AutoCAD vs Solidworks Which is Best in 2024? (80% Pro) Apr'24

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Hey Guys, Some people are confused about what is different between AutoCAD and Solidworks. AutoCAD vs Solidworks and What is Solidworks or confused about which is the best among these two.

So, let’s get started. Firstly, We will discuss What is AutoCAD and Solidworks 3D drawings.

Do you know AutoCAD Versus Solidworks (AutoCAD vs Solidworks)

Both AutoCAD & Solidworks are comparable Software.

Generally, AutoCAD is better suited for general-purpose 2D & 3D drafting Drawings.

While Solidworks excels in developing excellent 3D models & simulations.

There is no way to say which one of these is the best for the other because it depends upon your needs or requirements.

Contrasting AutoCAD with Solidworks is an illogical examination.

Assuming that you are searching for a general drafting program that can deal with a tremendous scope of necessities across various enterprises, then the unmistakable victor is AutoCAD.

If you are searching for CAD/CAM programming to make machine parts in 3D and reproduce their physical science and movement, then, at that point, go for Solidworks.

Remember that this article examines AutoCAD, not Inventor via Autodesk. On the off chance that you need consistent examination for Inventor Versus Solidworks, see Autocad Versus Solidworks below.

What is the difference between SolidWorks and AutoCAD?

AutoCAD	Solidworks
Ideally used for 2D drafting	Firstly, Some 2D drafting functions are included
3D modeling functionality is included.	In other words, Parametric feature-based modeling 3D design is intuitive
Available for Windows and Mac both	Available for Windows-compatible only
Free license for students	No free license
Only subscriptions can use	Endless and term license
AutoCAD’s price will run at $195 per month or $1,575 per year.	The permanent license of SolidWorks Standard costs $3995, and the annual maintenance fee is $1,295. If you want to get the Professional version, $7995 with a $1450 maintenance fee. Solidworks price 2022 is One independent permit is $4,195. The yearly membership administration cost, which covers specialized help, redesigns, and something else for one year, is $1,295.
View designs on the cloud with AutoCAD 360	However, Collaborate on the 3D EXPERIENCE platform
No simulation tools included	Range of simulation packages
Great for architectural design and MEP	Less useful in the building design sector
AutoCAD supports APIs files which are Auto LISP, VBA, .NET, and so on. In AutoCAD software, we have a lot of supporting plug-ins and drawing exchange formats and this software also allows the number of exporting and importing formats as well.	SolidWorks CAD Software supports Microsoft’s storage files. This file has various inbuilt parts with it and you can use third-party tools for extracting the sub-files from the storage file of SolidWorks software. However, Solidworks saves three-dimensional (3d) models in ‘.step’ file format.
No realistic visualization for 3D drawings, No rendering system, and No high vector is required	Solidworks has the technology of realistic rendering, but it needs high vector memory
AutoCAD software is available in so many different languages English, German, Italian, Chinese, French, Russian, etc.	SolidWorks is available only in the English language.
Uses primarily in the architecture, engineering, and design sectors, widely used by Architects, home builders as well as civil engineers for structural works.	Uses primarily in automotive, aerospace, engineering, and design sectors, as well as CNC, works on them.

AutoCAD vs Solidworks

What is AutoCAD vs Solidworks?

What is AutoCAD?

1. Firstly, AutoCAD is non-parametric CAD software that was initially used for 2D drafting but it has also 3D functionality.

2. AutoCAD is developed by Autodesk.

3. In other words, The full form of AutoCAD is an Automatic computer-aided design.

4. It enables “computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting“

5. Therefore, AutoCAD was released in 1982 and it was the first CAD software that runs on a personal computer.

What is Solidworks?

1. First, SolidWorks software is a solid modeling application by the name giveaway. Do you know who the CEO of Solidworks is? so the answer is Gian Paolo Bassi.

2. In other words, It engages a parametric feature-based approach to model creation.

3. In addition, MIT graduate Jon Hirschtick founded the SolidWorks Corporation, the company that developed the software, in 1993.

