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About AutoCAD

2D and 3D CAD software with design automation and engineering toolsets, plus web and mobile apps.

Learn more about AutoCAD

Pros:

AutoCAD is a fantastically versatile and easy to use package with great online support out there.

Cons:

Integration with other softwares on autocad is difficult, it can be hard to set up dimensions when you are just beginning.

AutoCAD ratings

Average score

Ease of Use
4.1
Customer Service
4.2
Features
4.6
Value for Money
4.2

Likelihood to recommend

8.7/10

AutoCAD has an overall rating of 4.6 out 5 stars based on 3,161 user reviews on Capterra.

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Filter reviews (3,161)

Hlengiwe
Hlengiwe
Business Analyst in United Arab Emirates
Verified LinkedIn User
Civil Engineering, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Powerful TD Software

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: Very satisfied with AutoCAD. Love the automation features it offers.

Pros:

It enables employees and friends to work on the same project concurrently, which in return enhances teamwork and communication. It is practically a limitless digital TD software. It is comparatively simple to keep everything tidy after you get a handle on the most fundamental equipment.

Cons:

Very high CPU usage. First time users do need some training, need at least some tutorials.

Subhan
Assitant professor in India
Design, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

AutoCad Software

5.0 4 weeks ago New

Comments: In five years with AutoCAD, I gained expertise in 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and design automation. I managed complex projects, improved workflow efficiency, and collaborated effectively across teams using AutoCAD’s advanced tools.

Pros:

AutoCAD offers precise, professional-grade tools for creating detailed designs and drawings. Its intuitive interface and vast library of features support efficient workflows, especially with 2D drafting and 3D modeling. Additionally, it allows seamless collaboration, customization, and integration with other design software, making it highly versatile.

Cons:

AutoCAD has a steep learning curve for beginners, and its complex interface can be overwhelming. Additionally, it’s resource-intensive, requiring a powerful system and can be costly for individual users.

Pranita
Freelancing in India
E-Learning, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Auto CAD: Efficiency and Accuracy

3.0 5 months ago

Comments: I loved to design though some of the tools were very complex. I found it a bit costly software while that time as myself being a student. The parametric design is one of the advantages of this software which not only saves your time but it reduces the chances of errors.

Pros:

Design the model in 2D and 3D with high level of accuracy.

Cons:

The software interface is little more complex and confusing to the beginners.

Aniruddha
Operations Support in US
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, 1,001–5,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Layouts Redesigned with Advanced 2D-3D Modelling

5.0 3 months ago

Comments: It has been great. I have been using this software since 2021 and upgraded to AutoCAD 2023 version last year and it has helped me work on my facility layout projects with ease and better use of the functional capabilities.

Pros:

the new updates on the AutoCAD are really easy to navigate through and understand even for first time users. I feel like the files have a better and faster interactive support which helps open them up faster.

Cons:

Still some glitches which causes me to close entire application before I can work back normally.

Abhijith
Structural Engineer in India
Civil Engineering, 1,001–5,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Obsolete Choice

4.0 2 months ago

Comments: AutoCAD is unquestionably costly and excessively confounded without huge updates, as seen from Photoshop CS2 to CS6 and more up to date programming. It feels obsolete, cumbersome, and disappointing for bigger drafting projects. It needs choices to accelerate work on multi-page projects, making undertakings more troublesome with additional means for specific apparatuses. A few instruments are superfluously mind boggling. Given its significant expense and stagnation in usability, we probably won't utilize AutoCAD long haul as it isn't developing into a superior plan device.

Pros:

The Ideal Outdated ChoiceFor planning, drafting, and creative studios, AutoCAD LT is standard. It starts off with a moderate approach, but the variety of devices and flexibility quickly becomes overwhelming and exhilarating. AutoCAD is the standard tool used by our designing firm for interior plans and 11x17 standard-sized drawings for clients. We appreciate the easy-to-follow blueprint, excellent toolkit, low learning curve for necessary drafting, and default selections for strong introductions.

Cons:

Without major improvements, AutoCAD remains extremely costly and unduly complex, as demonstrated by Photoshop CS2 through CS6 and more recent versions. For more involved drafting tasks, it feels antiquated, cumbersome, and irritating. Its lack of solutions to expedite work on multi-page projects makes activities more challenging by requiring additional steps for specific tools. Certain tools are overly complicated. We probably won't use AutoCAD in the long run because of its exorbitant cost and lackluster usability; it's not getting any better as a design tool.

