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What is AutoCAD?

CAD software provides a flexible platform for designing an array of projects, equipped with effective tools and applications for both web and mobile environments. Among these, AutoCAD® stands out as an essential tool for architects, engineers, and construction specialists, allowing them to create intricate 2D and 3D designs. It enables users to draft, annotate, and generate both 2D shapes and 3D models utilizing a variety of components such as solids, surfaces, and mesh objects. Additionally, the program enhances productivity by simplifying processes like drawing comparisons, block insertion, and schedule creation. AutoCAD further accommodates customization through additional applications and APIs, tailored to meet the specific needs of different industries. With specialized features and intelligent objects, it is suitable for fields such as architecture, mechanical engineering, and electrical design. Users benefit from the ability to swiftly automate the development of floor plans, sections, and elevations, in addition to efficiently designing piping, ducting, and circuitry with comprehensive parts libraries. Moreover, it supports the automatic creation of annotations, layers, schedules, lists, and tables, all while following a rules-based workflow that guarantees adherence to industry standards. Its extensive features and constant evolution ensure that AutoCAD remains a vital resource, continually responding to the dynamic needs of professionals across multiple fields. This adaptability not only reinforces its position in the market but also enhances the overall user experience by integrating new technologies and methodologies.

Pricing

Price Starts At:
$1,268 per user per year
Free Trial Offered?:
Yes

Screenshots and Video

Company Facts

Company Name:
Autodesk
Date Founded:
1982
Company Location:
United States
Company Website:
www.autodesk.com

Product Details

Deployment
Windows
Mac
Training Options
Documentation Hub
Webinars
Support
Standard Support

Product Details

Target Company Sizes
Individual
1-10
11-50
51-200
201-500
501-1000
1001-5000
5001-10000
10001+
Target Organization Types
Mid Size Business
Small Business
Enterprise
Freelance
Nonprofit
Government
Startup
Supported Languages
English

AutoCAD Categories and Features

Floor Plan Software

2D Floor Plans
3D Floor Plans
Annotation
Diagram Templates
Document Management
Drafting
Drag & Drop
Lighting Control
Object Library
Rendering

Electrical Design Software

CAD Tools
Change Management
Collaboration
Compliance Management
Document Generation
Drag & Drop
Electrical Parts Catalog
Functions / Calculations
One Line Diagram
PLC Tools
Reusable Designs
Symbol Library

CAD Software

2 1/2-Axis Milling
2D Drawing
3-Axis Milling
3D Modeling
4-Axis Milling
5-Axis Milling
Civil
Collaboration
Database Connectivity
Design Analysis
Design Export
Document Management
Electrical
Hole Making
Mechanical
Mechatronics
Presentation Tools
Simulate Cycles
Spiral Output
Structural Engineering
Toolpath Simulation
User Defined Cycles

Architecture Software

2D Drawing
3D Modeling
BIM Modeling
Bills of material
Building Information Modeling
Client Management
Contact Management
Contract Management
Document Management
Drafting
Manufacturing Design Data
Presentation Tools
Project Management
Proposal Management
Quotes/Proposals
Visualization / Presentation

Architectural CAD Software

2D Drawing
3D Modeling
Architectural Symbol Library
Automatic Formatting
BIM Modeling
Comparison View
Design Templates
Drafting

3D Modeling Software

2D Drawing
Animation
Annotations
Bill of Materials
Character Modeling
Collaboration Tools
Component Library
Data Import / Export
For 3D Printing
For Architects
For Manufacturers
Reference Management
Simulation

3D Architecture Software

2D Drawing
Animation
BIM Modeling
Component Library
Data Import / Export
Landscape Design
Virtual Tour
  • Reviewer Name: Phetsamone C.
    Position: Project Coordinator
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1 - 25
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Autocad Review

    Date: Jan 12 2022
    Summary

    Overall a great experience with the product and once you get use to all the short cuts then this product really shines and you can draft something super quick.
    Also a big group of supporters online for this product. You can find anything from small object to large objects that you can include in your design.

    Positive

    We work with this program daily and like the feature packed program that can do pretty much anything that can do anything. We use this to draft building layouts to scale and also building rendering.
    I have also used this program in the pass to do quantity take-offs, ground reclamation and ground works design.
    Awesome and powerful product to use.

    Negative

    This is a very pricey program and will be hard on smaller companies.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Paola G.
    Position: CEO
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 500 - 999
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    It is the most complete for 2D plans and 3D views

    Date: Sep 12 2022
    Summary

    I am helping many clients with the design of their properties with this software, I have been able to present design proposals in the clearest and most professional way possible since this software has a plan printing standard which details everything I want without me require doing it more than once. I have also been able to work with others collaboratively, assigning tasks regarding what they have to take care of within the plan. Like, for example, one employee is in charge of electricity, another of water intakes, others of interior design, etc. It is very practical to work like this within the same software in order to have the plans more organized and to facilitate communication when making changes within the structure without requiring going through different software with different plans or characteristics that are incompatible at the time. to work on them. I have also been able to include the list of materials as if it were a recipe and that aspect has been useful to me since I can export everything required to Excel without doing it again since I have done everything within this software to facilitate work and design of the same.

