Autodesk AutoCAD

Version2023(as of 6/10/2022)
PlatformsWindows, Mac, iOS, Android, Web
LicenseCommercial
CategoryGraphics
Go to Website
Rating:3.6  |  154 Votes

Main Features

  • Ability to create 2D and 3D technical drawings
  • Layer-based editing tools that help users manage complex drawings
  • Industry-specific drawing toolsets and integrated automation
  • Rapidly send and receive feedback to incorporate into designs
  • Customizable workspace with add-ons
  • Cross-platform access and cloud file storage

Software Overview

Screenshot of Autodesk AutoCAD 2023
Screenshot of Autodesk AutoCAD 2023

Autodesk AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) application used to create technical drawings. Architects, engineers, and other construction and design professionals use AutoCAD to create 2D and 3D drawings of industrial parts, buildings, vehicles, furniture, and other items.

The program includes numerous features (some users might say too many) designed to help users create, edit, and distribute drawings. For example, the program's layer-based editing tools allow users to divide drawings into sections and edit those sections independently, making it easier to manipulate pieces of complex drawings. Specialized toolsets allow users to efficiently access the drawing tools their profession uses most, and AutoCAD's automations give users the ability to quickly compare drawings, count elements, create schedules, and more. Those who (somehow) think AutoCAD does not have enough features can also extend the program using custom extensions and AutoCAD's APIs.

AutoCAD is available across various platforms and devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and web (though the mobile and web versions provide fewer features). It also connects to Autodesk's cloud platform, allowing users to save and access drawings over the Internet. By default, AutoCAD saves users' drawings as .DWG files, but users can also export drawings to several other formats, including .PDF, .BMP, and .EPS. The program's availability, web integration, and ability to export drawings in multiple formats make it great for creating and sharing drawings in team-based environments, and is why people use it across roles in the construction industry.

Summary

While Autodesk AutoCAD's features can sometimes be overwhelming, the software is a truly comprehensive design application. Those who manage to overcome the program's high learning curve and price tag will be impressed by the technical drawings they can produce, as well as AutoCAD itself.

Primary File Type

dwg icon.DWGAutoCAD Drawing

Supported File Types

ExtensionFile Type
.DWGAutoCAD Drawing
.AC$AutoCAD Temporary File
.ADIAutoCAD Device-Independent Binary Plotter File
.ADTAutoCAD Audit Log
.ASCAutodesk ASCII Export File
.ASEAutodesk ASCII Scene Export File
.ASMPro/ENGINEER Assembly File
.BLKAutoCAD Block Template File
.BP2AutoCAD Batch Plot File
.BP3AutoCAD Batch Plot File
.BPLAutoCAD Batch Plot File
.CASAutodesk Cascade License File
.DAEDigital Asset Exchange File
.DFXDrafix CAD File
.DGNMicroStation Design
.DSTAutoCAD Sheet Set
.DWFXDesign Web Format XPS File
.DWL2AutoCAD Drawing Lock File
.DWSAutoCAD Drawing Standards File
.DWTAutoCAD Drawing Template
.DXBDrawing Exchange Binary
.DXEAutoCAD Data Extraction Template
.DXFDrawing Exchange Format File
.IAMInventor Assembly
.IFCIndustry Foundation Classes File
.IGESIGES Drawing
.IGSIGES Drawing
.IPTInventor Part
.MVIAutoCAD Movie Command File
.OBJWavefront 3D Object File
.PATAutoCAD Hatch Pattern File
.PLTAutoCAD Plotter Document
.PRJProject File
.PRTSolid Edge Part File
.RDLMicroStation Redline File
.RMLRedline Markup Language File
.SABACIS SAB Model
.SATACIS SAT 3D Model
.SCRScript File
.SDFSpatial Data Format File
.SHP3D Studio Shape
.SHXAutoCAD Compiled Shape File
.SLBAutoCAD Slide Library
.SLDAutoCAD Slide File
.SMBAutodesk Shape Manager Binary File
.SMTAutodesk Shape Manager Text File
.SQLITESQLite Database
.VLXCompiled AutoLISP File
.X_BParasolid Model Part File
.X_TParasolid Model Part File

Additional Related File Types

ExtensionFile Type
.3DMRhino 3D Model
.ACBAutoCAD Color Book File
.ACTMAutoCAD Action Macro File
.ARGAutoCAD Profile
.ARXAutoCAD Runtime Extension File
.ATCAutoCAD Tool Catalog File
.AWSAutoCAD Work Space File
.BAKBackup File
.BK1Autodesk Backup File
.BP2AutoCAD Batch Plot File
.BP3AutoCAD Batch Plot File
.BPLAutoCAD Batch Plot File
.CASAutodesk Cascade License File
.CATPARTCATIA V5 Part File
.CATPRODUCTCATIA V5 Assembly File
.CDCAutoCAD DesignCenter Preview Cache File
.CGMComputer Graphics Metafile
.CHXAutoCAD Standards Check File
.CTBAutoCAD Color-Based Plot Style File
.CUIAutodesk Custom Workspace File
.CUIXAutoCAD Custom User Interface File
.CUSAutoCAD Custom Dictionary File
.DAEDigital Asset Exchange File
.DBQAutoCAD Query Set
.DBXAutoCAD Database Extension File
.DCLAutoCAD Dialog Definition File
.DCTAutoCAD Dictionary File
.DSDAutoCAD Drawing Set Description File
.DXBDrawing Exchange Binary
.DXFDrawing Exchange Format File
.DXXAutoCAD Drawing Interchange Attribute File
.ERRAutoCAD Error Log File
.EZCAutoCAD Ecscad Components Backup File
.EZPAutoCAD Ecscad Project Backup File
.FASCompiled Fast-Load AutoLISP File
.FBXAutodesk FBX Interchange File
.FDCAutoCAD Field Catalog File
.FMPAutoCAD Font Map File
.HDXDelphi MultiHelp Index File
.HPGHPGL Plot File
.LINAutoCAD Linetype File
.LSPLisp Program Source Code File
.MNCAutoCAD Compiled Menu File
.MNLAutoCAD Menu LISP File
.MNRAutoCAD Menu Resource File
.MNSAutoCAD Interface Settings File
.MNUAutoCAD Interface Layout File
.MVIAutoCAD Movie Command File
.NEUPro/ENGINEER Neutral File
.PC3AutoCAD Plotter Configuration File
.PFBPrinter Font Binary File
.PGPAutoCAD Program Parameters File
.PLTAutoCAD Plotter Document
.PMPAutoCAD Plot Model Parameter File
.PSFAutoCAD PostScript Patterns File
.PSSAutoCAD Plot Stamp Settings File
.PTWAutoCAD Publish To Web File
.PWTAutoCAD Publish To Web Template
.RMLRedline Markup Language File
.SDFSpatial Data Format File
.SLDASMSolidWorks Assembly
.STBAutoCAD Plot Style Table File
.SV$AutoCAD Automated Backup File
.UNTAutoCAD Unit Definition File
.VLXCompiled AutoLISP File
.WMFWindows Metafile
.XTPAutoCAD Exported Tool Palettes File
Updated 6/10/2022