AutoCAD is computer-aided design (CAD) software that is used for precise 2D and 3D drafting, design and modelling 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.
AutoCAD: 2D and 3D CAD software trusted by millions to draft, engineer and automate designs anywhere, any time
What is AutoCAD?
Power your teams’ creativity with automation, collaboration and machine-learning features of AutoCAD® software. Architects, engineers and construction professionals use AutoCAD to:
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Design and annotate 2D geometry and 3D models with solids, surfaces and mesh objects
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Automate tasks such as comparing drawings, counting objects, adding blocks, creating schedules and more
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Create a customised workspace to maximise productivity with add-on apps and APIs
AutoCAD 2023 overview video (1.36 min.)
Create your designs in 2D or 3D
Quickly access your favourite and recently used blocks
Share drawings with colleagues quickly and securely
Add feedback without altering the original drawing
Save your drawings to the cloud in fewer steps
Why use AutoCAD?
Accelerate your designs in 2D or 3D
Complete your projects faster with AutoCAD’s automations and customisations.
Collaborate across teams and devices
Share and annotate drawings safely and securely across desktop, web or mobile devices.
Ensure fidelity and compatibility
Only Autodesk has TrustedDWG® technology to ensure fidelity and compatibility for your DWGs.
Power your productivity with seven included toolsets
Across seven studies, customers increased productivity by 63% on average for tasks completed using a specialised toolset in AutoCAD.*
Productivity data based on a series of studies commissioned by Autodesk to an outside consultant. The seven toolset studies compared basic AutoCAD to the specialised toolsets within AutoCAD when performing tasks commonly done by experienced AutoCAD users. Overall productivity gain calculation based on adding the completion times of specific tasks in the toolset and also in basic AutoCAD and then calculating the per cent difference between the two totals across seven studies. As with all performance tests, results may vary based on the machine, operating system, filters and even source material. While every effort has been made to make the tests as fair and objective as possible, your results may differ. Product information and specifications are subject to change without notice. Autodesk provides this information “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied.
What you can do with AutoCAD
Work anywhere with the web and mobile apps
Enjoy a connected design experience with AutoCAD across devices. Create, view, edit and annotate drawings with the AutoCAD mobile app or on any computer using the AutoCAD web app.
Unlock more efficient workflows
The newest updates in AutoCAD let you collaborate with teammates, gather drawing data more quickly and export designs to other Autodesk products.
Customise your workspace and extend AutoCAD
Complete your work more quickly. Gain access to thousands of parts and additional features with industry-specific toolsets, APIs to automate common processes and 1,000+ third-party apps.
“I can use AutoCAD for everything – from building design to the interior and final touches.”
—Danielle Golden, Founder, Studio GLDN
“The speed and accuracy to launch MTN Emergency Services is a testament to AutoCAD and the team to create solutions for real-time problems.”
—Ron Rose, Marketing Director, Mountain Productions
“For anyone thinking about moving from AutoCAD LT and using the toolsets with AutoCAD, just do it.”
—David Slusser, Project Manager, Martz Technologies
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
AutoCAD is used by students, architects, designers, engineers, project managers, property developers and construction professionals to create precise 2D and 3D drawings.
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 modelling and automation of repetitive processes. AutoCAD also lets you customise 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.
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 (US site).
Your AutoCAD subscription gives you access to install and use the three previous versions of AutoCAD. Available downloads are listed in your Autodesk Account after subscribing. See also previous releases available for subscribers.
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 Licence Agreement (US site) for more information.
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.
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