Drafting before CAD: Prior to the development and adoption of computer-aided drafting (CAD), drafters relied on drawing boards, paper, and pencils to create technical drawings.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks historical context. Understanding the workflow and tools used before CAD clarifies why line conventions, lettering, and manual layout techniques remain embedded in today’s standards.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Era: pre-CAD and early CAD adoption periods.
• Tools: drawing boards, T-squares or parallel edges, triangles, compasses, scales, pencils and erasers, and drafting film or vellum.
• Outcome: complete technical drawings prepared by hand.

Concept / Approach:
Manual drafting required precise physical control and standard methods to ensure consistency and readability. Drafters produced plans, sections, elevations, and details by hand, later reproduced via blueprint or diazo processes. CAD eventually digitized these workflows but inherited many conventions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize the timeline: widespread CAD adoption occurred gradually from the 1980s onward.Acknowledge that manual drafting was ubiquitous in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing documentation.Therefore, stating that drafters relied on boards, paper, and pencils before CAD is accurate.

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical photos, curricula, and standards documents depict manual tools and techniques as the foundation of drafting education and practice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Limiting this to architecture or education ignores its universal use across industries. The date “before 1900” is far too early; manual methods persisted well into the late 20th century.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming CAD immediately replaced manual drafting everywhere; many firms used mixed workflows for years.

Final Answer:
Correct