method, significantly increasing the efficiency and accuracy of the drafting process. Previously, drawings would have been drafted by specialist draftspeople and required tools such as stencils and T-squares. These form a critical part of the project contract documents, which are used to determine how the project should be built.Ĭomputer-aided design – or, alternatively, computer-aided drafting – is more commonly referred to as CAD. 2D CAD software is widely used throughout the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries for preparing technical drawings and documentation.

2d construction drawing software