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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 82)
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October 26, 2023

AutoCAD Review

Osman Shaikh | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
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 daily for projects. The pros of software are- It helped me prepare drawings on large scale with ease and in short period of time. the commands are easily acessible. Most of the basic drawings or say the first ever drawing of project to be prepare is done on AutoCAD. And the cons I would like to say is a large projects gets hang using hatches on large scale and aslo the 3D modelling in AutoCAD also lags some time with respective of quantity of project. the hatch lag is the most problem I face. I hope it changes soon
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.
Janeil Harricharan | TrustRadius Reviewer
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.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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.
Ashish Mathur | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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.
Abhijeet Kumar | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
We used AutoCAD for Bim modeling purposes. We create 3D models of building services like HVAC, plumbing, fire protection from this software. We create a spool drawing and 2d sheet for the construction site and a 2d sheet for detailed connection of plumbing and HVAC. We are using AutoCAD for basic training in designing.
VIKAS RANA | TrustRadius Reviewer
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.
December 27, 2021

Well oriented tool

Mahmoud obaid | TrustRadius Reviewer
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.
November 02, 2021

2d AutoCAD design KING

DHIRAJ PATEL | TrustRadius Reviewer
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.
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.
Joyce Williams | TrustRadius Reviewer
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.
June 02, 2021

King of CADs

Alejandro Daniel Copati | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
AutoCAD Software is used practically throughout the company, developing layout models for industries. Our company sells machines and AutoCAD allows us to provide the service of accommodating them in the client's workshop, presenting detailed plans of where and what space each one occupies, thus improving the flow of raw materials and finished products.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
AutoCAD is being used directly by my department and indirectly by the whole organization. AutoCAD is used to show each floor's architectural, furniture, and equipment layout for each building. All the building floor layouts are then shown on a web-based Location Management System (LMS) where locations of assets (such as desks and equipment) are placed, which the whole organization references for their need.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
AutoCAD is used on a daily bases for making presentation line drawings, doing conceptual design, and some detailed design tasks for parts. We also use AutoCAD to generate CNC plasma table cutting patterns for sheet metal parts. I use AutoCAD in nest planning and material usage estimation on some occasions as well.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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!
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
[AutoCAD] is a great software with respect to its functionality. The 2d architectural function is commonly used in [the] company. [It is] being utilized for making layout of installation of new plants and their execution according to the dimensional working. The plot presentation option [is] also very good.
April 09, 2021

AutoCAD Review

Oliver Philippe Goulart Young | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
AutoCAD is used across most groups in the engineering department. In most groups it is used as the main design tool to produce drawings and deliverables. In my group it is used mostly to develop vehicles turn radius studies and to analyze traffic flow within a site. A secondary use our group has for AutoCAD is as a middle man for file conversions between many software with formats we cannot bring into Revit directly. So we export to AutoCAD and then load the DWG. files into Revit.
Adrienne Gould-Choquette, P.E. | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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.
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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."
April 09, 2021

AutoCAD review

Score 4 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
AutoCAD is used for the development of architectural and interior projects, to represent plans in 2d, detailing furniture and construction elements, among others. It is widely used with main software among architects, engineers and designers and for this reason it is always better to operate through it to exchange files between teams.
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
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.
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