AutoCAD 2D and 3D Design Software | Autodesk

AutoCAD® is a computer-aided design (CAD) software from Autodesk that provides architects, engineers, and construction professionals the ability to create precise 2D and 3D drawings.

Features

• Draft, annotate, and design 2D geometry and 3D models with solids, surfaces, and mesh objects
• Automate tasks such as comparing drawings, adding blocks, creating schedules, and more
• Customize with add-on apps and APIs

Specialized Toolsets

AutoCAD® contains industry-specific features and intelligent objects for architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical design, and more.

• Automate floor plans, sections, and elevations
• Draw piping, ducting, and circuiting quickly with parts libraries
• Auto-generate annotations, layers, schedules, lists, and tables
• Use a rules-driven workflow to accurately enforce industry standards

There are some examples of the capabilities of AutoCAD to be found in this article: These Fantastical Architectural Illustrations Are Made Using AutoCAD. To get started if you haven't used the software before, here is a list of 50 AutoCAD Commands You Should Know.

Mobile Working

Autodesk facilitates seamless workflows by giving access to AutoCAD on virtually any device. Drawings can be created, viewed, edited and annotated on the go using the AutoCAD mobile app or from a web browser using the AutoCAD web app.

What is the Difference Between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

• AutoCAD LT offers two-dimensional (2D) capabilities,
• AutoCAD has a three-dimensional (3D) power

AutoCAD LT is essentially AutoCAD minus several functions making it the cheaper option. AutoCAD has all of the features of the LT version and more. The most notable differences involve 3D solids modeling, including wireframe views, shadows, and reflections. Other significant functionalities that differentiate AutoCAD from AutoCAD LT are:

• Built-in programming capabilities, like AutoLISP for creating your own programs to automatically generate drawings
• Network licensing for using and managing AutoCAD on multiple machines over a network
• CAD standards management tools to let you check that
• AutoCAD drawings you make or that you receive from others conform to your in-house drafting standards

How to Decide Between AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT

• What the market wants
  If customers insist on 3D design and drafting files, AutoCAD LT will not be enough.
• Budget and return on investment
  Any extra cost and extra functionality should let you create more value and generate more profit.
• CAD knowledge
  Some people love full AutoCAD, while others may find it challenging. Consider a trial version to test the waters. It may take a while to get to grips with full 3D AutoCAD.

How to Subscribe

AutoCAD software is available with a subscription only. You can subscribe online for a monthly, yearly, or three-year plan. Get more information and subscribe to AutoCAD here.

Subscribe to AutoCAD

Now when you subscribe to AutoCAD software, you get access to AutoCAD for Windows and AutoCAD for Mac, plus industry-specific toolsets of AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Mechanical, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Plant 3D, and AutoCAD Raster Design (Windows only), and the AutoCAD web and mobile apps. Your AutoCAD subscription gives you access to install and use the 3 previous versions on up to 3 computers or other devices. By subscribing you can access the latest software, worldwide access (at home or when traveling), and quick technical support, among other benefits.

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