TECHNICAL DRAWING

Draft precise and detailed drawings quickly with CAD software from Autodesk.

Image courtesy of Engineering Center LTD, Russia

woman using autocad on desktop

What is a technical drawing?

A technical drawing, also known as an engineering drawing, is a detailed, precise diagram or plan that conveys information about how an object functions or is constructed. Engineers, electricians, and contractors all use these drawings as guides when constructing or repairing objects and buildings.

Full control panel for ice cream sandwich filler machine.

Why are technical drawings important?

Technical drawings bridge the communication between designers, the people who come up who come up with ideas, and producers, the people who put those ideas into practice. They’re designed as a universal language to be understood by engineers, contractors, and architects.

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Types of technical drawings

  • Developer working with Autodesk Inventor Professional and AutoCAD Mechanical software

    Mechanical Engineering Drawing

    Mechanical engineering drawings are used to define the requirements for engineering products/components. They serve as technical manuals and as trouble-shooting tools for identifying the weak spots in a mechanical design. Mechanical drawings rely on precise mathematical equations to accurately depict the mechanism and it component parts.

  • Rendering of an electrical control circuit

    Electrical Drawing

    Electrical drawings (US site) are technical documents that depict and notate designs for electrical systems. They convey relevant information about lighting, wiring, and power sources, as well as information about voltage and capacity. Technicians rely on electrical drawings during a building’s construction or when repairing a building’s electrical system.

  • architect in front of computer with architectural model drawings

    Architectural Drawing

    Architectural drawings (US site) are detailed, precise depictions of every aspect of the construction being proposed. Architects use the drawings to visualize ideas and concepts, turn a design idea into a coherent plan for a building, and decide the type of supplies and labor that is needed for the project.

Technical drawing software

Expedite your technical drawing process

AutoCAD includes specialized toolsets, such as architecture, mechanical, electrical, and more. Access over 750,000 intelligent objects and parts with industry libraries. Automate common actions in technical drawings such as inserting doors, generating bills of materials, and creating PLC I/O drawings.

Getting started with technical drawing software

  • technical drawing in AutoCAD

    AutoCAD

    Get started in AutoCAD with these free guides and develop your skills with videos and tutorials.

  • technical drawing in Inventor

    Inventor

    Learn the fundamental concepts and workflows in Inventor with these tutorials.

  • technical drawing in Revit

    Revit

    Get insider tips, tricks, and industry trends to help get started with Revit.

Technical drawings in action

See how customers are using Autodesk software to create technical drawings.

lightning motorcycle

Image courtesy of Lightning Motorcycles

Delivering the world's fastest electric motorcycle

Electric motorcycle builders out-raced the gasoline-powered competition with a superbike developed with generative design and 3D printed prototypes. Autodesk’s iterative process to auto-design translated into significant gains in speed and range for the motorcycle, helping them achieve world records.

ropeless elevator design by Federal Equipment company

Creating a "ropeless" elevator for the U.S. navy

Federal Equipment Company designs highly innovative elevators for the U.S. Navy with help from Autodesk software, including AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor. Collectively, these programs helped performed initial finite element analysis (FEA), track materials, and optimize designs for manufacturability, ultimately, reducing cost overruns associated with production stoppages and rework.

Technical drawing resources