Majority of Engineers Still Prefer CAD 2D Drawing over 3D

Everyone who says “The world is 3D, why work in 2D” has not seen the majority of the crowd who still prefer 2D over 3D. Sources say that 3D software is far from being all-pervasive in the design world, in fact, 2D users still seem to be in the vast majority. Well, Autodesk has not forsaken the 2D crowd. 

Many architectural and engineering firms still rely on 2D drafting to complete design, drafting, and construction set documentation for client projects. While 3D is great for the design process and information management, 2D is also great for a lot of things including:

• Faster Turnaround Time:  2D architectural projects can contain hundreds of drawings. When you work with an offshore company, expect the quick service delivery that comes with employees that are at work while you sleep.

• Accurate Layouts: Before 3D drafting tools became available, drafters were expected to accurately envision the third dimension that cannot be seen on a flat surface. When you work with a 2D architectural drafting service, you work with drafters that are not dependent on 3D-only views. These drafters have the training to also create accurate layouts in orthographic views, rather than a 3D model.

• Powerful Computing: A drafting software such as CAD is only as good as the hardware supporting it. Expect a drafting service to maintain state-of-the-art hardware and graphics speed technology for powerful computing of the most densely populated architectural drawings.

• Experienced Drafters: The best drafters have experience in a wide range of projects, unlike in-house drafters that may be primarily experienced in the construction sectors that the AEC firm specializes in. This across-the-board experience brings deeper insight into each client project when you incorporate 2D architectural drafting services. 

Computer-aided design technology gives the freedom of choosing different outsourcing companies for your project. A good company’s CAD 2D drafting services should include:

• Generating 2D drawings from sketches, PDF & image files.
• Modification of existing 2D drawings from red-line markups.
• Paper to CAD conversion.
• Architectural & building drawing plans.
• 2D drawings for fire fighting layout as per NFPA codes and standards.
• Mechanical CAD drawings.
• Electrical CAD drawings.
• Building elevation drawings.
• 2D to 3D CAD drawings.
• Architectural floor plans drawings.
• CAD drawings of furniture products.
• Interior design 2D drawings and planning.
• Retail cabinet shop drafting & drawings. 

Conclusion:
Making the transition from 2D to 3D can be very cost-prohibitive for some companies and it highly affects the draftsman’s productivity. There exists a steep learning curve for CAD technicians, architects, and professionals that must learn 3D modeling technology. The loss of productivity is significant and making that decision can be harmful to the company. CAD 2D drawing will not be disappearing soon, nor will it ever be completely replaced by 3D modeling only projects. Many architects will still work with hand-sketching conceptual designs and client presentation drawings.