3D COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

3D CAD software

Autodesk has 3D CAD software designed to meet your needs. Design and make anything with AutoCAD®, our most popular 3D CAD software.

3D rendering of a luxurious home with contrasting realistic rendering and wireframe.

What is 3D CAD software?

3D CAD, or three-dimensional computer-aided design, is technology for design and technical documentation, which replaces manual drafting with an automated process. Used by architects, engineers, and other professionals, 3D CAD software precisely represents and visualizes objects using a collection of points in three dimensions on the computer. Autodesk has a broad portfolio of 3D CAD software programs for drawing and modeling (US site) to help people explore and share ideas, visualize concepts, and simulate how designs will perform before they are made.

AutoCAD

2D and 3D CAD tools, with enhanced insights, AI-automations, and collaboration features. Subscription includes AutoCAD on desktop, web, mobile, and seven specialized toolsets.

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AutoCAD Web

Draft, annotate, and add field data to your drawings online via your web browser or mobile device. Access and edit DWG files, and quickly collaborate with AutoCAD users on designs.

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Autodesk Fusion

Cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software for product design

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Inventor

Mechanical design and 3D CAD software

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Product Design & Manufacturing Collection

Get Inventor + AutoCAD + Fusion 360 + more—Professional-grade tools for product development and manufacturing planning

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3ds Max

3D modeling, animation, and rendering software for games and design visualization

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Fusion 360 Product Design Extension

Automate and simplify the creation of complex 3D designs

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Revit

Plan, design, construct, and manage buildings with powerful tools for Building Information Modeling.

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Civil 3D

Civil engineering design and construction documentation

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Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection

Powerful BIM and CAD tools for designers, engineers, and contractors, including Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Autodesk Forma, and more

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Two people using AutoCAD on a mobile environment

3D CAD online with AutoCAD Web

AutoCAD Web’s intuitive user interface provides easy online access to drafting tools that allow management of views, properties, and layers. Open and share 3D CAD drawings stored in the cloud to OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and more. Review and add feedback to DWG (US Site) files without altering the originals.

How is 3D CAD software used?

Simon Denness 3d model design of home

SIMON DENNESS DESIGN

Staging and rigging company sets new stage during pandemic

Learn how Simon Denness – a designer and architectural technologist – uses AutoCAD and Revit to impress clients with extremely detailed 2D/3D models, real-time adjustments, and competitive pricing.

 

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Image courtesy of Simon Denness

Man using Fusion 360 on computer

ONE CLICK METAL

One Click Metal democratizes metal additive manufacturing

One Click Metal is an additive manufacturing startup developing a low-cost metal 3D printer. Not only did they decide to use Fusion 360 to make their dream and design a reality, they also decided to integrate the machine and its processes into Eagle.

 

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Image courtesy of One Click Metal

Falkbuilt and Sprung’s spacious healthcare solutions

FALKBUILT-SPRUNG STRUCTURES

How companies help get COVID-19 facilities built in less than 3 weeks

Two Canadian companies help medical facilities meet surge capacity quickly. Falkbuilt-Sprung partners with Autodesk experts to design and manufacture emergency facilities to help treat the overwhelming surge in COVID-19 cases.

 

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Image courtesy of Falkbuilt

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on 3D CAD software

Why is 3D CAD software better than drawing by hand?

3D CAD software allows the user to include precise dimensions in their drawings. When designing in 3D CAD, it is also much more efficient to make updates to a drawing and it streamlines the file sharing process.

What are the advantages of 3D CAD software?

3D CAD software like AutoCAD provides many advantages including:

  • Increased accuracy for drawing precise dimensions
  • Automating common processes
  • Access to libraries of routinely used items such as doors, windows, and manufacturing parts
  • Ability to quickly adjust parts of a drawing without needing to start over
  • Managing complex designs details all within one file
  • Creating blocks for frequently drawn items
  • Increased collaboration with colleagues through the ability to share and mark the same file

 

Who uses 3D CAD software?

3D CAD software is used by many different professions including architects, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, interior designers (US Site), civil engineers (US Site), landscape architects (US Site), industrial designers (US Site), P&ID designers (US Site), plant engineers, piping designers, MEP engineers, surveyors, urban planners, and GIS specialists.

Are there any discounts for students/educators for Autodesk's 3D CAD software?

Yes, students and educators can get free one-year educational access to Autodesk products and services, renewable as long as they remain eligible.

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What cloud collaboration/remote features are included in Autodesk's 3D CAD software?

The AutoCAD web app is an online CAD program and it is included when you subscribe to AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT. It allows you to work remotely and collaborate with colleagues with AutoCAD in the internet browser on your computer. In addition, AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, and the AutoCAD web and mobile apps offer connected workflows through leading cloud storage providers including Box, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. The cloud storage integrations enable you to store your DWG files where you want and work in AutoCAD anytime, anywhere.

Does Autodesk offer any 3D CAD certifications?

Yes, Autodesk offers 3D CAD certifications for products including AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Inventor, and Revit. For a full list of products available for certification and details on certification, visit Autodesk Certification (US Site).

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