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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
YouTube
Demo AutoCAD 2010 en Español
YouTube
AutoCAD 2010 Demo: PDF Output
YouTube
AutoCAD 2010 Demo: PDF Underlay
YouTube
AutoCAD Architecture 2010 Demo
YouTube
Product Details
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- Competitors
- Tech Details
- FAQs
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 Mid-sized Companies (51-1,000 employees).
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Community Insights
TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!
- 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
(1-25 of 48)Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
September 18, 2023
A review of AutoCAD
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
We use AutoCAD for 2D drafting, and creating drawing deliverables for multiple clients. We import data from other engineering/design programs that don't have great (or any) drafting capabilities to output clean, readable prints for clients to use in office or out on site. AutoCAD accepts many different inputs and allows for great collaboration between other disciplines.
- Design and Drafting
- Site Planning
- Quantity Estimation
- Visualisation and Rendering
- 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.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
I used AutoCAD in the period to be accept for employment at a mechanical and electrical engineering company. They were using the software to design electrical solutions for their company, such as circuit boards, breaker boxes and circuit diagrams. An engineer would take client specifications, come up with a design then hand it over to the AutoCAD drafter to visualize the design. Once it looked operable, their shop team would then build the end product.
- Drafting
- Clear System Requirements
- Keyboard Shortcuts
- Visual Standard to older versions
- System optimization
- User Interface
- User Intuitive
- Flexibility of end user
November 15, 2022
AutoCAD as a fundamental basis of architectural design
In my workflow the use of AutoCAD is extremely important, not only on the beginning of every project but also on the development of the following steps. At this point, the resourcefull library of commands available on AutoCAD makes the drawing process much easier and intuitive in comparison to other drawing software. This one of the main reasons why I have always choose to work with AutoCAD on the development of my projects.
- simple but very well organised interface for users
- very intuitive comands that make the workflow with the software very easy, also for starter users without too many experience
- the software responds very well to large and hard to read files, without slowing down or interrupting the workflow due to reading erros that normaly disrupt users and make the experience with the software more stressfull
- improvements on the 3D modelling area, making the interface easier to deal with
- an easier possibility to change the language settings of the software
- improving the array command, making it more easier to handle with, considering that it often causes unespected erros to the software, interrupting the constant worflow
June 14, 2022
Best application for modelling.
We are using Autocad for 2D drafting purposes first of all and after that, we are using the extension of it called Autocad Fabrication. We are solving construction-related problems with the help of this software. We are using it to convert the 2D floor plans of a building and its associated services like Plumbing, HVAC, and Fire protection to 3D models with the help of the Fabrication Database. The scope holds the use in construction help by generating real-time model and associated bill of materials for various building installations. It is helping greatly in reducing the construction time as well as cost by determining various future problems of the construction.
- Detail drawing.
- Shop drawings.
- Bill of material.
- Spool drawings.
- Model export.
- Automating the processes a bit.
- Decrease number of steps for execution.
- Working multiple people on single files at realtime.
May 10, 2022
AutoCAD, benchmark software
With AutoCAD you have the ability to quickly design just about anything, with blocks being easily generated, 3D capability helps with those who find it difficult to visualize parts and or mechanisms. Once drawn and saved blocks ensure virtually faultless product development across all facets like laser cutting, bending and assemblies.
- Blocks
- User friendly
- Intuitive
- Scale ability
- Cost
- Adding a costing centre
- Nesting capability
May 09, 2022
Industry Standard for Drafting and Designing
We use AutoCAD for making changes and additions to existing jobs as it was our legacy software before we switched to Visio. We have over 4,000 jobs with multiple AutoCAD files so it's a pretty extensive database, complete with customized templates for our equipment and controls. We use it for the design and creation of HVAC control drawings.
- 2D drawing
- Ability to run macros and custom templates.
- User friendly interface.
- Shortcut keys for legacy users who learned without using the mouse for everything.
- Does not integrate changes across multiple files.
- Does not compile data across multiple files.
- Some menu options are from older versions and could be reorganized better.
