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What Is AutoCAD?

CAD software used for precise 2D and 3D drafting, design, and modeling with solids, surfaces, mesh objects, documentation features, and more. It includes features to automate tasks and increase productivity such as comparing drawings, counting, adding objects, and creating tables. It also comes with seven industry-specific toolsets for electrical design, plant design, architecture layout drawings, mechanical design, 3D mapping, adding scanned images, and converting raster images.

Who Uses AutoCAD?

Designed for architects, designers, engineers, project managers, real estate developers, students, construction professionals who want to create precise 2D and 3D drawings.

AutoCAD Software - AutoCAD upload sheets
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Reviews of AutoCAD

Average score

Overall
4.6
Ease of Use
4.1
Customer Service
4.2
Features
4.6
Value for Money
4.2

Reviews by company size (employees)

  • <50
  • 51-200
  • 201-1,000
  • >1,001
Praveen
Praveen
Assistant Construction Manager in India
Verified LinkedIn User
Construction, 10,000+ Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Lightweight, Easy to use Rapid 2D Drafting Software

5.0 4 months ago

Comments: I have been using AutoCAD for 5-6 years and it has been good experience. The learning curve of the software is non-steep and after learning few commands become intuitive. Mostly used the conversion feature from PDF to DWG which works great but however there is still room for perfection.

Pros:

Great 2D Drafting software. Helps to quickly check and verify ideas using 2d elevation, plan etc. Used it extensively during tower crane erection and dismantling preparation for the creation of scheme drawings. Favourite Feature - PDFIMPORT. Best part - keyboard commands shortucts which differentiates it from other CAD applications.

Cons:

The cost is very high. Unsustainable for an individual to acquire. Had used it on student and organizational license. The PDFIMPORT function can be improved - lots of information is turned to noise during conversion from PDF to DWG. Dimensions also get incorrectly scaled - maybe with the application of AI the conversion can be streamlined as this is one of the best feature.

Tommaso
Head of brand and Innovation in Italy
Design, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

A design screwdriver

4.0 5 months ago

Comments: Autocad is like a screwdriver, that you can sometime find outdated, but does always the work with some effort.

Pros:

The consistency of a design tool evolving trough the years

Cons:

The difficult management of the complexity and the still over-structured approach to print.

HITESH
Special Project Manager in India
Information Technology & Services, 201–500 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCAD is First step for AEC industry

5.0 2 weeks ago New

Comments: AutoCAD remains a valuable tool for many professionals due to its extensive capabilities and precision.

Pros:

1.Precision and Accuracy 2.Versatility 3.Customization 4.Compatibility 5.Extensive Toolset

Cons:

1.Steep Learning Curve 2.Resource Intensive 3.Cost 4.Complexity for Simple Tasks 5.Limited Collaboration Features

Oscar
Product Engineer in US
Semiconductors, 5,001–10,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCAD has its uses

3.0 6 months ago

Comments: Overall, it has been useful in our projects and work, but we have better replacements.

Pros:

AutoCAD is useful for modeling parts and reading drawings

Cons:

AutoCAD is one of the more trickier software programs to learn. It is not beginner friendly.

Favio
Project Manager in Canada
Construction, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Easiest to implement and most reliable CAD software

5.0 3 months ago

Comments: I have been using AutoCAD for more than 14 years, and it has been crucial in every project we used it, both academically and professionally. However, in the last couple of years, I have started to migrate complex projects to Revit and maintain Interior works in AutoCAD.

Pros:

Easiest to implement and most reliable CAD software in the market. Very versatile for early stages and even entire projects.

Cons:

When developing large and complex projects, AutoCAD might not be the best alternative as you have to develop more drawings. If that is the case, you might want to go for Revit instead.

Kasun
Civil Engineer in Sri Lanka
Construction, 501–1,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Autocad for 2D drafting

5.0 3 months ago

Comments: Overall experience is good and recommended for averyone.

Pros:

.This is the most precise drafting tool ever made. Normally I use this tool for 2D drafting in civil engineering related drawings. Easy to use due to developed tool menus and also specially due to real world commands.

Cons:

When it comes to civil engineering related 3d drawings, AutoCAD is not so user friendly when compared with Revit.

Anonymous reviewer
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Helpful product

5.0 3 months ago

Comments: I loved how autocad helped me with projects from scratch all trough simulation and assembly in a single software.

Pros:

Easy to learn through its user friendly interface

Cons:

Parts and codes produces using this software are not compatible with other sotwares.

Shan
CTO in US
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Reliable software for Start Ups for Design

4.0 2 months ago New

Comments: We are using AUTO CAD to design all our mechanical components for speed reducers.

