Editing AutoCAD

{{Short description|Commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application}}
{{Infobox software
| name = AutoCAD
| logo = AutoCad new logo.svg
| logo_size = 230px
| screenshot = AutoCAD 2016 screenshot.png
| screenshot_size = 230px
| caption = 
| developer = [[Autodesk]]
| released = {{Start date and age|1982|12}}
| latest release version = AutoCAD 2026 (25.1)
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2025|03|25}}
| operating system = [[Windows]], [[macOS]]
| language = English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Polish and Hungarian
| language count = 14
| language footnote =
| genre = [[Computer-aided design]]
| license = [[Software as a service]]
| website = {{url|https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview|www.autodesk.com/autocad}}
}}

'''AutoCAD''' is a [[2D computer graphics|2D]] and 
[[3D computer graphics|3D]] [[computer-aided design]] (CAD) [[software application]] developed by [[Autodesk]].<ref name="Lendio">{{cite web|title= Autodesk, Inc |url= http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Autodesk-Inc-company-History.html| publisher= Lendio | access-date = 29 March 2012| work =FundingUniverse| year=2012}}</ref> It was first released in December 1982 for the [[CP/M]] and [[IBM Personal Computer|IBM PC]] platforms as a desktop app running on [[microcomputer]]s with internal [[graphics controller]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cadhistory.net/08%20Autodesk%20and%20AutoCAD.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://cadhistory.net/08%20Autodesk%20and%20AutoCAD.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=Chapter 8 : Autodesk and AutoCAD |website=Cadhistory.net |access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> Initially a [[Disk operating system|DOS]] application, subsequent versions were later released for other platforms including [[Classic Mac OS]] (1992), [[Microsoft Windows]] (1993) and [[macOS]] (2010), [[iOS]] (2010), and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] (2011).

AutoCAD is a general drafting and design application used in industry by architects, project managers, engineers, interior designers, graphic designers, city planners, and other professionals to prepare [[technical drawing]]s. After discontinuing the sale of perpetual licenses in January 2016,<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.autodesk.com/licensing/overview#:~:text=What%20happened%20to%20perpetual%20licenses,a%20subscription%20on%20a%20plan. |title=What happened to perpetual licenses? |website= Autodesk.com |access-date=2023-08-16}}</ref> [[commercial software|commercial]] versions of AutoCAD are licensed through a [[Software as a service|term-based subscription]] or Autodesk Flex, a pay-as-you-go option introduced on September 24, 2021. Subscriptions to the desktop version of AutoCAD include access to the web and mobile applications. However, users can subscribe separately to the AutoCAD Web App online or AutoCAD Mobile through an in-app purchase.

==History==
Before AutoCAD was introduced, most CAD programs ran on [[mainframe computer]]s or [[minicomputer]]s, with each CAD operator (user) working at a separate [[graphics terminal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cadhistory.net/02%20Brief%20Overview.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://cadhistory.net/02%20Brief%20Overview.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=Chapter 2 : A Brief Overview of the History of CAD |website=Cadhistory.net |access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref>

