Computer-aided design (CAD) is a powerful software that utilizes computers to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, and optimization of designs, significantly enhancing productivity and design quality. This technology can generate both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) models, conveying crucial details like materials, dimensions, and tolerances through electronic files used for manufacturing or patent applications.

CAD is an indispensable industrial art, extensively applied across diverse sectors such as the automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding industries, as well as in architectural design (Building Information Modeling) and even for generating computer animation for special effects. As a fundamental part of digital product development, it seamlessly integrates with other tools like computer-aided engineering (CAE) and manufacturing (CAM). This widespread adoption means CAD has been a major driving force for research in computer graphics and plays a critical role in shaping virtually every modern product, from complex machinery to everyday items like perfume bottles.