AutoCAD subscription FAQ

AutoCAD enhances your 2D and 3D drafting and design experience with features that unlock insights and automations with the help of Autodesk AI. It’s tailored to discipline-specific workflows; stay connected with one experience on desktop, web, and mobile.

AutoCAD LT has many of the same features as AutoCAD at a lower price point. It allows you to view, edit, and share 2D designs with a comprehensive range of design tools, including web and mobile access. 

The primary differences between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT lie in the more advanced industry-specific toolsets, with AutoCAD offering both 2D and 3D drafting tools and automation capabilities while AutoCAD LT is focused on providing a comprehensive 2D drafting toolset. Compare all of the features of AutoCAD vs. AutoCAD LT to learn which version is right for you.

AutoCAD on the web is intended for users who are doing markups or light editing on 2D files on the go. With access to essential drafting tools on the web or on mobile, AutoCAD on the web allows you to bring teams together to review and edit CAD drawings via quick collaboration with AutoCAD users on designs.  To create the more complex drawings that are required by most industries, AutoCAD LT is the correct solution. It provides robust 2D drafting capabilities, automation, and gives the ability to customize the ribbon and tool palette. Learn more about AutoCAD on the web here.

Yes, you can use AutoCAD on Mac and Windows if you are on an AutoCAD subscription. You can use the same subscription user name and password to activate your software on either Windows or Mac platforms. The version years must match, and you need to download and install the correct software for your operating system.

Your AutoCAD subscription gives you access to install and use the three previous versions. Available downloads are listed in your Autodesk Account at manage.autodesk.com after subscribing. See also Available Previous Releases for Subscribers.

Your AutoCAD subscription gives you access to install and use the three previous versions of AutoCAD. The 2024, 2023, 2022 or older versions of AutoCAD are no longer sold individually.

The most recent release of AutoCAD is AutoCAD 2025. Annual subscription of AutoCAD is . Learn more about what’s new in AutoCAD 2025.

AutoCAD Architecture is no longer sold individually, but it is included when you purchase a subscription of AutoCAD. Annual subscription of AutoCAD is . With the Architecture toolset included with your AutoCAD subscription, you can;

• Create floor plans, sections, elevations, and other building design drawings using specialized tools.

• Use additional features include walls, doors, and windows.

• Use 8,000+ intelligent architectural objects and styles to support AIA 2nd edition, BS1192 DIN 276, ISYBAU Long Format, ISYBAU Short Format, and STLB layer standards.

AutoCAD Electrical is no longer sold individually, but it is included when you purchase a subscription of AutoCAD. Annual subscription of AutoCAD is . With the Electrical toolset included with your AutoCAD subscription, you can;

• Create panel layouts, schematic diagrams, and other electrical drawings using specialized tools.

• Use consistent project standards with drawings organized in a project-based structure.

• Access an included library of 65,000+ intelligent electrical symbols to support AS, GB, IEC, IEC-60617, JIC, JIS, NFPA, and IEEE standards.

Autodesk’s named user plans provide a range of capabilities for organizations of every size. Plans cater to organizations of all sizes, offering different levels of security, reporting, automation, and support. Choose a subscription that suits your individual or company requirements.

For occasional users, Autodesk Flex provides a 24-hour access to design products on a pay-per-use basis without a long-term obligation. Manage your subscriptions with ease through Autodesk Account and select from various secure payment options – online, via our expert sales team, or through a certified partner. All purchases come with a money-back guarantee, and financing options are available for eligible buyers.

Yes. Select Monthly for your subscription term when you make your purchase. After your order is complete, visit manage.autodesk.com, locate your order in the Billing & Orders section, and click Edit Payment to turn off auto-renew. Your AutoCAD subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing cycle.

Subscriptions sold online are single-user access—a single user can access, activate, and use each subscription seat. Users cannot share a seat, but you can purchase additional stand-alone licenses and then assign those seats to different users.

Launch your trial software and click "Subscribe Now" on the trial screen or visit AutoCAD page. When buying your subscription, enter the same email address and password combination you used to sign in to your trial. Subscription activation varies by product. In some instances, your software is activated automatically after purchase. Learn more about converting a trial to a paid subscription.

To upgrade from AutoCAD LT to AutoCAD, go to the subscription renewal page and select AutoCAD. By upgrading from AutoCAD LT to AutoCAD you'll experience 3D drafting and drafting and increased automation, and you'll gain access to industry-specific tools and the Autodesk App Store.

For subscriptions purchased online, you can change products or the length of your subscription by turning off automatic renewal and letting your current subscription expire. You can then purchase a new subscription for the desired product and subscription term.

Your AutoCAD subscription is activated when an authorized named user signs in after AutoCAD is launched for the first time. If your software also requires a serial number, that activation information appears in your Autodesk Account at manage.autodesk.com and is often entered automatically during installation. You must have an active Internet connection to activate and use subscription software.

You don’t need to be online to use AutoCAD on your computer or the AutoCAD Web on your mobile device. However, you need to connect to the Internet every 30 days to verify that your subscription is still current. An Internet connection is needed initially to install and activate AutoCAD on desktop and mobile, and if you have cloud services, you need to be online to access cloud-based tools such as the AutoCAD on the web.

With a subscription to 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.