AutoCAD: CAD software with design automation plus toolsets, web, and mobile apps  

What is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD® is computer-aided design (CAD) software that empowers architects, engineers, and construction professionals to create precise drawings.

With AutoCAD, you can:

  • Draft, annotate, and design 2D geometry and 3D models with solids, surfaces, and mesh objects

  • Automate tasks like comparing drawings, counting objects, adding blocks, creating schedules, and more

  • Customize your workspace with add-on apps and APIs

Why use AutoCAD?

Accelerate your efficiency in 2D and 3D

Create your designs in less time with AutoCAD’s automations and customizations.

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 specialized toolsets

Across seven studies, customers increased productivity by 63% on average for tasks completed using a specialized toolset in AutoCAD.*

*View source data
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Productivity data based on a series of studies commissioned by Autodesk to an outside consultant. The seven toolset studies compared basic AutoCAD to the specialized 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 percent difference between the two totals across seven studies. As with all performance tests, results may vary based on 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.

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.

See how to access AutoCAD anytime, anywhere (video: 1:18 min.)

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.

Customize 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.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is AutoCAD used for?

AutoCAD is computer-aided design (CAD) software that is used for precise 2D and 3D drafting, design, and modeling 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.

Who uses AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is used by students, architects, designers, engineers, project managers, real estate developers, and construction professionals to create precise 2D and 3D drawings.

What is the difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT?

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 modeling and automation of repetitive processes. AutoCAD also lets you customize 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.

Can I use AutoCAD for free?

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.

Which versions of AutoCAD can I use if I subscribe to the current version?

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.

Can I install AutoCAD on multiple computers?

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.

How do I convert my AutoCAD free trial to a paid subscription?

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.

How much does an AutoCAD subscription cost?

The price of an annual AutoCAD subscription is  and the price of a monthly AutoCAD subscription is . The price of a 3-year AutoCAD subscription is . If you have infrequent users and are interested in a pay-as-you-go option, please visit www.autodesk.com/flex to learn more.

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Support and learning

Get AutoCAD documentation, tutorials, downloads, and support.

Learn more about AutoCAD

Webinar

What’s new in AutoCAD 2022

Discover the new features of AutoCAD 2022 with on-screen demonstrations.

Watch video (49:45 min.)

Webinar

AutoCAD vs. AutoCAD LT

Learn about different time-saving features in AutoCAD, from trainings to automation.

Watch video (53:14 min.)

Video

Design and create with AutoCAD

Learn how professionals are putting AutoCAD's powerful tools to work.

Watch video (1:03 min.)

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Capabilities

Complete

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Buy from Autodesk

When you buy direct from us, you get the best value and terms we have to offer. Our hotline team is happy to help. You can also place a purchase order by phone: 1-844-842-1674

Terms and conditions

Autodesk online store promotion:

Autodesk online store promotion: This promotion offers a 20% discount off the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) for purchases of a new 1-year or 3-year subscription to AutoCAD LT or Revit LT Suite; or a 10% discount off a new 1-year subscription to AutoCAD; or a 20% discount off a new 3-year subscription to AutoCAD excluding taxes. No more than a total of 50 new seats may be purchased at this discounted price.

Products available through the Autodesk eStore under this promotion include AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT and Revit LT Suite. A total of 50 new seats may be purchased at this discounted price.

This offer is available from 02/22/2021 through 02/25/2021 in the 50 United States and Canada and may not be combined with other rebates or promotions and is void where prohibited or restricted by law. Products must be purchased from the Autodesk online store and the applicable discount will automatically appear in your cart. be applied to your purchase.

Educational licenses including new, upgrades and migrations, and education-to-commercial transfers do not qualify. This promotion is not valid for product licenses purchased through the Autodesk Employee Purchase Program. This offer may not be combined with any conditions or discounts offered under the Major Account program.

AUTODESK RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, SUSPEND OR MODIFY PART OF OR THESE ENTIRE PROMOTIONS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, FOR ANY REASON IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION. PRICES FOR AUTODESK SOFTWARE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT and Revit LT Suite are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

 

Terms and conditions

Autodesk online store promotion:

Autodesk online store promotion: This promotion offers a 20% discount off the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) for purchases of a new 1-year or 3-year subscription to AutoCAD LT or Revit LT Suite; or a 10% discount off a new 1-year subscription to AutoCAD; or a 20% discount off a new 3-year subscription to AutoCAD excluding taxes. No more than a total of 50 new seats may be purchased at this discounted price.

Products available through the Autodesk eStore under this promotion include AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT and Revit LT Suite. A total of 50 new seats may be purchased at this discounted price.

This offer is available from 02/22/2021 through 02/25/2021 in the 50 United States and Canada and may not be combined with other rebates or promotions and is void where prohibited or restricted by law. Products must be purchased from the Autodesk online store and the applicable discount will automatically appear in your cart. be applied to your purchase.

Educational licenses including new, upgrades and migrations, and education-to-commercial transfers do not qualify. This promotion is not valid for product licenses purchased through the Autodesk Employee Purchase Program. This offer may not be combined with any conditions or discounts offered under the Major Account program.

AUTODESK RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL, SUSPEND OR MODIFY PART OF OR THESE ENTIRE PROMOTIONS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, FOR ANY REASON IN ITS SOLE DISCRETION. PRICES FOR AUTODESK SOFTWARE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT and Revit LT Suite are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.