What version of AutoCAD is most widely used in the workplace right now? Is this what I should teach myself?

Question

Only currently working engineers answer, please. I am trying to make myself more marketable in the engineering fields and maybe pick up extra projects on the side. I am already self-taught with data historian software, some neural network software, some VB programming and MS Office suite. Would AutoCAD be the direction that you would go or is there another area or trend that would be more appealing or lucrative? (Short of actually getting an engineering degree...If I only had the time!!) Thanks very much.

Answer 1

AutoCAD is definitely the way to go and I believe it will be that way for a long time. They are generally the standard software for design. As far as the version goes being a relatively new user you could buy an older AutoCAD program and learn from it. I use 2007 and love it but honestly to a new user you would not be able to tell the difference between 2002 and 2007. On the bottom of this answer is a link to a side by side comparison of versions 2002 through 2007 and what has changed in each version. You will notice in some of the newer packages that there have been alot of advances in the program but they tend to lean toward an advanced user (3D, section cutting, etc.). I learned on AutoCAD 2000 and have worked with each of the versions since and find them very similar. A user who has used only AutoCAD 2000 would be able to catch on to AutoCAD 2007 extremely quickly. It is a great program and I feel like you will be able to teach yourself fairly well but you might want to look at a business and industry training program that alot of vocational schools who train draftsman offer. You are going to find that the draftsmen are going to know alot about the programs and maybe asking only "current working engineers" is not the right criteria but that is just a tip of the trade so to speak. I don't know what kind of engineering you are pursuing but AutoCAD offers versions which are designed for certain industries such as Civil 3D, Architectural Desktop, Mechanical Desktop. These are very good programs and could give a leg up. Extensions like Eagle Point are also great for the Civil engineering path (I have used Land Development Desktop, Civil 3D, and Eagle Point) - great programs which could separate you from the rest.
http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/AutoCAD_2007_Matrix.pdf

Answer 2

2007

Answer 3

Release 14 is compatible with most newer versions. Your best bet is to have 2 versions so that you can convert down if necessary. The newest (2007) and an older version that will "save as" version 12. Not everyone can afford to upgrade every time Autodesk offers their latest "new and improved" version. I still use version 12 because it works from a DOS platform and does everything I need to do, but I keep a 2002 version for converting down if someone sends me something.

Answer 4

2007 is the latest, but most have not upgraded yet. Start with anything after 2000 and you will find only marginal differences with later releases.

I would work on AutoCAD for most engineering items, but it is dependent on what type of engineering you are doing, too.

Answer 5

AutoCAD is a very limited tool in and of itself. Software like SolidWorks, ProEngineer, UGS-NX, Solid Edge, and CATIA are all more capable packages. They offer integration into manufacturing process (read: tool path control), FEA (fininte element analysis) and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) packages, and produce better overall integrated models. Stay away from AutoCAD if at all possible. SolidWorks is becoming the standard, if it's not already.

I have a BS in Mechanical Engineering and work for a large engineering and research company in the SF bay area. When anyone mentions AutoCAD, we all laugh.

Answer 6

i have a tech. drawing class and we use autocad 2007 u should try it