4. After two years, the first version of SolidWorks was released in November 1995.

5. In addition, SolidWorks quickly became the industry-standard solid modeling software, and ‘Dassault Systemes’ bought Solidworks in 1997.

6. In 2001, it incorporated its CAD features, which became its big strength.

7. Above all, Now we will discuss the Advantages of AutoCAD and Solidworks.

Advantages of AutoCAD (AutoCAD vs Solidworks)

Advantage of AutoCAD

1. Usability

2. Flexibility

3. Variety

4. Free student license:

5. Ability:

6. Cloud Storage:

1. Usability

In other words, This software allows users to conceptualize ideas, and produce designs and drawings to the required levels of technical accuracy.

And even perform rapid design in technical areas like Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and other design-level workers.

However, AutoCAD allows users to accurately create construction documentation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems design.

2. Flexibility

In other words, AutoCAD has the flexibility to quickly change 2D annotation to AutoCAD 3D modeling.

3. Variety

Also, by growing multi-industries, AutoCAD collected its features into different versions targeted to specific industry standards.

For example, if you designing an electrical system, choose the Electrical version, which gives you the Electrical engineering-specific tools.

4. Free student license

In other words, Autodesk provides a free student license to learn or use AutoCAD students.

Whereas, Solidworks does not provide any free version to use.

5. Ability

In other words, AutoCAD can make notes on the specific areas of a drawing.

In addition, In AutoCAD, we can import or export images and PDFs.

AutoCAD supports other vector formats such as DXF.

6. Cloud Storage

Similarly, If you’re fearful about losing your designs in a computer accident, or if you are worried about your computer memory being too full for peak performance, set your mind to relaxing with AutoCAD.

In addition, They have joined the cloud storage revolution, letting you access your designs anytime, anywhere if you have internet with no extra fees.

Advantage of Solidworks

1. Usability

2. Freehand sketch on touchscreen devices

3. Photo-realistic

4. Simulation

5. 3D Experience

6. Electrical designs

1. Usability

Solidworks software is mainly useful for Mechanical Engineers and Electrical engineering solid machinery designs.

2. Freehand sketch on touchscreen devices

For instance, The 2018 version took SolidWorks with users who enjoy the interaction of the touch screen.

Now you can draw a freehand sketch with your ideas with the same support as a desktop.

3. Photo-realistic

In addition, SolidWorks software grew consistently better with the technology of rendering power.

In other words, Solidworks helps teams to analyze and modify designs, and Visualize supports further creation of marketing materials, technical documentation, demonstration of videos, and other media.

4. Simulation

For instance, Provides a range of options for users looking to create the best products faster and with minimum waste.

For instance, Solidworks Standard software includes static linear, time-based motion, and high-cycle fatigue simulations.

In addition, By Upgrading to Professional, we can get design optimization, natural frequencies and buckling instabilities, mechanical resistances, heat transferring tests, and sequential multi-physics simulations.

In other words, Premium adds nonlinear & dynamic response, dynamic loading & composite materials.

5. 3D Experience

They have created the 3D Experience module for SolidWorks, a file-sharing platform to ensure everyone is on the same page.

However, with the ability to open and edit shared projects as per requirement.

6. Electrical designs

However, Packages make it easy to create electrical schematics and incorporate them with mechanical designs and 3D models.

Similarly, At the time of comparison of AutoCAD electrical vs Solidwork electrical, Solidwork software is best for Electrical designs. (AutoCAD vs Solidworks)

In addition, Now we will see the clear difference between AutoCAD and Solidworks:

Solidworks 3D Drawing — **Solidworks 3D**

Conclusion of Autocad Vs Solidworks

In conclusion, SolidWorks has more 3D options than AutoCAD.

Secondly, AutoCAD has more significant functions for 2D drafting.

So which is best? Ultimately, we have to decide this from what we are designing.

