Overview

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design platform for precise 2D drafting and 3D modeling. It is best suited to people and teams whose work depends on detailed drawings, DWG workflows, or specialized design disciplines; its breadth is a strength, but a named-user subscription makes it a costly fit for occasional or shared-seat use.

Every subscription includes web and mobile access alongside the desktop software, while shared DWG files, parallel work, and multi-user markups support coordinated drawing work. The product also offers AI-assisted markup, block replacement suggestions, and contextual productivity tips.

For category comparisons, browse our CAD software list, or see the 2D CAD software, electrical design software, and architecture software lists. AutoCAD is made by Autodesk, founded in 1982 and headquartered in San Francisco.

Key features

2D and 3D design: Precise drafting, design, and modeling in two and three dimensions make AutoCAD applicable to both drawing production and modeling work.
Seven specialized toolsets: Architecture, mechanical, MEP, electrical, plant, mapping, and raster design toolsets tailor the software to different disciplines. This range is useful for varied professional work, though users who need only basic drafting may not benefit from that breadth.
DWG-centered collaboration: DWG is the primary format, with native DWG and DXF support, shared files, parallel work, and multi-user markups. PDF underlay, parametric constraints, and batch printing support common drawing tasks.
Data management: Forma Data Management Essentials is included with standalone subscriptions, adding a data-management component to the core design workflow.
Access and continuity: Subscriptions cover Windows, macOS, web, iOS, Android, and Windows mobile. Users can install on up to three devices but use the software on only one at a time; each subscription belongs to one named user. Offline mode and the current version plus three previous versions offer flexibility for individual users and version continuity.
Support: 24x7 online support options and resources are available, which can matter when design work cannot wait for standard business hours.

Pricing

AutoCAD is paid software, with a 15-day free trial and no general free plan. The trial is a short evaluation window, so it is less suitable for workflows that need a longer pilot. Eligible students and educators can receive one-year renewable access while eligible.

Monthly subscription: $260.00 USD per month, billed monthly, for one user. This avoids a longer commitment but is the highest effective monthly rate among the stated subscription terms.
Annual subscription: $2,095.00 USD per year, paid annually, for one user. It lowers the effective monthly cost compared with monthly billing, but requires an annual commitment.
Three-year subscription: $6,285.00 USD per year, paid annually, for a three-year term and one user. It is for buyers prepared to commit for longer; the extended term reduces flexibility.

The starting price is $175 per month, while the monthly and annual prices above are stated separately. Annual and multi-year subscriptions have a 30-day return period; monthly subscriptions have a 15-day return period. Each subscription is assigned to one named user, even though installation is allowed on up to three devices, and use is limited to one device at a time. Those terms make it a poor match for organizations seeking a floating seat or for individuals who need only occasional access.

Platforms

AutoCAD runs on Windows and macOS, with web access and mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Windows. Web and mobile access comes with every subscription, extending drawing access beyond the desktop; offline mode is also supported. The platform coverage suits users who move between supported devices, but the one-device-at-a-time limit still applies.

Who it's for

AutoCAD is a strong fit for professionals who need precise 2D and 3D work, rely on DWG files, or can use one of its discipline-specific toolsets. Teams that coordinate through shared drawings and markups can also benefit. It is less compelling for occasional users, buyers seeking a free general-purpose plan, or organizations that need a subscription shared across multiple users.

Pros and cons

Pro: Broad design coverage. Precise 2D and 3D work plus seven specialized toolsets can serve varied design disciplines in one product.
Pro: DWG collaboration and access. Shared files, parallel work, markups, and included web and mobile access support work across people and devices.
Pro: Version and support provisions. Access to three previous versions and 24x7 online support options can help users maintain continuity.
Con: No general free tier. Beyond the 15-day trial, access requires a paid subscription; education access is limited to eligible students and educators.
Con: Named-user and device limits. A seat cannot serve as a floating license, and simultaneous use across installed devices is not allowed.
Con: Significant commitment and cost. Monthly billing is $260.00 USD per month, while annual and three-year terms require larger commitments, making the product hard to justify for sporadic needs.

Alternatives

Consider Rhino 3D if a free plan and a permanent license are more important than AutoCAD's subscription approach; Rhino also offers a free trial and runs on Windows and macOS.

Onshape is worth considering when a free plan and access through Android, iOS, or the web matter more than AutoCAD's desktop coverage. Its free plan is limited to non-commercial use and makes documents public.

Choose SOLIDWORKS if its freemium offering better fits your needs; its stated Design Standard with Cloud Services plan costs $2,820.00 USD per year for a machine-locked single-device license.

Autodesk Inventor is another paid Autodesk option for Windows, with a free trial and a Flex option that uses tokens for 24-hour access.

Consider Creo as another paid option with a floating license for shared concurrent organizational use.

Shapr3D may suit readers who want a freemium option for macOS or Windows; its Basic plan is free and limited to two projects.

nanoCAD is a freemium Windows alternative with native DWG support and a stated annual platform plan priced at $289.00 USD per year.

For another paid option, see CATIA, which is available on web and Windows.

Verdict

Choose AutoCAD if your work depends on precise 2D and 3D design, DWG-based collaboration, or one of its specialized toolsets. Its combination of professional design capabilities and cross-device access is the main reason to choose it; its named-user licensing and substantial subscription costs are the main reasons to look elsewhere if you need a shared seat, a free tier, or only occasional drafting.

	AutoCAD	OpenBuildings Designer
Free plan	No	No
Free trial	Yes	No
Paid from	—	$320.33/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, iOS, macOS, Web, Windows	Windows
Free plan	No	No

AutoCAD vs OpenBuildings Designer

AutoCAD

OpenBuildings Designer