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AutoCAD is a versatile software widely used in various industries for its ability to create detailed 2D and 3D models. Many users rely on …
Starting at $245 per month
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What is AutoCAD?
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.
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Pricing
Monthly Subscription
$245
On Premise
per month per user
Yearly Subscription
$1975
On Premise
per year per user
3-Year Subscription
$5925
On Premise
3 years per user
Entry-level set up fee?
- No setup fee
For the latest information on pricing, visithttps://www.autodesk.com/products/autoc…
Offerings
- Free Trial
- Free/Freemium Version
- Premium Consulting/Integration Services
Starting price (does not include set up fee)
- $245 per month
Product Demos
AutoCAD 2010 Demo: Block Tables
YouTube
AutoCAD 2010 Demo: 3D Printing
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Demo AutoCAD 2010 en Español
YouTube
AutoCAD 2010 Demo: PDF Output
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AutoCAD 2010 Demo: PDF Underlay
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AutoCAD Architecture 2010 Demo
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What is AutoCAD?
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.
It can be used to
AutoCAD includes 7 toolsets:
Key Features of AutoCAD 2024 now include:
It can be used to
- Design and annotate 2D geometry and 3D models with solids, surfaces, and mesh objects
- Automate tasks such as comparing drawings, replacing blocks, counting objects, creating schedules, and more
- Create a customized workspace to maximize productivity with add-on apps and API
AutoCAD includes 7 toolsets:
- Architecture toolset
- Mechanical toolset
- Map 3D toolset
- MEP toolset
- Electrical toolset
- Plant 3D toolset
- Raster Design toolset
Key Features of AutoCAD 2024 now include:
- Smart Blocks - Automatically place blocks based on previous placements or quickly find and replace existing blocks
- My Insights - Faster project completion with helpful tips and features from My Insights
- Floating windows - Displays drawing windows side by side or on multiple monitors within the same instance of AutoCAD
- Activity Insights - Keeps the user informed of recent changes to a shared DWG through an activity log
- Drawing History - Comparison of past and present versions of a drawing to see how work has evolved
- Sharing - A controlled copy of a drawing can be sent to teammates and colleagues for viewing or editing from anywhere
- Markup Import and Markup Assist - Imported feedback from paper or PDFs and add changes automatically, without altering an existing drawing
- AutoCAD anytime, anywhere - CAD drawings can be created, edited, and viewed with a browser using AutoCAD on mobile or on web
- Push to Autodesk Docs - CAD drawing sheets can be pushed as PDFs directly from AutoCAD to Autodesk Docs
AutoCAD Videos
Introducing AutoCAD
Introducing AutoCAD 2023
Introducing AutoCAD 2024
AutoCAD Technical Details
| Deployment Types | On-premise |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | Windows, Mac |
| Mobile Application | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
AutoCAD starts at $245.
Reviewers rate Usability highest, with a score of 8.
The most common users of AutoCAD are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).
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- Business Problems Solved
- Recommendations
AutoCAD is a versatile software widely used in various industries for its ability to create detailed 2D and 3D models. Many users rely on AutoCAD for Bim modeling, specifically for creating 3D models of building services like HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection. Engineers and architects appreciate its features in preparing engineering drawings, such as spool drawings, 2D sheets for construction sites, and detailed connections of plumbing and HVAC. Its ease of use and fast documentation make it a favorite among professionals for managing multiple project drawings.
AutoCAD is highly regarded for its role in architectural and interior projects, allowing designers to create high-quality and easy-to-interpret engineering drawings. Architects, engineers, and designers also utilize AutoCAD to exchange files between teams seamlessly. The software's versatility extends beyond construction-related projects as well; it is used for vehicle turn radius studies, traffic flow analysis, PCB mechanical drawings, panel forms, electrical meter items in 2D, and editing and cleaning up drawings received from customers.
