AutoCAD

AutoCAD
Company type	Software
Industry	Computer-aided design (CAD)
Predecessor	Interact CAD (MicroCAD)
Founded	December 1982; 43 years ago
Founder	Autodesk
Area served	Worldwide
Products	AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD Mobile, AutoCAD Web
Owner	Autodesk
Parent	Autodesk
Website	www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software specializing in both 2D and 3D modeling, created by Autodesk. Its initial launch occurred in December 1982, targeting CP/M and IBM PC systems as a desktop application designed for microcomputers equipped with internal graphics hardware. Originally developed as a DOS-based program, subsequent editions extended compatibility to Classic Mac OS in 1992, Microsoft Windows in 1993, macOS and iOS in 2010, and Android in 2011.

This software is widely utilized across sectors such as architecture, engineering, interior decoration, graphic design, and urban planning for producing precise technical drawings. Since January 2016, Autodesk has ceased offering perpetual licenses; instead, commercial access is provided through subscription models or Autodesk Flex, a pay-per-use system introduced in September 2021. Subscriptions for the desktop version include availability of web and mobile applications, while AutoCAD Web App and AutoCAD Mobile can also be acquired separately via in-app purchases.

History

Prior to the development of AutoCAD, most CAD software operated on mainframe computers or minicomputers, with users interacting through individual graphics terminals.

Origins

The genesis of AutoCAD traces back to a program initiated in 1977 and launched in 1979 named Interact CAD, also referred to as MicroCAD in early Autodesk records. Michael Riddle developed this software before the establishment of Autodesk (then known as Marinchip Software Partners). Interact CAD laid the groundwork for the earliest versions of AutoCAD.

Autodesk unveiled its inaugural AutoCAD version at the 1982 Comdex event and released it that December, supporting CP/M-80 machines. As Autodesk’s premier offering, AutoCAD became the leading CAD application worldwide by March 1986. The first UNIX-compatible release was version 10 for Xenix in October 1989, while the first Windows edition appeared as Release 12 in February 1993.

Software interoperability

Various programs such as Autodesk Civil 3D and ESRI ArcMap 10 can export files in AutoCAD drawing format. Additionally, third-party file converter tools handle specific formats including Bentley MX GENIO Extension, PISTE Extension (France), ISYBAU (Germany), OKSTRA, and Microdrainage (UK). Although conversion from .pdf files is feasible, it may result in inaccuracies or distortions. Several providers offer complimentary online conversion services like Cometdocs.

Language support

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are distributed in numerous languages including English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Polish, and Hungarian via additional language packs. Localization efforts vary from comprehensive product translations to documentation only, with command sets also adapted to local languages.

Customization and extensions

AutoCAD accommodates multiple APIs enabling customization and automation: AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA, .NET, JavaScript, and ObjectARX. The ObjectARX C++ class library serves as the foundation for specialized versions such as AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D, along with third-party software solutions. A wide array of plugins can be accessed through Autodesk Exchange Apps. The DXF file format supported by AutoCAD facilitates import and export of drawing data.

Vertical integration

Autodesk provides specialized vertical solutions tailored to specific disciplines, including:

Advance Steel
AutoCAD Architecture
AutoCAD Electrical
AutoCAD Map 3D
AutoCAD Mechanical
AutoCAD MEP
AutoCAD Plant 3D
Autodesk Civil 3D

Starting with AutoCAD 2019, these industry-specific toolsets have been incorporated into the Industry-Specific Toolset subscription package.

For instance, AutoCAD Architecture enables architects to develop intelligent 3D components such as walls and doors that correspond to particular construction materials. This embedded information aids in tasks like cost estimation and material quantification, enhancing business processes. Additionally, it offers tools to automatically produce standard 2D drawings—including elevations and sections—derived from 3D models. Likewise, Civil Design software supports civil engineers by providing data-driven objects for engineering calculations.

The Softdesk Civil application began as an add-on for AutoCAD created by Softdesk (formerly DCA) in New Hampshire. Following Autodesk's acquisition of Softdesk, the product evolved into Land Development Desktop (LDD), later renamed Land Desktop. Eventually, Civil 3D was introduced, which replaced Land Desktop.