    Positive

    ° It is more complete unlike many other 2D plan management software for constructions. Moreover, I consider it number one for this type of work since it is more complete in functionalities so I can detail my plans without any problem and thus deliver the final project to the client without losing any detail. I have tried free software to know how different AutoCAD was from others and the difference is abysmal, therefore, I consider that for beginners or students it is preferable to use free CAD software before entering the world of AutoCAD because of how extensive it is.

    ° It has a detailed documentation in case you have not learned all the functionalities or want to explore new things about this software. In addition to the fact that the documentation can be downloaded to be able to read it in offline mode while perfecting the handling of this software since it is complicated to learn.

    ° When I say that it is very detailed, I mean that I can count on all the elements of a construction, as well as plumbing, electricity, mechanics, architecture, etc. I can include all of this in the same plane and also that there is a space for each one since they all work differently due to their pieces. For example, in construction I have different elements such as the different profiles of a beam or if I create a special and personalized one, I can also do it.

    ° The design of its interface is not at all confusing despite the countless number of features it has, this is essential for me because of the convenience of being able to work on plans without having everything accumulated in one place. I like that everything is grouped into submenus to make everything more practical. I can also use keyboard shortcuts in case I want to use a function without navigating the interface to find it. Another thing that also counts with respect to the shortcuts is that I can assign key combinations in a personalized way in order to adapt this software to my needs and comforts, as well as I can modify the different elements where they show functions so that I can place the functions that I most I use just giving it a click and not going to the menus to look for them.

    Negative

    ° The 3D rendering is very good and clear, but it is very simple. I usually look for realism in terms of previewing plans to show them to my clients, so most of the time when I need clearer renders I use special software which can have more details and we make the properties that I want to show like this to get a perspective closer to the reality of the final design.

    ° When you are going to render a 2D plane in 3D it tends to do a full render, I mean it renders even what is not being seen inside the camera. I have verified this since I did tests eliminating the details that were not going to appear in the final image of each shot and I have drastically noticed the difference in the time it takes to render each one of the images of the plane in question. For me it is important to have a good working speed when I want to finish a project in a set time and this problem has given me many setbacks.

    ° It requires a great deal of experience to use this software correctly, there are much simpler CAD editors since they do not have as many plan editing functionalities or do not have 3D rendering. AutoCAD is much more complete and more complex to handle in all aspects since it is made by professionals. That is why I recommend taking a course only for this software since it involves a lot of work and time to be able to master it correctly, although you will always learn new things from so many functions that it has.

    ° In the case of using volumetric information this software will not have it, so you can wait for them to add that functionality or simply switch to another CAD platform. This function of volumetric models is important to be able to add to have more details of the plans without requiring them to be placed manually since it can take a long time to do so.

    ° The cost of the subscription seems absurd to me, unlike when AutoCAD was paid for a final price, which also had the option of subscription in case the final price could not be paid. Now it is more expensive and also it is not only by subscription, but now they have a FLEX mode which allows you to use it for days. It doesn't seem profitable to me to pay for a product like this, since if I definitely buy software it's because I required an investment for which I shouldn't pay more.

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  • Reviewer Name: Rashmi N.
    Position: Full stack developer
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Monthly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 26 - 99
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    The AutoCAD

    Date: Jan 18 2021
    Summary

    Overall a great tool that you can use if you are in any any industry whether it is mechanical or civil it will help you a lot. It is very versatile for 3d Modeling. You have the power in your hand to control everything in this software.

    Positive

    AutoCAD is one of the best modeling tool out there in the market. It is used by professionals. It has ability to make changes quickly. It has a very user friendly environment and easy to learn curve. It has many output formats that you can use to export your designs.

    Negative

    The only con is that it is difficult to manage big projects on this tool.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Kuldip A.
    Position: Intern
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 26 - 99
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    For vector Editing

    Date: Feb 25 2021
    Summary

    If you want to make good quality vectors very easily, Autocad lets you do so with the support and the tools. It is powerful and amazing.

    Positive

    You can edit and makes vectors with ease because of the interface and the tools provided by Autocad. You can use it as a photo editor too. It gives you one of the best finishing in the editing.

    Negative

    It is costly for people who do not have a stable business and want to learn Autocad.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Jonathan G.
    Position: Manager
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 100 - 499
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Feature Rich 3D Design Software

    Date: Aug 19 2021
    Summary

    Our design team LOVES this program. From the features such as zoom, rotations to the fully customizable interface. AutoCAD allows us to create amazing and helpful 2D and 3D renderings of designs. We then present them to clients they are always blown away at the quality and interactive abilities of the drawings. Customer service is always responsive and helpful, especially in the learning process. I highly recommend this product for your design needs, it has amazing features.

