# CAD Forum

> Web portal for support of Autodesk software users, operated by Arkance Systems

**Wikidata**: [Q106522612](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106522612)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cad-forum

## Summary
CAD Forum is a web portal dedicated to supporting users of Autodesk software, operated by Arkance Systems. Established in 2000, the platform serves as a comprehensive resource hub functioning as a question-and-answer site, dictionary, reference work, and repository. It caters to a global audience with content available in English, German, Czech, and Slovak, specifically serving industries such as architecture, construction, and industrial manufacturing.

## Key Facts
- **Inception Date:** May 12, 2000
- **Operator:** Arkance Systems (owned by ARKANCE CZ, formerly CAD Studio)
- **Country of Origin:** Czech Republic
- **Registered Users:** 1,000,000 (as of May 2022)
- **Primary Function:** Support portal for Autodesk software users
- **Languages:** English, Czech, German, Slovak
- **Website URLs:** https://www.cadforum.cz (multi-lingual), http://www.cadforum.eu (English)
- **Instance Types:** Website, question-and-answer site, dictionary, reference work, Internet forum, repository
- **Industries Served:** Industrial manufacturing, architecture, construction, geographic information system (GIS), media & entertainment, software industry
- **Social Media:** Twitter (@CADforum, active since October 2014), Facebook (CADforumEN)
- **Web Feeds:** RSS feeds available at http://www.cadforum.cz/en/rss.asp and https://www.cadforum.cz/en/rss.asp

## FAQs
**Who operates and owns CAD Forum?**
CAD Forum is operated by Arkance Systems and is owned by ARKANCE CZ, which was formerly known as CAD Studio.

**What languages does the platform support?**
The platform supports four primary languages: English, Czech, German, and Slovak, with specific domain variations catering to these linguistic groups.

**What types of resources are available on CAD Forum?**
The site functions as a multi-faceted knowledge base offering a question-and-answer site, a dictionary, a reference work, an internet forum, and a repository for CAD-related files.

**When did CAD Forum reach one million users?**
The portal reached the milestone of one million registered users in May 2022.

**Which industries does CAD Forum serve?**
It serves a wide range of sectors including industrial manufacturing, architecture, construction, geographic information systems (GIS), media and entertainment, and the software industry.

## Why It Matters
CAD Forum plays a critical role in the technical ecosystem by providing a centralized support structure for professionals utilizing complex Autodesk software. By aggregating diverse functionalities—such as forums, dictionaries, and repositories—into a single portal, it solves the problem of fragmented technical knowledge for engineers and architects. Its longevity since 2000 and substantial user base of over one million registrants underscore its reliability and importance as a knowledge exchange platform in the Central European and global CAD communities.

## Notable For
- Achieving a user base of 1,000,000 registered contributors by May 2022.
- Operating continuously for over two decades since its inception on May 12, 2000.
- Providing specialized support across six distinct industries, including GIS and media & entertainment.
- Maintaining a multilingual presence that bridges English, German, and Slavic language markets.
- Offering dual RSS feed options for both HTTP and HTTPS protocols to keep users updated.

## Body

### Overview and History
CAD Forum is a specialized web portal designed to support users of Autodesk software. The entity was officially established on May 12, 2000, and is classified under multiple categories, including a website, question-and-answer site, dictionary, reference work, internet forum, and repository. It is headquartered in the Czech Republic and has grown to become a significant resource for professionals in the technical design space.

### Ownership and Operation
The platform is owned by ARKANCE CZ, an entity previously known as CAD Studio. The operation of the portal is managed by Arkance Systems. This organizational structure ensures that the content remains relevant to the professional standards of the CAD industry.

### Functional Scope and Content
As a comprehensive knowledge base, CAD Forum integrates various content delivery methods. It is not merely a discussion board but also serves as a reference work and a dictionary, allowing users to find definitions, technical specifications, and solutions. The repository aspect of the site provides access to files and tools necessary for Autodesk software users. To facilitate content distribution, the site offers web feeds via RSS at both `http://www.cadforum.cz/en/rss.asp` and `https://www.cadforum.cz/en/rss.asp`.

### Industry Application
The utility of CAD Forum spans several high-tech and industrial sectors. It provides resources and support for:
- Industrial manufacturing
- Architecture
- Construction
- Geographic information systems (GIS)
- Media & entertainment industry
- The broader software industry

### Language and Accessibility
CAD Forum is designed to accommodate a diverse European and international audience. The "language of work or name" for the site includes English, Czech, German, and Slovak. To serve these linguistic groups, the platform maintains specific web domains:
- `https://www.cadforum.cz` serves as the primary multi-lingual hub.
- `http://www.cadforum.eu` is dedicated specifically to English content.
- "About" pages are available in both English (`https://www.cadforum.cz/en/about.asp`) and Czech (`https://www.cadforum.cz/cz/about.asp`).

### Community and Social Presence
The platform maintains an active presence on social media to engage with its user base. Its Twitter account operates under the handle `CADforum`, with activity dating back to October 2014. Additionally, the platform manages a Facebook page titled `CADforumEN`. These channels complement the main website by providing updates and fostering community interaction.

### User Base Growth
CAD Forum has seen substantial growth since its inception. By May 2022, the number of registered users and contributors reached 1,000,000. This metric highlights the platform's role as a major gathering point for CAD professionals seeking support and information.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.cadforum.cz/cz/)
2. [Source](https://budweiser.cadstudio.cz/2022/05/1-million-registered-users-on-portal.html)