===Origins===
[[File:Man using AutoCAD (1987).jpg|thumb|A man using AutoCAD 2.6 to digitize a drawing of a school building.]]
AutoCAD was derived from a program that began in 1977, and then released in 1979<ref name=RiddleAbout>{{cite web|last=Riddle|first=Michael|title=About|url=http://www.michaelriddle.com/?page_id=2|access-date=24 January 2014|quote=I’ve been building CAD products for over 29 years now, starting with Interact for the Marinchip 9900 released back in 1979, one of the first PC-based CAD programs available. Interact went on to become the architectural basis for the early versions of AutoCAD. I was one of the original 18 founders of that company.|archive-date=27 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027035507/http://www.michaelriddle.com/?page_id=2|url-status=dead}}</ref> named ''Interact CAD'',<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.studiodaily.com/2012/01/the-fascinating-story-of-how-autodesk-came-to-be-part-1/ |title=The Fascinating Story of How Autodesk Came to Be (Part 1) |work=Studio Daily |publisher=Access Intelligence |first=Peter |last=Plantec |date=7 January 2012 |access-date=25 February 2013 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112035641/https://www.studiodaily.com/2012/01/the-fascinating-story-of-how-autodesk-came-to-be-part-1/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.michaelriddle.com/?page_id=2 |title=About |work=Michael Riddle's Thoughts |access-date=25 February 2013 |archive-date=27 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027035507/http://www.michaelriddle.com/?page_id=2 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.retrothing.com/2007/05/mike_riddles_pr.html |title=Mike Riddle's Prehistoric AutoCAD |work=Retro Thing |first=James |last=Grahame |date=17 May 2007}}</ref> also referred to in early Autodesk documents as MicroCAD, which was written prior to Autodesk's (then Marinchip Software Partners) formation by Autodesk cofounder Michael Riddle.<ref>{{cite web|last=Walker|first=John|title=Information letter #5|url=http://www.fourmilab.ch/autofile/www/section2_9_7.html|access-date=24 January 2014|date=1 May 1982}}</ref><ref name=3DCADWorld>{{cite web|last=Yare|first=Evan|title=AutoCAD's Ancestor|url=http://www.3dcadworld.com/autocads-ancestor/|publisher=3D CAD World|access-date=24 January 2014|date=17 Feb 2012}}</ref>

The first version by Autodesk was demonstrated at the 1982 [[Comdex]] and released that December. AutoCAD supported [[CP/M]]-80 computers.<ref>{{citation|title=One Company's CAD Success Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qS4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA39|publisher=InfoWorld|access-date=19 July 2014|date=3 December 1984}}</ref> As Autodesk's flagship product, by March 1986 AutoCAD had become the most ubiquitous CAD program worldwide.<ref>{{citation|title=25 Year retrospective|chapter-url=http://www.cgw.com/Publications/CGW/2002/Volume-25-Issue-2-Feb-2002-/25-YEAR-RETROSPECTIVE-br-Part-2-CAD-CAM-CAE.aspx|year=2011|chapter=Part 2 CAD/CAM/CAE|publisher=Computer Graphics World|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104104652/http://www.cgw.com/Publications/CGW/2002/Volume-25-Issue-2-Feb-2002-/25-YEAR-RETROSPECTIVE-br-Part-2-CAD-CAM-CAE.aspx |access-date=29 March 2012|archive-date=2011-11-04}}</ref> The first UNIX version was Release 10 for [[Xenix]] in October 1989, while the first version for Windows was Release 12, released in February 1993.<ref>{{cite web |title=Autodesk Puts the AutoCAD up under the SCO Xenix V.386 |date=October 10, 1989 |publisher=New Statesman Media Group Ltd. |url=https://techmonitor.ai/technology/autodesk_puts_the_autocad_up_under_the_sco_xenix_v386 |access-date=December 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.shapr3d.com/history-of-cad/autodesk-and-autocad |date=March 27, 2023 |title=Autodesk and AutoCAD |author=David Weisberg |publisher=Shapr3D Zrt |access-date=December 21, 2023}}</ref>

==Features==
=== Compatibility with other software ===
Many software applications such as Autodesk Civil 3D and [[ArcMap|ESRI ArcMap 10]] permits export as AutoCAD drawing files. Third-party [[file converter]]s exist for specific formats such as Bentley MX GENIO Extension, PISTE Extension (France), ISYBAU (Germany), OKSTRA and [[Microdrainage]] (UK);<ref name="autodesk civil3d ug 2011">{{cite web | url=http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/civil_users_guide0.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/civil_users_guide0.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live | title=AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 Drawing Compatibility | publisher=[[Autodesk]] | work=AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 User's Guide | date=April 2010 | access-date=January 29, 2013 | pages=141{{ndash}}142}}</ref> also, conversion of [[.pdf]] files is feasible, however, the accuracy of the results may be unpredictable or distorted. For example, jagged edges may appear. Several vendors provide online conversions for free such as Cometdocs.

