Download Autodesk AutoCAD for Windows 7/10 | CAD Software

Our Review

Takes a long time to install

Well, downloading and installing this tool takes you one step closer to actually using it. However, you should be aware that the installation process can take quite a while. And it’s perfectly understandable, considering how many features AutoCAD comprises.

However, despite the setup’s long unfolding time, the process is nothing short of user-friendly. Once you’re done with the setup, you can launch the app directly from the installer menu.

Nice and easy on the outside

Once you’re facing AutoCAD’s main window, you might feel like looking at an office-like drawing app. However, once you start browsing some of its features you’ll realize how wrong you were. Although AutoCAD doesn’t showcase all of its key features from the start, it organizes them well within its structure.

This tool can help you generate 2D and 3D objects on your computer in a precise, effective manner. For instance, you can create objects by helping yourself to basic geometric shapes, but free drawing is also an option. You can snap elements one to another as well by enabling AutoCAD’s grid feature.

Advanced tools for advanced users

As we’ve emphasized at the beginning of the review, AutoCAD was specially designed for professionals. This tool includes several features that can help architects, mechanics, electrical engineers, plumbers, and even landscapers manage their projects effectively.

For instance, you can use AutoCAD to automate elevations, floor plans, and sections, draw ducting, piping or circuitry, as well as generate annotations, schedules, lists, layers, or tables automatically.

Can export to several formats

AutoCAD is not the most lightweight program we can think of; as a matter of fact, it’s pretty much the opposite. However, instead of forcing you to take it everywhere with you, it lets you boost your projects’ accessibility. Thus, you can convert projects to a wide variety of formats.

For example, you can save your project as one or multiple images, PDF, or FBX files. More so, you can print it straight from the program, sent it via email, or sent it to a 3D printer.

FAQ: Learn more about Autodesk AutoCAD

• Is there a free version of AutoCAD?

AutoCAD’s full version is definitely not free, but there are some options you could consider.

For instance, you can try AutoCAD for free for 30 days before deciding if you want to buy it. If you’re an educator or a student you can receive a free 3-year version of AutoCAD under an educational license.

Then there’s always the slimmed-down version of AutoCAD called AutoCAD LT, which is cheaper. However, you should be aware that AutoCAD LT doesn’t support 3D visualization and modeling.

• How long does it take to learn AutoCAD?

As we’ve said above, the learning curve is a bit steep, so it depends on how ambitious you feel.

However, the most popular opinion is that AutoCAD is not hard to learn if you take it one step at a time. If you’re self-taught, the process might take longer than, say, if you were guided by a teacher.

However, once you get the hang of it, you can start creating pretty amazing projects, even as a beginner. So the answer would be that learning AutoCAD can take between a few months and a lifetime if you’re really passionate about it.