Computer aided design (CAD) is a term used to refer to the use of computer technology and software applications to aid with the design and drafting of a physical product or part of a product. There are a number of CAD software applications on the market, differing with regards to their complexity and the number of features that they offer to the end user. Learning CAD applications can be difficult at first due to a steep learning curve and the need to develop a highly specialised skill set. There are many CAD tutorials out there that can help a student in becoming more efficient and more productive at their design and drawing work. CAD applications are technical software packages that require a great deal of time and commitment in order to master, and the appropriate tutorials (XP Anleitung) can help students to save a lot of this time and energy.

Computer aided design can be achieved in either a 2 dimensional environment or a 3 dimensional environment, with pros and cons to either approach. The applications that deal with this design at either level range from 2D vector based drafting systems to much more complex 3D solid and surface modellers. Most software also allows a user to rotate their 2D or 3D models, often in 3 dimensions. Advanced functionality included in the more high end applications also allows the viewing of an object from the inside out. There are many types of CAD program out there, from free open source applications that only design 2D objects to fully featured 3D modelling environments. Top end systems provide the capability to incorporate organic and ergonomic features into a design, and learning all of these features can be tricky to say the least.

CAD tutorials are often the best and most efficient way to master these applications, especially if a student is interested in learning the more advanced features of a program. While it may be possible for a student to learn the more simple programs themselves, specialised tutorials will always be the more efficient way to achieve a better and faster work flow in a smaller amount of time. CAD has become a very important technology with many benefits to offer product manufacturers, such as lower costs, a greatly shortened design cycle and a higher degree of accuracy. With all of these benefits, there will be no shortage of CAD work in the future, and specialised tutorials can provide a student with the head start that they need to succeed in this field.