===Language===
AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are available for English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, [[Japanese language|Japanese]], [[Korean language|Korean]], [[Chinese Simplified]], [[Chinese Traditional]], [[Brazilian Portuguese]], [[Russian language|Russian]], [[Czech language|Czech]], [[Polish language|Polish]] and [[Hungarian language|Hungarian]] (also through additional language packs).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/downloads/caas/downloads/content/autocad-2020-language-packs.html|title=AutoCAD 2020 Language Packs {{!}} AutoCAD {{!}} Autodesk Knowledge Network|website=knowledge.autodesk.com|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref> The extent of localization varies from full translation of the product to documentation only. The AutoCAD command set is localized as a part of the software localization.

===Extensions===
AutoCAD supports a number of [[API]]s for customization and automation. These include [[AutoLISP]], [[Visual LISP]], [[Visual Basic for Applications|VBA]], [[Microsoft .NET|.NET]], [[JavaScript]], and [[ObjectARX]]. ObjectARX is a [[C++]] class library, which was also the base for:
* products extending AutoCAD functionality to specific fields
* creating products such as [[AutoCAD Architecture]], AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D
* third-party AutoCAD-based application
There are a large number of AutoCAD plugins (add-on applications) available on the application store Autodesk Exchange Apps.<ref>{{cite web|title=AutoCAD Exchange Apps|url=http://apps.exchange.autodesk.com/|publisher=Autodesk|access-date=11 August 2013}}</ref>
AutoCAD's [[DXF]], drawing exchange format, allows importing and exporting drawing information.

===Vertical integration===
Autodesk has also developed a few vertical programs for discipline-specific enhancements such as:

* Advance Steel
* [[AutoCAD Architecture]]
* AutoCAD Electrical
* AutoCAD Map 3D
* AutoCAD Mechanical
* AutoCAD MEP
* AutoCAD Plant 3D
* Autodesk Civil 3D

Since AutoCAD 2019 several verticals are included with AutoCAD subscription as Industry-Specific Toolset.

For example, AutoCAD Architecture (formerly Architectural Desktop) permits architectural designers to draw 3D objects, such as walls, doors, and windows, with more intelligent data associated with them rather than simple objects, such as lines and circles. The data can be programmed to represent specific architectural products sold in the construction industry, or extracted into a data file for pricing, materials estimation, and other values related to the objects represented.

Additional tools generate standard 2D drawings, such as elevations and sections, from a 3D architectural model. Similarly, Civil Design, Civil Design 3D, and Civil Design Professional support data-specific objects facilitating easy standard civil engineering calculations and representations.

Softdesk Civil was developed as an AutoCAD add-on by a company in New Hampshire called Softdesk (originally DCA).  Softdesk was acquired by Autodesk, and Civil became Land Development Desktop (LDD), later renamed Land Desktop. Civil 3D was later developed and Land Desktop was retired.

