AutoCAD Electrical 2018 with Video Installation Guide

AutoCAD Electrical 2018 is a powerful 2D and 3D CAD software developed by Autodesk, widely used for technical drawings by architects and engineers. Initially released in 1982 for CP/M and IBM PC, it now supports various platforms, including macOS, iOS, and Android. AutoCAD transitioned to a subscription model in 2016, with options for term-based and pay-as-you-go licensing. It includes web and mobile app access, catering to modern design needs.

Before AutoCAD was introduced, most CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with each CAD operator (user) working at a separate graphics terminal.^[4]

AutoCAD was derived from a program that began in 1977, and then released in 1979^[5] called Interact CAD,^[6][7][8] also referred to in early Autodesk documents as MicroCAD, which was written prior to Autodesk’s (then Marinchip Software Partners) formation by Autodesk cofounder Michael Riddle.^[9][10]

The first version by Autodesk was demonstrated at the 1982 Comdex and released that December. AutoCAD supported CP/M-80 computers.^[11] As Autodesk’s flagship product, by March 1986 AutoCAD had become the most ubiquitous CAD program worldwide.^[12] The first UNIX version was Release 10 for Xenix in October 1989, while the first version for Windows was Release 12, released in February 1993.^[13][14]

ESRI ArcMap 10 permits export as AutoCAD drawing files. Civil 3D permits export as AutoCAD objects and as LandXML. Third-party file converters exist for specific formats such as Bentley MX GENIO Extension, PISTE Extension (France), ISYBAU (Germany), OKSTRA and Microdrainage (UK);^[15] also, conversion of .pdf files is feasible, however, the accuracy of the results may be unpredictable or distorted. For example, jagged edges may appear. Several vendors provide online conversions for free such as Cometdocs.

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are available for English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Polish and Hungarian (also through additional language packs).^[16] The extent of localization varies from full translation of the product to documentation only. The AutoCAD command set is localized as a part of the software localization.

AutoCAD supports a number of APIs for customization and automation. These include AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA, .NET and ObjectARX. ObjectARX is a C++ class library, which was also the base for:

• products extending AutoCAD functionality to specific fields
• creating products such as AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D
• third-party AutoCAD-based application

There are a large number of AutoCAD plugins (add-on applications) available on the application store Autodesk Exchange Apps.^[17] AutoCAD’s DXF, drawing exchange format, allows importing and exporting drawing information.

Autodesk has also developed a few vertical programs for discipline-specific enhancements such as:

• Advance Steel
• AutoCAD Architecture
• AutoCAD Electrical
• AutoCAD Map 3D
• AutoCAD Mechanical
• AutoCAD MEP
• AutoCAD Plant 3D
• Autodesk Civil 3D

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.