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Top 5 reasons to choose AutoCAD®

Don’t waste time using knockoffs. No AutoCAD alternative comes close.

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1. Using AutoCAD will save you valuable design time

AutoCAD’s industry specific toolsets allow users to save time with built in workflows, hundreds of thousands of standard parts, and features to help you work more efficiently. Across seven different studies, the average productivity gain was about 63% for tasks completed using a specialized toolset included in AutoCAD.* With AutoCAD you can also work with the most cutting-edge, time-saving innovations, such as Drawing History, Xref Compare, Quick Measure, and more.

2. Automate more processes than any alternative CAD software

AutoCAD’s robust library of APIs and LISP functionality allow you to automate tedious, time-consuming tasks. You can develop your own apps or choose from thousands already available in the Autodesk App Store to benefit your team. No alternative CAD software has as many options to improve your team’s workflows. With AutoCAD’s specialized toolsets, you can automate common actions, automatically populate project information with their parts, and use a rules-driven workflow to accurately enforce industry standards, allowing you to focus on your designs rather than organizing or assigning properties to parts.

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3. AutoCAD provides best-in-class data fidelity and compatibility for DWGs

The .dwg file format was created for AutoCAD by Autodesk and provides the best, most efficient and accurate way to view and edit DWGs versus any CAD alternative. Avoid the hassle of dealing with file conversions and formats not being recognized when working with clients and vendors. You can trust AutoCAD to provide market-leading data fidelity and compatibility for DWGs across all platforms and other Autodesk programs.

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4. Make CAD updates on the go with AutoCAD web and mobile apps

Reduce delays in communication and avoid unnecessary trips to the office with AutoCAD’s integrated experience of apps (desktop, web, mobile) that work seamlessly across platforms. Alternative CAD software programs only allow you to share or annotate drawings with their collaboration features. Only AutoCAD allows you a full range of capabilities such as editing, viewing, and creating new CAD drawings in a web browser on any computer or on any mobile device.

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5. Save time training your future hires with AutoCAD

AutoCAD is what students learn and know, so you can save time training your future hires. Alternative CAD programs use different terminology and require users to spend more time to learn new workflows. Choosing AutoCAD will enable your new employees to get up to speed as quickly as possible.

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*

  • Woman working with AutoCAD and robotics

    Gain up to 55% productivity with ​ the Mechanical Toolset

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  • Man working in the electrical workshop at the Autodesk

    Gain up to 61% productivity with ​ the Architecture Toolset

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  • Room with a table, a chair, and house plants

    Gain up to 95% productivity with ​ the Electrical Toolset

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View all seven productivity studies

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 a popular CAD software for architects because it is the most widely taught software in architecture school, and allows architects to automate more processes than any other software on the market. The Architecture toolset in AutoCAD provides a huge library of thousands of predefined building objects and features for architectural drawing, documentation, and schedules, and for automating drafting tasks.

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.

Tour the AutoCAD for MAC UI

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.

* Productivity data based on a series of studies commissioned by Autodesk to an outside consultant. The seven toolset studies compared basic AutoCAD to the specialized toolsets within AutoCAD when performing tasks commonly done by experienced AutoCAD users. Overall productivity gain calculation is based on adding the completion times of specific tasks in the toolset and in basic AutoCAD and then calculating the percent difference between the two totals across seven studies. As with all performance tests, results may vary based on machine, operating system, filters, and even source material. While every effort has been made to make the tests as fair and objective as possible, your results may differ. Product information and specifications are subject to change without notice. Autodesk provides this information “as is”, without warranty of any kind, either express or implied.

Monthly and daily cost is calculated using Autodesk SRP in the United States based on annual subscription purchase. Annual subscriptions are available directly from Autodesk or through Autodesk authorized resellers, and may not be available through all resellers or in all countries. Autodesk Authorized Resellers are independent resellers and free to set their own prices. Reseller prices may vary. See additional legal disclosures. Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, AutoCAD and DWG are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.