==Platforms==

[[File:Detail Autocad.jpg|thumb|An architectural detail drafted in AutoCAD (Windows)]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin-top: 0px;"
! colspan="2"|[[Operating system]]
! Latest release
|-
| rowspan="14" | Windows
| [[Windows 10, version 1809|10 October 2018 Update]] and later
| 2025 (x64)<ref>{{Cite web |title=System requirements for AutoCAD 2025 including Specialized Toolsets {{!}} AutoCAD 2025 {{!}} Autodesk Support |url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2025-including-Specialized-Toolsets.html |access-date=May 3, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| [[Windows 10|10]]
| 2022 (x64)<ref>{{Cite web |title=System requirements for AutoCAD 2022 including Specialized Toolsets {{!}} AutoCAD 2022 {{!}} Autodesk Knowledge Network |url=https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2022-including-Specialized-Toolsets.html |access-date=July 5, 2022 |website=knowledge.autodesk.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| [[Windows 8.1|8.1]]
| 2021 (x64)<ref>{{Cite web |title=System requirements for AutoCAD 2021 including Specialized Toolsets {{!}} AutoCAD 2021 {{!}} Autodesk Support |url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2024-including-Specialized-Toolsets.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| [[Windows 8|8]]
| 2016 (IA-32,x64)<ref>{{Cite web |title=System requirements for AutoCAD 2016 {{!}} AutoCAD 2016 {{!}} Autodesk Support |url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2016.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| [[Windows 7|7]]
| 2020 (x64)<ref>{{Cite web |title=System requirements for AutoCAD 2020 including Specialized Toolsets {{!}} AutoCAD 2020 {{!}} Autodesk Support |url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2020-including-Specialized-Toolsets.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| 7, 8.1 and 10
| 2019 (IA-32)<ref name="r33">{{Cite web |title=System requirements for AutoCAD 2019 including Specialized Toolsets {{!}} AutoCAD 2019 {{!}} Autodesk Support |url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2019-including-Specialized-Toolsets.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| [[Windows Vista|Vista]]
| 2012<ref>{{Cite web |title=System requirements for AutoCAD 2012 {{!}} AutoCAD 2012 {{!}} Autodesk Support |url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2012.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| [[Windows XP|XP]]
| 2014 (IA-32,x64)<ref>{{Cite web |title=System requirements for AutoCAD 2014 {{!}} AutoCAD 2014 {{!}} Autodesk Support |url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2014.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| [[Windows 2000|2000]]
| 2008<ref>{{Cite web |title=System requirements for AutoCAD 2008 {{!}} AutoCAD 2008 {{!}} Autodesk Support |url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD-2008.html |access-date=December 28, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
| [[Windows NT 4.0|NT 4.0]]
| 2004 (IA-32)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/2012/07/system-requirements-for-autocad-2004-to-2013.html |title=System requirements for AutoCAD 2004 to 2013 |first1=Shaan |last1=Hurley |date=July 30, 2012 |website=Between the Lines |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814183800/http://autodesk.blogs.com:80/between_the_lines/2012/07/system-requirements-for-autocad-2004-to-2013.html |archive-date=August 14, 2012 |access-date=June 22, 2023}}</ref>
|-
| [[Windows 98|98]] and [[Windows Me|Me]]
| 2002<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/ACAD_R17.html |title=AutoCAD 2002 (17) June 2001 |date=June 17, 2001 |website=Between the Lines |first1=Shaan |last1=Hurley |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228035715/http://autodesk.blogs.com:80/between_the_lines/ACAD_R17.html |archive-date=February 28, 2008 |access-date=June 22, 2023}}</ref>
|-
| [[Windows 95|95]]
| 2000i
|-
| [[Windows NT 3.51|NT 3.51]]
| Release 14 (IA-32)
|-
| [[Windows 3.1x|3.1x]], [[Windows NT 3.5|NT 3.5]]–3.51 (IA-32, Alpha)
| Release 13<ref>{{cite web |title=AutoCAD release 13 |year=1994 |url=https://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102642656 |publisher=Autodesk, Inc. |access-date=July 5, 2022}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="14" | macOS
| [[macOS Monterey|12]] and later
| 2025
|-
| [[macOS Big Sur|11]]
| 2024
|-
| [[macOS Catalina|10.15]]
| 2023
|-
| [[macOS Mojave|10.14]]
| 2022
|-
| [[macOS High Sierra|10.13]]
| 2021
|-
| [[macOS Sierra|10.12]]
| 2019
|-
| [[OS X El Capitan|10.11]]
| 2018
|-
| [[OS X Yosemite|10.10]]
| 2017
|-
| [[OS X Mavericks|10.9]]
| 2016
|-
| [[OS X Mountain Lion|10.8]]
| 2015
|-
| [[Mac OS X Snow Leopard|10.6]]–[[OS X Lion|10.7]]
| 2013 (x64)
|-
| [[Mac OS X Leopard|10.5]]
| 2011 (x64)<ref>{{cite web|title=AutoCAD for Mac |url=http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=15421056 |website=Autodesk.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816160221/http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=15421056 |archive-date=August 16, 2011}}</ref>
|-
| [[System 7|7.x]]
| Release 12
|-
| [[System 6|6.x]]
| Release 10
|-
| colspan="2" | [[Oracle Solaris|Solaris 2.0]], [[IRIX]], [[AIX]], [[HP-UX]] and [[DOS]] ([[80386|386]])
| Release 13
|-
| colspan="2" | [[SunOS|SunOS 4.1]] and [[Ultrix]]
| Release 12
|-
| colspan="2" | DOS ([[80286|286]])
| Release 11
|-
| colspan="2" | Xenix and [[OS/2|OS/2 1.x]]
| Release 10
|-
| colspan="2" | CP/M-80 and [[CP/M-86]]
| 1.4
|}

