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AutoCad Vs Solidworks- Difference between Autocad and Solidworks

The design industry uses the AutoCAD and SolidWorks software packages extensively. Many designers know how to use both programs and the applications are often used together on different elements of the same project. However, each package has its own strengths and is geared toward different aspects of design, with feature sets that reflect this distinction.

About SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a three-dimensinal modeling tool, which is used for creating accurate 3-D representations of objects. It is what is known as a parametric modeler, referring to the dimensions of created objects as parameters. You can create elationships between the various parameters of an object, which will automatically update when one of them is altered. This simulates the effect that changing one value would have on the object as a whole.

About AutoCAD

AutoCAD is one of the original PC-based design applications, used for creating the plans used by computer-controlled machining rigs. It’s primarily focused on creating two-dimensional design blueprints, though later versions have added some 3-D support. The feature set of CAD has grown in line with commercially available computing power. It could initially use only simple lines, arcs and polygons, but as the power of home PCs has increased to handle more data, the feature-set of AutoCAD has expanded to match this capacity.

AutoCad Vs Solidworks- Difference between Autocad and Solidworks

Autocad	Solidworks
AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk.	SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided engineering (CAE) computer program that runs on Microsoft Windows. SolidWorks is published by Dassault Systèmes
3D modeling functionality included, but less advanced than its 2D tools	Parametric feature-based modeling means 3D design is intuitive
AutoCAD is compatible with Mac and Windows computers.	Works well with Windows computers only.
Pricing-AutoCAD costs $1,680.00, which puts it $685.00 more per year than average CAD software.	Pricing-With a licensing fee of $1295 per year, this subscription is more cost effective than AutoCAD.
Free AutoCAD licensing for students	No free student licenses
Great for architectural design and MEP	Less useful in the building design sector
No simulation tools included	Range of simulation packages
AutoCAD works best with electrical, mechanical and plumbing project designs.	SolidWorks works great for non-architectural drawings.