Powerful and widely used modeling program for all of the engineering disciplines
Updated April 27, 2019
Powerful and widely used modeling program for all of the engineering disciplines
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with AutoCAD
AutoCAD has been used for almost all of the engineering departments in my universities. Most of us use it for sketching and designing mechanical components, building and bridge structures, and other industrial components. It has been used for both 2D and 3D modeling.
- AutoCAD has a full list of functions in modeling and its interface is user-friendly. All functions can be completed by just clicking, no coding experience is needed.
- Since most engineers use AutoCAD drawings to do finite element analysis for post-processing the mechanic components or structures, AutoCAD drawings can be imported to mostly-used commercial finite element analysis software.
- AutoCAD has been widely used in the industry, plenty of tutorials are available online for users to learn.
- Since in the University, we have been using the education version of AutoCAD, printed drawings are labeled as educational drawings, which do not look professional especially when we use and report the drawings to project committees.
- AutoCAD uses lots of RAM on my computer which slows the speed of the computer. If two or more AutoCAD windows open, the computer is easy to freeze.
- AutoCAD has been used to make engineering drawings for construction and research projects, but each drawing was labeled as an educational version.
- Functions of 3D modeling in AutoCAD are not as straight forward as those of 2D modeling.
- SOLIDWORKS and Revit
Modeling 2D structures in AutoCAD is more straight forward and easier to start with than other products above, and online tutorials of AutoCAD are everywhere.
Using AutoCAD
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using | Lots to learn |
Yes - Users can view AutoCAD drawings on mobile devices but are still not able to access editing functions.