There are so many different options out there to choose from when deciding to purchase CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. The price of the software will always be one of the main factors in whether customers purchase the product or not. However, understanding the sometimes complicated pricing structures of CAD programs is not always easy. Sometimes it can be hard to find out what the program actually costs.
Fear not, we will take you through why AutoCAD is such a great option for you and how much it will cost you!
Best AutoCAD Features
AutoCAD is used in many different situations and for a vast number of applications. It is extremely accurate in its 2D drafting, its model combines production and design drafting together and this allows changes in a design to be made at any stage in the project.
This flexibility in the design process results in less errors and mistakes following through to the production and manufacture stage of the project.
AutoCAD has a user-friendly interface that allows the user to become familiar with the software quickly and easily. It also supports documentation tools that increase productivity and aids the designer’s workflow.
It is very easy to transfer files when AutoCAD is used on a project. Its files can be shared with multiple professionals working on a project at the same time, and this is not an easy task when some project files can be quite large. It has a streamlined process of uploading the project to the internet and sharing it to the required people.
AutoCAD uses a layering technology that allows users to create drawings that have components on various layers that can be hidden or shown at different times to communicate the design in different ways. This helps to break down complicated projects into blocks that can be examined and analyzed with ease.
Users can perform a number of calculations directly in AutoCAD to again speed up the design process and save time and money. Area, Center of Gravity, Mass and Volume are just some of the calculations that can be performed within AutoCAD.
The import and export of files is made easy through AutoCAD. It supports files from a wide range of programs and tools like AutoCAD WS, Autodesk 360, DWG Convert and much more. PRESSPULL is also supported through AutoCAD which enables users to create solids, surfaces and curves with ease. These meshes can then be easily manipulated to the users requirements. Designers can then use this to create 3D Frameworks of designs with AutoCAD’s 3D printing capabilities.
AutoCAD uses a number of commands that allow designers to create drawings and parts. Commands like Hatch, Fill, Chamfer and Fillet can edit the drawing immediately in ways that are impossible to do in manual drafting.
Manufacturing data is also available in AutoCAD, such as the designation of certain materials that are needed for each part/component, annotating dimensions, and the generation of manufacturing drawings.
You can read more about AutoCAD here:
- Top 5 AutoCAD Features
- AutoCAD: What’s New for 2021
- AutoCAD vs. SolidWorks. What is the difference? Which is easier to learn?
Pros and Cons of the Subscription Model
In the past, CAD software manufacturers offered perpetual licenses, which meant that when a license was purchased, the user retained the license forever. Recently, the whole CAD software industry has shifted away from perpetual licenses, and towards subscription-based packages, providing users with access to the product over a specified period of time. Autodesk in particular stopped selling perpetual licenses for AutoCAD and its other products on August 1st, 2016.
The disadvantages
When compared to the perpetual licensing method, the disadvantages of the subscription licencing model can be easily seen. The main “con” to the subscription model is that the customer has to repeatedly pay for the program every month, year, or three years, depending on what subscription length they choose. If the subscription fees are not paid, the customer loses access to the program and in turn will not be able to view, edit or use the files that they were working on in any way.
The advantages
Believe it or not, there are actually upsides to the subscription model. One great thing about it is that the users get the new updates for AutoCAD as soon as they come out. They will get access to the very latest features, whereas if a user had bought a perpetual license previously, they would not have the most up-to-date features, and could worry they are missing out on some functionalities that could make their life a lot easier and their workflow more streamlined.
Furthermore, if an individual or business had previously paid for every new AutoCAD perpetual license in order to stay up-to-date, the subscription model can actually save them money, and they will always receive maintenance and support from the Autodesk team.
Also, if you are not yet sure AutoCAD is for you long-term, you can subscribe for 1 month and see it the fit is right. No huge outlay required!
What Does AutoCAD Cost?
The subscription-based model that is now adopted meant that users now had several options for pricing, instead of one, depending on what length of time they needed the software for. These subscriptions were then intended to be rolled over whenever the user reached the end of their term. The current options at the time of writing (December 2020) for AutoCAD are as follows:
| US | UK | |
| 1 Month: | $210 | £234 |
| 1 Year: | $1,690 ($141 per month) | £1,890 (£157 per month) |
| 3 Years: | $4,565 ($127 per month) | £5,106 (£141 per month) |
| Check out the latest prices and offers: | AutoCAD US | AutoCAD UK |
| Free trial |
AutoCAD Free Trial US | AutoCAD Free Trial UK |
Source: Autodesk. US prices do not include tax. The tax is calculated at checkout. UK prices include estimated VAT for a stand-alone single-user license.
Are There Discounts Available for AutoCAD?
If a company has several employees that all use AutoCAD, they will not need to fork out thousands for an individual license for each of the employees. There are multi-user licenses available for AutoCAD, and they offer these types of businesses great discounts on the software. This allows for a seamless transition from office computer to personal computers in order for employees to work from home.
Other discounts that are available for AutoCAD include; buying AutoCAD alongside other Autodesk Products, AutoCAD can be free if you are a student or working in education, and those who possess perpetual licenses can get a 15% discount off of one or three year subscriptions.
So there you have it, a comprehensive look at AutoCAD and its latest pricing options. Please let us know if you have anything to add or if you have had any interesting experiences with the program. We would love to read them in the comments below! Thanks for reading!