Additionally, AutoCAD plays a primary role in design teams' processes by producing engineering drawings for client approval and construction purposes. It is also extensively used in educational settings to prepare students for their field of study. Its applications reach beyond designing and drafting; AutoCAD is utilized in laser cutting for precise design verification before sending the designs to the laser cutter. With compatibility with other file formats and seamless integration with other Autodesk software packages, AutoCAD has become a staple tool in many organizations across different disciplines.
Users highly recommend AutoCAD for various design purposes, including 2D drawing generation, detailing, plumbing, and electrical plans production. It is particularly recommended for architectural and engineering professionals.
Users suggest considering if AutoCAD is suitable for GIS users and checking its compatibility with other third-party tools. They also highlight that AutoCAD is considered the industry standard for 2D drawings.
Overall, users recommend using AutoCAD due to its extensive capabilities, industry reputation, and suitability for different design tasks.
Attribute Ratings
Reviews
(51-75 of 82)Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
April 25, 2019
AutoCAD -- the ONLY option for 2D CAD work
We do a lot of laser cutting at NoMo Diagnostics Inc. To do this, I use AutoCAD a lot. I draw out everything that I want to laser cut using AutoCAD before I print it. This is to make sure that what I am looking to laser cut looks correct and that it will cut correctly. The AutoCAD files are also used to send to the laser cutter to make it run.
- AutoCAD allows you to output many different file types for all kinds of different functions.
- It allows for the quick design of 2D parts if you do not want to load up SOLIDWORKS for larger, 3D parts.
- The software helps you use a variety of shop tools, such as laser cutters and the shopbot.
- AutoCAD could be easier to use; sometimes processes are very complicated.
- I do not like the giant cursor that you use while drawing things in AutoCAD, it can get difficult to create smaller parts.
- I also don't like the way that you select everything. Sometimes it is very hard to select all the things that I need to without selecting many other parts of a drawing as well.
April 23, 2019
Best for 2D Drafting work
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
We use this for designing different models and drafts of our project prototype. We also provide training in the field of design to engineering students. This is mainly used by the Mechanical and Electrical Design Department for 2D and 3D drafting as well as rendering. This helps us to provide proper dimensions for prototype development, training students about design concepts and 2D drafting.
- Command line as well as GUI helps both new and professional users.
- Simple commands and ribbon menu.
- Block and data importing is easy.
- Requires training for getting started with AutoCAD.
- The use of TEXT and MTEXT properties are confusing.
April 12, 2019
Solid software, industry standard for design work.
AutoCAD is used for our design projects. It is used along with other software that does the 3D portion of designs but AutoCAD does the 2D portions. It works well and the administration side of things is extremely easy to manage.
- 2D design work
- Compatibility which was a big problem in older versions of the software.
- It's what is taught in educational arenas which makes it easy to find employees with experience.
- It can be a bit of a resource hog with multiple drawings open at once.
- Sometimes getting new licenses takes a few days.
April 07, 2019
AutoCAD - Good introductory Design Application.
Our company uses AutoCAD to supplement other construction workflows. If and when digital plan files for projects are not done in a 3D workflow, we receive 2D DWG files. Survey and layout teams start with AutoCAD Civil files to establish points for project control. The Virtual Design and Construction Department uses CAD files from Mechanical, Electrical, Structural and Architectural disciplines for an overlay style coordination. Our Estimating Department will then have DWG files received from the design teams converted to PDF, so that they can do a quantity take-off review.
- Layer management and organizing lots of information in one spot. This is helpful to see how things 'stack' up the various levels in a building.
- File size usually remains fairly small.
- External reference linking of other files, so that many people can work on different parts of a project at the same time.
- For its primary use as a 2D design application, it works well.
- Autodesk has done a great job of improving the product over its very long product lifecycle.
April 02, 2019
AutoCAD Review
AutoCAD is used extensively by our firm in all departments. We are a consulting engineering firm, and many of our clients require 2D drawings to be done in AutoCAD. This allows for the easy integration of various disciplines and, a lot of the time, different firms, to easily combine/overlay their respective models without having to use BIM.
- Easy to use.
- Used by virtually every consulting firm.
- Offers a lot of the same functionality as Microsoft products.
