AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk, AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app running on microcomputers with internal graphics controllers. Before AutoCAD, most commercial CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with each CAD operator (user) having their own dedicated graphics terminal.
AutoCAD is used across a wide range of industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and graphic design, and is available as both a desktop application and a mobile app. Since its inception, AutoCAD has become one of the most popular CAD programs in the world, with over 12 million users worldwide.