==File formats==
AutoCAD's native file formats are denoted either by a <code>[[.dwg]]</code>, <code>.dwt</code>, <code>.dws</code>, or <code>[[DXF|.dxf]]</code> [[filename extension]]. <code>.dwg</code> and, to a lesser extent, <code>.dxf</code>, have become de facto, if proprietary, standards for CAD data [[interoperability]], particularly for 2D drawing exchange.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Björk|first1=Bo-Christer|last2=Laakso|first2=Mikael|date=2010-07-01|title=CAD standardisation in the construction industry — A process view|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926580509001800|journal=[[Automation in Construction]]|series=Building information modeling and interoperability|language=en|volume=19|issue=4|pages=398–406|doi=10.1016/j.autcon.2009.11.010|issn=0926-5805|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

The primary file format for 2D and 3D drawing files created with AutoCAD is <code>.dwg</code>. While other third-party [[CAD]] software applications can create <code>.dwg</code> files, AutoCAD uniquely creates RealDWG files.<ref>{{cite web |title=RealDWG Platform Technologies |url=https://www.autodesk.com/developer-network/platform-technologies/realdwg |access-date=January 14, 2022 |work=Autodesk Developer Network |publisher=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref> The drawing version code changes between AutoCAD releases.<ref name="dwg code">{{Cite web |title=Drawing format version codes for AutoCAD |url=https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/drawing-version-codes-for-autocad.html |date=November 22, 2022 |access-date=June 22, 2023 |website=Autodesk Support}}</ref>

Using AutoCAD, any <code>.dwg</code> file may be saved to a derivative format. These derivative formats include:
* Drawing Template Files <code>.dwt</code>: New <code>.dwg</code> are created from a <code>.dwt</code> file. Although the default template file is <code>acad.dwt</code> for AutoCAD and <code>acadlt.dwt</code> for AutoCAD LT, custom <code>.dwt</code> files may be created to include foundational configurations such as drawing units and layers.
* Drawing Standards File <code>.dws</code>: Using the CAD Standards feature of AutoCAD, a Drawing Standards File may be associated to any <code>.dwg</code> or <code>.dwt</code> file to enforce graphical standards.
* Drawing Interchange Format <code>.dxf</code>: The <code>.dxf</code> format is an ASCII representation of a <code>.dwg</code> file, and is used to transfer data between various applications.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Importing and Exporting DXF Files |url=https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2019/ENU/AutoCAD-Core/files/GUID-D4242737-58BB-47A5-9B0E-1E3DE7E7D647-htm.html |access-date=January 14, 2022 |work=AutoCAD User's Guide |publisher=[[Autodesk]]}}</ref>

==Variants==
===AutoCAD LT===
AutoCAD LT is the lower-cost version of AutoCAD, with reduced capabilities, first released in November 1993. Autodesk developed AutoCAD LT to have an entry-level CAD package to compete in the lower price level. Priced at $495, it became the first AutoCAD product priced below $1000. It was sold directly by Autodesk and in computer stores unlike the full version of AutoCAD, which must be purchased from official Autodesk dealers. AutoCAD LT 2015 introduced ''Desktop Subscription'' service from $360 per year; as of 2018, three subscription plans were available, from $50 a month to a 3-year, $1170 license. Since AutoCAD LT 2024, AutoCAD LT support LISP customization.

