PAIDFREE TRIALNEW

AutoCAD

Autodesk's industry-standard software for 2D drafting and 3D design

by Autodesk

PRICESubscription only (monthly, yearly or 3 years)

FREE TRIALFree trial

RUNS ONWindows, macOS, Web browser

Visit Developer

Opens the developer's official website – free trial and purchase.

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Looking for a free option?

3 free alternatives: FreeCAD, LibreCAD, QCAD. See alternatives ›

About AutoCAD

AutoCAD from Autodesk is the industry-standard software for 2D drafting and 3D design, used by architects, engineers and construction professionals. Its DWG file format is the most widely used format for technical drawings.

AutoCAD is sold only as a subscription. A subscription includes AutoCAD for Windows and Mac, AutoCAD Web for working in a browser or on a phone, and seven industry toolsets (Architecture, Electrical, Map 3D, Mechanical, MEP, Plant 3D and Raster Design; the toolsets run on Windows only). AutoCAD LT is a cheaper edition focused on 2D drawing.

Autodesk offers a free trial, and students and educators can get a free educational licence.

Key features

2D draftingPrecise technical drawings and documentation

3D modellingCreate and edit 3D designs

DWG formatThe most widely used format for CAD drawings

Industry toolsetsArchitecture, Electrical, Mechanical, MEP and more

AutoCAD WebView and edit drawings in a browser or on a phone

AutomationAI-assisted tools and scripting to speed up work

License and price

License type: Paid (with free trial)
Free trial: Free trial
Price: Subscription only (monthly, yearly or 3 years)

System requirements

Operating system: Windows, macOS, Web browser

Good and keep in mind

Good

The industry standard – drawings open everywhere
Very complete 2D and 3D toolset
One subscription covers Windows, Mac and web

Keep in mind

Subscription only – no one-time purchase
Expensive for occasional or hobby use
The industry toolsets run on Windows only

Frequently asked questions

Is AutoCAD free?

No. AutoCAD is sold only as a subscription. Autodesk offers a free trial, and students and educators can get a free educational licence.

What is the difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT?

AutoCAD LT is a cheaper edition focused on 2D drawing and documentation. The full AutoCAD adds 3D modelling, automation and the industry toolsets.

Does AutoCAD work on Mac?

Yes. One subscription lets you use AutoCAD on both Windows and Mac, and AutoCAD Web in a browser or on a mobile device.

Are there free alternatives to AutoCAD?

Yes – see the free alternatives below, such as FreeCAD, LibreCAD and QCAD.

Free alternatives to AutoCAD

FreeCADFree 3D and parametric design · Windows, macOS, LinuxFree · open source LibreCAD2D drafting closest to AutoCAD · Windows, macOS, LinuxFree · open source QCADEasy 2D drawing for beginners · Windows, macOS, LinuxFree Community Edition

GUIDEBest Free Alternatives to AutoCADFreeCAD, LibreCAD and QCAD compared: the best free alternatives to AutoCAD for 2D drafting and 3D design on Windows, Mac and Linux, with DWG and DXF support.