- Easily able to have different viewport scales on the same sheet.
- It is a memory hog. You need a decent amount of RAM for AutoCAD to function smoothly. This is especially the case when multiple instances are open.
- Referencing other models needs work. It should be more like MicroStation's referencing.
March 07, 2019
The aroma of first love
I have used AutoCAD since 1998 when I was finishing high school. I started with the version of AutoCAD 12 for MS DOS. I found it fascinating, when the Windows version came I loved it even more. I specialized, I got to develop routines and programs in AutoLISP. In 2004 when I used SolidWorks, AutoCAD happened to play a more specific and less preponderant role in my professional career. Today in our company the use of AutoCAD focuses on the development of 2D drawings in the .dxf format required for the CNC application of a TRUMPF punching machine, which makes it a very important tool for the manufacturing of sheet metal parts.
- AutoCAD is one of the oldest CAD platforms, AutoDesk owes its success and prestige to it.
- Its use is very simple.
- It is necessary to understand that AutoCAD is a non-design drawing platform.
- AutoCAD has evolved and matured but I think that AutoDesk must decide if it continues to strengthen its 3D modeling capabilities or if it definitely leaves those functions to Autodesk Inventor.
February 13, 2019
AutoCAD - Love to hate it!
I use AutoCAD pretty much every day, whether it's for customers or something internally. We use it to for different reasons. Sometimes it's just to explain a process or steps to do something more clearly, and other times it's submitting to customers to solve a problem.
- AutoCAD gives the user the flexibility to do whatever they want. It can be as simple as possible, or conversely very detailed and complicated.
- AutoCAD pretty much does what you tell it to do. You have to know how to manipulate the settings, in order for AutoCAD to do what you want.
- AutoCAD dimensions with 100% accuracy, allowing precise information to the user.
- The help section is very detailed. Showing steps and images. AutoCAD has a huge learning curve, and a person just cannot remember it all. It's a really good reference.
- One major flaw in AutoCAD is hatching. It gets confused when calculating the areas that you want to hatch. When the area is not closed, it hatches too much, or errors out. There should be a setting to be able to still hatch the area intended when it's not closed with a tolerance setting. Kind of like fill the gaps smaller than .0625".
- When editing MTEXT, AutoCAD automatically edits in uppercase or lowercase, depending on what it was previously set to. Sometimes, you want the opposite. If you have a line of text in uppercase, but you want a word in lowercase, you have to hold down shift.
- One of my rules is to never explode dimensions. But, sometimes you have to. There should be a way to explode a dimension, do your edit, then reattach all the entities of the dimension. This would be a really nice feature.
February 12, 2019
Don't get mad, get AutoCAD
I have used AutoCAD to ultimately to create 2D and 3D drawings. We create documents such as plans, elevations, sections, etc., importing information such as topography, MEP, etc., to create accurate drawings. Files are used to send to laser cutters for the purpose of creating physical models of the project.
- Fast drafting program
- Can draw with specific dimensions and details
- Gives easy access to tools
- Not the best software for complex designs
- Requires a PC with a high speed and space on the hard drive
- Good practice to save work frequently in case of a crash
January 30, 2019
AutoCAD: the most widely familiar and used
AutoCAD is our default or go-to drafting program for all things architecture, interiors, and sometimes even graphic design/signage wayfinding. We use it in all of our studios as our primary drafting or CAD solution for creating design, presentation, and construction drawings. It is the most universally used program by designers throughout our company.
- Drafting clear drawings
- Initial design exploration
- Detail and design development
- Annotative scaling automatically
- Computer memory usage is often high
- User interface and settings profiles are hard to set up and frequently get reset
January 03, 2019
AutoCAD is an industry standard that is easy to learn and use
AutoCAD is a drafting software that has both 2D and 3D applications. Currently, I am using both the 2D and the 3D applications and teaching students how to draft. The students draft many small projects that culminate in them designing their dream house. The program is the same that is used in the industry. This means that the plans that students make can be applied in the real world as they use building code specifications that are currently being used in the industry. On the 3D side we recently have been drafting simple projects to be printed on our 3D printer.
