AutoCAD vs. Autodesk AEC Collection

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
AutoCAD
Score 8.4 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
Autodesk AEC Collection
Score 8.5 out of 10
N/A
The AEC Collection provides a set of BIM and CAD tools supported by a cloud-based common data environment that facilitates project delivery from early-stage design through to construction. The bundle includes popular Autodesk tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, FormIT, and Navisworks Manage, with access to 12 integrated CAD and BIM tools.
$435
per month
Pricing
AutoCADAutodesk AEC Collection
Editions & Modules
Monthly Subscription
$245
per month per user
Yearly Subscription
$1975
per year per user
3-Year Subscription
$5925
3 years per user
AEC Collection - Monthly Subscription
$435
per month per user
AEC Collection - Yearly Subscription
$3,465
per year per user
AEC Collection - 3-Year Subscription
$10,395
3 years per user
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
AutoCADAutodesk AEC Collection
Free Trial
YesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Features
AutoCADAutodesk AEC Collection
Computer-Aided Design Software
Comparison of Computer-Aided Design Software features of Product A and Product B
AutoCAD
6.1
3 Ratings
12% below category average
Autodesk AEC Collection
-
Ratings
3D Modeling6.03 Ratings00 Ratings
2D Drafting9.03 Ratings00 Ratings
Rendering and Visualization5.33 Ratings00 Ratings
Parametric Design4.73 Ratings00 Ratings
Collaboration and Sharing5.73 Ratings00 Ratings
Compatibility with other software and formats8.03 Ratings00 Ratings
Assembly Design5.33 Ratings00 Ratings
Simulation and Analysis1.02 Ratings00 Ratings
Documentation and Annotation7.73 Ratings00 Ratings
Customization and Extensions8.33 Ratings00 Ratings
Best Alternatives
AutoCADAutodesk AEC Collection
Small Businesses
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.4 out of 10
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.4 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.4 out of 10
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.4 out of 10
Enterprises
Rhino
Rhino
Score 8.5 out of 10
Rhino
Rhino
Score 8.5 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
AutoCADAutodesk AEC Collection
Likelihood to Recommend
8.0
(84 ratings)
9.4
(3 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.0
(2 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Usability
8.5
(5 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
6.9
(13 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
8.0
(2 ratings)
-
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
AutoCADAutodesk AEC Collection
Likelihood to Recommend
Autodesk
AutoCAD is great for large-scale printing, simple drawing, and manipulating exports from Revit to understand coordinate systems. We often use AutoCAD to create overlays that we then take into Navisworks. Understanding AutoCAD is crucial when working with subcontractor models. I have subs who only work in AutoCAD and I use it to make sure their models will work in my process.
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Autodesk
Autodesk AEC Collection is very well suited for Computer Assisted Design Software involved in detailed design of architectural and construction documents Using Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and more as well as 3D modeling for characters and Game assets using character generator and 3ds max. The AEC Collection has a good learning system and Autodesk and a community support system. We primarily use the software for architecture and construction planning and design.
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Pros
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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Autodesk
  • Construction Documentation creation and management.
  • 3D building modeling, including coordination across disciplines.
  • Management of sophisticated, large, and complex computer model files.
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Cons
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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Autodesk
  • Accessing software and updates can be a little more intuitive.
  • Downloading software was confusing at first but is easy after understanding the process.
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Likelihood to Renew
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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Autodesk
I gave a rating of 10 because, thus far, Autodesk AEC Collection Seems to be on the leading edge for what is required for the construction planning, implementation, and continued of real-world assets. Autodesk has been a great benefit for our organization and has allowed us to continue to improve not only ourselves but the people we work with. We have been using Autodesk AEC Collection for a number of years and hope to continue for a long time coming.
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Usability
Autodesk
The use case of AutoCAD as a CAD software is highly relevant today as it focuses or targets to tasks types which involve creating 2D drawings of a number of types like electrical drawings, hydraulic drawings, layout diagrams, floor plans, etc. thereby addressing a large number of industries like Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and in most case Architectural Engineering as well
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Autodesk
No answers on this topic
Support Rating
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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Autodesk
No answers on this topic
Implementation Rating
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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Autodesk
No answers on this topic
Alternatives Considered
Autodesk
I have experience with Autodesk Maya, and am familiar with their user interface with creating 3D objects. AutoCAD while from the same family, requires a steeper learning curve and more in-depth knowledge of the software.
I have experience with this software because it is the industry standard in the jobs that I applied to, and was required to the company that I interviewed for. Part of the interview process was a proof-of-work test to create a mock solution for a client, which would demonstrate knowledge and skill with using AutoCAD.
I have little experience with CorelCAD, but I found AutoCAD to be more in-depth with your options and what you could create.
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Autodesk
Other products that have been used include Civil Designer and Model Maker for civil services. Other products for structural designs include aq product called "SEDA" These products are not included in the listings.
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Return on Investment
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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Autodesk
  • Positive impact on collaboration between disciplines.
  • Products are the industry standard, which allows for collaboration with other firms.
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ScreenShots