AutoCAD

Autodesk's subscription CAD program for 2D drafting and 3D design on Windows and Mac.

Our verdict

AutoCAD suits professionals and firms that need DWG-centred drafting and the industry toolsets, and can pay a subscription. Skip it if you only draw occasionally or need to run on Linux; look at a free tool first.

What it does well

Desktop versions for both Windows and macOS
Specialized toolsets for Architecture, Electrical, MEP and Plant 3D
Cheaper AutoCAD LT edition covers 2D drafting only

Where it falls short

Subscription only, no free plan
No Linux version
Specialized toolsets run on Windows only

AutoCAD is Autodesk's computer-aided design software for 2D drafting and 3D modelling. It is sold as a subscription, and Autodesk's product pages list a free trial rather than a free plan.

Autodesk's system requirements for AutoCAD 2026 list 64-bit Windows 11 and Windows 10, and macOS Tahoe 26, Sequoia 15, Sonoma 14 and Ventura 13. Specialized toolsets such as Electrical, Architecture, MEP, Plant 3D, Mechanical and Map 3D are listed for Windows only.

Pricing is by subscription term (monthly, annual or multi-year) and varies by region. Autodesk's pricing pages blocked automated access, so the exact price is not recorded here; check the Autodesk buy page for the current figure.

AutoCAD compared

AutoCAD vs FreeCAD

Open source alternatives to AutoCAD

Free to use, with code anyone can inspect.

FreeCAD
Free, open-source parametric 3D modeller for Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Free
- Open source
Try FreeCAD (opens the FreeCAD website in a new tab)Read our take
CADCraft
Free, open-source CAD and drafting app, a clean-room take on Autodesk AutoCAD.
- Free
- Open source
Try CADCraft (opens the CADCraft website in a new tab)Read our take

Last updated 16 October 2026. Facts checked against the official site on 16 October 2026. How we make money