AutoCAD
What Is AutoCAD?
CAD software 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.
Who Uses AutoCAD?
Architects, designers, engineers, project managers, real estate developers, students, construction professionals who want to create precise 2D and 3D drawings.
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Reviews of AutoCAD
Mohammad
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AutoCAD remains the uncontested drafting software for my daily civil & architectural demands.
Comments: For a while now, AutoCAD has been my go-to CAD utility thanks to its rich features & undisputed performance. The software has a neat interface for easily navigating through the variety of plotting tools & organized tabs for all drafting purposes. it's hard not to recommend this software to anyone who's looking for a flawless CAD experience.
Pros:
Since college, I've been regularly using AutoCAD to design 2D schematics in various course projects & till this day, the software has never failed me in fulfilling my work. The user interface is sleek & the plethora of features & compatibility to complement the fantastic user experience. More specifically, whenever I'm working a schematic that contains multiple layers (civil, electrical, HVAC, etc.), I'm easily able to lock or freeze other layers while working on a specific layer. This has countlessly averted me unintentional alterations of layers that I weren't supposed to modify.
Cons:
Since updating to version 2023.1, I've noticed an increase in CPU usage on my Athlon 200GE desktop which occasionally led to audible inconvenience from the desktop fans revving at full speed. I hope a future update could resolve this minor annoyance. A great piece of software nonetheless.
Verified Reviewer
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Exploring AutoCad : A Comprehensive Review of the Industry-Leading Design Software
Comments: Overall, my experience with AutoCAD has been highly positive. The software's robust capabilities and precise design tools have allowed me to create intricate and accurate drawings for various projects. I appreciate the extensive features and customization options available, enabling me to tailor the software to my specific needs. The seamless collaboration features have also been invaluable in working with team members and stakeholders. While there is a learning curve for beginners, the dedication and practice invested are rewarded with increased proficiency and productivity.
Pros:
AutoCAD's precision and versatility make it an exceptional design tool. Its extensive features, intuitive interface, and seamless collaboration capabilities enable users to create intricate and accurate designs for various industries with ease.
Cons:
It can take time to grasp the software's intricate commands and workflows, requiring dedication and practice to become proficient.
Arlex
Autocad, it was my design school.
Comments: With autocad I learned to design with a computer, I learned to model, I learned CAD, it was my initial school.
Pros:
Working in AutoCAD is much easier than working on paper. We saved a lot of time and it's much simpler than that. Doing it by hand can be tedious and we also have to consider our prolixity when it comes to doing it on a sheet. As Autodesk is launching new versions, they do not change much with respect to the previous ones so that the user does not have to update to something completely unknown. The latest versions are very similar, except that they add new small functions. The configuration to print a drawing in AutoCAD in different formats is very easy. There are many formats included and we can adjust colors, margins, layers, among many other aspects. AutoCAD has been linked to multiple platforms, with the benefit of being able to export and import files of all kinds. For example, we can bring an image or a block to the software, among other applications.
Cons:
The main disadvantage is the high cost of the program, since the license costs a few dollars. Knowing how to use the software fully requires a lot of time since there are many functions that are not so well known, and even that they are of little application, since they are very specific. It requires a very powerful computer to work with the latest versions (especially in 3D). At least 2GB of RAM, 2GHz processing speed, and a space greater than 100GB on the hard drive. If we make an object in 3D, with many details, brightness settings, brightness, details of materials, for the best commercial computer we have, it usually slows down a lot. There are better software to make 3D drawings that are more sophisticated, with more functions and that do not slow down so much when working with a very heavy file.
Javauny
AutoCAD is one of the best drawing softwares despite its few shortcomings.
Comments: A smooth, fun and continuous learning curve. The capabilities are only limited by your own imagination.
Pros:
AutoCAD is widely used and easy to learn. It offers a wide range of functions and extensive options for customization for personal and indiviual use. The tools are easily accesible through a search bar and are given basic names in most cases.
Cons:
The license can be costly for low end businesses and it may take some creativity and innovation to accomplish a certain end desire when 3D modelling.
Hlengiwe
Powerful TD Software
Comments: Very satisfied with AutoCAD. Love the automation features it offers.
Pros:
It enables employees and friends to work on the same project concurrently, which in return enhances teamwork and communication. It is practically a limitless digital TD software. It is comparatively simple to keep everything tidy after you get a handle on the most fundamental equipment.
Cons:
Very high CPU usage. First time users do need some training, need at least some tutorials.