While there are hundreds of small differences between the full AutoCAD package and AutoCAD LT, there are a few recognized major differences<ref>{{cite web|url=http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/autocad_lt_2011_faq.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/autocad_lt_2011_faq.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |title=Questions and Answers |website=Images.autodesk.com |access-date=2016-03-30}}</ref> in the software's features:

* 3D capabilities: AutoCAD LT lacks the ability to create, visualize and render 3D models as well as 3D printing.
* Network licensing: AutoCAD LT cannot be used on multiple machines over a network.
* Customization: AutoCAD LT does not support customization with LISP, ARX, .NET and VBA (Feature introduced with release 2024)
* Management and automation capabilities with ''Sheet Set Manager'' and ''Action Recorder''.
* CAD standards management tools.

===AutoCAD Mobile and AutoCAD Web===
AutoCAD Mobile and AutoCAD Web (formerly AutoCAD WS and AutoCAD 360)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bmarq.co.uk/blog/goodbye-autocad-360-hello-autocad-mobile/ |title=Goodbye AutoCAD 360, Hello AutoCAD Mobile! |date=20 February 2017 |website=benchmarq }}</ref> is an account-based mobile and web application enabling registered users to view, edit, and share AutoCAD files via mobile device and web<ref name=iTgunes>{{cite web|last=Autodesk|title=AutoCAD WS|url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/autocad-ws/id393149734|work=iTunes Preview|publisher=Apple|access-date=30 September 2011}}</ref> using a limited AutoCAD feature set — and using cloud-stored drawing files.  The program, which is an evolution and combination of previous products, uses a [[freemium]] business model with a free plan and two paid levels, including various amounts of storage, tools, and online access to drawings. 360 includes new features such as a "Smart Pen" mode and linking to third-party cloud-based storage such as [[Dropbox]]. Having evolved from Flash-based software, AutoCAD Web uses [[HTML5]] browser technology available in newer browsers including Firefox and Google Chrome.

AutoCAD WS began with a version for the [[iPhone]] and subsequently expanded to include versions for the [[iPod Touch]], [[iPad]], Android phones, and Android tablets.<ref name=OzlerMaciPadiPhone>{{cite web|last=Ozler|first=Levent|title=AutoCAD for Mac and AutoCAD WS application for iPad and iPhone|url=https://www.dexigner.com/news/21266|work=Dexigner|date=September 2010 |access-date=30 September 2011}}</ref> Autodesk released the [[iOS]] version in September 2010,<ref name=OzlerBuiltForMac>{{cite web|last=Ozler|first=Levent|title=AutoCAD for Mac 2012: Built for Mac OS X Lion|url=https://www.dexigner.com/news/23640|work=Dexigner|date=17 August 2011 |access-date=30 September 2011}}</ref> following with the [[Android (operating system)|Android]] version on April 20, 2011.<ref name=OzlerWSAndroid>{{cite web|last=Ozler|first=Levent|title=AutoCAD WS for Android|url=https://www.dexigner.com/news/22874|work=Dexigner|date=13 April 2011 |access-date=30 September 2011}}</ref> The program is available via download at no cost from the [[App Store (Apple)|App Store]] ([[iOS]]), [[Google Play]] ([[Android (operating system)|Android]]) and [[Amazon Appstore]] (Android).

