--- description: Review of AutoCAD Software: system overview, features, price and cost information. Get free demos and compare to similar programs. image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/software_advice/og_logo-55146305bbe7b450bea05c18e9be9c9a.png title: AutoCAD | Reviews, Pricing & Demos - SoftwareAdvice GB --- Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Floor Plan Software](/directory/4778/floor-plan-software/software) > [AutoCAD](/software/390127/autocad) # AutoCAD Canonical: https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/software/390127/autocad Page: 1 / 129\ Next: [Next page](https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/software/390127/autocad?page=2) > AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D design and drafting platform for architects, engineers, construction professionals, field technicians and contractors, which supports 2D drafting, drawing and annotation, 3D modeling and visualization and more. It offers tools for designing and annotating geometry, streamlining tasks such as object placement and layout publishing. Users can customize workspaces and utilize industry-specific toolsets for efficiency. AutoCAD's flexibility supports discipline-specific workflows and seamless collaboration across devices. It offers features for applications such as electrical design and 3D mapping. > > Verdict: Rated **4.7/5** by 3205 users. Top-rated for **Likelihood to recommend**. ----- ## Quick Stats & Ratings | Metric | Rating | Detail | | **Overall** | **4.7/5** | 3205 Reviews | | Ease of Use | 4.1/5 | Based on overall reviews | | Customer Support | 4.2/5 | Based on overall reviews | | Value for Money | 4.2/5 | Based on overall reviews | | Features | 4.6/5 | Based on overall reviews | | Recommendation percentage | 90% | (9/10 Likelihood to recommend) | ## About the vendor - **Company**: Autodesk - **Location**: San Rafael, US - **Founded**: 1982 ## Commercial Context - **Starting Price**: US$250.00 - **Pricing model**: Per User (Free version available) (Free Trial) - **Target Audience**: Self Employed, 2–10, 11–50, 51–200, 201–500, 501–1,000, 1,001–5,000, 5,001–10,000, 10,000+ - **Deployment & Platforms**: Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Mac (Desktop), Windows (Desktop), Windows (On-Premise), Linux (On-Premise), Android (Mobile), iPhone (Mobile), iPad (Mobile) - **Supported Languages**: English - **Available Countries**: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, United Kingdom, United States ## Features - 2D Drawing - 3D Design & Modeling - 3D Modeling - API - Access Controls/Permissions - Animation - Annotations - Bills of Material - CAD Tools - Change Management - Civil - Collaboration Tools - Commercial - Compliance Management - Component Library - Configurable Workflow - Content Library - Customizable Fields - Data Import/Export - Design Management ## Integrations (3 total) - Microsoft Excel - Revit - SketchUp ## Support Options - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - Chat ## Category - [Floor Plan Software](https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/directory/4778/floor-plan-software/software) ## Related Categories - [Floor Plan Software](https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/directory/4778/floor-plan-software/software) - [Construction Project Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/directory/19/project-management-software/software) - [Electrical Design Software](https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/directory/4281/electrical-design/software) - [Engineering CAD Software](https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/directory/4321/engineering-cad/software) - [Paving Software](https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/directory/3795/paving/software) ## Alternatives 1. 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I use it daily to import and export DXFs and DWGs that work seamlessly with SolidWorks and Adobe Illustrator. The last thing I will mention is how unique the selection tool is and how very helpful it is. > > **Cons**: There really is nothing major that I dislike. There are a few minor things, such as not being able to have driving dimensional annotations, but that could be more of an intended choice. The only other thing is that it does not use the native file explorer very well, and sometimes it is a little tricky to find files on your computer inside the program. > > This program aids in my design flow and has become an invaluable tool. I would recommend this to everyone who is involved in design. It not only helps on the front end, but saves a lot of time if you just need to tweak 2D drawings created from giant 3D assemblies. ----- ### "A Software that not only changed an industry but changed my life" — 5.0/5 > **Walter** | *15 May 2025* | Construction | Recommendation rating: 10.0/10 > > **Pros**: If there's one program that has revolutionized the world of construction planning, it's AutoCAD—an absolute powerhouse that has dominated the industry for decades. Even as architectural disciplines shift toward Revit and BIM software, AutoCAD remains essential, seamlessly integrating with the Autodesk suite and standing tall as the most versatile vector-based drafting tool ever created. It’s not just a 2D drafting solution; it’s a fully capable 3D design environment that allows professionals to execute complex projects with unmatched precision. AutoCAD operates in true-to-life 1:1 scale, ensuring mathematical accuracy in every aspect of design. What began as a Cartesian-coordinate-based system has evolved into a highly visual and dynamic software packed with tools that streamline workflows like never before. From electrical plans to architectural blueprints and engineering layouts, AutoCAD ensures that every element fits perfectly into a meticulously crafted design. Customization and speed define the AutoCAD experience. Old-school professionals rely on command-line inputs, quickly executing functions with shorthand codes, while others use a vast array of buttons and toolbars tailored to their specific workflows. The modern interface consolidates commands into an intuitive ribbon system, allowing users to work with maximum efficiency. The beauty of AutoCAD lies in its flexibility—there’s no single way to work, only the best way that matches each