CAD software

[playcorp]

How versatile is Cad, I am currently using Illustrator and I heard Cad was more for Draftmans/Civil Engineer, how does it rate against Illustrator as a drawing program for Fashion design. Is cad and Illustrator similar? Can files be moved between the two prgrams.

 

[andywall]

Not sure if the files are compatable with one another, however I do know that CAD is a very technical program, and is designed for use by both Architects/draughtsmen, and also by engineers, who are designing such things as engine components, and other very precise and detailed work. I would suggest you keep working in Illustrator, especially if you are working with fashion design, as you have access to a greater degree of colour control on Illustrator.

 

[jonpdrew]

Well, I run AutoCAD and that program is really geared for Architectural uses though it can handle mechanical design as well. I use it for everything from 2D wood working plans to 3D exploded views of engines. Yes it's very technical and having a background in drafting I think is necessary to make productive use of this program. I would think fashion design would not be a CAD programs forte...such as AutoCAD. You might want to look for a program that lets you create freeform designs a little easier. Learning a CAD system can become a career of it's own too. I use both Illustrator 10 and AutoCAD 2000i together. I can cut and paste my CAD drawings into Illustrator...if they aren't 3D solid models....Illustrator can't bring true 3D files in from AutoCAD. So I have to turn them into 3D looking artwork and then bring them into Illustrator. But I've found going back and forth between the two programs to be pretty seamless even when working with text. I think they compliment each other really well. I use illustrator mainly to enhance the line art I get out of AutoCAD. Hope that helps a little.

Jon