R E B O OT C O M PU T E R S E RVI C ES I N C . · C O L L E G E ST U DY S E R I ES
CAD 101
The Complete Study Guide to Computer-Aided Design
Concepts · 2D & 3D · Drafting Standards · Practice + Answers
Inside this guide
1 · What Is CAD?
2 · The CAD Workspace & Coordinate Systems
3 · 2D Drafting Fundamentals
4 · 3D Modeling Concepts
5 · Engineering Drawing Standards
6 · Dimensioning & Tolerances
7 · From Model to Output
8 · Quick Reference
9 · Practice Questions with Answers
10 · Glossary
A self-study companion for computer-aided design · rebootcs.com
, 1 · What Is CAD?
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of software to create, modify, analyze, and document designs. It replaced
hand drafting with precise, editable digital models used across engineering, architecture, product design, and
manufacturing.
Why CAD Matters
CAD delivers precision (exact dimensions), reusability (edit instead of redraw), visualization (see a design in 3D
before building), and collaboration (shareable files feeding directly into manufacturing via CAM/CNC). Common tools
include AutoCAD (2D/3D drafting), SolidWorks and Fusion 360 (parametric 3D), and Revit (architecture/BIM).
Key distinction: CAD designs the part; CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) turns that design into machine
instructions; CAE simulates and analyzes it.
© Reboot Computer Services Inc. · Created by Mario Washington · Page 2 of 12
CAD 101
The Complete Study Guide to Computer-Aided Design
Concepts · 2D & 3D · Drafting Standards · Practice + Answers
Inside this guide
1 · What Is CAD?
2 · The CAD Workspace & Coordinate Systems
3 · 2D Drafting Fundamentals
4 · 3D Modeling Concepts
5 · Engineering Drawing Standards
6 · Dimensioning & Tolerances
7 · From Model to Output
8 · Quick Reference
9 · Practice Questions with Answers
10 · Glossary
A self-study companion for computer-aided design · rebootcs.com
, 1 · What Is CAD?
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of software to create, modify, analyze, and document designs. It replaced
hand drafting with precise, editable digital models used across engineering, architecture, product design, and
manufacturing.
Why CAD Matters
CAD delivers precision (exact dimensions), reusability (edit instead of redraw), visualization (see a design in 3D
before building), and collaboration (shareable files feeding directly into manufacturing via CAM/CNC). Common tools
include AutoCAD (2D/3D drafting), SolidWorks and Fusion 360 (parametric 3D), and Revit (architecture/BIM).
Key distinction: CAD designs the part; CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) turns that design into machine
instructions; CAE simulates and analyzes it.
© Reboot Computer Services Inc. · Created by Mario Washington · Page 2 of 12