- 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.
- Sometimes creating complex shapes can be difficult as you can only manipulate one spine or point at a time. Although this can be slow it also cuts down on errors, so overall maybe it's not that bad.
- It can take some people longer than others to learn the basics although, again, I think overall it is pretty user-friendly.
- Rendering 3D images sometimes isn't as smooth as it could be and there are render points that become an issue and tricky to fix.
November 28, 2018
AutoCAD - A master at what it's good at
AutoCAD is used by all trades in my office (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection) for the design of tenant renovation projects, new construction, and other construction jobs. It allows us to show diagrammatically how we want all of our piping, ductwork, sprinklers, electrical panels, etc. to be constructed in each space.
- It has a great tool pallet so each project can use the same symbols to create a consistent product.
- It has good options when it comes to styling different layers with different colors, linetypes, thicknesses, etc.
- The ability to insert and reference other AutoCAD drawings for coordination works well.
- When it comes to plumbing design, creating riser diagrams or any sort of 3D diagram can be extremely tedious and time consuming.
- There aren't many "smart" aspects to AutoCAD so if something changes, it's all manual from there.
- Some architects can put too many different objects on the same layers. If you have objects that are distinctly different on the same layers, it can get very time consuming to figure out what should go where and separate everything.
As an Audio-Video Design/Build firm we need to be able to interact with architects and other contractors who are creating and editing drawings using AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Revit. Our typical use of AutoCAD is to review drawings and add in the specifics that are needed to illustrate where AV equipment will need to be installed during or after construction.
It is used by our designers, our installation engineers and our support team both before, during and after construction as a result.
It allows us to be involved in every step of the process and to ensure that the design elements that need to be included are not overlooked.
It is used by our designers, our installation engineers and our support team both before, during and after construction as a result.
It allows us to be involved in every step of the process and to ensure that the design elements that need to be included are not overlooked.
- AutoCAD is extremely powerful software, and its multi-layer capabilities are the industry standard that every other tool emulates.
- AutoCAD has set the standard for "creation tools" for decades, and as such, there is a larger "talent pool" of qualified folks out there that can use it.
- AutoCAD and AutoCAD Revit have phenomenally good 3d rendering capabilities, which is critical to a design firm looking to be able to "walk the site" before the first wall is put up, and the impact of all of the parts and pieces that go into new or renovation construction work.
- The biggest downside of AutoCAD is absolutely the complexity of the product. Gaining proficiency (in my opinion) requires an in-person class with a skilled instructor that can guide a beginner.
- You need a pretty beefy machine with a newer-generation processor and top-notch video card to really use AutoCAD. Don't assume you can run it on just anything, as it will take forever for files to load and rendering will mean a lot of waiting around otherwise. We use machines that are well suited for high-end gaming with 256GB of RAM and a multi-processor CPU motherboard, plus dual video cards, so it's not cheap, but time is money so its worth it.
- You also need much larger than normal displays (like with any type of drawing work) and with a 4K/60hz resolution to reduce eye strain. Once again, not inexpensive but necessary.
October 03, 2018
"The great software for Architects, Designers & Engineers"
We use AutoCAD for some 2D & 3D layouts and a lot of signal design schematics. As an engineering firm, AutoCAD is very useful for our designs and internal projects. As an Assistant Signal designer, without this software I think I could not work, it is really essential to use this software now in my life for my work, I have presented a lot of drawings for large and small projects by using AutoCAD. It has helped me in various projects and every day I learn more about the tools, which allows me to say that AutoCAD is the best professional quality engineering and architecture program for the design .
- In AutoCAD,it can be easy to draw details of anything needed for projects. AutoCAD has a variety of detail levels, from simple stick line drawings to full detail wireframe 3D models.
- Because AutoCAD is primarily a line drawing software, it will require editing and redrawing to get exactly what you want from it. But it's simpler and easier to jump in to, and will be more cost effective for smaller projects or customers with smaller budgets.
