Before the release of AutoCAD in 1982, the process of creating engineering drawings was entirely manual. Engineers and drafters relied on a variety of tools, such as different-grade pencils, erasers, T-squares, and set squares, to carefully craft their designs. Each line had to be drawn with precision, and any mistakes could require starting the drawing from scratch, which made the process time-consuming and often frustrating.

The labor-intensive nature of these drawings posed additional challenges, especially when modifications were necessary. If changes were requested, engineers and toolmakers had to erase sections or completely redo large portions of their work. The uncertainty about whether adjustments would be required added to the stress, as every draft could feel like a fragile final product until it was approved.

With the introduction of AutoCAD, the drafting world transformed. Designers and architects now use digital tools that allow for easy revisions with just a few clicks. The convenience of digital drafts, combined with the ability to store and share them quickly, has revolutionized the field, making it far less labor-intensive and more efficient. This shift has allowed professionals to focus more on creativity and innovation rather than worrying about the time-consuming aspects of manual drawing.