In its initial iOS version, AutoCAD WS supported drawing of lines, circles, and other shapes; creation of text and comment boxes; and management of color, layer, and measurements — in both landscape and portrait modes. Version 1.3, released August 17, 2011, added support for unit typing, layer visibility, area measurement and file management.<ref name="iTgunes" /> The Android variant includes the iOS feature set along with such unique features as the ability to insert text or captions by voice command as well as manually.<ref name=OzlerWSAndroid/> Both Android and iOS versions allow the user to save files on-line — or off-line in the absence of an Internet connection.<ref name=OzlerWSAndroid/>

In 2011, Autodesk announced plans to migrate the majority of its software to "[[cloud computing|the cloud]]", starting with the AutoCAD WS mobile application.<ref name=Cloud>{{cite web|last=Thomson|first=Iain|title=Autodesk Shifts Design Apps to the Cloud|url=https://www.theregister.com/2011/09/22/design_reshaped_by_cloud_autodesk_claims|work=The A Register|access-date=30 September 2011}}</ref>

According to a 2013 interview with Ilai Rotbaein, an AutoCAD WS product manager for Autodesk, the name ''AutoCAD WS'' had no definitive meaning, and was interpreted variously as ''Autodesk Web Service'', ''White Sheet'' or ''Work Space.''<ref name=forward>{{cite web
|title=AutoCAD WS: Moving Forward
|url=http://www.augi.com/library/autocad-ws-moving-forward
|publisher=Augi Autodesk Users Group International, January 29th, 2013
|access-date=26 April 2013}}</ref> In 2013, ''AutoCAD WS'' was renamed to ''AutoCAD 360''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/2013/05/autocad-ws-is-now-autocad-360.html |title=AutoCAD WS is now AutoCAD 360 |date=21 May 2013 |website=Between the Lines |author=Shaan Hurley |publisher=Autodesk }}</ref> Later, it was renamed to ''AutoCAD Web App''.

===Student versions===
AutoCAD is licensed, for free, to students, educators, and educational institutions, with a 12-month renewable license available. Licenses acquired before March 25, 2020, were a 36-month license, with its last renovation on March 24, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Term length for Educational Licenses {{!}} Search {{!}} Autodesk Knowledge Network|url=https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/simplecontent/content/term-length-for-educational-licenses.html|access-date=2020-07-18|website=knowledge.autodesk.com|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-07-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719014928/https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/simplecontent/content/term-length-for-educational-licenses.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The student version of AutoCAD is functionally identical to the full commercial version, with one exception: DWG files created or edited by a student version have an internal bit-flag set (the "educational flag"). When such a DWG file is printed by any version of AutoCAD (commercial or student) older than AutoCAD 2014 SP1 or AutoCAD 2019 and newer, the output includes a plot stamp/banner on all four sides. Objects created in the Student Version cannot be used for commercial use. Student Version objects "infect" a commercial version DWG file if they are imported in versions older than AutoCAD 2015 or newer than AutoCAD 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docs.autodesk.com/ACD/2011/ENU/filesAUG/WS1a9193826455f5ffa23ce210c4a30acaf-6050.htm|title=Overview of Plotting|access-date=19 March 2016}}</ref>

==Version history==
{{main|AutoCAD version history}}

==See also==
* [[Autodesk 3ds Max]]
* [[Autodesk Maya]]
* [[Autodesk Revit]]
* [[AutoShade]]
* [[AutoSketch]]
* [[CAD Overlay]]
* [[Comparison of computer-aided design software]]
* [[Design Web Format]]
Open source CAD software:
* [[QCAD|QCAD Community Edition]]
* [[LibreCAD]]
* [[FreeCAD]]
* [[BRL-CAD]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|AutoCAD}}
{{Wikibooks}}
* {{Official website|https://www.autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview}}
* [http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/autocad-release-history.html AutoCAD release history]
* [http://www.digibarn.com/stories/mike-riddle/index.html Digibarn.com: Mike Riddle & the Story of Interact, AutoCAD, EasyCAD, FastCAD & more]
* [https://cadblocks.click: Architecture AutoCAD Drawings]

{{AutoCAD related articles}}
{{CAD software}}
{{Autodesk products}}
{{Authority control}}

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