Difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD MEP

[Anonymous]

Both AutoCAD 2016 and AutoCAD MEP 2019 are installed on my pc. I wanted to the exact difference between both of them. Also Suggest me that whether i have to keep both AutoCAD 2016 and AutoCAD MEP 2019 or i can use any one of them for both MEP and 2D drawing purpose. Can i use AutoCAD MEP as AutoCAD for 2D drawings. Kindly anyone help me out with this question.

[beyoungjr · Accepted solution]

Hello,

AutoCAD MEP is simple AutoCAD with a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) set of design elements and capabilities running atop.

Autodesk offers this same experience in several other AutoCAD toolsets.  These toolsets were previously addressed as "verticals" by support technicians, contributors to these forums, and others.  They were in fact independent software offerings by Autodesk with separate costs, but all built on top of good old AutoCAD.

Autodesk started a new marketing model for 2019 referred to as "One AutoCAD".  They also abandoned the permanent license model and their software is provided only as subscription services.  An AutoCAD subscription includes access to all of the toolsets shown at the link above.

No matter which toolset, or prior "vertical" product, you have always been able to run AutoCAD in it's stripped down form ("vanilla" as a nickname).  There are plenty of tips for knowing how to run any version as "vanilla" but your AutoCAD 2019 MEP should have a shortcut provided in the start menu for running as AutoCAD only.

That said, you can freely design a 2D AutoCAD drawing in any of these toolsets.  You can feel free to remove the 2016 from your system and use the 2019 package for all work.

Big Tip...

If you own a permanent license code for your AutoCAD 2016 you should keep track of it and the installation package.  It should show up in your Autodesk Account online but at some point you will not be able to find a download for this version when Autodesk terminates their support or provisions online.

Hope this helps,

Blaine