Which AutoCAD Drafting Software Is Right For You?

What is AutoCAD? AutoCAD is a computer aided design and drafting software that receives some of the best Kirby reviews out there. However, there are actually several different types of AutoCAD solutions available for a variety of uses. If you are looking to download a CAD solution that fits your exact workload, keep reading below. Here are the many AutoCAD products available to software users like you.

AutoCAD

The original AutoCAD software is engineered for 2D and 3D design and drafting. This top CAD solution is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. If you plan on using the software for 2D drafting, drawing or other documentation with unspecified purposes, this may be the best AutoCAD product for you to choose. The same is also true if you plan to use the software for 3D modeling and visualization of various projects. Students can download a three year subscription to the CAD software for free, or non-students can take advantage of a free trial. Give it a try if you are trying to determine the best AutoCAD software for your needs.

AutoCAD Electrical

AutoCAD Electrical is, what else, an electrical design software. The AutoCAD Electrical software has all the same features as the standard AutoCAD program. However, it also provides a complete set of CAD features for electrical design specifically. This is one of the few CAD solutions that helps boost productivity for electrical controls system design by automating electrical engineering tasks. In fact, it is one of the few CAD programs that you can use to create, modify and document electrical control systems. However, it does come with quite the price tag. Consider AutoCAD electrical if you need a computer aided design software for electrical engineering in particular.

AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT is the lite version of the software. That means it does not have 3D capabilities like the standard program. However, this solution does help you create 2D drawings with more precision faster. If all you need to do is create and edit 2D geometry, annotate drawings, import data from PDFs, use data from DGN files and Bing Maps or customize ribbon and tool palettes, AutoCAD LT software is all you need. If you sticking to a strict budget so you can afford that Phaeton you have had your eye on for awhile, the AutoCAD lite software is definitely the one you should go with.

AutoCAD Civil 3D

AutoCAD Civil 3D is a comprehensive CAD program that features all new tools to optimize designs. These new tools will also help to improve project quality, accelerate detailed design and streamline delivery of your projects without the need for other ISPF features. The Civil 3D CAD software includes features for project management, collaboration and data exchange, production planning and drafting and surveying. But, it also includes even more specialized tools, like point clouds, surfaces, alignments and profiles, corridor modeling and quantity and material analysis solutions. The software even includes a subassembly composer and features for pressure networks, pipe sizing and analysis and annotation. If you need one of the best civil design software solutions out there, AutoCAD Civil 3D is certainly one to consider.

AutoCAD MEP

AutoCAD MEP, short for mechanical, electrical and plumbing, is the computer-aided design solution to help you draft and design building systems. If you need help creating more accurate designs while still working with the familiar AutoCAD environment, this is the solution for you. This design tool makes it easier to create accurate construction documentation of all mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems design efforts. It includes tools to enable production of intricate MEP designs, allowing you to add fittings and calculate wire sizes for circuited wire runs automatically. You can also use the software to calculate duct and pipe sizes for undefined one-line or defined 2-line systems alike. Consider using the free trial before you shell out the $1,575 it costs for a yearly AutoCAD subscription, if you feel this is oneo f the best CAD programs for your needs.

AutoCAD software is one of the best computer aided design programs available on the market, but it does come at a price. That is why you want to be sure you are selecting the best AutoCAD products for your particular design needs. If you are looking for electrical systems designs solutions, you will need a different program than if you need city planning software that allows you to streamline tasks across a number of different projects. Consider your uses, then select one of the AutoCAD solutions mentioned above to select the best computer aided design tool to simplify your design process.

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