    Positive

    This software is a powerful feature rich program that allows us to create amazing 2D and 3D designs. We use these designs to present amazing visuals to our clients. We also use the program to create indepth and accurate construction documents for both our employees and contractors alike.

    Negative

    Can seem like a large upfront expense, but pays for itself quickly with the quality of the output, as well as the time and money saved.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Hassan J.
    Position: Product Manager
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Daily
    Org Size (# of Employees): 26 - 99
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Any kind of editing

    Date: Feb 15 2021
    Summary

    Overall it is a great option for making as well as editing stuff that needs graphical finishing. It is very much easy to use and can be learned effortlessly.

    Positive

    Easy to use.
    Big support community with instant solutions to any issue.
    A lot of tools for all kinds of works to edit or make a new graphical product.
    Tutorials are present all over the internet.

    Negative

    It isn't apparent at the beginning.
    It gives you specific options to edit, not very generic in nature.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: A Verified Reviewer
    Position: Post Student - Pre Technologist
    Has used product for: 2+ Years
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1 - 25
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    No way to keep up skill in product that smashed the "free" version for those that finished school but haven't found a position that allows them access!

    Date: Jun 30 2021
    Summary

    It is obviously a strong program, but it is cutting off its own nose in arrogant spite of those that have been making use of the free version. Unfortunately for them there are any number of cheaper and free versions of other software that can produce similar results which is training the market then to use their products which eventually will hurt Autodesk's bottom line.

    Positive

    If you know AutoCAD, you know the Pros. It is a powerful tool for 2d and Civil 3d drawings. I like the fact that it leaves open the ability to program more as a user.

    Negative

    My biggest issue was that they stopped people getting the watermarked full version that allowed people to train and keep up their skills while they aren't in the field but also not in school. I recently graduated, my time ran out and now I can never use it again until I find a job that will want fresh skill more that years of rusty, outdated skills. Give me free with options to pay for tutorials and make your money making me skilled in your program so more will be sold as we make our way into the field require the businesses to have more licences.
    Some serious glitches seem to be building in this product over the years as they seem to just keep piecing things in over the years without really rebuilding the whole to fully integrate. In college, we hit any number of issues continually that so reminded me of Android apps continual patchwork updates that just piling on, eventually busting app or just being so bloated it wouldn't function properly on device. I believe it is in serious need of a rebuild.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Chetan B.
    Position: Mechanical Engineer
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 26 - 99
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Automobile Expertise

    Date: Feb 01 2021
    Summary

    Suppose you are a beginner and want to get along with graphical editing and designing. It is a good platform to start. Moreover, it nearly provides every necessary tool, So you do all editing in one place.

    Positive

    It provides you enough tools to complete a blueprint or structural diagram from start to end.
    It is fast and can perform a task involving a huge computation or graphical editing.

    Negative

    There are better options available in the market, but this is the best you can get on a tight budget.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: A Verified Reviewer
    Position: Computer Programmer
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 1,000 - 4,999
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    A powerful tool for engineers and architects

    Date: May 25 2020
    Summary

    AutoCAD is a powerful tool to use professionally in the industry as well as a means of teaching aspiring engineers and architects from all around the world. It is in fact one of the leading pieces of software that people with various professions use.

    Positive

    AutoCAD has a plethora of features which helps not only industry professionals but also students who study the field of architecture and engineering. It is a very powerful tool to create various architecture such as floor plans and 3D models of buildings.

    Negative

    The newest version of the software is very demanding. Low-End desktop computers will have a very hard time to render everything correctly.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: A Verified Reviewer
    Position: Undergrad researcher
    Has used product for: 6-12 Months
    Uses the product: Weekly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 26 - 99
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Super great for 3D modeling!

    Date: Jul 17 2020
    Summary

    Not just for architecture or mechanical engineers or 3D printing enthusiasts. Watch some video tutorials to get started quickly!

    Positive

    My research lab uses AutoCAD to generate accurate 3D models of various objects, that we can then use to validate the accuracy of machine learning-generated recreations of objects seen in photographs.

    Negative

    It's a bit expensive, so individual hobbyists who want to just, create a better 3D printed object, for example, can't really afford it, but if you can it's wonderful and you can do so much with it.

    Read More...
  • Reviewer Name: Abhishek S.
    Position: Student
    Has used product for: 1-2 Years
    Uses the product: Monthly
    Org Size (# of Employees): 20,000 or More
    Feature Set
    Layout
    Ease Of Use
    Cost
    Customer Service
    Would you Recommend to Others?
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

    Best software for creating 2D plans digitally

    Date: Dec 05 2020
    Summary

    Overall excellent software for making 2D plans as compared to other alternative of this software like SketchUp.

    Positive

    AutoCAD mainly use for 2D plans of a house, machine or anything.
    Well AutoCAD has 3D modeling feature too with all basic tools.
    AutoCAD help to create 2D plans or 3D models with accurate measurement.
    Interface is really good which makes your work flow faster.

    Negative

    3D modeling features is not good as compare to other 3d software but ok for visualization.
    Need high system configuration for handling big files.

    Read More...
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