Since the early 1980s, computer-aided design software (CAD) has taken over the architectural and engineering industry as the standard tool for drafting.

Modern construction projects rely heavily on documentation supplied by designers, architects, and engineers. Construction documents are usually prepared using computer-aided design (CAD), containing plans, elevations, sections, working drawings, as well as related information. To survive in today's competitive work environment, it is important to deliver high quality outputs while meeting the demanding budget and time constraints that exist for every project. Using CAD and 3D modeling techniques as a tool, one can save a considerable amount of time, cost, and effort by ensuring that aesthetics are as expected, and that there are no obvious clashes in design layout.