user’s thinking process. The program is built on smart tools that make drafting effortless. OSNAP instantly snaps to precise locations, ensuring every connection is clean and mathematically perfect. Ortho Mode forces straight-line precision, keeping plans professional and polished. Viewports allow for real-world-scale drawings that can be effortlessly resized for print in any metric or imperial format. Block and symbol libraries streamline workflows by providing drag-and-drop efficiency, enabling designers to incorporate manufacturer-provided pre-scaled drawings into their projects with ease. Text editing has evolved from manual processes to an intuitive WYSIWYG system with spell-check, eliminating unnecessary steps and maximizing productivity. AutoCAD is not just software—it’s the foundation of modern drafting and design. Built on decades of user feedback and continuous innovation, it has transformed from a manually intensive tool into a seamless digital drafting experience that professionals rely on daily. It won’t be phased out, nor can it be replaced. While BIM and Revit have their strengths, when it comes to speed, efficiency, and 2D drafting, AutoCAD stands alone at the top. No matter your industry, if precision and efficiency matter, AutoCAD isn’t just an option—it’s the key to success. There’s simply nothing else that compares to its legacy, power, and limitless potential. When you get its logic you become a master at it and you will amaze yourself with every project and if you are a users of this program already you know what i am talking about. This is the first software you buy if you are in construction and need to produce technical plans. > > **Cons**: This program has got so many ways to skin a cat , the eloquence of your commands is reliant on you and your logical thinking. Speed is captured in the method you use to select items to manipulate , a single item selection can be pain stakingly time consuming so the new user will need a lot of practice and to the new user you will need someone that knows autocad to ask how to do something utnil you actually open your mind and get it . There are so many commands now that even a old pro has to discover what has been added new . Expeienced users will still do what they know will get the job done . the program grows to a new heights and gets input from so many users of how it migh tbe better and they really listen to those suggestions and implement it . If you are not ready to try new things and new ways or look at all the added features you will loose touch with its potential . the thing i used to hate the most was when an error occured and you could spend 100 hours making this plan that looks so great and one error will keep it from printing or not allow you to contineu any more . there is very little easy ways to fix it if you make an error early on , newer version cannot understnad when you are using an old version what AEC object are and how they are used, so it just does nto show things that are there , you need to understand why cause you may loose alot of hours if you do not impliment your command correctly or in the order which will not create errors . The newest version is always the best one to use , if you imagien the complexity of the program , each and ever new version resolves those bugs , and older version have patches but that can be alot of forums and reading to acatully find out how to fix it . Dont be discouraged if you are new and loose chunks of hours invested to making something, the only way to not loose your work and really not run across these things is by using it and using it everyday . A old expenced user will tell you there is nothig they cant fix but to discover all those ways is alot of experimenting and useing of the program. there are so many in the industry that cannot use autocad or barely move around within it , luckily pdfs are there for a expeienced user to still share the end product with them. This also keep alive the new young tech people to be able to get an in and draw for the non computer litterate master engineers or architect who can draw it with a pencil but cannot get it in computer. Those masters engineers may know how to solve the real problem in the field or have the deepest understanding of the code and those people get the hardest problems in construction solved but still cannot document it. This software is the way a professional document is presented . no more hand drawn stuff , this is the type writer word processor for construction documents. Getting a job done now is about how fast you can do it and having a readible document is golden and if its not document correctly , you can talk big money in changes the at the builder will want bedcaus of your document wasnt drawn right or you miss something. Contractors love drawings missing stuff it opens the doors to having change orders and making money from the user of autocad maiking mistakes. > > It has been my carreer in making drawings for 26 years. I started not even knowing any more then CAD meant computer aided drafting. I worked for a old guy who didnt even know how to turn on a computer adn could hand draft in pencil it so well it was ready to submit . He taught me drafting and employed me cause if it wasnt in cad the industry was truingin away from hard copies , hand deliveries of those copyies and then teh copies of the revisions. It was a printers dream to have to make so many prints over and over and sets of 100 drwaings at a time . Bue printin used an amonia based machine to copy on to photopaper to make copies , This is where blueprints came from , that machine woudl turn the black in white into this blue paper and white lines , Yuk smelled so bad and was so slow to copy , was slower the then old mimgraphs schools used to sue , photocopying was so expensive at the sizes produced. So i was lucky to get such a master and was patient to show me what every squiggle he marked up was . I had to in a sense copy his hand drawing into autocad so that it used a very clean typed crisp look like a robot had drawn it . it mad consitatancy in teh plasn all produced adn all that time i was copying in his design and documents i was learning how to to do electrical design . I didnt go to any college for engineering , i had no degree . i was a simple tech computer guy that knew computers and i had played with almost