CAD computer-aided design Not so long ago, engineers were forced to put their ideas on paper, carefully drawing out views of their new project from all directions, making precise calculations for angles and distances, and getting cramps from holding a pencil. Then came the computer, a device that the engineers quickly discovered could take a lot of the drudgery out of the design process. Early CAD workstations were expensive, slow, and not very easy to use. However, they were still better than working by hand in many cases. Modern CAD software, however, has become a standard part of the design process. New objects can be envisioned and turned into electronic representations quickly. Even better, changes can be made instantly--and they don't require an eraser.