March 05, 2022
AutoCAD--Best suited for 2D drafting
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
AutoCAD serves my design needs very well. The user interface is very elaborate. The tools are well positioned. The 2D modeling on this software is super powerful. I personally prefer AutoCAD for designing 2D drafts before developing 3D objects from them. I use it daily for developing all the drafts of new designs that come through me.
- 2D drafting
- Boundary-free designing
- Integration with other programs
- Easy to import and export files
- The 3D design part of AutoCAD is not very proficient.
- 3D render environment needs some improvements.
- It is a bit expensive for a beginner's startup.
December 27, 2021
Well oriented tool
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
This is one of the best software for preparing engineering drawings. It has many features for preparing drawings for clients. 1. Preparing 2D & 3D drawings which are good for drafting. 2. Conversation to pdf option is available. 3. One can easily share or upload the AutoCAD Design file with multiple people. 4. I can make engineering plans using AutoCAD. 5. Every detail of the plan can be shown using this software.
- 2D & 3D Drafting.
- Its interface is user-friendly.
- Boundless area to create and design.
- Using it for 3D models isn't easy and quite difficult.
- While transferring Data from some other design software to AutoCAD, the layers won't be addressed correctly.
November 02, 2021
2d AutoCAD design KING
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
We use AutoCAD for design [purposes] in [the] laser cutting industry. We design machine parts, covers, designer gates and windows, decorative items, etc. It is very handy software to do 2d and wireframe designing of objects and sheet metal parts that we can cut on a laser cutting machine. AutoCAD helps us to nest parts in metal sheet and give very efficient nesting work too.
- 2d designing
- Wire frame design
- Sheet-metal work
- Nesting
- Dimension marking
- Hatch function
- Snap fuction
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
I am using Autocad in my organization in the department of interior design for educational purpose. Autocad is a great learning software, which helps budding interior designers to enhance their design skills digitally and make their work easy and efficient.
- Makes planning and layouts easy
- 3D modelling and visualization
- Accurate measurements of drawings
- Provides blueprint of layouts
- User interface can be more intuitive
- More furniture templates should be added
- Export and file formats are too limited
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
I utilize AutoCAD for easy super fast engineering documentation, easy to manage multiple project drawings. On 2D drawing and drafting I recommend the tool to any engineers out there for a great drafting experience. AutoCAD also can be relied on for easy drawing, detailing and editing.
- The easy drafting experience.
- Engineering 2D documentation capability.
- Easy implementation of the CAD tool.
- Ability to import large files.
- Large 3D design manipulation.
- Misbehaving especially when installed on a less specifications machine.
May 11, 2021
Best 2D software ever!!!
AutoCAD is used on a large scale by hundreds of users. Basically, everyone is using 2D; some users also use Inventor for 3D needs. Some departments use AutoCAD to create detail and elevation drawings, other departments create [a] plan and title sheets, and others work on embedded files. All of these mentioned above are 2D drawings as required by architects. AutoCAD is also used to create sheet sets [that manage] the documentation very well. This workflow proved to be one of the best management solution[s] for Autocad. You can also use Vault Professional to escalate your management needs to the next level. AutoCAD / Vault workflow is great!
- Dimensioning
- Paper space
- Layout plans
- Good sofwtare to open any 2D dwg used in other software
- Sheet set
- It needs more help in 3D world, eventually some parametric support
- Better connection with Revit or Inventor
- Dynamic blocks could get some updates
- Parameters can be more developed; excel capabilities could be added
- Sheet set could be more evolved to support a workflow involving data management
April 09, 2021
AutoCAD is the GOAT for me
As the Principal Engineer, I use AutoCAD daily for HVAC Design. I also use an AutoCAD addon called DesignMaster to perform specific HVAC Engineering tasks like load calculations, outside air calculations, and duct design and layout. AutoCAD allows my small business to produce high quality, easy to interpret engineering drawings for my clients.
- The more I use it, the more I customize my drawings, the more beautiful they become.
- AutoCAD has a seemingly infinite number of tools and features.
- Because the user base is so large, there are so many resources to problem solve and learn new features.
- AutoCAD can be very s-l-o-w. My computer spec's exceeded those listed on AutoCAD's website, but I think their requirements may be under specified.
- It's a bit pricey - but for what it does, I really don't mind the investment.
