The introduction of CAD design software was firstly kicked off during the 1970s but has never been extensively used. The transformation and evolution to become one powerful computing designing program occurred in the 1980s. Throughout the period of experimenting, research and demonstration, developers have come to make positive alterations into its functionality and performance of the software to design products in a higher technological measure. There are two grouped categories of seeming changes identified.

The most apparent changes seen in alibre design the development of CAD software is integration of other additional functions. Back then, the structure of the software revolved only around basic functions like computerized drafting while technology has bloomed the package into seamless integration of advanced engineering functions such as finite element analysis (FEA), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), product lifecycle management (PLM) and many else. With these transformation gradually incorporated into the software, CAD is currently an elite network center for designing purposes, particularly vital during the manufacturing processes.

Another clear advancement that benefited the designing industry is the migration from two dimensional to three dimensional designs in CAD design software. Of course, with the continuous improvement in technology, the Pro/Engineer software was released in 1988 by Parametric Technology Corporations (PTC). This is the first and primary modeling software featuring solid based, integrating the 3D designing system. Besides, the technology applied in the software allowed engineers to design manufacturing components much easier. Although the development of 3D software system has aid much in designing 3D structure, the 2D software is still broadly in use, especially in architectural designs.

Furthermore, there are other progressions in the overall performance system of the CAD software, including in both terms of general technology and inherent functionality that serve friendly to users. The latest software is capable of creating realistic surfacing and mechanism animations, something which was deemed impossible. But of course, with such encroachment employed into the software, the cost elevated accordingly due to the materials used.