2D Drafting or Designs (CAD vs Solidworks)

However, Maybe AutoCAD is the best 2D CAD system in the industry.

It has a library of tools and features built from simple geometry.

Firstly, 3D sketch processes do not render as much 3D detail as parametric-based programs, so for 3D.

It is not more useful. (AutoCAD vs Solidworks) In other words, for 2D drafting or designing, it is best.

Therefore, the conclusion is if you are in the civil or architectural field, AutoCAD is best for you.

3D Modeling (AutoCAD vs Solidworks)

In other words, SolidWorks software will be a much better choice for 3D modeling.

Therefore, You will be able to use full advantage of all the realistic details you can get from its rendering and simulation tools, making your prototyping process a model of efficiency.

Therefore, the conclusion is if you are from an Electrical or mechanical field, Solidworks is best for you.

In other words, Autodesk has invented a new 3D modeling software. This was ‘AutoCAD Inventor.

Which is better AutoCAD or SolidWorks?

Solidworks vs AutoCAD inventor / AutoCAD inventor vs Solidworks

1. In other words, We have learned some knowledge of Solidworks cad as above.

2. Now Let’s know something about AutoCAD Inventor-

3. In addition, the Inventor is the evolution of Autodesk’s 3D parametric tool Designer.

4. However, It was released in 1999 as a direct competitor to SolidWorks.

5. Firstly, That means it is useful for 2D and 3D mechanical designs and Electrical designs the same as the Solidworks software with simulation and documentation tools, as well.

6. In other words, AutoCAD Inventor is free for students the same as AutoCAD.

7. First, The Price of an AutoCAD Inventor is $1,985 per year, per user.

8. In other words, 3D modeling and rendering features are the same as Solidworks.

9. Realistic rendering features are also the same as Solidworks.

What is the difference between Autocad Electrical vs Solidworks Electrical?

AUTOCAD ELECTRICAL	SOLIDWORKS ELECTRICAL
Blocks simply don’t refresh predictably requiring manual checks to ensure everything is working.	Blocks and SOLIDWORKS Electrical images are modern between various drawings and the consistency is unmatched.
Duplicate/paste won’t work If you don’t utilize explicit orders and when you utilize explicit orders you want to keep your fingers crossed and say a request.	Wire Numbers stay in a state of harmony, you click the button and the wire numbers are done consequently.
References will interface up as long as you don’t need to move or change them.	References keep awake to date consequently over the lifetime of the undertaking.
Duplicate/paste won’t work If you don’t utilize explicit orders and when you utilize explicit orders you want to keep your fingers crossed and make a request.	Duplicate/Paste the ‘Ctrl C‘ and ‘Ctrl V‘ strategies to work accurately and true to form in SOLIDWORKS Electrical.
Application AutoCAD Electrical is AutoCAD with programming to make it work like an electrical apparatus.	Application SolidWorks Electrical is a committed device for the electrical plan, worked considering the plan.
Library images can’t be refreshed or changed without any problem. You frequently need to create another duplicate of the image before you can alter it.	Library images can be altered effortlessly. With the capacity to import inheritance DWG information.
3D Parts don’t have insight; following wires and links is a monotonous, best-case scenario.	3D Parts are related and estimated according to maker data. Links and wires are followed to give a total plan instrument.
A Shared Library is not difficult to utilize, the parts are connected together to guarantee consistency for the whole electrical framework.	A Shared Library is not difficult to utilize, the parts are connected to guarantee consistency for the whole electrical framework.

AutoCAD vs Solidworks electrical

AutoCAD vs Solidworks price

CAD price (AutoCAD vs Solidworks) — **AutoCAD price**

Solidworks price on ofiicial website — **See here the Solidworks price**

Why is Solidworks so expensive?

See these main Four reasons why is Solidworks so expensive.

1. The cost of any software depends upon the features and functionality of the software and the solid work has graphics also.

