AutoCAD is computer-aided design (CAD) software that is used for precise 2D and 3D drafting, design, and modeling with solids, surfaces, mesh objects, documentation features, and more. It includes features to automate tasks and increase productivity such as comparing drawings, counting, adding objects, and creating tables. It also comes with seven industry-specific toolsets for electrical design, plant design, architecture layout drawings, mechanical design, 3D mapping, adding scanned images, and converting raster images. AutoCAD enables users to create, edit, and annotate drawings via desktop, web, and mobile devices.\n"}]},"@type":"Question","name":"Who uses Autodesk AutoCAD?","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"Autodesk AutoCAD is used by students, architects, designers, engineers, project managers, real estate developers, and construction professionals to create precise 2D and 3D drawings.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"What is the difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT? ","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"AutoCAD LT is powerful 2D CAD software used for precision drafting and documentation. AutoCAD includes all the features of AutoCAD LT, plus additional features to benefit productivity such as 3D modeling and automation of repetitive processes. AutoCAD also lets you customize the user interface with APIs and add-on apps. With AutoCAD, users are able work more efficiently with seven industry-specific toolsets to enhance automation and productivity for tasks in architecture, mechanical design, electrical design, plant design, plumbing, converting raster images, geographic information systems, and 3D mapping.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"Which operating system does Autodesk AutoCAD software run on?\u202f\u202f","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"Autodesk AutoCAD can run on Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, and Linux. See\u202fAutoCAD system requirements for details.
\n
\nEvery Autodesk AutoCAD subscription includes AutoCAD on the web and mobile. AutoCAD on mobile can run on iOS, Android, and Windows. See AutoCAD on mobile system requirements for version details. Autodesk AutoCAD on the web is supported by 64-bit Google Chrome, 64-bit Mozilla Firefox, and 64-bit Microsoft Edge on Windows or Mac. See\u202fAutoCAD on web system requirements for version details.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"Can I use AutoCAD for free?","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Students and educators can get free one-year educational access to Autodesk products and services, renewable for as long as you remain eligible. Learn more.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"How do I download AutoCAD?","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"Autodesk provides download and install instructions for individuals and administrators. Your available downloads appear in Autodesk Account. Find your product, select a version, platform, language, and download method. For more information, visit the Autodesk Knowledge Network.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"Which versions of AutoCAD can I use if I subscribe to the current version? ","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"Your AutoCAD subscription gives you access to install and use the three previous versions of AutoCAD. Available downloads are listed in your Autodesk Account after subscribing. See also previous releases available for subscribers.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"Can I install Autodesk AutoCAD on multiple computers? ","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"With a subscription to Autodesk AutoCAD software, you can install it on up to three computers or other devices. However, only the named user can sign in and use that software on a single computer at any given time. Please refer to the\u202fSoftware License Agreement for more information.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"How do I convert my AutoCAD free trial to a paid subscription? ","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"Launch your trial software and click Subscribe Now on the trial screen or buy AutoCAD here. When buying your subscription, enter the same email address and password combination you used to sign in to your trial. Learn more about\u202f converting a trial to a paid subscription.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"How much does an AutoCAD subscription cost? ","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"The price of an annual AutoCAD subscription is\u202f\u202fand the price of a monthly AutoCAD subscription is\u202f. The price of a 3-year AutoCAD subscription is\u202f. If you have infrequent users and are interested in a pay-as-you-go option, please visit www.autodesk.com/flex to learn more.\n"],"@type":"Question","name":"Does AutoCAD run on Mac?","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"AutoCAD can run on Apple macOS and Microsoft Windows. AutoCAD for macOS runs natively on Apple silicon. It supports the M-series chips including M1 and M2. See\u202fAutoCAD system requirements for more details.\n"]],"@type":"FAQPage","@context":" "} Architecture Engineering Construction Collection
AutoCAD LT is CAD software that is used for precise 2D drafting, design, and documentation. It includes features to automate tasks and increase productivity such as comparing drawings, counting, adding objects, and creating tables. AutoCAD LT enables users to create, edit, and annotate drawings via desktop, web, and mobile devices.\n"}]},"@type":"Question","name":"Who uses AutoCAD LT? ","acceptedAnswer":["@type":"Answer","text":"AutoCAD LT is used by architects, engineers, construction professionals, and designers who need to: \r\n
If you are proficient with Inventor and it can meet your needs, then there is no reason to go away from it. Plant 3D offers some other piping specific workflows that Inventor does not have (and probably will never have) that make it most of the times (not always) a better tool for piping system management.
- Unique tagging system
- tube and flexible hose
- supporting structures (frame generator)
A lot of people make workflows between the two programs, for example in Plant 3D you could treat complex skids with a lot of inner piping as an equipment. You can model it in Inventor easily and use the BIM Content environment and a simplified version to import it in Plant 3D. All large connecting piping you can do in Plant 3D and take advantage of its pipe management workflows. while at the same time profiting of Inventor's ability to better deal with the mechanical demands needed with the construction and interior design of your skids.