What it is
AutoCAD is software for precise 2D and 3D drafting, design, and modeling. Its primary file format is DWG, and it also supports DXF and PDF underlays. Seven specialized toolsets cover architecture, mechanical, MEP, electrical, plant, mapping, and raster design. Teams can share DWG files, work in parallel, and make multi-user markups. AI features include help with markups, block replacement suggestions, and contextual productivity tips. Standalone subscriptions include Forma Data Management Essentials. AutoCAD is available on Windows, macOS, web, iOS, and Android; subscriptions include web and mobile access. Each subscription is assigned to one named user and can be installed on up to three devices, with use on one device at a time. Pricing starts at $175 a month; listed options are $260 a month or $2,095 a year. A 15-day trial is available. Eligible students and educators can receive renewable one-year access while eligible. Annual and multi-year subscriptions have a 30-day return period; monthly subscriptions have a 15-day return period.
Who it suits. AutoCAD suits people who need detailed 2D or 3D design and modeling, including users working across its specialized industry toolsets. Its shared DWG files and multi-user markups can support teams working in parallel.
Good
- Precise 2D and 3D drafting, design, and modeling
- Seven specialized industry toolsets
- Shared DWG files and multi-user markups
- Web and mobile access included with subscriptions
- Available for Windows, macOS, web, iOS, and Android
Watch for
- No free plan
- Monthly subscription costs $260 a month
- One named user per subscription
- Use is limited to one device at a time
Verdict
AutoCAD combines 2D and 3D work with specialized toolsets and collaboration features. Check the subscription terms and price against your needs, particularly the named-user and one-device-at-a-time limits.
Plans and prices
| Plan | Price | Billed |
|---|---|---|
| AutoCAD Monthly | — | — |
| AutoCAD Monthly | — | — |
| AutoCAD Annual | — | — |
| AutoCAD Annual | — | — |
| AutoCAD 3-Year | — | — |
| AutoCAD 3-Year | — | — |
| Monthly subscription | $260 a month | billed monthly; AutoCAD subscription |
| Annual subscription | $2,095 a year | pay annually; 1 user |
From AutoCAD's own pricing page, checked 20 Sept 2026. Every plan
What the maker publishes
- AI capabilities
- Markup assistance, block replacement suggestions, and contextual productivity tips source
- Annual price
- $2,095 per year source
- Collaboration features
- Shared DWG files, parallel work, and multi-user markups source
- Data management
- Forma Data Management Essentials is included with standalone AutoCAD subscriptions source
- Design capabilities
- Precise 2D and 3D drafting, design, and modeling source
- Device installation
- Up to three devices, with use on one device at a time source
- Primary file format
- DWG source
- Founded
- 1982 source
- Free education
- One-year renewable access for eligible students and educators source
- Free plan
- No source
- Headquarters
- San Francisco, California source
- Mobile systems
- iOS, Android, and Windows source
- Monthly price
- $260 per month source
- Refund policy
- 30-day return for annual and multi-year subscriptions; 15-day return for monthly subscriptions source
- Seat access
- Each subscription is assigned to one named user source
- Starting price
- Starting at $175 per month source
- Previous versions
- Current version plus three previous versions source
- Support availability
- 24x7 online support options and resources source
Review
Overview
AutoCAD is computer-aided design software for precise 2D drafting and 3D design and modeling. Its primary file format is DWG, and subscriptions include access to AutoCAD on the web and mobile as well as the desktop software. For a construction project, that combination can support drawing work across devices, while shared DWG files, parallel work, and multi-user markups provide ways for teams to coordinate around drawings.
AutoCAD is made by Autodesk, a company founded in 1982 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The product is paid, with a free trial and education access available under separate eligibility terms. It also includes AI capabilities for markup assistance, block replacement suggestions, and contextual productivity tips.
Readers comparing options can browse our CAD software and architecture software lists. AutoCAD also offers specialized toolsets for architecture, mechanical, MEP, electrical, plant, mapping, and raster design, which may be relevant to different kinds of building and design work.
Key features
- 2D and 3D design: AutoCAD supports precise drafting, design, and modeling in two and three dimensions.
- Specialized toolsets: Seven industry toolsets cover architecture, mechanical, MEP, electrical, plant, mapping, and raster design.
- Team drawing work: Shared DWG files, parallel work, and multi-user markups support collaboration.
- Web and mobile access: Every subscription includes AutoCAD on the web and mobile. Supported mobile systems are iOS, Android, and Windows.
- Data management: Forma Data Management Essentials is included with standalone AutoCAD subscriptions.
- AI assistance: Available capabilities include markup assistance, block replacement suggestions, and contextual productivity tips.
- Version and device access: A subscription provides the current version and three previous versions. Installation is allowed on up to three devices, with use on one device at a time; each subscription is assigned to one named user.
- Support: Online support options and resources are available 24x7.
Pricing
AutoCAD is a paid product, with prices listed in both monthly and annual terms. The listed starting price is $175 a month. Specific subscription prices are $260 a month for monthly billing and $2,095 a year when paid annually. A three-year subscription costs $6,285 a year, paid annually for a three-year term for one user.
Plan names also include AutoCAD Monthly, AutoCAD Annual, and AutoCAD 3-Year, each listed for one user without a separate price. Education access is free for eligible students and educators for one year, with renewable access while eligibility continues. The free trial lasts 15 days. Annual and multi-year subscriptions have a 30-day return period; monthly subscriptions have a 15-day return period.
Platforms
AutoCAD is available for Windows and macOS, as well as on the web and on iOS, Android, and Windows mobile. Every subscription includes web and mobile access. The listed primary file format is DWG.
Who it's for
AutoCAD may suit homeowners who need precise drawings for a build or renovation, and contractors who prepare or coordinate design documents. Its architecture toolset is relevant to architectural work, while its mechanical, MEP, electrical, plant, mapping, and raster toolsets address other specialized design needs. The shared-file and markup features may also be useful when multiple people contribute to or review drawings.
For electrical-focused work, see our electrical design software list. The software's breadth of capabilities is most relevant when a project calls for detailed 2D or 3D drafting and a DWG-based workflow; the available facts do not specify which individual toolset is best for a particular residential project.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Supports both precise 2D drafting and 3D modeling.
- Includes web and mobile access with every subscription.
- Offers seven specialized industry toolsets and collaboration features for shared DWG work.
- Includes Forma Data Management Essentials with standalone subscriptions.
- Offers a 15-day trial and renewable one-year education access for eligible users.
Cons
- It is a paid product, and the listed monthly subscription is $260 a month.
- Each subscription is assigned to one named user and can be used on only one device at a time.
- Education access is limited to eligible students and educators.
Alternatives
For other design tools, compare DraftSight, nanoCAD, CMS IntelliCAD, and ARES Commander. For alternatives oriented toward 3D and engineering design, consider Autodesk Inventor, SOLIDWORKS, Creo, and Rhino 3D.
Verdict
AutoCAD combines 2D drafting and 3D modeling with web and mobile access, DWG-based collaboration, and specialized toolsets spanning architecture and several technical fields. Its capabilities make it relevant to residential design and construction workflows that require detailed drawings, but the subscription price and single-user assignment are important practical considerations. A 15-day trial offers a short way to assess whether the software fits the work, while eligible students and educators can use renewable one-year education access.