AutoCAD. The original CAD software trusted by millions.
Don’t waste time using knockoffs. No AutoCAD alternative comes close.
Top 5 reasons to choose AutoCAD
No alternative CAD software has as many options to improve your team’s workflows.
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Reason 1: 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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Reason 2: 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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Reason 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.
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Reason 4: Make CAD updates on the go with AutoCAD web and mobile apps
Alternative CAD software programs only allow you to share or annotate drawings. Only AutoCAD allows editing, viewing, and creating new CAD drawings in a web browser or on any mobile device.
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Reason 5: Save time training your future hires with AutoCAD
AutoCAD is the standard that students learn. Alternative CAD programs use different terminology and require more time spent learning. AutoCAD will enable your employees to get up to speed quickly.
Compare AutoCAD plans
With an AutoCAD subscription, you not only lower your upfront costs of owning the software, you also get an incredible value for robust, reliable, proven software trusted by millions of users worldwide.
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2D and 3D CAD software with automation. Includes AutoCAD, specialized toolsets, and more.
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View, create, edit, and share DWG™ files on the go from your mobile device. Free version also available, included with AutoCAD products.
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Interested in the benefits of AutoCAD vs. AutoCAD LT? Our free study highlights the productivity differences between the two products when performing a series of common design tasks. Read Study
Trusted by millions of customers
See how architects, engineers and designers from around the world are using AutoCAD to take their designs further and be more efficient with the included specialized toolsets and web and mobile apps.
Danielle Golden Irby at one of her recent kitchen designs. Courtesy of Studio GLDN.
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*
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.
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.