Pros:

The accuracy of analysis for the early-stage design. Very good AOI for the small and start ups. an

Cons:

The implement can be a little too complex with other platforms.

saravanakumar
Engineering manager in India
Automotive, 10,000+ Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Engineering manager review for Autocad to use PCB layout (Used in previous organization)

5.0 last month New

Comments: Overall if you want to make precision and efficiency for 2D drawings we should use only autocad, no other software will give these experience

Pros:

Changes new version of May affect the previous version so its hard for user (Used in previous organization).

Cons:

Changes in new version may affect the previous version so its hard to use sometime.

ronnie
ceo in US
Architecture & Planning, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

great 2d tool

5.0 2 months ago New

Comments: using it for last 20+ yrs, very satisfied

Pros:

ease of design and drawing, ease of tools

Cons:

three dimensional drawings and ease of it

Muhammad Abid
Renewal Specialist in Qatar
Information Technology & Services, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCAD Review At its Best!

5.0 5 months ago

Comments: Its extensive libraries and customization options allow users to tailor their workspace, enhancing productivity. The collaboration features also facilitate teamwork, making it easier to share and revise designs. Overall, it’s a robust tool that empowers creativity and efficiency in design processes.

Pros:

What I like about AutoCAD is its versatility and precision in creating detailed designs across various fields like architecture, engineering, and manufacturing. The ability to create 2D and 3D models with intricate details and layers makes it a powerful tool for professionals.

Cons:

It can be resource-intensive, requiring a powerful computer for optimal performance, which can be a barrier for some users. Some also find the licensing costs to be quite high, making it less accessible for smaller firms or individual users

Pradeep
Assistant Professor in India
Higher Education, 501–1,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Essential for the designer's toolkit

4.0 4 months ago

Comments: I have been using AutoCAD since my engineering college years and it has been a very facilitative tool throughout this journey. It has evolved with time, reflecting the advancements in technology in the software by upgrading the user interface and hence the experience.

Pros:

Supports 2D as well as 3D modeling, which makes it more comprehensive in handling different users' requirements at different stages in a project.

Cons:

It sometimes becomes too messy when designing something but it can't be helped with, I guess as the complexity of the tasks demands it.

Khaled
Software Engineer in US
Information Technology & Services, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCAD: The Industry Standard for Precision Design.

5.0 2 months ago

Comments: AutoCAD has been the backbone of our design process for years. It allows us to create highly accurate and detailed drawings, ensuring precise construction and minimizing errors. The ability to collaborate with other professionals using DWG files streamlines our workflow and improves communication across disciplines.

Pros:

AutoCAD remains an essential tool in my workflow as an architect. Its precision drafting tools and extensive feature set are unmatched. I rely on AutoCAD for creating detailed 2D drawings, generating accurate construction documentation, and collaborating with engineers and contractors. The ability to create custom blocks and dynamic blocks significantly improves efficiency and consistency in our projects.

Cons:

It is incredibly powerful, the subscription-based pricing model can be expensive, especially for smaller firms. Also, the learning curve for mastering advanced features can be steep.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Architecture & Planning, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCAD: A Design Revolution Unleashed

5.0 last year

Comments: My journey with AutoCAD over the past two years has been nothing short of transformative. As a seasoned user navigating the intricacies of design, AutoCAD has become an indispensable companion, offering a multifaceted canvas for turning concepts into precision-crafted realities.

Pros:

The accuracy of drawing tools, combined with the snap functionality, ensures that every line, arc, or dimension is precisely where it needs to be. AutoCAD's extensive library of blocks, symbols, and customizable templates has significantly streamlined my workflow.

Cons:

While AutoCAD's extensive features contribute to its power, it can be overwhelming for new users. AutoCAD's performance may sometimes lag, impacting the overall user experience.

Sander
Project manager in Estonia
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, 201–500 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCad user for basic for basic functions and 2D mostly

5.0 7 months ago

Comments: Overall my job has done and AutoCad have provided me with everything I needed to do.

Pros:

Powerful design capabilities, precision, and extensive features that enable professionals to create, modify, and manage complex projects with high efficiency and accuracy.

Cons:

Expensive compared to other similar products and therefore proabably not the first pick of smaller companies.

Ray
Designer in US
Architecture & Planning, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCAD, an Industry Leader

5.0 5 months ago

Comments: I enjoy using AutoCAD due to its overall impact, ease of use, and compatability with other programs. It is essential in the practice of design and construction.

Pros:

AutoCAD has a major impact on the building and design industry. It is readily used, which allows the workflow for many projects to be a bit more seemless and feasible.

Cons:

Although AutoCAD has made many innovations, the improvement in 3D visualization and rendering is lacking compared to other programs.

ASHITA
ASHITA
Interior Designer in India
Verified LinkedIn User
Architecture & Planning, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

"Drawing Precision: A Comprehensive Review of AutoCAD"

4.0 9 months ago

Comments: It's a great software. With every version, they try to solve some problems faced by the users. The commands are simple.

