AutoCAD

About AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D design and drafting platform for architects, engineers, construction professionals, field technicians and contractors, which supports 2D drafting, drawing and annotation tools, alongside 3D modeling and visualization technology. With native iOS and Android mobile apps, AutoCAD also gives users the flexibility to view, create, edit and share drawings on the go, via any smartphone or tablet.

AutoCAD’s 2D drafting, drawing, and annotation tools allow users to manage text settings, smart dimensioning, and leaders, as well as tables, layouts, fields and more. The 3D modeling and visualization tools enable users to manage solid, surface and mesh modeling, 3D navigation, and visual styles, alongside photorealistic rendering, 3D scanning, point clouds and more.

Collaboration tools such as PDF and DGN import/export, 3D model import, geographic location information and online maps allow users to share and reuse data, as well as add location information into a drawing. To streamline the design workflow, AutoCAD includes ribbon tabs and panels, tool palettes, multifunctional grips, dynamic blocks, and more. Other key features include external file references, object selection and text to Mtext enhancements.

AutoCAD’s mobile app tools allow users to create, edit and mark-up drawings, as well as measure accurately while working remotely on site. Users can also access multi-touch zoom, advanced drawing tools, such as arc and offset, as well as manage layers and blocks. A simple design feed allows users to provide updates for team with notes, photos and feedback on project progress.


Key benefits of AutoCAD

  • Native mobile apps for iOS and Android give users the flexibility to view, create, edit and share drawings on the go, via any smartphone or tablet.

  • Offline access serves to enhance user productivity by allowing users to work offline, then syncing any changes once internet connection is restored.

  • Solid, surface and mesh modeling technology helps users create realistic 3D models of their designs.

  • 3D navigation tools allow users to orbit, swivel, walk and fly around their 3D model.

  • AutoCAD supports connected collaboration through PDF and DGN file import, DWG and image references, sheet set manager, and geographic location information and online maps.

  • Images

    AutoCAD Software - Unlock more efficient workflows
    AutoCAD Software - Work anywhere with the web and mobile apps
    AutoCAD Software - Customize your workspace and extend AutoCAD
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    AutoCAD video
    AutoCAD Software - Unlock more efficient workflows
    AutoCAD Software - Work anywhere with the web and mobile apps
    AutoCAD Software - Customize your workspace and extend AutoCAD

    Not sure about AutoCAD? Compare with a popular alternative

    Starting Price

    US$235.00
    month
    US$85.00
    month

    Pricing Options

    Free version
    Free trial
    Free version
    Free trial

    Features

    51
    129

    Integrations

    No integrations found
    12

    Ease of Use

    4.1 (2,959)
    4.2 (2,148)

    Value for Money

    4.2 (2,959)
    4.0 (2,148)

    Customer Service

    4.2 (2,959)
    4.2 (2,148)

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    Reviews

    Overall rating

    4.6 /5
    (2,959)
    Value for Money
    4.2/5
    Features
    4.6/5
    Ease of Use
    4.1/5
    Customer Support
    4.2/5

    Already have AutoCAD?

    Software buyers need your help! Product reviews help the rest of us make great decisions.

    Showing 5 reviews of 2,959
    Mohammad
    Overall rating
    • Industry: Civil Engineering
    • Company size: 51–200 Employees
    • Used Daily for 2+ years
    • Review Source

    Overall rating

    • Value for Money
    • Ease of Use
    • Customer Support
    • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

    AutoCAD remains the uncontested drafting software for my daily civil & architectural demands.

    Reviewed on 15/01/2023

    For a while now, AutoCAD has been my go-to CAD utility thanks to its rich features & undisputed...

    For a while now, AutoCAD has been my go-to CAD utility thanks to its rich features & undisputed performance. The software has a neat interface for easily navigating through the variety of plotting tools & organized tabs for all drafting purposes. it's hard not to recommend this software to anyone who's looking for a flawless CAD experience.

    Pros

    Since college, I've been regularly using AutoCAD to design 2D schematics in various course projects & till this day, the software has never failed me in fulfilling my work. The user interface is sleek & the plethora of features & compatibility to complement the fantastic user experience. More specifically, whenever I'm working a schematic that contains multiple layers (civil, electrical, HVAC, etc.), I'm easily able to lock or freeze other layers while working on a specific layer. This has countlessly averted me unintentional alterations of layers that I weren't supposed to modify.

    Cons

    Since updating to version 2023.1, I've noticed an increase in CPU usage on my Athlon 200GE desktop which occasionally led to audible inconvenience from the desktop fans revving at full speed. I hope a future update could resolve this minor annoyance. A great piece of software nonetheless.

