Adobe Illustrator CC vs. AutoCAD

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Adobe Illustrator
Score 9.2 out of 10
N/A
Adobe Illustrator CC is a vector-based graphic design software.
$20.99
per month
AutoCAD
Score 8.1 out of 10
N/A
AutoCAD is a CAD product from Autodesk. It allows designers to work in 2D and 3D, and is available on Windows and Mac, but with extensive online collaboration tools.
$245
per month
Pricing
Adobe Illustrator CCAutoCAD
Editions & Modules
Yearly - Billed Monthly
$20.99
per month
Monthly
$31.49
per month
Yearly - Billed Upfront
$239.88
per year
Monthly Subscription
$245
per month per user
Yearly Subscription
$1975
per year per user
3-Year Subscription
$5925
3 years per user
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Adobe IllustratorAutoCAD
Free Trial
NoYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Adobe Illustrator CCAutoCAD
Considered Both Products
Adobe Illustrator

No answer on this topic

AutoCAD
Chose AutoCAD
I think that AutoCAD is much better than all 3 of these programs when outputting 2D drawings and constructions set drawings, but Rhino and Revit are both better for 3D outputs. Revit is a little bit more confined in what you are able to actually design and gives a less original …
Chose AutoCAD
The only reason I use it is that it was taught as the industry standard in school. It's been unpleasant since day one.
Chose AutoCAD
It is the industry standard, which speaks for itself. The software creates precise and logical designs that follow a mathematical pattern. It is easy to stay organized and saves a lot of time with shortcuts. It is extremely powerful and can be used for your specific needs.
Chose AutoCAD
I have always used AutoCAD. Other than 3D draw and programs like a Publisher Blueprint, I have not used any other products. AutoCAD is far superior to either of those and is one of the most powerful programs out there. The things that my students learn are not very different …
Chose AutoCAD
We use Inventor, but AutoCAD is more friendly in the 2D world for quick technical drawings, or for adding electrical notes.
Features
Adobe Illustrator CCAutoCAD
Computer-Aided Design Software
Comparison of Computer-Aided Design Software features of Product A and Product B
Adobe Illustrator CC
-
Ratings
AutoCAD
6.5
6 Ratings
12% below category average
3D Modeling00 Ratings5.26 Ratings
2D Drafting00 Ratings9.06 Ratings
Rendering and Visualization00 Ratings5.56 Ratings
Parametric Design00 Ratings6.76 Ratings
Collaboration and Sharing00 Ratings7.26 Ratings
Compatibility with other software and formats00 Ratings8.16 Ratings
Assembly Design00 Ratings5.96 Ratings
Simulation and Analysis00 Ratings3.85 Ratings
Documentation and Annotation00 Ratings7.56 Ratings
Customization and Extensions00 Ratings5.96 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Adobe Illustrator CCAutoCAD
Small Businesses
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
Score 7.7 out of 10
Onshape
Onshape
Score 7.6 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
GIMP
GIMP
Score 8.3 out of 10
Onshape
Onshape
Score 7.6 out of 10
Enterprises
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite
Score 7.7 out of 10
Rhino
Rhino
Score 8.3 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Adobe Illustrator CCAutoCAD
Likelihood to Recommend
9.2
(110 ratings)
7.6
(87 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
9.0
(3 ratings)
10.0
(3 ratings)
Usability
6.6
(7 ratings)
8.4
(8 ratings)
Support Rating
5.0
(25 ratings)
6.9
(13 ratings)
Implementation Rating
10.0
(2 ratings)
8.0
(2 ratings)
User Testimonials
Adobe Illustrator CCAutoCAD
Likelihood to Recommend
Adobe
Adobe Illustrator is used to help make drawings look good but not make them. It is easy to add color or texture but it is hard to actually make the drawings in it. I would recommend using other software to make the lines for plans and sections and using Adobe Illustrator to make it look good.
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Autodesk
AutoCAD is the Industry best and standardized software used industry wide. This comes with support of some free to use plugins which can be downloaded form AutoDesk Store. AutoDesk has already nurtured a strong community of Developers, Students and Architects this helps any one new with Forms which help them get integrated with the commiunity very quickly.
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Pros
Adobe
  • Vector graphics for scaling to large sizes
  • Filling an object with a texture
  • Easily adjusting and expanding an artboard to fit the size of the content (especially for infographics)
  • Compatibility with other Adobe CC programs, but also exporting for PPT graphics
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Autodesk
  • The tools are easy to use and the learning curve is fairly minimal to be able to create blueprints.
  • The 3D application is very fun to use and it is nice to be able to see your product instead of having to imagine what it will look like.
  • The speed and accuracy in which students can create plans is a huge bonus. Students can plan their industrial art projects out and use their own set of plans to build them.
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Cons
Adobe
  • It's tough to master. If you haven't used Adobe products like Photoshop or Illustrator before, there is a lot to take in.
  • It would be great to have some better options to preview the final product if you're creating a multiple page document.
  • Better integration and pricing points with Adobe Stock for the useful stock images to complete your projects.
