Mechanical CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software is tailored for mechanical engineers and designers to create, modify, analyze, and document mechanical components and systems. Here's an overview:

1. 3D Modeling: Mechanical CAD software allows users to create detailed 3D models of mechanical parts and assemblies. This includes designing components such as gears, shafts, bearings, housings, and brackets using parametric modeling techniques.

2. Assembly Design: Engineers can assemble individual parts into larger assemblies, defining relationships and constraints between components. This facilitates the visualization of how parts fit together and move relative to each other, aiding in design validation and interference checking.

3. Simulation and Analysis: Many mechanical CAD tools include simulation capabilities for analyzing the performance of mechanical systems under various conditions. This may involve finite element analysis (FEA) for structural analysis, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for fluid flow analysis, or motion simulation for evaluating mechanisms and kinematics.

4. Drafting and Detailing: Mechanical CAD software allows for the creation of detailed engineering drawings and documentation. Users can generate 2D drawings with precise dimensions, annotations, and geometric tolerances, as well as produce bill of materials (BOM) and parts lists.

5. CAM Integration: Some mechanical CAD packages integrate with computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, enabling seamless transition from design to manufacturing. Engineers can generate toolpaths for CNC machining, additive manufacturing, or other manufacturing processes directly from the CAD model.

6. Library of Standard Parts: Mechanical CAD software typically includes libraries of standard parts and components, such as bolts, screws, nuts, bearings, and gears. Users can easily access and incorporate these standard parts into their designs, saving time and ensuring compatibility with industry standards.

7. Collaboration and Version Control: Mechanical CAD tools support collaboration among team members by providing features for file sharing, version control, and markup. This facilitates communication and coordination throughout the design process, especially in distributed or multi-disciplinary teams.

Popular Mechanical CAD software includes Autodesk Inventor, SOLIDWORKS, PTC Creo, and Siemens NX. These tools are widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, machinery, and consumer products for designing and engineering mechanical components and systems efficiently and accurately.