- We can use AutoCAD by Commands like copy command, move command, stretch command.
- Nothing, everything is just perfect with this software, the only thing I would just say is the performance and compatibility with RAM and the memory you need free on your computer. Also, the updates from AutoDESK are a little tedious and can slow down your performance but you then only need to downgrade your service packs and problem fixed.
- It crashes all the time and I lose work and have to do it all over again. Also the fact that is a basic app for many people, to work in more specific subjects, AutoCAD is too simple, and there are other apps that can provide other new an advance tools.
- It is expensive and it takes up a lot of storage space. The license of the program has a high cost and it requires a computer with a lot of memory space in to it.
- Hatch processing is not good . It is slow and unresponsive at times.
September 11, 2018
AutoCAD is a great 2D drawing platform
AutoCAD is being used to create 2D drawings for laser cutting components during prototyping. It was easy for me to get started and creating basic shapes and learning how to modify the shapes into functional parts. The dimensioning feature allows me to see measurements while flipping between drawings and making sure that everything lines up.
- 2D drawings are very easy to create and quick to mock up.
- Shortcuts enabled me to work a lot faster.
- The UI was very aesthetically pleasing to work with which enhanced my experience.
- The UI is very overwhelming for first time users due to all the various buttons.
July 13, 2018
AutoCAD - Still a strong leader!
Our design and engineering departments use AutoCAD for in-house engineering.
- User friendly with hot keys
- Works seamlessly with Autodesk's Inventor
- Great library of parts
- I have serious crash problems even though I'm using all the Autodesk requirements. Other software programs don't crash on me as much as AutoCAD does.
June 27, 2018
AutoCAD - the greatest innovation ever!
I work for a structural engineering firm. We use AutoCAD to produce structural, support of excavation, NYCTA, sketches and several other drawings, as needed. As a company, we use it as a whole. Even the simplest of opening up AutoCAD to print drawings by an office assistant. This addresses any structural work that needs to be completed by our office.
- AutoCAD is great for drafting. Clearly you first draft before you engineer a building, so being able to draft out everything accordingly AND simply, is fantastic. It's super simple and anyone can learn how to use it!
- Next, AutoCAD is great for adding electronic seals to. Some building filings here, especially in New York, are mainly done online. I think its great that AutoCAD has the option to add them in the title block. It makes it simpler this way instead of printing them, signing and sealing, and scanning the drawings to issue electronically.
- Lastly AutoCAD is great because you can design ANYTHING no matter how big or small it is. There is so much space to be used in the model and layout spaces. It gives you endless possibilities on what you can draft or design.
- I wish AutoCAD had more options for colors. I know they give a lot of colors to draft lines and what not, but they need more options so things can be more detailed.
- AutoCAD really should have tutorials for when you first use the program to teach you the basics. I had no experience when I first starting using AutoCAD and I had to watch a lot of youtube videos to learn what to do.
- Lastly, AutoCAD should have the option of modifying the title block in the layout space in each drawing. The only way you are able to revise the title block is opening the file itself. Sometimes I only need to change the title block for 1 specific drawing and I have to go through so much work just to do so!
June 21, 2018
AutoCAD is the Industry Leader for a Reason
Autocad was used across the company by all members of the team except the Principal. We were able to address all areas of design from concept through construction with Autocad. It was also something that allowed us to connect with other consultants and use drawings from their offices.
- Autocad is great for doing construction document sets
- Autocad is ideal for collaborating across all construction disciplines.
- Autocad was ideal for having precise drawings that allowed contractors to effectively do their jobs in the field.
- Autocad's 3D aspects are still not as robust as others on the market
- The rendering to photo realistic models can be done with add-ons but not something that is done natively
- The price of this can be daunting now that it is not a one time price but rather per year.
May 25, 2018
AutoCAD ups & downs
I use AutoCAD LT now that my AutoCAD software that I purchased awhile back doesn't work on Windows 10 therefore I was forced to a subscription format and can only afford the LT version. I prefer standard AutoCAD but the cost is out of reach for an independent consultant like myself.