Pradeep
Assistant Professor in India
Higher Education Software, 501–1,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Essential for the designer's toolkit

4.0 2 months ago New

Comments: I have been using AutoCAD since my engineering college years and it has been a very facilitative tool throughout this journey. It has evolved with time, reflecting the advancements in technology in the software by upgrading the user interface and hence the experience.

Pros:

Supports 2D as well as 3D modeling, which makes it more comprehensive in handling different users' requirements at different stages in a project.

Cons:

It sometimes becomes too messy when designing something but it can't be helped with, I guess as the complexity of the tasks demands it.

Khaled
Software Engineer in US
Information Technology & Services, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCAD: The Industry Standard for Precision Design.

5.0 3 weeks ago New

Comments: AutoCAD has been the backbone of our design process for years. It allows us to create highly accurate and detailed drawings, ensuring precise construction and minimizing errors. The ability to collaborate with other professionals using DWG files streamlines our workflow and improves communication across disciplines.

Pros:

AutoCAD remains an essential tool in my workflow as an architect. Its precision drafting tools and extensive feature set are unmatched. I rely on AutoCAD for creating detailed 2D drawings, generating accurate construction documentation, and collaborating with engineers and contractors. The ability to create custom blocks and dynamic blocks significantly improves efficiency and consistency in our projects.

Cons:

It is incredibly powerful, the subscription-based pricing model can be expensive, especially for smaller firms. Also, the learning curve for mastering advanced features can be steep.

Waleed
Freelance Writer in US
Writing & Editing, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCAD-The Nine of Precision Design

5.0 2 months ago

Comments: The facility of AutoCAD has helped me a lot in bringing my design ideas into reality with precision and speed. Its flexibility and accuracy have empowered me in producing professional drawing sheets pertaining to different projects, thereby increasing my productivity and design capability.

Pros:

With its fully packed toolset and effective drafting abilities, AutoCAD brings out even the smallest details in your 2D and 3D design. Industry gold standard with a familiar interface and extensive set of features that make designing easier.

Cons:

Resource-intensive at times due to which the performance gets in the way on low-ender machines. Some functions are hard to learn at the beginning and require great time and effort to be mastered.

Tara
Senior Architect, Associate in US
Architecture & Planning, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Useful program for drafting, not as useful for "smart" coordination of engineering trades

5.0 last month New

Comments: The program is useful for the creation of 2D drawings, with the purpose of hard-lining sketches within the computer- basically hand-drafting in a digital format.

Pros:

The ability to draw up plans quickly and accurately. Very useful for sketching work and overlaying with other construction trades for coordination.

Cons:

The lack of "smart" abilities within the software. AutoCADrelies on the ability of the user to draw what they can imagine, in comparison to other software on the market which have more 3D capabilities to create whole building models for coordination with engineering consultants and architect.

Usman
Lecturer in Engineering in UK
Higher Education Software, 1,001–5,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Thank you AutoCAD

5.0 last month New

Comments: I would say Autodesk company has done a great job in equipping this software with simple but powerful tools. I would be greatly happy if AutoDesk can somehow integrate this platform with a collaborative platform like Fusion 360.

Pros:

I have been using AutoCAD since 2006 back when I was in college, and I have become a big fan of both 2D drawings and 3D design modelling. Its been a fun journey using AutoCAD as a hobby and later in my engineering career. One of the things I love the most is how the main interface is kept simple yet powerful. It makes creating 2D drawings a breeze.

Cons:

3D modelling within AutoCAD is slightly messy. I would prefer to Use Fusion 360 for this job.

John
Research Lab Manager in US
Chemicals, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

State of the Art Standard for 3D Printing

5.0 9 months ago

Comments: It is unlikely we will ever switch back to solidworks given the capabilities and price of AutoCAD in comparison.

Pros:

As an additive manufacturing (3D printing) laboratory at a major university, we require the most advanced programs which can be used across a range a skill levels. AutoCAD is consistently the most trustworthy and effective tool for 3D modeling, and the files are easily used by other programs (e.g. Cura).

