AutoCAD – Best-in-class
2D and 3D drafting and design,
trusted by millions
See why AutoCAD gives you best in class 2D and 3D drafting and design with unparalleled reliability.
Recent recognition for AutoCAD
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Capterra Best Ease of Use
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GetApp Highest Rated User Reviews
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Software Advice Most Recommended
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GetApp Best Functionality and Features
Compare AutoCAD to BricsCAD® and Draftsight®
Choosing the right CAD software can help you work more efficiently to complete projects faster, collaborate with teammates simply, and reduce errors. See how AutoCAD compares to other CAD software.
What sets AutoCAD apart?
No alternative CAD software has as many options to improve your team’s workflows.
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1: Drafting in 2D or 3D
AutoCAD provides best-in-class drafting and design, whether you are working in 2D or 3D. With features to automatically generate plan, elevation, and isometric views, tool palettes to save your favorite blocks, and machine learning features to help you learn new ways to create designs, AutoCAD provides an unmatched user experience trusted by millions of users all over the world.
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2: Support
When you subscribe to AutoCAD, you get a wide range of support options included. You can contact a technical support specialist, access the Autodesk Knowledge Network, or learn new tips from an expansive community of users and experts. All of this is included with your AutoCAD subscription, with no additional maintenance fees required.
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3: AutoCAD provides best-in-class data fidelity and compatibility for DWGs
The .dwg file format was created by Autodesk and provides the most efficient and accurate way to view and edit DWGs versus any CAD alternative. Users have noted a greater likelihood of corrupt files and delays in importing and exporting files, missing items, and poor quality in conversion when using alternative products.*
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4: Using AutoCAD will save you valuable design time
Save time with built in workflows, thousands of standard parts, and features. Across seven studies, the average productivity gain was about 63% for tasks completed using a specialized toolset.
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5: Automate more processes than any alternative CAD software
AutoCAD’s robust library of APIs, LISP functionality, and specialized toolsets allow you to automate tedious tasks. Develop your own apps or choose from thousands in the Autodesk App Store.
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6: Collaboration
With AutoCAD’s collaboration features, you can send links to drawings to teammates and colleagues, control viewing and editing access, send feedback, and implement edits with safety and security. Only AutoCAD's cloud storage and partnerships allow you to open and edit your drawings from a cloud storage provider directly from the web application.
Boost productivity by up to 63% with AutoCAD specialized toolsets
Across seven different studies, the average productivity gain was about 63% for tasks completed using a specialized toolset included in AutoCAD*
Discover what people are saying about AutoCAD
" It is a program that I really like because since it is so well known, not only do you have many tutorials on the internet, but you can also share plans with any colleague."
— Carolina C. , Lighting designer (August, 2022)
Gartner Digital Markets reviews constitute the subjective opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences and do not represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Find answers to frequently asked questions about CAD software.
Computer-aided design (CAD) is technology for design and technical documentation, which replaces manual drafting with an automated process. AutoCAD is the original CAD software used by millions around the world. It can be used to create precise 2D and 3D drawings and models, as well as electrical diagrams, construction drawings, and more.
With AutoCAD you can draft, annotate, and design 2D geometry and 3D models with solids, surfaces, and mesh objects.
AutoCAD is a popular CAD software used by engineers because it is the most reliable and includes industry specific toolsets helpful for designing motor components, engines, and complete devices. AutoCAD includes over 750,000 intelligent objects and parts with industry libraries for mechanical design, electrical design, MEP design, and more.
AutoCAD is available on both Mac and Windows if you are on an AutoCAD subscription. AutoCAD for Mac has the most popular features of the Windows version but offers a look and feel that is familiar to Mac users and a feature set most appropriate for the OS X environment.
There are CAD clones who offer limited features and functionality; however, no AutoCAD alternative comes close. AutoCAD offers free trials and student software that enable customers to see why it is the best choice.
The price of an annual AutoCAD subscription is $1,690 USD and the price of a monthly AutoCAD subscription is $210 USD. The price of a 3-year AutoCAD subscription is $4,565 USD.
