AutoCAD vs. SOLIDWORKS: Choosing the Right Software

[harold.roxxx]

If you are a designer, you may be familiar with software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks. You may also think every CAD software has the same functionality, but every application has different applications. 

What is AutoCAD? 

AutoCAD is the original CAD drafting software. It was released in 1982, and as it was the first CAD software designed for PCs, it instantly gained popularity. AutoCAD users are primarily electrical engineers, architects, civil engineers, interior designers, and designers. Many use it mainly for 2D designs due to its extensive library of 2D design features and tools. It also consists of a user language library, extensions for specific disciplines, and file compatibility with other software. 

AutoCAD has quickly become the industry standard for creating designs. It allows users to create various types of drawings and designs in 2D or 3D. Creating and changing these designs is easier and quicker using tools such as shape, size, copy-paste, and location. It has incorporated many 3D modeling functions, such as meshes, solids, and surfaces. Even so, it is still used mainly for 2D drafting rather than 3D simulation. 

What is SolidWorks?

SolidWorks was first released in 1995, and it did not take much time for it to become the industry standard for solid modeling software. SolidWorks uses standard engineering features for CAD, such as slots, holes, and bosses. 

SolidWorks is popular for its 3D modeling but uses a 2D drawing system. 2D drawing functions are not fully realized as in AutoCAD. The core feature of SolidWorks is simulation. Other features include design automation, conceptual design, 3D solid modeling, weldments, bill of materials, interference elimination, advanced surfacing, configurations, and sheet metal simulation. 

The primary user base for SolidWorks is engineers, who use it to test designs in real-world applications and evaluate prototypes. Using SolidWorks, each designer can work on their part of the project separately. A CAD manager can also check on each designer's parts and send feedback. 

Differences Between AutoCAD and SolidWorks

Price

AutoCAD and SolidWorks offer yearly subscriptions. AutoCAD’s annual subscription is US$ 1690, whereas, for SolidWorks, it is US$ 1295. Both programs have 30-day free trials. AutoCAD is free for students and educators, while SolidWorks offers a student version for US$ 150/yr. AutoCAD is costlier than SolidWorks, but you have to buy a SolidWorks license for US$ 3995 separately. If you are buying licenses in bulk, both software offers discounts. 

User Interface

You can develop complex 3D models using the AutoCAD user interface. There are many commands and keyboard shortcuts in AutoCAD, making it more efficient. 

SolidWorks offers many features specialized for machines and parts and consists of various tools, but you have to do more button clicking. 

2D Drafting

2D drafting is a vital feature for civil engineers and the construction industry. AutoCAD scores better for 2D drafting in most areas, such as tools, ease of use, annotation, shape, and text editing. AutoCAD uses 2D drafting, which includes the creation, editing, and annotation of technical drawings. It is used to design floor plans, inspection plans, building permit drawings, and landscaping layouts. 2D drafting’s main aim is to hasten the drawing process with AutoCAD’s speed, precision, and ease of use. AutoCAD allows users to put aside the instruments of technical drawing and design whatever they want.

SolidWorks supports 2D drafting, though it lacks the authority in the 2D Drafting space that AutoCAD has. It allows users to easily create, view, edit, and markup 2D or even 3D DWG files.

3D modeling 

AutoCAD and SolidWorks can deliver 3D mesh modeling, solids, and polygons. But SolidWorks does it in a more intuitive manner rather than AutoCAD. If you want to visualize products effectively and quickly, SolidWorks is a great option. 

Professionals can design whatever they want using AutoCAD 3D. But SolidWorks is in a league of its own for specialized programs made for machined modes and parts. 

SolidWorks’ strong performance, ease of use, and design capabilities have made it the industry standard for 3D CAD modeling. SolidWorks deals with functions such as the development of parts, drawings, and detailed assemblies flawlessly. It is not limited to the basic functionality of 3D CAD software. It allows users to access the features and tools needed to develop structural welded assemblies, sheet metal patterns, and complex surfaces. 

SolidWorks is also better equipped to integrate CAM programs used with 3D printers and CNC machines. SolidWorks is the CAD program of choice for product designers and is thus most likely to be utilized on a production line. Furthermore, the standard package of SolidWorks offers more simulation tools and features than AutoCAD. 

Functionality

Both CAD programs are great tools for 2D drafting and 3D modeling. Both are geometric driving drafting programs and provide a variety of tool menus to finish design tasks. Their user interfaces are intuitive and built to simplify the design process. The use of commands and shortcuts as designing aid is another similarity they share. 

AutoCAD and SolidWorks are used for simulating designs, assembling components, documentation, rendering models, and cost estimation. They have cloud storage that helps users save and share their designs easily.

Viewing Apps

Both software have free apps to view a design or model without editing.

AutoCAD's drawings are generally tricky for the client to understand if they do not have data on sheets. For these designs, you do not need a viewing app; a PDF would be enough. For SolidWorks, the deliverable is mainly a 3D model or simulation, which you have to show to the client. SolidWorks will allow you to develop an interactive model.

Compatibility 

AutoCAD can import more files from any third-party program than SolidWorks. SolidWorks is a better choice for outbound file type compatibility as it provides an option to export to a vast number of file types. 

It comes down to whether you are most likely to import types or export designs to other software. On cross-platform compatibility, AutoCAD is the winner. It works seamlessly on Mac, PC, and high specs mobile devices. Currently, SolidWorks only works in the Windows environment, though they are developing a web-based application that will function on mobile and Mac devices. 

Easier to Learn

Both AutoCAD and SolidWorks are known for their ease of use. There are various commands in AutoCAD, which are easy to learn. SolidWorks offers many functions, but the 3D visual user interface, which shows your model in 3D, makes it easier to learn for beginners.

Autodesk AutoCAD is much suitable for 2D-based designs and construction models. While SolidWorks is ideal for product, mechanical, and machine design. If you are still confused, you can try out both programs and get accustomed to their tools and features.