Cons:

The possibilities of 3D design are nearly endless, which can seem daunting, but the truth is that this create a nearly limitless ceiling for freedom of design.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Civil Engineering, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

seye autocad

4.0 last year

Pros:

Although I do not use it very actively in terms of drawing, I use it actively in the market because it is the easiest and most understandable product to operate on the common ground in the sector. It is open to very active use in terms of usage and understandability.

Cons:

It is not suitable for use in terms of drawing in the civil engineering sector, I cannot see its benefit in terms of statics.

Greyson
Research Scientist in US
Research, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCAD - industry standard for a reason

4.0 5 months ago

Comments: In General, it's a fantastic program that does drafting and design work really well. It has a host of tools and calculators that can help you with design and development work. When you know how to use the program, it's a really powerful tool that will allow you to develop professional designs and work products for clients.

Pros:

It's a great program for drafting and design. When it comes to incorporating survey data, drone imagery, etc., it's hard to beat. It's really an industry standard for a reason, and is incredibly powerful when it comes to land development and other civil and environmental engineering design work. Once you get the hang of it and realize that there are many different approaches to the same solution, things get really interesting. There's also a robust online community for answering questions. Because it's an industry standard, there are tons of online tutorials and walkthroughs for a whole host of hang ups one might have.

Cons:

The program can crash when designs get very complicated, and sometimes, if there's a bug in a drawing, it can be hard to remove or back out and simplify. I've had to completely start from scratch more than a handful of times which can be frustrating. Once you find out the things that tend to bog it down, there's work arounds, and ways to make it more resilient. Another drawback is that it's fairly expensive. Not a huge issue if you are working for a company, but if you'd like to use it yourself, or are a small business, it's not an insignificant expense.

Nilesh
Nilesh
BIM Lead in India
Verified LinkedIn User
Civil Engineering, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Efficient product for 2D Drafting, Designing

5.0 7 months ago

Comments: AutoCAD LT is a generally involved programming for 2D Drafting and enumerating. I have been involving this throughout the previous 8 years. It is the lighter variant of the AutoCAD Programming, and hence, it's working, and execution is excessively smooth and useful, particularly the individuals who work on 2D work. the point of interaction is additionally too Easy to understand, spotless and simple to explore. AutoCAD LT is likewise an extremely strong item for keeping up with drawing accuracy, layer the board, cooperation and its similarity. the expense of the item is likewise significantly more reasonable than the full rendition of AutoCAD, so it is a financially savvy decision for private ventures and associations that fundamentally work on 2D drawings. Our specialized help and local area of AutoCAD clients is exceptionally wide so you can find a simple solution to any question.

Pros:

It has an extremely easy to understand interface. the general speed of the item is additionally in this way, smooth and quick, eventually, we can upgrade our efficiency.

Cons:

In some cases, the record size is huge, the presentation of the product is somewhat down.

Sander
Project manager in Estonia
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, 201–500 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCad user for basic for basic functions and 2D mostly

5.0 5 months ago

Comments: Overall my job has done and AutoCad have provided me with everything I needed to do.

Pros:

Powerful design capabilities, precision, and extensive features that enable professionals to create, modify, and manage complex projects with high efficiency and accuracy.

Cons:

Expensive compared to other similar products and therefore proabably not the first pick of smaller companies.

Ray
Designer in US
Architecture & Planning, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCAD, an Industry Leader

5.0 3 months ago

Comments: I enjoy using AutoCAD due to its overall impact, ease of use, and compatability with other programs. It is essential in the practice of design and construction.

Pros:

AutoCAD has a major impact on the building and design industry. It is readily used, which allows the workflow for many projects to be a bit more seemless and feasible.

Cons:

Although AutoCAD has made many innovations, the improvement in 3D visualization and rendering is lacking compared to other programs.

ASHITA
ASHITA
Interior Designer in India
Verified LinkedIn User
Architecture & Planning, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

"Drawing Precision: A Comprehensive Review of AutoCAD"

4.0 7 months ago

Comments: It's a great software. With every version, they try to solve some problems faced by the users. The commands are simple.

Pros:

AutoCAD is a great software to work for designing 2D floor plans and design. It helps in space planning and allocation of suitable spaces to achieve functionality and feasibility in making layouts.

Cons:

The software sometimes does not take a command correctly while working. It hampers the speed to work on the software. Also, when the file gets heavy and it becomes a little difficult to work with smoothness on the software.

