CAD Manager

Whether you are performing administrative work or procuring AutoCAD software, Autodesk has resources available to meet the needs of CAD managers and CAD coordinators.

What is a CAD manager?

CAD managers assume the combined roles of CAD drafter, IT department, and manager in design and engineering firms. They differ from CAD coordinators who take a holistic view of the company's design production capability and focus on overarching production related issues to ensure that production never stops.

Responsibilities of a CAD manager

Keeping up with all the changes in the industry can be overwhelming and challenging, yet at the same time they can be viewed as opportunities to make organizations more competitive.

  • Project management

    CAD managers manage staff, projects, and procurement of both software and hardware, plus the day-to-day output of the CAD function.

  • Time management

    CAD managers oversee the work of CAD drafters, making sure that every drawing is legible and professional and adheres to applicable project standards.

  • People management

    CAD managers are skilled at learning their team's individual strengths, building on their weaknesses, and delegating work to the appropriate team member.

  • Managing software

    Customizations and standardizations are crucial to productivity. Showing your prospects or clients what their projects can look like in 3D with the right tools can be the differentiator in landing new business.

  • Managing projects

    There's constantly a myriad of projects in play while juggling priorities. As a CAD manager, you'll be wearing lots of different hats. Always manage to the best of your ability, be knowledgeable, and most of all, be approachable.

  • Staying competitive

    Operational efficiency requires the right training, support, and integration. CAD managers must ensure that the software works and that people can learn how to use it, while also establishing standards and best practices for productivity.

Working smarter is easier with AutoCAD 2021

AutoCAD 2021 software includes industry-specific toolsets; improved workflows across desktop, web, and mobile; and new features such as drawing history.

AutoCAD software for CAD managers

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Guides for CAD managers

  • Master AutoCAD sheet sets

    Whether you design parts or buildings, the sheet set functionality in AutoCAD enables you to efficiently create, manage, and share your entire set of sheets from one location.

  • Choose the right CAD software

    Unsure of which CAD software is the right solution for your business? Compare the features of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.

  • Earn your Autodesk Certification

    Autodesk provides industry-recognized certifications to verify that you have the essential Autodesk software skills and industry knowledge to start your career.

CAD manager resources

  • USING TOOL PALETTES TO MANAGE STANDARDS

    Learn how Tool Palettes can assist CAD managers with the elimination of inconsistencies across workstations, projects, and even offices.

  • INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY

    Discover these CAD manager tips to increase your team’s productivity and efficiency, keeping them on the cutting edge.

  • WORKPLACE COMPLAINTS AND SOLUTIONS

    Use these CAD manager tips to address common workplace complaints—and their solutions—from a CAD draftsman.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) on CAD Managers

Autodesk tools make it more efficient for CAD managers to do their jobs well. AutoCAD includes industry-specific toolsets, improved workflows across desktop, web, and mobile, and new features such as drawing history.

To become a CAD manager, you need to understand how computer-aided design (CAD) software works and how to use it to its fullest potential for your organization. You also need strong communication skills and the capacity to manage projects from start to finish. Explore these CAD management strategies to learn more and get three must-know tips to be a successful CAD manager.

Autodesk offers CAD manager certification and learn-on-your-own options. Autodesk University also provides CAD manager insight from AutoCAD experts.

AutoCAD comes complete with important CAD management tools including seven industry-specialized toolsets, mobile and web apps for enhanced connectivity, and specialized workflow toolsets that enhance collaboration. In addition, the CAD Subscription Administration Management Guide delivers insight to help your teams get up and running quickly with AutoCAD.

CAD managers focus on production efficiency for an entire team of professional designers. They ensure workflow runs smoothly, build standard CAD processes, review outputs for quality control, track performance, and manage CAD software.