AutoCAD power and precision

Unlock your creativity with powerful 2D and 3D CAD tools. With AI-powered insights and automation, AutoCAD helps professionals transform concepts into precise, high-quality designs.

Meet the AutoCAD family

A woman works on a section of an AutoCAD design file

AutoCAD

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

  • Unlock insights and automations powered by Autodesk AI
  • Tailor for industries with specialized toolsets and apps
  • Manage design data with Autodesk Docs integrations.

An AutoCAD LT design file on a desktop monitor

AutoCAD LT

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

  • Draft, design, and edit with precise 2D geometry and documentation features
  • Increase efficiency 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

Powerful 2D and 3D CAD with insights and automation powered by Autodesk AI.

 

 /year

AutoCAD LT

Cost-effective 2D CAD for precise drafting, design and documentation.

 

 /year

AutoCAD Web

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

 

 /year

Compare AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD

AutoCAD

AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT

APIs and automations using Autodesk AI

complete
limited

Cloud and mobility

complete
complete

Collaboration

complete
limited

Architecture design

complete
limited

5 reasons AutoCAD stands apart from CAD alternatives

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 and 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.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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 customize 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.

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 for more information.

See more FAQ

Are you a student or an educator?

See education resources

Legal terms and conditions

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.

 

*Productivity data is based on a series of studies Autodesk commissioned from outside consultants. These seven tool-combination studies compared the performance of generic AutoCAD and AutoCAD-specific tool sets when used by experienced AutoCAD users to perform common tasks. In each of the seven studies, improvements in overall productivity were calculated by first calculating the sum of the time required to complete a specific task in the tool set and the sum of the time required to complete the corresponding task in regular AutoCAD, and then calculating these two times. The percentage difference between the sums. Like all other performance tests, test results may vary depending on the computer, operating system, filters, network environment at the testing location, and the source of the test sample. The test samples are from the UK and the testing location is in the UK, so the final results may be different from the results of tests conducted in other regions where you live. Product information and specifications are subject to change without notice. Autodesk provides this information "as is" and does not intend to provide any express or implied warranty of any kind with respect to the products and services related to this test.