AutoCAD ups & downs
May 25, 2018
AutoCAD ups & downs
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with AutoCAD
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.
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.
- Being able to produce 11x17 drawings on a regular basis for my small to mid-size clients on AutoCAD has been a positive for me vs. using hand drawn plans or using Visio. The return on my investment is OK but now that AutoCAD is on a subscription basis vs. purchasing a stand alone version that one can use for a few years is a draw back in my mind. I know that's the platform that MicroSoft Office has gone to also. It's all about the almighty buck but for small businesses like myself, it's not always the best return.
No list of products came up for me to compare to. But I must say that coming from the design, furniture and facilities management industry, AutoCAD is a great software because of FM Systems being able to integrate information for Facilities Management into AutoCAD for maintenance & operations, as well as space utilization. And as I stated before, if you're working on projects where architects or designers are involved, being able to share compatible drawings is key to success. I believe AutoCAD is the best drawing package for my industry and has been for decades.