- Some glitches that AutoCAD knows about seem to never be resolved. Forums show the same question is asked over years of new releases.
April 09, 2021
Industry Standard CAD!
We use AutoCAD to draw and edit technical drawings that aid our staff in accurate implementation of technical solutions. There are two main uses, technical floor plans/rigging plans or drawings for permanent installation work which is draw onto existing building plans. We use AutoCAD across the entire business although there are only a few who are our "Tech Drawers."
- Fast drawing if you know what you're doing.
- VERY flexible.
- Keyboard commands and shortcuts keep users off the mouse.
- Industry standard .DWG file type is easily transferable to other companies.
- Steep learning curve for those with no CAD experience.
- Text is generally a bit annoying, there are many options for size.
- Going from 2d to 3d is a big step.
April 09, 2021
AutoCAD review
We use AutoCAD mainly to keep track of our production environment floor plans and edit and swam equipment when we need to. It is really only a 2D software for us, as we use other 3D modeling software to visualize components and hardware.
If a customer absolutely has to send us documentation in AutoCAD, we accept it and translate it to another software for use and manipulation.
- 2D drawings and schematics.
- Lab organization and layout.
- Manufacturing floor layout and design.
- Hard to use the 3D instance
- Engineering of our products make s it difficult to draw from a model.
- Other software is already set up and difficult to displace internally.
April 08, 2021
AutoCAD is the industry standard for 2D project documentation and is right for the smallest offices and largest firms.
We use AutoCAD for existing conditions documentation, 2D drawings and details, annotation, sheet layout, and PDF creation for architectural projects. It is an integral part of our office workflow and allows us to easily create templates and base drawings to export for use in 3D modeling software for design development.
- Easy to use in field to quickly document existing floor plans.
- Industry standard allows for easy collaboration with consultants.
- The subscription model allows for easy scaling if personnel needs change based on workload.
- Steep learning curve means downtime if training is needed.
- Relatively expensive, especially if not the main software in office workflow.
- Complex drawing files tend to become unstable and crash frequently, especially if hatching is used.
April 01, 2021
Long-time AutoCAD users, it just keeps getting better.
AutoCAD is a solid tool in our organization and has been for many years. Many of our customers require an AutoCAD DWG format for the As-Built drawings that we create. We mainly use it for creating blueprints of existing conditions and also new architectural designs.
- Ease of use for us given there is no learning curve after all these years.
- Flexibility to draw and represent what you see.
- Extensive customized block library for creating blueprints.
- There are many commands that are rarely or never used depending upon your industry. It does take some effort to create custom tool bars.
- Dimension styles can be tricky to learn, other programs like Revit are easier in my opinion.
- Navigating in 3D is difficult.
April 01, 2021
AutoCAD does it best
Our firm uses AutoCAD across all 3 of our offices. We mainly use AutoCAD to layout two-dimensional plans for various building design projects. We first implemented the use of AutoCAD over 25 years ago to produce high-quality ink drawings to present to our clients.
- AutoCAD is perfect to use when the graphic representation of objects are shown in multiple drawing locations. Then this graphic can be changed once and all occurrences will be automatically updated.
- Using AutoCAD to draw plans is so much more efficient than drawing by hand. This is especially true when it comes to having to make changes. Everything can be done on the computer. There's no need to redraw or retrace the plan because with one command it's so easy to just make a digital copy of it.
- AutoCAD supports not only two-dimensional drawings but also three-dimensional drawings. With a three dimensional model, a user can actually create walkthrus and flybys of the project instead of having to create a physical model.
- AutoCAD cannot produce a drawing file that contains the needed building information for construction. It only offers various tools to create the needed drawings to communicate the design intent but not more than what is graphically shown.
- Though AutoCAD offers many three-dimensional modeling tools, it is still not efficient. It is very difficult to stretch or modify three-dimensional objects especially after holes have been cut out of the object.
- AutoCAD is missing a very important feature where it can be linked to third party spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel. Currently, there is no option where changes in an Excel spreadsheet can inform AutoCAD how to change the graphic objects to match.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
AutoCAD is being used in our engineering department at Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), the largest gas transmission and distribution company in Pakistan.
