Let Your Ideas Take Shape

Design in 2D, model in 3D, collaborate from anywhere. With the help of AI-powered insights and automations, AutoCAD lets professionals like you turn imagination into reality.


An image of a fire station retrofitted into a community hub and bookstore.
Designed and modeled in Autodesk AutoCAD, rendered in Autodesk Maya.

Meet the AutoCAD family

Woman working on an AutoCAD design file using a desktop monitor

AutoCAD

Optimise your 2D and 3D design workflows with CAD software trusted by millions.

  • Unlock insights and automations with the help of Autodesk AI
  • Share ideas and collaborate with your peers on DWG files
  • Access specialised toolsets with industry-specific features.

Two people collaborating on an AutoCAD LT design file

AutoCAD LT

Best-in-class 2D design and drafting software.

  • Design and document with precise 2D drafting and collaboration tools
  • Work efficiently with the latest automation features, or use your own with AutoLISP
  • Collaborate with your peers securely with intuitive tools and interface.

A person working on a CAD file using AutoCAD Web

AutoCAD Web

A trusted solution for your essential design needs.

  • Familiar AutoCAD drafting tools online in a simplified interface
  • Create, view, edit and annotate drawings from anywhere
  • Quickly collaborate with AutoCAD users on a design directly from a job site

Choose the right AutoCAD for you

AutoCAD

2D and 3D CAD software including specialized toolsets to draft, engineer, and automate designs

 

 /year

AutoCAD LT

Cost-effective 2D design with automation to expedite drafting.

 

 /year

AutoCAD Web

A trusted solution with core AutoCAD commands for light editing and designs.

 

 /year

AutoCAD user ratings and reviews

Capterra top performer


GetApp Best Functionality and Features


Software Advice Most Recommended


GetApp Highest Rated User Reviews


Ratings and reviews disclaimer

The Gartner Digital Markets badges from Capterra, GetApp, and SoftwareAdvice are trademarks and service marks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner Digital Markets badges constitute the subjective opinions of individual end-user reviews, ratings, and data applied against a documented methodology; they neither represent the views of, nor constitute an endorsement by, Gartner, Inc. or its affiliates.

Compare AutoCAD products

AutoCAD

AutoCAD

AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT

APIs and automation

complete
limited

Architecture design

complete
limited

Collaboration

complete
limited

Cloud and mobility

complete
complete

What sets AutoCAD apart?

AutoCAD is best-in-class 2D and 3D drafting and design software, trusted by millions of users worldwide.  No alternative CAD software has as many options to improve your team's workflows.

Here are six reasons to choose AutoCAD.

Person using AI powered features in AutoCAD to enhance a design file

1. AI insights and automations

AutoCAD includes AI-powered insights, machine-learning features and built in automations to help with tasks such as comparing drawings, replacing blocks, counting objects and creating schedules.


Get your AutoCAD questions answered with support options or community input

2. Access support and community

Your AutoCAD subscription lets you access a range of technical and learning support options (US site). You can also share your knowledge, ask questions, and explore popular topics in the AutoCAD Community.


An AutoCAD DWG file

3. Best-in-class exchange with DWG

AutoCAD has TrustedDWGTM technology to ensure your DWGs are maintained to the highest standards for fidelity and compatibility.


AutoCAD includes seven specialised industry toolsets

4. Productivity gains with included toolsets

Customers experienced an average 63% increase in productivity when using the included specialised toolsets in AutoCAD to complete tasks.*


A person using customisation features in AutoCAD.

5. Customise and automate AutoCAD

Create your own apps using the AutoCAD API or choose from over a thousand ready-to-use from the Autodesk App Store.


Two people using a mobile device to collaborate on an AutoCAD file.

6. Connected design experience

AutoCAD provides a connected design experience on the web and mobile, and enhanced team collaboration by bridging design data in a cloud-based common data environment with Autodesk Docs.


Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is AutoCAD used for?

AutoCAD is computer-aided design (CAD) software that is 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. AutoCAD enables users to create, edit, and annotate drawings via desktop, web, and mobile devices.

Who uses AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is used by students, architects, designers, engineers, project managers, real estate developers, and construction professionals to create precise 2D and 3D drawings.

What is the difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT?

AutoCAD LT is powerful 2D CAD software used for precision drafting and documentation. AutoCAD includes all the features of AutoCAD LT, plus additional features to benefit productivity such as 3D modeling and automation of repetitive processes. AutoCAD also lets you customise the user interface with APIs and add-on apps. With AutoCAD, users are able work more efficiently with seven industry-specific toolsets to enhance automation and productivity for tasks in architecture, mechanical design, electrical design, plant design, plumbing, converting raster images, geographic information systems, and 3D mapping

Can I use AutoCAD for free?

Yes. Students and educators can get free one-year educational access to Autodesk products and services, renewable for as long as you remain eligible. Learn more (US Site)

How do I convert my AutoCAD free trial to a paid subscription?

Launch your trial software and click Subscribe Now on the trial screen or buy AutoCAD here. When buying your subscription, enter the same email address and password combination you used to sign in to your trial. Learn more about converting a trial to a paid subscription.

Can I install Autodesk AutoCAD on multiple computers?

With a subscription to Autodesk AutoCAD software, you can install it on up to three computers or other devices. However, only the named user can sign in and use that software on a single computer at any given time. Please refer to the Software License Agreement (US Site) for more information.

See more FAQ

See education resources

Benefits of buying AutoCAD direct with Autodesk

When you buy direct from Autodesk, you get the best value and terms we have to offer. Order online from the official Autodesk store, speak with our expert sales team, or buy with a certified Autodesk Partner.

All purchases are secure and come with a money-back guarantee. Financing options available.

Get AutoCAD in a Collection

Looking for a great deal? AutoCAD Is included In the Architecture, Engineering and Construction Collection and the Product Design & Manufacturing Collection.

Legal terms and conditions

*AutoCAD is 1.8x faster overall than BricsCAD across common 2D workflows. Benchmark testing was conducted in 2022-2023 by a third-party consultant, AMCBridge, commissioned by Autodesk. The result reflected aggregated and overall performance differences in completing common 2D CAD tasks in AutoCAD 2023.1.1 and BricsCAD Pro 22.1.05. The third-party performed the comparison with the same materials and same hardware that meets the minimum requirements of both software. With all performance tests, results may vary based on machine, operating system, filters, source material, and other variables, and 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.

 

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.