In AutoCAD, you construct parts in Model Space using an AutoCAD (.DWG) file format. You sketch the necessary wireframe elements and use them to construct solids. You then combine these solids using Boolean operations to design the part you need.
In Solid Edge, you construct parts in the Part environment using a part document (.PAR). You begin constructing a part in Solid Edge with a base feature and sketch the wireframe elements for the base feature on a base reference plane.
You then use a series of intelligent feature construction operations to design the part you need, rather than combining numerous solids with Boolean operations. This approach is more flexible when design changes are required. The associativity built into Solid Edge allows you to make many types of design changes by simply editing a dimension.
In AutoCAD, you build assemblies by either modeling multiple solid components in one file or by combining multiple files using external references (XREF).
In Solid Edge, you build assemblies in the Assembly environment using an assembly document (.ASM). The Place Part command allows you to assemble parts created in the Part environment using assembly relationships. If you make a design change in the Part environment, the change is reflected in the assembly. For example, if you were to change the thickness of a flange on a part, any parts that were assembled to the flange would have their positions adjusted within the assembly.
In AutoCAD you create a drawing of a part by placing predefined views from the Model Space file into a Paper Space file. You can then add the necessary dimensions and annotations required to complete the drawing.
In Solid Edge the process is similar, but more automated. For example, in AutoCAD, to create a section view, you must generate the section in the Model Space file and then export it to the Paper Space file. If the design changes, you must recreate the section and repeat the process.
In Solid Edge, all necessary views are easily generated in the Draft environment using a draft document (.DFT). For example, when beginning a new drawing, you can use the Drawing View Wizard command to define and place multiple drawing views at one time.
You can use existing drawing views to create new drawing views, such as auxiliary views, pictorial views or section views. If you make a design change in the Part environment, the change is reflected in the Draft environment, without having to recreate views a second time.
You can also generate drawings of assembly documents within the Draft environment.