AutoCAD: 2D and 3D CAD software trusted by millions to draft, engineer, and automate designs anywhere, anytime

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:

Design and annotate 2D geometry and 3D models with solids, surfaces, and mesh objects

Automate tasks such as comparing drawings, counting objects, adding blocks, creating schedules, and more

Create a customized workspace to maximize productivity with add-on apps and APIs

See system requirements

See what's new in AutoCAD 2023

AutoCAD 2023 overview video (1:36 min.)

3d rendering of airplane motor in AutoCAD

Create your designs in 2D or 3D

Quickly access your favorite and recently used blocks

AutoCAD screenshot displaying collaboration tools

Share drawings with colleagues quickly and securely

Add feedback without altering the original drawing

Screenshot of sharing functionalities in AutoCAD

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 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 seven included toolsets

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

What you can do with AutoCAD software

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.

See AutoCAD features

Drawing of an office plan in the AutoCAD web app

Work anywhere with Autodesk apps for web and mobile

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.

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.

Visit Autodesk app store

“I can use AutoCAD for everything—from building design to the interior and final touches.”

—Danielle Golden, Founder, Studio GLDN

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“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

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“For anyone thinking about moving from AutoCAD LT and using the toolsets with AutoCAD, just do it.”

—David Slusser, Project Manager, Martz Technologies

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AutoCAD Software Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is AutoCAD used for?

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

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 (US Site) 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.