SOLIDWORKS vs. AutoCAD: How to Choose the Right CAD Software

Are you unsure if SOLIDWORKS or AutoCAD is the best CAD software solution for your business? Look no further. We’ve identified the key differences between the two and identified questions for you to ask to easily choose the best solution for your project needs. 

The Difference Between SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD

Before choosing a new software solution for your team, it’s important to fully grasp the difference between the options available:

• SOLIDWORKS is an innovative 3D CAD design software created by Dassault Systemes, that makes collaboration between teams easy and has the capacity to generate 2D drawings from 3D models.

• AutoCAD, created by AutoDesk, is a CAD software primarily used for 2D geometry and drafting, with some 3D modeling capabilities, to create more efficient workflows.

The main difference between the two solutions comes from their overarching purpose: 2D vs. 3D designs. While each software can create both 2D and 3D drafting, their strengths differ.

Questions to Ask When Choosing CAD Software

To determine which software capabilities would best suit your team’s needs, we’ve outlined a few helpful questions to ask yourself.

Do Your Projects Require 2D or 3D Drafting, or Both?

SOLIDWORKS’ primary focus is 3D drafting, specifically 3D parts and assemblies. AutoCAD, however, is a solution primarily used for 2D drafting and little to no 3D designs. If 2D design capabilities are all you need in your ideal software solution, AutoCAD is the best choice for you. 

What Industry Does Your Business Identify With?

Addressing your industry needs is a quick way to decide between SOLIDWORKS and AutoCAD. Since they serve similar purposes, there is some overlap in which tool industries gravitate towards. Generally, most architecture, construction, and civil engineering companies use AutoCAD to create digital 2D drafts drawn to scale.

SOLIDWORKS, on the other hand, is most frequently used by product manufacturers, whether that be mechanical engineers or consumer, automotive, or aerospace professionals, to create fully manufacturable designs and a bill of materials (BOM).

What Features Do You Need to Complete Projects?

SOLIDWORKS uses a parametric feature-based approach, which allows you to easily go back and edit designs and assemblies down the road. Although AutoCAD offers some parametric capabilities, their options are not nearly as extensive as those offered by SOLIDWORKS. Here’s an overview of the key features of each software:

AutoCAD Key Features:

• Precision 2D (and Some 3D) Drawing Tools, Extensive Block, and Template Libraries

• Automation with Macros, Scripts, Plugins, etc.

SOLIDWORKS Key Features:

• Comprehensive 3D Modeling for Parts, Assemblies, and Drawing Creation

• Parametric Design Flexibility

• User-Friendly Interface and Active User Community

• Downstream Connection to Tools such as Simulation (FEA/CFD) or CAM

 The SOLIDWORKS solutions also offer downstream simulation, CAM, and additional extended capabilities. This provides users the ability to expedite repetitive changes in product drafts and reduce the time to market.

What is Your Budget for CAD Software?

While CAD software prices will ultimately vary based on the license you choose, SOLIDWORKS typically ranges between $2,820-$4,680 annually. AutoCAD offers limited subscription options, which generally cost about $235 per month or $1,865 annually. While looking at pricing, it’s important to consider that this isn’t an apples-to-apples comparison. It’s also important to consider the functionality that will provide your organization with the most value and the largest return on investment.

	SOLIDWORKS	AutoCAD
Primary Format	3D	2D
Parametric Design	Yes	No
Assembly Creation	Yes	No
Bill of Material (BOM) Generation	Yes	Limited
Simulation (FEA)	Yes	No
Primary Industries	Machine Design, New Product Development, and Automotive/Aerospace	Architecture & Construction
System Requirements	16 GB RAM	8 GB RAM
Compatible Operating Systems	Windows	Windows & macOS

For businesses that only require 2D drafting, AutoCAD could be a great fit for you, but there’s also an affordable alternative for you to consider. DraftSight is a 2D CAD design software with similar capabilities as AutoCAD, but it is less costly, making it an ideal solution for companies of all sizes.

Most commands used in AutoCAD are translated into DraftSight, making for a seamless transition between the two software. Both solutions use DWG and DXF file formats, so if you transfer a file from AutoCAD to DraftSight, you can pick up your project right where you left off – even if it was originally created in AutoCAD. Another advantage to DraftSight is that any customizations you used in AutoCAD, such as APIs, LISPs, and even macros, will be transferred with any file from AutoCAD to DraftSight. 

Do You Have Hardware Limitations?

If your ideal software solution requires 3D capabilities, you need to account for generous hardware requirements. SOLIDWORKS requires more powerful hardware, roughly 16+ GB of RAM, than AutoCAD since it creates complex models in 3D environments. 

If you’re interested in software with lower hardware requirements to primarily fulfill 2D projects, DraftSight is your solution. Not only is it lower in cost than AutoCAD, but it is also lighter in terms of computer hardware, too. With only 2GB of RAM required, DraftSight truly is a great alternative for 2D modeling and drafting.

CAD Software Scalability

The good news is that regardless of which design software you choose between SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD, and DraftSight, all three solutions can be connected to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for product data management (PDM), revisions, and cloud storage.

If your team is ready to take the leap from 2D drafting to 3D or planning to use design software to create 3D drawings down the line, then SOLIDWORKS is by far the best choice. You’ll be able to easily move on to 3D models and fully manufacturable assemblies when you’re ready without having to learn new software. 

With countless software solutions available, it can feel overwhelming to decide on the most efficient one for your needs. Ultimately, the right software for your team comes down to what projects you will use it for. If you’re unsure, or interested in learning more about the differences between SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD, and DraftSight, reach out to our team today.