Platforms

Operating system		Latest release
Windows	10 October 2018 Update and newer	2026 (x64)
	10	2022 (x64)
	8.1	2021 (x64)
	8	2016 (IA-32,x64)
	7	2020 (x64)
	Versions 7, 8.1 and 10	2019 (IA-32)
	Vista	2012
	XP	2014 (IA-32,x64)
	2000	2008
	NT 4.0	2004 (IA-32)
	98 and Me	2002
	95	2000i
	NT 3.51	Release 14 (IA-32)
	3.1x, NT 3.5–3.51 (IA-32, Alpha)	Release 13
macOS	13 and newer	2026
	12	2025
	11	2024
	10.15	2023
	10.14	2022
	10.13	2021
	10.12	2019
	10.11	2018
	10.10	2017
	10.9	2016

File formats

The .dwg format serves as the primary file type for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional drawings. Although various CAD applications can generate .dwg files, only AutoCAD produces RealDWG files, with each new version of AutoCAD updating the drawing format version code.

AutoCAD also permits saving .dwg files in several derivative formats:

Drawing Template Files (.dwt): These templates are utilized to initiate new drawings with predefined settings such as measurement units and layer configurations. The default template files are acad.dwt for AutoCAD and acadlt.dwt for AutoCAD LT.
Drawing Standards File (.dws): This format supports enforcing graphical standards through the CAD Standards management feature.
Drawing Interchange Format (.dxf): An ASCII-based representation of .dwg, designed for transferring drawing data between different software programs.

AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT represents a more affordable, streamlined edition of AutoCAD, introduced in November 1993 to cater to novice CAD users. Initially priced at $495, it was Autodesk’s first offering below the $1,000 mark and was distributed through computer retailers as well as directly by Autodesk, differing from the full AutoCAD which required authorized resellers.

With the release of AutoCAD LT 2015, Autodesk launched a Desktop Subscription option beginning at $360 annually; by 2018, subscription pricing varied from $50 per month up to $1,170 for a three-year commitment. Starting with AutoCAD LT 2024, LISP customization capabilities were incorporated.

Distinctive features compared to the full AutoCAD include:

Absence of 3D modeling, visualization, rendering, and 3D printing functionalities.
Lack of network licensing—restricted to single-user installations.
Limited customization options: no compatibility with ARX, .NET, or VBA (although LISP support was added in 2024).
Missing management and automation tools such as Sheet Set Manager and Action Recorder.
No features for managing CAD standards.

AutoCAD Mobile and AutoCAD Web

AutoCAD Mobile and AutoCAD Web (previously known as AutoCAD WS and AutoCAD 360) are cloud-connected mobile and browser applications designed for viewing, editing, and sharing AutoCAD drawings. These platforms provide a limited subset of AutoCAD’s features with drawings stored online. Operating on a freemium basis, they offer a free tier alongside two paid subscription levels that differ in storage capacity, tool availability, and online access. Key functionalities include a "Smart Pen" mode and compatibility with third-party cloud services such as Dropbox. Transitioning from Flash technology, AutoCAD Web now runs on HTML5, ensuring compatibility with modern browsers like Firefox and Google Chrome.

Initially launched for the iPhone, AutoCAD WS expanded its reach to iPod Touch, iPad, Android smartphones, and tablets. Autodesk released the iOS version in September 2010 and followed with an Android edition in April 2011. The application is freely available on the App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android), and Amazon Appstore (Android).

Early releases supported fundamental drawing elements including basic shapes, text annotations, comments, color controls, layer management, and measurements in both portrait and landscape orientations. Version 1.3 introduced unit entry by typing, improved layer visibility toggling, area measurement tools, and file organization features. The Android version additionally supports voice input for text commands. Both platforms allow saving drawings either online or locally.

In 2011, Autodesk declared its intention to transition most of its software portfolio to cloud-based platforms starting with AutoCAD WS. The product was rebranded as AutoCAD 360 in 2013 before adopting the name AutoCAD Web App.

Student versions

Autodesk provides AutoCAD free of charge to students, educators, and academic institutions under a license renewable every 12 months. Licenses issued prior to March 25, 2020 were valid for three years but expired on March 24, 2020. Functionally identical to the commercial edition, the student version embeds an internal "educational flag" within DWG files created or modified using it. When printed using AutoCAD versions older than 2014 SP1 or newer than 2019, these files display an educational plot stamp along all edges. Use of files produced by the student version is prohibited for commercial purposes and importing them into certain commercial AutoCAD versions can impact those files.

External links