Autodesk facts for kids
Autodesk, Inc. is an American company that makes computer software. This software helps people in many different fields, like architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and even making movies and video games. Autodesk's main office is in San Francisco, California, and they have offices all over the world.
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| Founded | January 30, 1982, in Mill Valley, California, U.S. |
| Founders | John Walker, Dan Drake |
| Headquarters | One Market Plaza, San Francisco, California, U.S. |
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Key people
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| Products | See § Products |
| Revenue |  US$5.01 billion (2023) |
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Operating income
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US$989 million (2023) |
| US$823 million (2023) |
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| Total assets | US$9.44 billion (2023) |
| Total equity | US$1.15 billion (2023) |
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Number of employees
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c. 13,700 (January 2023) |
| Footnotes / references Financials as of January 31, 2023[update] |
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The company was started in 1982 by John Walker and a team of programmers. Autodesk is famous for its software like AutoCAD and Revit. These programs help architects, engineers, and designers create detailed plans and 3D models of buildings and other structures.
Autodesk's software has been used in many big projects. For example, it helped design the One World Trade Center building. It was also used to design parts of Tesla electric cars.
The company also makes software for the entertainment industry. Programs like 3ds Max and Maya are used to create visual effects for movies and develop video games.
Contents
History
Autodesk was founded in 1982 by John Walker and his team. Walker bought a program called Interact, which was an early design tool. This program made it possible for smaller companies to create detailed technical drawings. It was later improved and renamed AutoCAD.
Autodesk became a public company in 1985. This meant people could buy shares of the company. In 1986, AutoCAD added a feature called AutoLISP. This allowed other developers to create tools that made AutoCAD even more useful.
Over time, AutoCAD became one of the most popular design programs. Its file formats, DXF and DWG, are widely used for sharing design data.
In 1989, Autodesk's sales grew to over $100 million. John Walker left the company in 1994. Later, Autodesk started making special versions of AutoCAD for different industries. They also added new products like Revit (for building design) and Inventor (for mechanical design).
In 2013, Autodesk introduced a new company logo. In 2017, the company reduced its number of employees. In 2021, they updated their logo again. In 2022, Autodesk moved its main office to San Francisco.
New Technologies and Companies
Autodesk has often bought other companies to add new technologies and products. For example, in 2002, they bought Revit Technology Corporation. This brought the important Revit software into Autodesk.
They also bought Alias in 2006, which makes software for car design and digital content. In 2008, they acquired Softimage, another company known for 3D animation. These purchases helped Autodesk offer a wider range of tools for different industries.
Products
Design Platforms
Autodesk creates the main software platforms that many of its products are built on. This includes AutoCAD, which is their most well-known product. They also offer AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD for Mac, and a mobile app for AutoCAD.
Autodesk also has a group that creates products for everyday users. These tools help children, students, artists, and people who like to build things.
Training and Learning
Autodesk offers special certificates to show that people know how to use their software.
- Autodesk Certified User: This certificate shows basic skills in Autodesk products. It's great for students who are just starting.
- Advanced Certified Professional: This certificate shows more advanced skills. It's for students who want to be experts in a specific product.
Building and Construction
The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) group makes software for designing buildings and infrastructure. Their main products include AutoCAD and Revit. Revit helps users plan, build, and manage buildings virtually before they are actually constructed.
This software has been used for big projects like the NASA Ames building and the Shanghai Tower.
Manufacturing
Autodesk's manufacturing software helps companies design and make products. This includes things like industrial machines, car parts, and consumer goods. Key products are Fusion 360, Autodesk Alias, and Autodesk Inventor. These tools help engineers create digital models and test how products will work.
Media and Entertainment
The Media and Entertainment division creates software for movies, TV, and games. This includes tools for visual effects, animation, and editing. This division is based in Montreal, Canada.
Products like Maya and 3ds Max are used to create 3D animations and characters. Many famous movies have used Autodesk software for their visual effects. For example, Avatar used Autodesk tools to create its amazing world. Other movies like Alice in Wonderland and Frozen II also used their software.
Renderers
Autodesk also makes software called "renderers." These tools turn 3D models into realistic images or animations. They help designers see what their creations will look like in the real world. One important renderer is Arnold, which is used in many films.
Older Products
Autodesk has made many different software products over the years. Some older products are no longer sold, but their technology might be part of newer programs. For example, Lightscape was a special rendering program. Also, Autodesk Animator Pro was a popular animation tool in the 1990s.
Sustainability
Autodesk cares about the environment. Their software helps designers create buildings and products that are more energy-efficient. For example, their CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) software can model how air flows in a building. This helps make buildings more comfortable and use less energy.
Autodesk also created a way to measure how companies reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. In 2006, they sponsored a TV show called e² Design. This show highlighted green building design around the world.
See also
In Spanish: Autodesk para niños
- Digital prototyping
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