I do basic space planning - test fits, block plans and furniture layouts for my clients.
- AutoCAD can be as robust as you need. I don't do 3D so AutoCAD full version isn't necessary but I do like regular AutoCAD because I was used to they way it all works. The LT version had a few learning curves to overcome. I still don't know how to set up a drawing on AutoCAD LT since their Toolbar doesn't have the Units setup and I don't have time for tutorials. AutoCAD toolbars are excellent for making easier steps while working on a drawing.
- AutoCAD subscription gives you products to download to your devices which is nice.
- For what I do - space planning of office space, furniture layouts and test fits, AutoCAD is an excellent tool for sending electronic versions to others to mark up or a PDF for those that don't have the software.
- AutoCAD LT doesn't have all the toolbars that the full version of AutoCAD has. I think that both versions should have the same toolbars so that one can work with either version. The only difference is that AutoCAD has the capability of creating 3D images, so I understand that those toolbars can be unique to that version.
- AutoCAD LT doesn't have architectural symbols to pull from like AutoCAD which would be nice to have since the LT version is for 2D drawing.
- Double clicking on a drawing seems to be an issue when trying to open. Not sure if it's my PC or AutoCAD. I have to remember to right click and hit "open with AutoCAD launcher". To me that's an extra step that is unnecessary.
In the company, AutoCAD is used by the engineering department, which among many other functions is responsible for designing the plans required for the construction of our infrastructure.
The problems that the company solves through the use of AutoCAD is the process of planning the construction and remodeling required by the company for its installed capacity potential.
[We] Make designs from the beginning for decision making.
- It is an ideal program for the design of urbanism, works aimed at improving the landscape, remodeling projects or construction.
- It is a complex and quality software that can design maps and plans in multiple scales, angles, colors, and shapes.
- I like it because it allows georeferencing and analysis of complex databases for decision making.
- It offers excellent three-dimensional object design tools that allow you to project innovative and creative ideas.
- Consider that in general AutoCAD must make an effort to facilitate the use of the system because it is very complex and difficult. It takes many hours for men to practice or go to an AutoCAD course to correctly handle the tool.
- Consider that AutoCAD is the most used design system by engineering and architecture professionals but the most difficult to use.
- If the owners of the program did a usability study aimed at improving the use of the system, I am convinced that it would be easier to apply the tools for the job.
April 26, 2018
AutoCAD, A Powerful but Complex Tool
AutoCAD is used for 3D modeling and to make technical drawings across my organization. It's not used across the whole organization, but only in the prototyping department, where we need to make this type of drawings. It helps when presenting a prototype, and to understand the model we are to take to business.
- Is really functional and suitable for engineering drawings or representations
- For 2D drawing, is still one of the bests in the market
- The features are a great deal for this type of work. Is a really complete platform for 2D and 3D drawing.
- Sometimes it can be a little tricky or hard to use. There's so much going on, with so many options that you can easily get lost in the tools.
- You surely will need a powerful computer to use this soft, so don't be stranged if your computer overheats or gets slowed down.
March 30, 2018
AutoCAD is the best tool for engineers on the market
AutoCAD is one of the best tools that all engineers need to learn. In the engineering and architecture departments of our business it is used to create or modify all type of design plans or drawings. We have used it to create piping and instrumentation diagrams of several of the largest industrial oil processing plants, it is such a complete CAD tool that it can address any type of drawing problem.
- Working in AutoCAD is more practical that creating drawings by hand, plus the plans are much more precise and it saves a lot of time.
- AutoCAD allows drawing both in 3D and in 2D, also the possibility of generating a 3D model from the 2D is excellent-
- The program has excellent PDF compatibility since the engineer can transform the drawings to said format, and since PDF is a more commonly used format than DWG it is easier to share them without any issue.
- The programs license is really expensive
- Getting to an expert level can take a long time, since it has so many functions that are accessed mostly via command names, so you really need to memorize a lot of them for practical working.
