Computer Aided Design (CAD) for fashion Design

By Roxana Evans

How is CADUsed?

• The use of computers to make design process easier.

• Specialized CAD can be used for architecture, woven fabrics, and engineering.

• Allows design to be seen in three dimensions.

• Designer is able to use computer to develop and test product ideas using less work and less errors.

CAD in the Fashion Industry• Also called “Computer-

Assisted or “Computer-Aided drafting”

• It is used typically to assist in the design process.

• CAD allows design to be even more detailed making it easier to ensure that designs are flowing together in a collection.

What is it Used for?• Lets the fashion designer view

different designs, colors, and different patterns on different models.

• Makes design process more sophisticated and can be used in place of regular designing methods such as drawing.

• Can be used to see a design, fabric, and color all at once before producing the product.

How is it important?• More schools are

requiring design students to learn how to use it.

• Used in more programs for design schools and colleges.

• Makes the design process quicker allowing the designer to make changes to an idea.

CAD Program• Courses: Mathematics

and computer aided software at general level.

• Courses become more advanced with degree of design such as architecture for example.

• Can lead to CAD professions. (Computer Aided Engineering and Computer Aided Manufacturing.

CAD Program Cont’d• Integrates fiber, fabric, pattern

making construction techniques with use of computers, and software.

•Learning how to use CAD can be beneficial to a fashion designer or even for someone who wants to pursue a CAD profession. Is programmable and able to be optimized.

•A degree in CAD can also lead to a job in the textile industry.

CAD in the Design Process

• Overall CAD saves the designer time during the design process.

• Allows designers to develop even newer design ideas. Shows the components in every design.

• Shows prototype and makes it easier for the designer to make a change before producing the new design.

Computer Aided Design’s Impact on the Fashion Industry

•Many designers sketch by hand but large numbers of designers are now utilizing CAD.

•Today computer Aided design is a part of the qualifications for a fashion designer.

• It has also had an impact on the way designers conduct business.

•Gives designer more flexibility in the area of color and change on a product.

The Success of CAD•Gained popularity. •Became very sophisticated (can be used

to make and modify a whole fashion line in a shorter amount of time.)

•Used more often to assist fashion designers and has even expanded and became more intricate.

•Design students have the option of going into fashion or a computer aided design profession.

Computer Aided Design Today

• Today it is used in fashion, AEC Architecture Engineering and Construction, Automotive, Aerospace, Consumer Goods, Machinery, Ship Building.

• Used to help make clothing lines.• Today there are many CAD software

programs. (2d and 3d).• 2d is auto cad • 3d solid works

References

• www.BLS.gov/oco/ocos291.htm• www.apparelsearch.com/defintions/miscell

anious/CAD_Computer-Aided-Design.html• www.educationcenteronline.org/computer-

training/computer-aided-design.html• www.guidetoolonlineschools.com/CAS.ht

ml• www.snapfashun.com/articles.htm• www.wmich.edu/coe/fcs/tex/design.htm