    Alternatives Considered

    FreeCAD

    Reasons for Choosing AutoCAD

    AutoCAD offers an easier UI without compromising on features or performance. Besides, the frequent, large-sized software updates meant that CPU usage was bogged down when drafting & storage was quickly filling on my C drive. This ultimately dissuaded me to continue on using the software altogether & make the switch to AutoCAD.

    Reasons for Switching to AutoCAD

    While FreeCAD is admirably free & open source with a modest amount of features, I wasn't quite satisfied with the seemingly messy, convoluted user interface which made resort to AutoCAD.
    Javauny
    Overall rating
    • Industry: Education Management
    • Company size: Self Employed
    • Used Daily for 2+ years
    • Review Source

    Overall rating

    • Value for Money
    • Ease of Use
    • Customer Support
    • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

    AutoCAD is one of the best drawing softwares despite its few shortcomings.

    Reviewed on 26/05/2023

    A smooth, fun and continuous learning curve. The capabilities are only limited by your own...

    A smooth, fun and continuous learning curve. The capabilities are only limited by your own imagination.

    Pros

    AutoCAD is widely used and easy to learn. It offers a wide range of functions and extensive options for customization for personal and indiviual use. The tools are easily accesible through a search bar and are given basic names in most cases.

    Cons

    The license can be costly for low end businesses and it may take some creativity and innovation to accomplish a certain end desire when 3D modelling.

    Verified Reviewer
    Overall rating
    • Industry: Telecommunications
    • Company size: 2–10 Employees
    • Used Monthly for Free Trial
    • Review Source

    Overall rating

    • Value for Money
    • Ease of Use
    • Customer Support
    • Likelihood to recommend 1.0 /10

    the most widely used 2D and 3D software

    Reviewed on 02/11/2023

    Pros

    AutoCAD allows a lot of integration, plugin, and tools to facilitate the design process

    Cons

    AutoCAD is a super, mega-heavy tool, its installation requires a huge disk size, and high hardware resources for proper execution,

    Verified Reviewer
    Overall rating
    • Industry: Oil & Energy
    • Company size: 1,001–5,000 Employees
    • Used Daily for 2+ years
    • Review Source

    Overall rating

    • Value for Money
    • Ease of Use
    • Customer Support
    • Likelihood to recommend 9.0 /10

    AutoCAD 3D is one of the best design programs

    Reviewed on 13/08/2023

    He helped me a lot in preparing a project to design a fire station for an administrative building...

    He helped me a lot in preparing a project to design a fire station for an administrative building in the company in which I work

    Pros

    One of the best design programs that I use and helps me well in designing engineering projects and gives impressive results

    Cons

    One of the drawbacks of the program is the large storage space for the project

    Alternatives Considered

    SolidWorks Premium

    Reasons for Switching to AutoCAD

    Ease of use and good results
    Hlengiwe
    Overall rating
    • Industry: Civil Engineering
    • Company size: 11–50 Employees
    • Used Daily for 1+ year
    • Review Source

    Overall rating

    • Value for Money
    • Ease of Use
    • Customer Support
    • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

    Powerful TD Software

    Reviewed on 28/05/2023

    Very satisfied with AutoCAD. Love the automation features it offers.

    Very satisfied with AutoCAD. Love the automation features it offers.

    Pros

    It enables employees and friends to work on the same project concurrently, which in return enhances teamwork and communication. It is practically a limitless digital TD software. It is comparatively simple to keep everything tidy after you get a handle on the most fundamental equipment.

    Cons

    Very high CPU usage. First time users do need some training, need at least some tutorials.

    Showing 5 reviews of 2,959 Read all reviews

    AutoCAD FAQs

    Below are some frequently asked questions for AutoCAD.

    AutoCAD offers the following pricing plans:

    • Starting from: US$235.00/month
    • Pricing model: Free Version, Subscription
    • Free Trial: Available

    Purchase options include flexible subscription terms to fit the user's needs. Contact Autodesk directly for detailed pricing information.

    AutoCAD has the following typical customers:

    Self Employed, 2–10, 11–50, 51–200, 201–500, 501–1,000, 1,001–5,000

    AutoCAD supports the following languages:

    English

    AutoCAD supports the following devices:

    Android (Mobile), iPhone (Mobile), iPad (Mobile)

    We do not have any information about what integrations AutoCAD has

    AutoCAD offers the following support options:

    Email/Help Desk, Knowledge Base

    Related categories

    See all software categories found for AutoCAD.