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How is Autocad used in the real world? 2D vs. 3D?

I am learning Autocad 2008, and would like to use it to design furniture. I have been doing some of the tutorials... what I don't understand yet is if I should try to create my models in 3D and then get the various 2D layouts from that (plan view, elevation view, etc) or if I should draw each layout separately in 2D. The latter seems like a lot more work. Do you need to draw each view independently? Or are they somehow linked (when working in 2D)? I'm just wondering how most people work with Autocad and if you have any advice on which path to take and why. Thanks in advance!

Public Comments

1. Most AutoCAD drawings are done in 3D at first. If you use the program correctly, you can easily get scale 2D drawings out of your 3D rendering, if what you need is to make templates, specify materials, etc.
2. HI there, Autocad is used in al kinds of applications in the real world. From Civil, Mechanical and Environmental Engineering, to 3d modelling. Its a great tool that offers you the ability to draw plans to scale and apply them to real world scenarios. It is very accurate and I have used it for years. The thing is, as an Acad operator, you click yourself to a very boring death. All day long you click click click- then before you know it- the day has gone and you have almost fallen asleep. I used it in a field of forensics, where we mapped a scene using a total station- which is survey equipment, then import that data into acad, then cretate a map. I have also used it for volumetric calculations. Trying to find out how much dirt is in a pit and how long it will take to move it. Pretty kool stuff, but way too much to learn here. I had to take it in school for over two years. Learn the program and if you are going to be an operator, start your own business by hitting up engineers and architects that you can bill for your time. Do not work for someone in an office for life as they will pay you all day at $15.00 per hour. It's ok to work for someone in the beggining to learn then go on your own. Just call different organizations and tell them you are a freelance Cad operator. Best Path to go- where you can charge up to $50.00 per hour or by project- which earns you as much or close to the cheap engineers who hire cad operators under their operations. Best Wishes
3. if the end product is going to be in 3D definitely start it in 3D. Going from 2D to 3D basically requires you to draw the part again. If you start with 3D and then later create a 2D print you can easily create the 3 or more 2D views from your model (3D)