How Much Does an AutoCAD License Cost? Pricing Plans, Subscriptions, and Discounts Explained

Are you looking for a detailed breakdown of AutoCAD’s pricing in 2024? Whether you’re a professional drafter, architect, engineer, or business owner, understanding AutoCAD’s pricing plans is crucial before investing in this powerful CAD software. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into AutoCAD’s cost, subscription options, key features, discounts, and more to help you make an informed decision.

How Much Does AutoCAD Cost in 2024?

AutoCAD offers a variety of subscription plans based on your usage needs. Here’s a quick summary of the pricing:

• Monthly Subscription: $250 USD per month.
• Annual Subscription: $2,030 USD per year (equivalent to $169.17 per month, saving 33% over the monthly plan).
• Three-Year Subscription: $6,085 USD for a three-year plan (further savings over time).

For users looking for a more affordable option, AutoCAD LT—a version that focuses on 2D drafting—comes with the following prices:

• Monthly Subscription: $65 USD per month.
• Annual Subscription: $505 USD per year.
• Three-Year Subscription: $1,515 USD for three years.

The longer the subscription period, the greater the savings, making the annual and three-year plans more cost-effective for regular users.

What is AutoCAD?

AutoCAD, developed by Autodesk, is a powerful CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software widely used by architects, engineers, and designers to create 2D and 3D designs. It comes with automation features, customizable workspaces, and specialized toolsets tailored to specific industries like architecture, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

AutoCAD vs. AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD offers both 2D and 3D drafting tools and advanced automation capabilities, while AutoCAD LT is a more budget-friendly option focused solely on 2D drafting. If your work involves only 2D designs and documentation, AutoCAD LT might be the right choice. However, if you need 3D modeling, automation, and additional toolsets, the full version of AutoCAD is the better option.

AutoCAD Subscription Plans

AutoCAD offers three main subscription options: monthly, annual, and three-year plans. Let’s break them down:

1. Monthly Subscription

This plan is ideal for users who need short-term access to AutoCAD:

• Cost: $250 USD per month.
• Best For: Users who only need the software for a limited time, such as freelancers or those working on short-term projects.

2. Annual Subscription

The annual plan provides better savings over the monthly option:

• Cost: $2,030 USD per year (equivalent to $169.17 per month).
• Savings: You save $85.83 per month compared to the monthly plan, equating to 33% savings.
• Best For: Users who need continuous access to AutoCAD for longer projects or throughout the year.

3. Three-Year Subscription

For maximum savings, the three-year plan is the most cost-effective:

• Cost: $6,085 USD for three years.
• Savings: You get the same monthly savings as the annual plan but secure the rate for a longer period.
• Best For: Businesses or professionals committed to using AutoCAD for the long term.

AutoCAD LT Pricing

If you don’t need 3D capabilities or advanced automation, AutoCAD LT is a budget-friendly alternative that still provides robust 2D drafting features. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:

• Monthly Subscription: $65 USD per month.
• Annual Subscription: $505 USD per year.
• Three-Year Subscription: $1,515 USD for three years.

AutoCAD LT is ideal for users who primarily work with 2D drafting and want a lower-cost option without sacrificing performance.

Autodesk Flex: Pay-As-You-Go Option

For occasional users, Autodesk offers the Autodesk Flex plan, which allows you to pay per use instead of committing to a subscription. With this program, you can purchase tokens to access AutoCAD on a pay-per-use basis.

How Autodesk Flex Works:

• 7 Tokens: Grants access to AutoCAD for 24 hours.
• Minimum Purchase: 100 tokens for $300 (equivalent to $3 per token).
• Token Pricing: For larger businesses, token costs can be reduced by buying in bulk (e.g., 5,000 tokens cost $14,625, bringing the price per token down to $2.93).

This plan is especially useful for teams or individuals who need occasional access to AutoCAD without committing to a full subscription.

How to Get Discounts on AutoCAD

1. Educational Discounts

If you are a student, educator, or part of an educational institution, Autodesk offers free access to AutoCAD through its Educational License Program. Eligible users can receive a three-year license for free, making this a great option for academic users.

2. Volume Discounts

Although multi-user licenses were retired in February 2023, you can still benefit from volume discounts by purchasing Autodesk Industry Collections. For example, the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) Collection bundles AutoCAD with other Autodesk products like Revit and Civil 3D at a reduced rate.

AutoCAD Bundles for Businesses: AEC Collection Explained

The AEC Collection is designed for businesses in architecture, engineering, and construction. It includes multiple Autodesk products that work seamlessly together, offering significant cost savings.

AEC Collection Pricing:

• Monthly: $445 USD.
• Annual: $3,560 USD.
• Three-Year: $10,680 USD.

This bundle includes AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, and Navisworks, among other tools, providing an all-in-one solution for professionals in these industries. By purchasing this collection, you can save over $8,000 USD compared to buying each software individually.

AutoCAD vs. AutoCAD LT: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT depends on your specific needs. Here’s a quick comparison:

AutoCAD is the best choice if you need 3D capabilities and automation, while AutoCAD LT is ideal for those focused solely on 2D drafting and want a more affordable option.

Managing Your AutoCAD Subscription

Autodesk provides flexibility in managing your subscription. Subscriptions are typically set to auto-renew, but you can easily adjust your renewal settings or cancel your subscription through the Autodesk Account Portal.

Auto-Renewal and Cancellation:

• Cancel Anytime: You can cancel your AutoCAD subscription at any time or within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.
• Subscription Changes: You can change your subscription from monthly to annual or adjust the length of your term.

Managing your subscription is straightforward, and Autodesk offers helpful resources to ensure that users have continuous access to their software without hassle.

Best Alternatives to AutoCAD in 2024

If AutoCAD doesn’t fit your budget or needs, there are other options to consider:

1. DraftSight: A professional-grade 2D CAD solution from Dassault Systèmes that is a direct competitor to AutoCAD.
2. BricsCAD: Offers both 2D and 3D CAD capabilities with more flexible licensing options, including perpetual licenses.
3. TurboCAD: A cost-effective alternative starting at $399.99 per year, offering both 2D and 3D tools.

These alternatives provide viable options depending on your specific CAD needs and budget.

Conclusion: Is AutoCAD Worth It?

AutoCAD remains a leading solution for professionals in architecture, engineering, and design, thanks to its extensive feature set, industry-specific toolsets, and automation capabilities. While its subscription-based pricing can be significant, the cost savings from longer-term plans and bundled packages like the AEC Collection make it a valuable investment for many businesses and professionals.

Whether you need AutoCAD for everyday use, occasional projects via Autodesk Flex, or just 2D drafting with AutoCAD LT, understanding the pricing options and available discounts will help you choose the best plan for your needs.

If you’re still unsure, consider trying AutoCAD’s 30-day free trial to see if it fits your workflow, or explore the free educational licenses if you’re a student or educator.

Ready to invest in AutoCAD? Explore Autodesk’s subscription options here and take the next step toward enhancing your design capabilities.