Architects and engineers ask us this constantly: should we buy AutoCAD or Revit? They overlap less than you might think.
AutoCAD: precision drafting
AutoCAD is the world standard for 2D drafting and 3D modelling. It is geometry-driven: lines, arcs and dimensions under your complete control. Ideal for detailed drawings, schematics, site plans and any workflow built around DWG files.
Revit: building information modelling
Revit is BIM software – you model a building from intelligent components (walls, floors, ducts) and the drawings, schedules and quantities generate themselves and stay coordinated when the design changes. Ideal for buildings designed by multi-discipline teams.
How to choose
- Mostly 2D drawings and details: AutoCAD
- Full building projects with architecture, structure and MEP: Revit
- Collaborating across firms on shared models: Revit, often with BIM Collaborate Pro
- Many firms run both: Revit for the model, AutoCAD for detailed output
Licensing done properly
Autodesk products are subscription-based, and editions matter. We supply genuine Autodesk subscriptions with installation help and team training – talk to us about the right setup for your practice.
