Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) is an American multinational corporation that focuses on 2D and 3D design software for use in architecture, engineering and building construction, manufacturing, and media and entertainment.

Autodesk was founded in 1982 by John Walker, a coauthor of early versions of the company’s flagship CAD software product AutoCAD, and twelve others. It is headquartered in San Rafael, California.

Autodesk has arguably become best-known due to its flagship computer-aided design software AutoCAD. Today, Autodesk is the world’s largest design software company, with more than 9 million users throughout the world, and the company was recently named number 25 on Fast Company’s list of “The World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies.”

Autodesk has developed a broad portfolio of digital prototyping solutions to help users visualize, simulate, and analyze real-world performance throughout the design process. The company also provides digital media creation and management software across all media and entertainment disciplines, from film and television visual effects, color grading, and editing to animation, game development, and design visualization.