Pros:

AutoCAD is a great software to work for designing 2D floor plans and design. It helps in space planning and allocation of suitable spaces to achieve functionality and feasibility in making layouts.

Cons:

The software sometimes does not take a command correctly while working. It hampers the speed to work on the software. Also, when the file gets heavy and it becomes a little difficult to work with smoothness on the software.

MA. CELINE
Office Engineer in Philippines
Civil Engineering, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

My Profession saved by AutoCad

5.0 5 months ago

Comments: My overall experience with AutoCad is just superb. Making 2D and 3D drawing, corrections are easy to make, importing and exporting file, sharing it through e-mail, are all just easy and hassle-free.

Pros:

The ease of use and to draw ideas quickly are what I like most about AutoCad. The feature of easily creating a 3D and shifting views from all angles are an additional advantage of this software.

Cons:

What I like least about AutoCad is that your work can be corrupted by viruses, plus you really need a high-end laptop to experience a smooth work with AutoCad, and initial costs for computer systems for this software are really high.

ahmetcan
architect in Türkiye
Architecture & Planning, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

my opinion for autocad

5.0 7 months ago

Comments: it good for drawing for beginners. easy to use easy to learn

Pros:

it is easy to use for 2d project. very simple for me.

Cons:

if you are drawing multiple floor plan, and you want to change some common wall for all plan. you have to change all floor seperately. if i define the wall properties and change it on the background could be more useful.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Architecture & Planning, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

After 22 years with autocad

5.0 8 months ago

Comments: Amazing and very helpful and also the drawings aplicable .

Pros:

Speed drawing with easy shortcuts ,it has many extensions and plot styles.

Cons:

Not having levels. Writing texts in some languages like Arabic,needs spacial fonts and a special way to write.

Caroline
Caroline
Bachelor in Supply Chain Management in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Consumer Goods, 1,001–5,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

I use 2D and 3D

5.0 4 months ago

Comments: I no longer have to make manual drawings, now I do them all at once in AutoCAD, saving time and doing a job well done with realistic designs.

Pros:

This design software has saved me time by being able to create 3D and 2D drawings in a very perfect way, which completely eliminated the need to make manual drawings to make them professionally, which also saves manufacturing costs.

Cons:

Its use is not easy from the first day, you must have a lot of extensive knowledge to be able to learn how to use all its tools and although it has a user guide, many times I was unable to quickly learn how it works completely.

Anonymous reviewer
Design, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Autocad review

5.0 3 months ago

Comments: Autocad is the best like it's practical and easy to use.overall the experience wasExcellent

Pros:

It's easy to use and allows easy manipulations on the design

Cons:

The fact that it's allowaEasy manipulations and saves files fast

Usman
Lecturer in Engineering in UK
Higher Education, 1,001–5,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Thank you AutoCAD

5.0 3 months ago

Comments: I would say Autodesk company has done a great job in equipping this software with simple but powerful tools. I would be greatly happy if AutoDesk can somehow integrate this platform with a collaborative platform like Fusion 360.

Pros:

I have been using AutoCAD since 2006 back when I was in college, and I have become a big fan of both 2D drawings and 3D design modelling. Its been a fun journey using AutoCAD as a hobby and later in my engineering career. One of the things I love the most is how the main interface is kept simple yet powerful. It makes creating 2D drawings a breeze.

Cons:

3D modelling within AutoCAD is slightly messy. I would prefer to Use Fusion 360 for this job.

Katie
Interior Designer in US
Design, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Interior Design Essential!

5.0 5 months ago

Comments: AutoCAD provides powerful and precise design capabilities, making it invaluable for my detailed interior design projects.

Pros:

What I like most about using AutoCAD is its precision and versatility in creating detailed designs and technical drawings. The software’s powerful tools and customizable features make it easy to bring complex ideas to life, whether I’m working on architectural plans or intricate interior layouts. Its ability to handle both 2D and 3D designs is a major advantage for any project.

Cons:

What I like least about AutoCAD is its steep learning curve and the complexity of its interface, which can be overwhelming for new users. Additionally, the software can be quite resource-intensive, requiring a powerful computer to run smoothly and efficiently.

Rick
Engineering Tech Supervisor, Test Equipment in US
Oil & Energy, 201–500 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

I enjoy Using AutoCAD ad have forr years

5.0 8 months ago

Comments: I've been using AutoCAD on and off for 30 or so years. It's has been a great tool for me and has grown greatly in it's features since I first started with it. It is my go to design software.

Pros:

I enjoy the ease of use of AutoCAD. The tools are great! I do have to look up some tools to figure out how to use them because I don't use them that often.

Cons:

There are so many features that I have to look up too figure out how to use because I don't use them all the time.