We prepare 3D models of gas installations and fittings for upgrading and modification assessment. With the help of AutoCAD and its built-in 3D models library time is being saved and we also get the bill of material as per international acceptable codes. For presentation purposes this software also offers animations and rendering.
- Versatility of 3D modeling features available in a single modeling software.
- With the help of cloud rendering we can get the renders quickly even though we don't have high-quality hardware resources for computer.
- It has many output formats which can be exported and used with other software.
- Its animation facility and easy to use functions.
- For oil and gas industry its built-in library misses salient fittings and equipment which I think should be added.
- It requires very high-level hardware resources for big models which I think must be optimized.
- Its cost the is same for a large corporation or small business. I recommend that there should be price slabs for the purpose for which it is being purchased.
March 11, 2020
Outdated but still useful
AutoCAD is used by architects and designers to draw details, review consultants drawings, and to convert files. In general, AutoCAD has been replaced by Revit for the production of large complex document sets, and by Rhino and SketchUp for early conceptual studies. It is still used often for tasks that do not require the BIM complexity of Revit.
- Lots of control over graphic style, line weights, etc
- Easy to use; easy to draw without constraints
- 3D functionality is rudimentary
- Lacking tools for complex geometry.
March 05, 2020
AutoCAD: Nobody does better, but too many bugs!
We use it to design yacht interiors, furniture designs, architectural drawings in general. It works, but has too many crashes.
- Layers management
- Dimensions and annotations
- Layout
- The hatches have always worked badly, there is no tolerance on the closures, everything must be perfect.
- If you attack more than 10 Xref, everything becomes too slow, unmanageable.
- The printing of many layouts, even in the background, is a nightmare. It's too slow, even with very powerful machines, in the AutoCAD engine it can be seen that it does not use the CPU.
- There is no command to block the insertion of objects on zeta equal to 0, or an automatic command that brings an entire design and all its entities to z = 0. Other programs such as Rhinoceros, Microstatio, do have this.
- The management of the scale of the hatches between layout and model is not simple. Most users with experience cannot use it.
- The transition from model to layout is incredibly slow even on €8000 workstations, just like on a € 500 machine.
- Many functions, rewrites in OS X work much better than in Windows.
February 18, 2020
Great design tool for your MEP projects
AutoCAD is used widely in my organization for design and development purposes. It is used to develop drawings for various disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm systems, fire safety, technology, security, etc. It is rarely used to view drawings developed in 3-D view but in some instances comes in handy.
- User friendly interface.
- Ease of commands.
- 3-D view.
- Slow to operate.
February 15, 2020
AutoCAD for 2D Drafters
Currently, AutoCAD is being used throughout my organization across all departments, including architecture, interiors, and construction administration. In the past four years or so, it has slowly been phased out of architecture in favor of other programs like Autodesk Revit and Rhino. However, our interiors department is still using it to do their construction drawings, given their complex geometric design and AutoCADs ability to give the designer more control. It solves our issues of creating drawings when automation does not give the correct information.
- Control Drawings
- Universal Platform across disciplines
- 3D Modeling
- User Interface
January 15, 2020
Easy to use and versatile 2D software
We use AutoCAD as our primary 2D software and have been producing drawings and layouts for 30 years with it. It is mainly used in the engineering department, but other departments such as production and inspection use it as a tool to take measurements or produce their own layouts. It provides us with a stable platform to share CAD information between designers, engineers, and manufacturers.
- Stable program without glitches or errors.
- Versatile with other file formats.
- 3D drafting is difficult and it can't compete with bigger 3D modeling software.
- Problems with printing and setting up a plotter for all users to have access to.
September 20, 2019
The Industry Standard
Teaching students how to utilize software for both large projects and rapid prototyping. Developing skills that can be utilized in the real world. All students pursuing a career in engineering should definitely know how to use AutoCAD software, not only for personal use but as a skill to use for their company.
- Great at creating cross sectional views of a wide variety of parts, showing both consumers and employees the design.
- AutoCAD can be used to make creations for games, movies, but most importantly, the professional industry.
- Many detailed and specific tools in AutoCAD allow one to easily create complex geometry and surfaces to help rapidly model creations.
- Ease of isometric designing
- Circle Creation Tool not performing as the user may want