MA. CELINE
Office Engineer in Philippines
Civil Engineering, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

My Profession saved by AutoCad

5.0 3 months ago

Comments: My overall experience with AutoCad is just superb. Making 2D and 3D drawing, corrections are easy to make, importing and exporting file, sharing it through e-mail, are all just easy and hassle-free.

Pros:

The ease of use and to draw ideas quickly are what I like most about AutoCad. The feature of easily creating a 3D and shifting views from all angles are an additional advantage of this software.

Cons:

What I like least about AutoCad is that your work can be corrupted by viruses, plus you really need a high-end laptop to experience a smooth work with AutoCad, and initial costs for computer systems for this software are really high.

Vanessa
Vanessa
Operational Finance in US
Verified LinkedIn User
Construction, 1,001–5,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

The most professional tool

5.0 3 months ago

Comments: I usually use AutoCAD when working with my team because this tool has allowed us to draw 2D house plans, as well as add more specific elements to the house for the client's convenience. After having the 2D plan, we move on to creating the 3D model of the house.

Pros:

I love using AutoCAD because all the plans we create turn out as professional and user-friendly as possible for what the client wants.

Cons:

What I dislike about using AutoCAD is that it can be somewhat complex regarding its options for adding any element because they are not easily visible.

fares
sales in Jordan
Arts & Crafts, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Improvement of AutoCAD

4.0 3 months ago

Comments: It's very good and useful for design workers

Pros:

It is easy to use, saves time in designs, has everything related to design, and is easy to display the project

Cons:

How to move the mouse and download materials from the Internet, and the prices of monthly subscriptions are high

Rita
research technician in Portugal
Research, 501–1,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

a great tool for project development

5.0 last year

Pros:

I like how easy it is to make an accurate drawing, with all the measures needed, and how easy and quickly I can pivot from a hand drawing to a vector drawing. in my workflow, I appreciate the command line which allows me to work quickly

Cons:

Sometimes the Osnap tool is a little too sensitive but nothing that will bother an expert user. Some hatch patterns can be too heavy for some computers.

mohammed
Civil in Egypt
Civil Engineering, 51–200 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

The goal of the program

4.0 6 months ago

Comments: It was a nice and easy experience, and I still use it on a personal and daily level in all engineering works, as most of my work requires drawing and expressing different ideas, and I recommend it to all my friends.

Pros:

One of the most important features of the program Ease of using the various tools and a simplified explanation of these tools found in the program’s destination Also, it is easy to modify files without the need to consume a large number of boards and materials.

Cons:

The program requires a lot of money to activate all the services, and it is also possible for some icons to be suspended when used.

Verified Reviewer
Verified LinkedIn User
Architecture & Planning, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCAD has been the leader in the field for years but other si

4.0 9 months ago

Comments: AutoCAD was instrumental in the computer-aided drafting world.

Pros:

AutoCAD has been the leader in the field for years, so most similar new software allows for a CAD file to be imported into their software but not the other way around.

Cons:

AutoCAD has been the leader in the field for years, but other similar products are available at much lower prices.

Vikas
Graphic designer in India
Arts & Crafts, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

AutoCAD review

5.0 10 months ago

Comments: I possess extensive experience with AutoCAD, spanning over 20 years. Proficient in creating detailed 2D and 3D technical drawings and models, I have utilized AutoCAD for diverse projects in [mention industries or fields, if applicable]. My expertise includes drafting, designing, and collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams to achieve project objectives efficiently.

Pros:

It is most useful for creating 2D manufacturing drawings.

Cons:

need a personnel with the necessary skills.

Jalal
Optical Engineer in US
Semiconductors, 10,000+ Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

AutoCAD review

5.0 3 months ago

Comments: I use it for the integration with other CAD software, allowing for seamless workflows between mechanical and optical design.

Pros:

I'm an optical engineer and AutoCAD excels in precision drafting, making it suitable for designing mechanical and optical systems with exact dimensions.

Cons:

AutoCAD lacks specialized optical simulation tools, so it won’t handle lens design, ray tracing, or optical performance analysis. It requires additional plugins or external software to work efficiently for optics-specific tasks like lens geometry or light path visualization. The learning curve can be steep, especially if focusing purely on optical design tasks that might be better handled by dedicated software like Zemax.