What is Apparel CAD?
Apparel CAD means an application tool for creating patterns on a computer.
CAD (computer aided design)
CAD is an acronym for "computer aided design" and was created to make computer aided design more efficient.
CAD was originally designed for a variety of design fields, from mechanical design to architecture, but since the data required for each field differs, many specialized CAD software programs have been created.
CAD specialized for apparel
CAD software designed specifically for apparel production is mainly designed to streamline the work required for apparel production, such as attaching seam allowances, notching, grading, and easy handling of data for calculating fabric lengths.
The data can be linked to CAM and computer aided manufacturing (CAM).
CAM
CAM is used in sewing factories for fabric cutting by automated cutting machines.
Types of Apparel CAD
Apparel CAD means an application tool for creating patterns (paper patterns) on a computer.
Main 2D CAD
- Lectra's Modaris (developed by France)
Launched in 1984 by Lectra, a provider of integrated solutions for the fabric, leather, industrial textile, and composites industries, Modaris is a pattern modification and design software.
https://www.lectra.com/en/products/modaris-expert
- PAD System Technologies Inc. (developed by Canada)
PAD System (founded in 1988) provides garment CAD systems specializing in patternmaking and marker design for the apparel industry and fashion education.
- TUKACAD by Tukatech (developed by the U.S.)
Tukatech's apparel CAD system provides tools to maximize production efficiency throughout the entire product development and manufacturing process in the apparel industry.
Fashion CAD Software | TUKAcad By Tukatech
TUKAcad an advanced CAD software for fashion design making, grading & markers. Improve accuracy, reduce waste & enjoy a 14-day free trial.
Tukatech 
3D tools for apparel
Is there any apparel 3D CAD out there for pattern (paper pattern) purposes?
Generally speaking, the surfaces drawn by 3D CAD are curved, whereas the fabric used to make clothing is flat. In contrast, the material used for clothing is a flat surface, and when converting a curved surface to a flat surface in CAD, there is bound to be a small amount of distortion. In my opinion, it is a bit questionable if there is a 3D CAD apparel pattern making tool for cutting and sewing flat fabrics...
However, when it comes to "3D tools," the story is different.
Nowadays, there is a very extensive system called 3D simulation for apparel for the purpose of modeling clothing on a PC. In addition to modeling, it is also possible to dress an avatar in clothes and animate the swaying of the fabric when it actually walks.
The system has various advantages such as improving operational efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs, and its needs are expanding in the apparel industry.
- CLO
- Optitex
- Browzwear
This next-generation software enables product development using realistic and easy-to-understand 3D images.
Based on detailed fabric and CAD data, highly accurate 3D simulations are realized using avatars that can be configured for body shape and posture.
CAD Data Compatibility
Many industries use various types of CAD software, which can be compatible by using "DXF data (.dxf)".
What is DXF?
"DXF" is a file format developed by Autodesk.When exchanging data between AutoCAD and other CAD systems of the same type, there is no problem with the original extension data, but when exchanging data between different CAD systems, it is common practice to convert the data to DXF format (.dxf).
Various DXF formats
There are actually different DXF formats even with the same .dxf extension. The reason for this is that the code for this DXF is open, which is how it came to be used as an intermediate file format in many situations on its own.Because it is open, CAD manufacturers use it on their own, and each CAD system handles different types and structures of data, so there is no 100% compatibility.
DXF format specific to apparel
The following formats are mainstream in apparel CAD.
AAMA／TIIP／ASTM
Some CAD systems can read generic DXF (Standard DXF file) exported from AutoCAD or Adobe Illustrator.
Vector Graphic Editor
Drawing software (vector graphics editor), such as CorelDRAW or Adobe Illustrator, can also be used to create apparel patterns.
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is a popular software used by apparel designers.
Creators in the apparel industry use Adobe Illustrator for a wide range of creative tasks, from garment design to pattern making, as well as illustration.
Adobe Illustrator is an extremely useful design tool.