2. Solidworks is the parametric software that can make changes in the dimensions as well as geometry with some methods.

3. While another 2D or 3D software is not that worthy to change the dimensions as well as the geometry changes.

4. Solidworks has the technology of realistic rendering, but it needs high vector memory.

Conclusion of AutoCAD Vs Solidworks

In conclusion, we can say that AutoCAD Inventor and Solidworks both are the same software with some minor differences in 3D modeling and rendering.

Also, both have a wide range of simulations to test designs before coming to life.

In other words, The important thing is the price.

AutoCAD Inventor is cheaper than Solidworks, especially for the initial setup.

You can say that AutoCAD Inventor is better than Solidworks in price.

But you can go through any software as per your choice.

Above all, I hope you will understand the Solidwork vs Cad article.

People also ask About AutoCAD vs Solidworks:

Which is easier to learn AutoCAD or SolidWorks?

AutoCAD is more used for drawings (2D drawings) as I said before but Solidworks is better for 3D work (Part modeling).

We can learn AutoCAD 2D easily by learning some tools of AutoCAD but 3D modeling in Solidworks will require a lot of practice and hard work because it is more complex.

So, If you have that question about which is easier between AutoCAD and Solidworks, then the answer is AutoCAD is easier than Solidworks.

What should I learn first AutoCAD or Solidworks?

It is better if you start with AutoCAD. AutoCAD is used as the basic tool for 2D drawings as I said before.

Is it necessary to learn AutoCAD before SolidWorks?

Yes, it is necessary to understand the 2D drawings first. If you understand 2D drawing first, then it will be easier to learn Solidworks or 3D Modeling.

When you become good at AutoCAD, You are almost ready to do work in Solidworks. So in my opinion, it is necessary to learn AutoCAD before Solidworks.

Why is SolidWorks the best?

1. Solidworks is a very productive 3D CAD software, with its integrated analytical tools and design automation to physical behavior.

2. Such as kinematics, dynamics, stress, deflection, vibration, temperatures, or fluid flow to suit all types of design.

3. There are many advantages that I have described above like 3D modeling, Photo realistic rendering, freehand sketching on touch screen devices, simulation, etc.
Therefore, Solidworks is the best 3D modeling software, especially for Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Can you convert SolidWorks to AutoCAD?

Ans: Yes, we can convert Solidworks to AutoCAD. Follow these steps to convert Solidworks to AutoCAD:
1. Open AutoCAD 3D by changing the workspace to 3D modeling.
2. The go-to ‘Application menu’ and click on the ‘Insert’ option.
3. After that select the other formats option. One dialogue box will be open.
4. Otherwise you can directly type ‘INSERT’ in the command bar and press Enter key.
5. Select your Solidworks file and click on the open.
6. The Solidworks will be converted into AutoCAD.

Who invented AutoCAD?

Ans: John Walker
It was in 1982 when a gathering of software engineers, driven by John Walker, fostered the main variant of AutoCAD, the product that Michael Riddle, one more individual from that group, had made previously.

Can we SolidWorks to AutoCAD converter online?

Yes, we can convert SolidWorks to AutoCAD or Solidworks to AutoCAD online.

Can you use SolidWorks like AutoCAD?

SolidWorks allows its users a great design experience & a higher user interface. If you are more familiar with AutoCAD software then you can do your work as same as you do in AutoCAD. But you just have to activate the “SolidWorks 2D Emulator” add-in.

Do professionals use SolidWorks?

As a well-known mechanical plan software with an enormous local area of clients, businesses are habitually looking for work searchers with SolidWorks experience.

This 3D displaying CAD programming is utilized vigorously in mechanical designing and planning enterprises. It is the business standard for item advancement.

Do mechanical engineers use AutoCAD or SolidWorks?

Modern company Uses And Reenactment: SolidWorks is utilized by mechanical architects, aviation & auto businesses, producing plants, and experts to cause mechanical parts and embellishments that require machining.

SolidWorks has the edge over AutoCAD in light of its virtual abilities for prototyping.