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AutoCAD

AutoCAD

Overview

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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Recent Reviews

TrustRadius Insights

AutoCAD is a versatile software widely used in various industries for its ability to create detailed 2D and 3D models. Many users rely on …
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AutoCAD Review

10 out of 10
October 26, 2023
AutoCAD is one of the most used software for desigining and and preparing the civil Engineering design in my firm. As of AutoCAD I use it …
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A review of AutoCAD

9 out of 10
September 18, 2023
We use AutoCAD for 2D drafting, and creating drawing deliverables for multiple clients. We import data from other engineering/design …
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Well oriented tool

8 out of 10
December 27, 2021
This is one of the best software for preparing engineering drawings. It has many features for preparing drawings for clients. 1. Preparing …
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Awards

Products that are considered exceptional by their customers based on a variety of criteria win TrustRadius awards. Learn more about the types of TrustRadius awards to make the best purchase decision. More about TrustRadius Awards

Reviewer Pros & Cons

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Pricing

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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
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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
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Product Details

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
  • 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 Competitors

AutoCAD Technical Details

Deployment TypesOn-premise
Operating SystemsWindows, Mac
Mobile ApplicationNo

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.

ZWCAD, BricsCAD, and FreeCAD are common alternatives for AutoCAD.

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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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(546)

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!

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 79)
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October 26, 2023

AutoCAD Review

Osman Shaikh | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
  • Well postively said more clients asks to work on AutoCAD for base start
  • Now likely evry another one wants 3D model as its upragade for 2D so need to use other tha AutoCAD
  • Well AutoCAD is the most majorily used one
September 18, 2023

A review of AutoCAD

Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
  • Increased Productivity: AutoCAD's efficiency and precision in drafting and design tasks can significantly increase productivity. Engineers can create detailed drawings in less time compared to manual drafting methods, allowing the company to handle more projects simultaneously.
  • Improved Accuracy and Quality: AutoCAD's tools and features help maintain high levels of accuracy in design. This reduces the likelihood of errors during construction, which can lead to cost overruns and delays.
  • Cost Savings: The time saved in drafting and design, along with the reduction in errors, can lead to substantial cost savings over the course of a project. This positively impacts the company's profit margins.
  • Hardware Requirements: AutoCAD may require higher-end hardware to run smoothly, which could entail additional costs for upgrading or purchasing new workstations.
  • Limited 3D Capabilities: While AutoCAD does support 3D modelling, it may not be as powerful or intuitive as dedicated 3D modelling software. This could be a limitation for companies heavily involved in 3D design.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • improvement of the drawing qualities
  • Better workflow with a software that delivers everything that is espected to make work easier
  • besides being an expensive software, the many benefits that improve the workbasis on a general way make the cost worth it
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Saves us time when working with existing projects vs. converting them to different software.
  • AutoCAD keeps our legacy jobs editable and improves customer retention.
  • New single license increases the cost over discontinued server licensing.
Adrienne Gould-Choquette, P.E. | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • I am able to win contracts and repeat business based on the quality, complexity, and usability of my designs.
  • Since some competitors use lesser software, their overhead is less. I let them have the lesser jobs.
  • Other professionals and I can collaborate on drawings since we are all using the same software.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • AutoCAD allows us to provide accurate plans to staff which aids in efficiency.
  • Using AutoCAD means that our technical drawing staff are familiar with professional software, rather than other amateur options. This means we can work with other professionals without having to change software or file formats.
  • Being able to access a wide range of pre-made assets online has meant that we can produce drawings much quicker, and with touches that make our drawings more impressive to the client.
April 09, 2021

AutoCAD review

Score 4 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Free version has been sufficient for most users.
  • Large format layouts and straw diagrams have been useful and had impact in planning/optimizing - would have sent these out to a consultant if we did not have a seat of AutoCAD.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
  • Efficiency in use means the subscription fee is fairly reasonable
  • Ability to export in various formats allows us to use less expensive software for 3D modeling.
  • Monthly subscription billing option allows us to add or remove seats with yearly commitments.
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