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Autodesk
  • User Interface Customisation: AutoCAD's user interface could benefit from more robust customisation options. Allowing users to rearrange toolbars, menus, and panels according to their specific workflows and preferences would enhance productivity.
  • Enhanced 3D Modeling Tools: While AutoCAD is capable of 3D modeling, it's not as intuitive or feature-rich as dedicated 3D modeling software. Streamlining the process and adding more advanced modeling tools would be a welcome improvement.
  • Enhanced Collaboration and Version Control: AutoCAD could improve its collaboration tools, such as real-time editing and version tracking, to facilitate smoother teamwork, especially in multi-disciplinary projects.
  • Intelligent Object Libraries: AutoCAD could benefit from an expanded and more intelligent library of standard objects and components. This would save time for designers who often have to create custom components from scratch.
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Likelihood to Renew
Adobe
While Adobe Illustrator CC is one of the only true design software out there, it really stands heads above the other products. It's clean UI and menu structure is easy to navigate.
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Autodesk
Because rarely we [would] rather wait for a whole year to update, sometimes the new updates don't bring many new features and we are still ok with the current version. Also the change of interface is always something that takes time for every partner in the company to get comfortable with. So those are the main reasons we may want to keep the same version.
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Usability
Adobe
There's a bit of a learning curve to this software vs other similar tools that can take some time to learn and get familiar with but the amount of functionality that Adobe Illustrator CC offers is quite large compared to simpler tools.
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Autodesk
It is very usable once you understand the program. I believe there is room for improvement in the 2D to 3D modeling capability. We have to use other apps to 3D model and that can be time consuming and sometimes AutoCAD doesn't transfer work that well between apps. They can improve there.
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Support Rating
Adobe
I normally already know how to do whatever I'm trying out, but the documentation (as well as a simple Google search) makes any question quick to resolve. The Adobe boards themselves are a fantastic resource, especially for resolving questions between new programs and iterative releases.
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Autodesk
AutoCAD has the issue of crashing or slowing down the design procedure once a heavy design that includes several disciplines or multiple families/blocks is involved. Customer services gets the feedback from the crash reports but this issue seems like it has never been addressed in the software updates past several years.
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Implementation Rating
Adobe
It was very easy to purchase and download.
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Autodesk
the implementation was realy easy , to set up our workstation we pay for the licenses we are about to use , there was a little bit of delay to get the payment processed to receive the serial but after that the install runs without any problem , so you can fell secure there will be not issue with the implementation.
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Alternatives Considered
Adobe
They complement each other, each with its own specific characteristics, but within a marketing sector, an experienced designer knows that the use of these tools in sets makes all the difference. It is possible to combine their uses and create really relevant materials that will bring a great return to the company and in the dissemination of arts with superior quality to the competitors
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Autodesk
I use Revit far more than I use AutoCAD. AutoCAD is great for simple linework, but even then I will often create the lines in Revit and then export to AutoCAD for final touches and printing. AutoCAD is a bit easier for large-format prints, which is why I almost always end up using it after starting in Revit.
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Return on Investment
Adobe
  • Helps us quickly and easily create and manage numerous logos
  • Cloud libraries allow us to access commonly used colors, fonts, logos and other design elements quickly
  • We are able to provide high-quality, scalable college logos for print and digital which give us a more professional, credible look.
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Autodesk
  • AutoCAD has helped our smaller firm produce lots of finished products matching that of a much larger size firm. With its many features, we have been able to do so much more and meet deadlines that much faster.
  • Since we do use AutoCAD, we're able to work with many other engineering firms to collaborate together to complete various building projects.
  • We have many clients now who expect us to provide for them at the end of a project not just printed construction drawings but also the digital AutoCAD drawing so they can in turn use it for future modifications themselves.
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ScreenShots