AutoCAD vs SOLIDWORKS

by Gralio Feb 27, 2025

AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS cater to different design needs. AutoCAD shines in 2D drafting and DWG compatibility, while SOLIDWORKS is a superior choice for advanced 3D modeling and simulation. Choose AutoCAD for architecture, engineering, and construction projects requiring precise 2D drawings. Opt for SOLIDWORKS if your focus is on product design, manufacturing, and complex 3D simulations.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 4423 reviews and 60 websites, saving 1 day, 1 hour, 4 minutes of reading.

AutoCAD

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SOLIDWORKS

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About

AutoCAD is a design and drafting software to create 2D and 3D models. It offers industry-specific tools for fields like architecture and manufacturing. AutoCAD stands out with its web and mobile apps, enabling work from anywhere. It promises increased productivity through specialized features and a familiar interface.

SOLIDWORKS is a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software primarily used by engineers and designers. It offers a range of tools for 3D modeling, design validation, and product data management. SOLIDWORKS is known for its user-friendliness and caters to various industries, with a strong focus on manufacturing. It helps businesses design better products faster by streamlining the design process and improving collaboration.

Summary

Main difference

AutoCAD is a robust 2D drafting software with good 3D capabilities, ideal for businesses needing precise 2D drawings and seamless DWG file compatibility, especially in architecture and construction. SOLIDWORKS excels in 3D modeling and simulation, making it better suited for product design and manufacturing where complex 3D designs and simulations are critical.

Relative strengths of AutoCAD (compared to SOLIDWORKS)

Strong 2D drafting capabilities and a user-friendly interface for 2D design.
Seamless DWG file compatibility, ensuring smooth collaboration with other AutoCAD users and easy data exchange.
Industry-specific tools tailored for architecture, engineering, and construction, enhancing productivity in those sectors.

Relative weaknesses of AutoCAD (compared to SOLIDWORKS)

Limited 3D modeling capabilities compared to SOLIDWORKS, which offers a more comprehensive suite of 3D design tools.
Performance issues can occur with large files and complex 3D models, potentially hindering productivity.
High cost of licensing, which might be a barrier for smaller businesses or individual users.

Who should use AutoCAD VS. SOLIDWORKS

AutoCAD is a robust 2D and 3D design and drafting software praised for its intuitive interface and extensive customization options. Users appreciate the readily available resources and industry-standard compatibility. However, some experience performance issues and find the cost high. Best suited for professionals needing precise drawing tools and flexible access via web and mobile apps.

SOLIDWORKS is user-friendly CAD software ideal for engineers, designers, manufacturers, and product developers. It excels at 3D modeling, 2D drawing, and boasts a range of add-ons for simulation and rendering. Users praise its intuitive interface and extensive features, but some note performance issues with large assemblies and a steep learning curve for advanced features.

Best for medium to large businesses (100+ employees).
Ideal for Manufacturing, Real Estate & Construction, and Media & Entertainment.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
Best fit for Manufacturing, Automotive, Aerospace & Defence, and Consumer Goods.

AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Drafting

Supported

AutoCAD allows creation of 2D drawings from 3D models using various built-in tools.

Supported

SOLIDWORKS supports creating 2D drawings from 3D models, including section views and annotations.
Dimensioning

Supported

AutoCAD supports manual and automatic dimensioning tools for 2D drawings.

Supported

SOLIDWORKS supports automatic and manual dimensioning tools for 2D drawings.
DWG support

Supported

AutoCAD fully supports importing and exporting DWG files.

Supported

SOLIDWORKS supports importing and exporting DWG files.
2D Sketching

Supported

AutoCAD supports 2D sketching for defining part geometry.

Supported

SOLIDWORKS allows creating 2D sketches for defining part geometry.
DWG import

Supported

AutoCAD natively uses DWG files, so importing them is supported.

Supported

SOLIDWORKS supports importing DWG files using the DXF/DWG Import Wizard.
Design review tools

Partially supported

AutoCAD supports design review via Autodesk Design Review.

Partially supported

Design review is supported via the 3DEXPERIENCE platform integration.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

No data

-0.78

Strongly negative sentiment
Customer Service

No data

+0.6

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Use

No data

+0.68

Rather positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

No data

-0.54

Rather negative sentiment
Ease of Implementation

No data

+0.17

Neutral sentiment
Scalability

No data

-0.54

Rather negative sentiment

AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS Pricing

No data

See full Pricing page

No data

User sentiment

Strongly negative

-0.78

We couldn't find a pricing page for SOLIDWORKS.

AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS review insights

546 reviews analysed from

Users love

Intuitive and user-friendly interface for 2D drafting, praised for its ease of use and familiar commands.
Extensive customization options, including custom commands, shortcuts, and workspaces.
Widely used and recognized as an industry standard, ensuring compatibility and collaboration.
Vast online resources, tutorials, and a large user community provide ample support.
Precise and accurate drawing tools, essential for detailed technical drawings and plans.