- It requires a lot of processing power to work correctly, it tends to overclock your computer or overheat it.
March 29, 2018
AutoCAD a great design tool for multi purpose projects !
We currently use AutoCAD to do reviews and markups of the drawing sets of construction projects. We also use AutoCAD to make changes over the design landscapes and report the inconsistencies upon final revision of the drawings. Our team of project managers and estimator work closely using and sharing updates of the CAD file sets. All the drawings are being shared using A360 that allows us to get the most from the AutoCAD cloud add-in set. The TCO and the annual subscription of Autodesk impact the IT budget of software maintenance.
- The ability to deploy shared licenses, and manage the end user subscription from the Autodesk web portal
- Easy steps to deploy install and set up user accounts.
- Allows to preview 3D drawings and send them to other Autodesk apps like Revit or Civil
- The Auto CAD ADLM requires explicit rules for Internet access and firewall permissions to stay connected in company networks.
- The Manuals to manage and set training path to end user are not available.
- The amount of seats or end users may impact for ADLM services held in Auto CAD server.
March 29, 2018
Still the go to option for a reason.
Here at Safe Harbor Autocad is used both as a primary design software and by steel detailers to produce shop floor drawings. In addition, our production department uses it to generate profiles for CNC plate cutting equipment. The biggest problems it solves is providing a widely used drawing format that is easy to exchange with clients and is familiar with a wider number of users than any other cad software. It tends to be much easier to find proficient Autocad operators than any other software.
- The biggest strength of Autocad is in its flexibility. It can be customized for almost any industry or drawing style. Granted the plethora of options, commands, & routines can make it a little intimidating for a beginner but experienced power users can make it sing. Even though it's parametric capability is limited a good user can even do excellent 3d modeling.
- Almost every trade school, technical college, etc. teaches Autocad, this makes finding operators a lot easier than most other software.
- Dedicated parametric design software such as Inventor & Solidworks may be taking over in the design realm but the fact of the matter is that 2d drawings will stay with us for a long time. Quite frankly when it comes to producing a good looking shop floor or construction site paper "blueprint" no other software does it better or easier. Even average users can take advantage of its extensive features & shortcuts for detailing drawings.
- One of the things that makes Autocad so good is also a disadvantage and that is its complexity. It can be confusing for some. One of my biggest challenges is supporting experienced users who refuse to give up the classic interface as I've been using the ribbon since it was introduced and have forgotten most of the classic menu & toolbars.
- The constant warnings when I open a dwg file created by another cad system are a pain. I know that this format was Autodesk's baby & I respect that but nobody needs these warnings and the extra step of dismissing them.
March 14, 2018
AutoCAD - Great Software
AutoCAD and AutoPLANT are instrumental in the design, construction, and completion of our company's work on varying levels. Everything from sales to finishing construction.
- Layouts
- Fabrication
- Design
- Continuity with other programs.
- Backwards compatibility.
February 28, 2018
AutoCAD is the STANDARD
There is just nothing with this software that I don't like. Since the first version of AutoCAD came out to the market, there has being a lot of improvement on its interface. With that being said, AutoCAD has positioned itself as the most common use software in the engineering field. All the tools that AutoCAD provide to its users are just easy to use and they explain step by step all you have to do in the command bar. What I like the most of AutoCAD I guess is the compatibility with the other Autodesk software and the possibility to create 3D models in a very accurate way. Its compatibility property makes AutoCAD a must have software because you can definitely use it at the very beginning of the project or just at the end, almost on every phase of any engineering project. Also, one thing to note is that almost everything you do in AutoCAD can be accomplished in 10 different ways, giving AutoCAD a lot more of use and knowledge for the user. In simple words, I highly recommend Autodesk AutoCAD to anyone who is in the design field, whether you're an architect, industrial designer, or any other design related profession, AutoCAD is a good software to have, and know.
- Command line interface.
- 3D rendering
- General drafting
- Help menu should provide examples of how to do things.
- Being able to import base maps for site plans.
- Online video tutorials.