Computer aided design software
CAD design
CAD design
Autodesk makes CAD design software for land surveyors, civil engineers, project managers, and construction professionals.
Image courtesy of Munden Fry Landscape AssociatesWhat is CAD?
What is CAD?
CAD (computer aided design) design is used in almost every industry, in projects as wide-ranging as landscape design, bridge construction, office building design and movie animation . With 2D or 3D CAD programs, you can perform a variety of tasks: you can create a 3D model of a design, apply material and light effects, and document the design with dimensions and other annotations. With features like point clouds, you can add real-life context to your drawings to create a digital twin or recreate physical objects in your designs
CAD (computer aided design) design is used in almost every industry, in projects as wide-ranging as landscape design, bridge construction, office building design and movie animation . With 2D or 3D CAD programs, you can perform a variety of tasks: you can create a 3D model of a design, apply material and light effects, and document the design with dimensions and other annotations. With features like point clouds, you can add real-life context to your drawings to create a digital twin or recreate physical objects in your designs
How is CAD design used?
How is CAD design used?
CAD design is used by architects, construction managers, and engineers and has replaced manual drafting. It helps users create designs in either 2D or 3D to visualize construction, and enables the development, modification, and optimization of the design process. This helps designers make more accurate representations and modify them more easily to improve design quality.
CAD design is used by architects, construction managers, and engineers and has replaced manual drafting. It helps users create designs in either 2D or 3D to visualize construction, and enables the development, modification, and optimization of the design process. This helps designers make more accurate representations and modify them more easily to improve design quality.
Types of CAD design
Building design
Building design
Building design is used from concept through completion by professionals working in architecture, construction, MEP engineering, and structural engineering, and by building owners, operators, and managers.
Building design is used from concept through completion by professionals working in architecture, construction, MEP engineering, and structural engineering, and by building owners, operators, and managers.
Infrastructure design
Infrastructure design
Infrastructure engineers and planners use CAD design tools to create intelligent 3D models and engineering drawings for land development, transportation, utilities, water, and wastewater projects.
Infrastructure engineers and planners use CAD design tools to create intelligent 3D models and engineering drawings for land development, transportation, utilities, water, and wastewater projects.
Manufacturing design
Manufacturing design
CAD design software is used by manufacturers and CAM professionals to machine, fabricate, 3D print, inspect, and fabricate better quality parts, faster.
CAD design software is used by manufacturers and CAM professionals to machine, fabricate, 3D print, inspect, and fabricate better quality parts, faster.
Product design
Product design
Throughout the development cycle, from concept to manufacturing, CAD design software is used to create consumer products, industrial machinery, and building products and equipment.
Throughout the development cycle, from concept to manufacturing, CAD design software is used to create consumer products, industrial machinery, and building products and equipment.
AutoCAD
Revit
Civil 3D
Autodesk Fusion
AutoCAD LT
Revit LT
Autodesk Payment Options
Purchase Autodesk products your way via our eStore, sales team and authorized partners. Choose between monthly, annual and 3-year subscriptions. Alternatively, check out our flexible payment scheme, for consumption-based software access that allows you to use any product whenever you need to on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Purchase Autodesk products your way via our eStore, sales team and authorized partners. Choose between monthly, annual and 3-year subscriptions. Alternatively, check out our flexible payment scheme, for consumption-based software access that allows you to use any product whenever you need to on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Ways to buy
We make it easy for you to buy an Autodesk subscription by offering three options: buy online, buy with our expert sales team, or buy with a certified Autodesk Partner. All purchases are secure and come with our money-back guarantee. Â Financing is also available for qualified buyers.
We make it easy for you to buy an Autodesk subscription by offering three options: buy online, buy with our expert sales team, or buy with a certified Autodesk Partner. All purchases are secure and come with our money-back guarantee. Â Financing is also available for qualified buyers.
Autodesk subscription plans at a glance
Select a subscription plan that best fits your individual or company needs. Each plan has a different level of security, reporting, automation, and support features.
Select a subscription plan that best fits your individual or company needs. Each plan has a different level of security, reporting, automation, and support features.
Pay as you go with Flex
Autodesk Flex is the perfect solution for occasional use and special projects. Purchase Flex tokens to access eligible products for a 24-hour period and explore new design products without committing to a long-term contract.
Autodesk Flex is the perfect solution for occasional use and special projects. Purchase Flex tokens to access eligible products for a 24-hour period and explore new design products without committing to a long-term contract.
Design online with AutoCAD Web
Design online with AutoCAD Web
Create, design, and collaborate with AutoCAD Web. Experience the flexibility of accessing AutoCAD’s key design features from any computer or mobile device. Automate counting blocks, incorporate changes, display measurements, and more.
Create, design, and collaborate with AutoCAD Web. Experience the flexibility of accessing AutoCAD’s key design features from any computer or mobile device. Automate counting blocks, incorporate changes, display measurements, and more.
Unlock educational access to Autodesk software
Unlock educational access to Autodesk software
Autodesk is committed to helping educate tomorrow's leaders. Get free access to our entire portfolio of products with the Autodesk Education plan.
See how customers are using CAD design software
Accelerating set design
Accelerating set design
By using AutoCAD and experimenting with other technologies such as 3D printing, Andrew Mestern of Stratford Festival delivers incredible set designs.
By using AutoCAD and experimenting with other technologies such as 3D printing, Andrew Mestern of Stratford Festival delivers incredible set designs.
Dramatically improving productivity
Dramatically improving productivity
Automated product systems designer Technica International makes big gains in efficiency with Autodesk Product Design & Manufacturing Collection.
Automated product systems designer Technica International makes big gains in efficiency with Autodesk Product Design & Manufacturing Collection.
Luxurious yacht designs set sail with AutoCAD
Luxurious yacht designs set sail with AutoCAD
Discover how award-winning Winch Design relies on AutoCAD for its yacht designs, including the recent superyacht Areti.
Discover how award-winning Winch Design relies on AutoCAD for its yacht designs, including the recent superyacht Areti.
CAD design FAQ
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer technology by architects, engineers, and others for design and drawing. Before CAD, design and drafting were done using pencil and paper. Benefits of using CAD design software include more precise drawing, ease for the designer to share plans with clients and third parties (such as general contractors and engineers), and secure archiving of past projects.
AutoCAD is the industry-standard software used by most civil engineers and construction firms. Other commonly used software packages from Autodesk include Revit, Civil 3D and Fusion 360.
AutoCAD can be used for drafting and design projects that involve creation, editing, viewing or printing various types of geometric 2D and 3D entities. This includes projects like floor plans, construction layouts, building details, manufacturing drawings and layouts. Learn more.