The development of CAD drafting software initially began with computer language known as Fortran. But with the advent object oriented programming methods changed. Using NURBS geometry a graphical user interface is created. This along with boundary representation (B-rep) data via a geometric modeling kernel creates CAD software worth its mettle. CAD software is used extensively by designers and engineers for providing quite a few types of and is used depending on the profession and purpose of the user. The unforeseen possibilities of these associative relationship have led to digital prototype, a whole new prototyping option. CAD drawing software includes AutoCAD 08-09 and ChiefArchitect.

Modern CAD software can perform the following tasks ?
Wireframe geometry creation; 3D parametric feature based modelling, Solid modeling; Freeform surface modeling; Automated design of assemblies, which are collections of parts and/or other assemblies; Create engineering drawings from the solid models; Reuse of design components; Ease of modification of design of model and the production of multiple versions; Automatic generation of standard components of the design; Validation/verification of designs against specifications and design rules; Simulation of designs without building a physical prototype; Output of engineering documentation, such as manufacturing drawings, and Bills of Materials to reflect the BOM required to build the product; Import/Export routines to exchange data with other software packages and output of design data directly to manufacturing facilities.

The presence of a variety of computer platforms led to the production and sale of Computer Aided Technologies since the 1970s. This CAx technology is used for creating software, Computer Aided Manufacturing software, Computer Aided Engineering software and Product Data Management software. A comprehensive list of CAD software providers cannot be ostensibly created. With the entry of new firms every month the CAD software environment is quite dynamic. Some of the leading CAD software includes ? AutoCAD, MachineWorks, Mechanical Desktop, Architectural Desktop, CATIA, SolidWorks, GraphiteOne, ArhciCAD, VectoWorks, and ProCAD amongst others.
The world's first CAD software, Sketchpad was preceded by the first commercial CAM software system, a numerical control programming tool named PRONTO, developed in 1957 by Dr. Patrick J. Hanratty. Precisely why Dr. Hanratty is often referred to as "the father of CAD CAM".

The earliest commercial use of CAD software was in the large aerospace and automobile companies as the cost of computers was quite high. Also, mechnanical engineering specifications of aircrafts and automobiles was quite unique.