User-friendly interface, easy to learn and use
Extensive features and customization options
Strong 3D modeling and 2D drawing capabilities
Wide range of add-ons and plugins for simulation, rendering, etc.
Large and active user community and readily available resources

Users dislike

Performance issues, slowdowns, and crashes are frequently reported, especially with larger files and 3D modeling.
High cost of licensing and subscription model is a major concern for individuals and small businesses.
3D modeling capabilities are considered limited compared to dedicated 3D software.
Steep learning curve and complex interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
Limited file format compatibility and occasional issues with importing/exporting files.

Performance issues and crashes, especially with large assemblies
Steep learning curve for advanced features, such as surfacing
High cost and subscription model, prohibitive for some users
Difficulty with file compatibility between versions
Limited capabilities for certain tasks like mesh and curve modeling

AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS Ratings

G2

4.4/5

(1446)
Capterra

4.7/5

(2449)
Glassdoor

4.3/5

(4861)

G2

4.4/5

(559)

Company health

Employee growth

3% increase in the last year

No data

Web traffic

2% increase in the last quarter

No data

Financing

May 2020 - $0

No data

How do AutoCAD's mobile apps compare to SOLIDWORKS' accessibility?

AutoCAD offers web and mobile apps, enabling users to work on designs from anywhere with an internet connection. SOLIDWORKS does not have the same level of mobile accessibility, relying primarily on desktop applications. While SOLIDWORKS offers eDrawings for viewing models on mobile, it doesn't provide the same design and editing capabilities as AutoCAD's mobile apps.

Which product better integrates with existing manufacturing workflows?

SOLIDWORKS better integrates with existing manufacturing workflows. Its explicit focus on manufacturing, including features like machining simulation and strong 3D modeling capabilities tailored for product design, makes it more suitable for this purpose compared to AutoCAD, which has a broader focus encompassing architecture and general design. SOLIDWORKS' ideal customer profile also centers around manufacturing, further reinforcing its specialization in this area.

What are the advantages of AutoCAD?

AutoCAD's advantages include its industry-specific toolsets for fields like architecture and manufacturing, allowing for specialized workflows. The web and mobile apps extend access and enable work from anywhere, increasing flexibility. A familiar interface and established industry standard status contribute to ease of use and collaboration, while extensive online resources and a large user community offer ample support.

What are the disadvantages of AutoCAD?

AutoCAD users report performance issues, especially with large files and complex 3D models, leading to slowdowns and crashes. The software also has a high cost, particularly impacting individuals and small businesses. While capable, AutoCAD's 3D modeling tools are considered less powerful than those found in dedicated 3D modeling software. Finally, some users find the software difficult to learn initially, citing a steep learning curve and a complex interface.

Alternatives to AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS

BricsCAD

BricsCAD is a cost-effective computer-aided design (CAD) software that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and building information modeling (BIM). BricsCAD aims to be familiar to users of other CAD software, enabling a quick transition. It boasts innovative features like machine learning to improve drawing accuracy and efficiency. BricsCAD offers both permanent and subscription licensing options to fit various needs and budgets.

SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that's easy to use, yet powerful enough for professionals in architecture, interior design, and construction. Visualize projects of any size, create detailed 2D drawings from your models, and share your vision with colleagues and clients through presentations and immersive visuals. SketchUp is known for its intuitive interface and is used by individuals and companies worldwide, from small design studios to large architectural firms.

PIPEPHASE

PIPEPHASE is a software used by oil and gas companies to simulate the flow of oil and gas through pipelines. It helps companies design, plan, and optimize their pipeline systems. PIPEPHASE allows companies to model different scenarios, like changing production rates or pipeline diameters, to see how it impacts efficiency and profitability. This helps companies make informed decisions about their pipeline operations, leading to improved performance and reduced costs.

Inventor

Inventor is a 3D design software for professionals who need to create, simulate, and document mechanical designs. It's used across various industries by engineers and designers to build a digital prototype before physical production. Inventor helps reduce development costs and speed up time to market by letting you test form, fit, and function virtually. It offers powerful tools for 3D modeling, including standard 2D drawings, and can be integrated with existing design data.

Onshape

Onshape is a cloud-based design platform for creating and managing product designs. It combines powerful 3D modeling tools with built-in collaboration and version control features. This means your design team can work together in real-time, from any location, without worrying about file compatibility or data loss. Onshape aims to speed up the design process, improve collaboration, and eliminate the headaches of traditional design software.

XTEN-AV

XTEN-AV is a cloud-based software designed for the audiovisual industry. It helps businesses create professional AV designs and proposals with tools like automated drawing generation, a library of over 1.5 million AV products, and proposal templates. XTEN-AV offers collaboration features, integrations with popular business applications, and a virtual reality platform to visualize room designs. Pricing is tiered based on user count and feature access.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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