every softward i coudl get my hands on . i was given alot of time to do these plans and paid very little it seemed , but it was at a computer and i was a gamer so i coudl be on a computer 20 or 24 hours a day and still be captivated by it . I could type and i coudl write in complete sentences/ I am now a master cad and a master electrical engineer and since title-24 energy fules came out ,i have taken a compete facisination with lighting adn lighting design of control systems and able to navigat the compliance of a energy required in every state and i work in los angels in which californias complaince method si far mor ecompicaed or years ahead of any other state. i ahve worked on goverment projects with the most of security clearnance, i have owrke on hospitals adn the oshpd codes and rules you must follow , you had to learn to be a doctor and all the machines they use and the way a doctor opersates his sewquences to design fo rthem. Generators and life safety emegnecy power . I have worked for school districts and the beauricaracy of standards they creatve . the finest and most important clients were with Disney and it seemed that the standards they used are what the industry has adopted in standards. Layers and colors and how the drawaing must look to meet there standards. I have worked in over 800 marriots and hilton and ever name brand hotel there is in everystate of this country. I did autocad in everyoen of the amazing projects i ahve worked on over the ears and without autocad adn the experienced i got from using it . i would have not had that opportunity . Its my carreer now adn autocad means i do not labor or tear up my back or calice my ahnds and i can probalby do this til i am 80 and still document . So my overall expeience with autocad was life changing adn life giving to a poor kid that coudl nto afford a unirversitiy and only got a asssociates degrees at a local college . But now i have learned to achieve anyhting i put my head to because autocad had so many ways to do everythign tha i embraced it and tried every command and differnt sequences. That what an engineer knwos, hwo to do stuff and in what order its done and why its done. By using this program it gave me the logic adn opened my mind to do things mythodically . So its not jsut a documentation software if you learn it and truly learn it . It can teach you a way of doing anyting in life and how to approach things so that you can succeed and produce . I love to do wood work and becuase i can plan things out in buidigns i loveto cut patterns and put jigs together and i see it in my ehad now becasue i have been paid to draw ithings for more than half my llife . all this and i was a late bloomer didnt even start this carret til i was 30 and at 56 now i still have time to design so much , i can do my job with my eyes closed sometimes , i do reputive apartment building right now since covid and all teh push toward housing problems her ein california . I have been seen drawing in autocad adn sleeping cause my mustcles knwo where those commands are adn inside my head i see what i genrate what it will look liek . So my overall expeience with this software has far exceeded what i expected ----- ### "AutoCAD– Mission Critical Software for Landscape Architects" — 5.0/5 > **Neil** | *9 December 2024* | Architecture & Planning | Recommendation rating: 10.0/10 > > **Pros**: AutoCAD simply gets the job done for us, it is mission critical software for our organisation and comes equipped with all the tools we need. > > **Cons**: AutoCAD is an outstanding software package, the only downside is that as a premium product it does come at a high price, however this can be paid by subscription to help spread the cost. > > AutoCAD is the industry standard software for our discipline, as an organisation we have invested in Autodesk products for over 20 years and simply couldn't work without it. AutoCAD gives us the ability to produce our plans and drawings to the required standard and enables us to conform to company standards easily and efficiently. We also utilise AutoCAD's scripting language to extend its functionality and further improve our workflows. ----- ### "Autocad review" — 3.0/5 > **Adam** | *12 June 2025* | Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Recommendation rating: 5.0/10 > > **Pros**: What i like most about autocad is that it is very easy to use once get used to it and know what around the program/functions. > > **Cons**: What I like least about autocad is that sometimes very large files with a lot of detail can lag and crash, or not open on computers that are not capable. > > My overall experience using autocad is very good and I will continue to use in my career for the foreseeable future. ----- ### "Essential for Electrical Engineering students, but still suffers from random crashes." — 4.0/5 > **Verified Reviewer** | *30 December 2025* | Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing | Recommendation rating: 7.0/10 > > **Pros**: The access to the Student License with my institutional email is a lifesaver. For my electrical engineering projects, the layer management is perfect for separating lighting circuits from the architectural floor plan. It is the absolute standard in Panama, so mastering it is necessary for my career. > > **Cons**: It has frustrating stability issues. Sometimes, even in simple files (like a small house plan), placing a single object/block causes the software to freeze indefinitely, forcing me to restart my entire PC. I also encounter a bug where I create a new object, but it simply doesn't appear on the screen, requiring me to do weird workarounds to make it usable. > > I use the Student Version for designing electrical systems and lighting layouts. While it is a powerful tool for precision drafting, the random freezes when inserting blocks can be very stressful when deadlines are close. However, being able to submit compatible .dwg files is essential for my university courses. ----- Page: 1 / 129\ Next: [Next page](https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/software/390127/autocad?page=2) ## Links - [View on SoftwareAdvice](https://www.softwareadvice.co.uk/software/390127/autocad) ## This page is available in the following languages | Locale | URL | | de | | | en | | | en-AU | | | en-GB | | | en-IE | | | en-NZ | | ----- ## Structured Data