AutoCAD and SolidWorks are two of the most widely used CAD platforms—but they’re built for different kinds of work.
According to Enlyft, AutoCAD holds around 37% of the CAD software market, while SolidWorks accounts for about 12%. That tells us something important: both tools are in high demand, but they’re used in different ways by different types of professionals.
If you’re just starting out—or shifting into a new role—figuring out which one to learn can be a real challenge. It’s not just about popularity. It’s about picking the software that matches your industry, your goals, and how you want to work.
So in this article, we’re going to walk you through how AutoCAD and SolidWorks compare, where they’re used, how steep the learning curve is, and what other options you might want to consider.
We hope that by the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which tool makes sense for your goals—and feel more confident about where to start.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Which is better, AutoCAD or SolidWorks?
AutoCAD and SolidWorks are both big names in the CAD world, but they’re built for different kinds of work. One isn’t strictly better than the other—it really depends on what you’re trying to do.
To make things clearer, here’s a side-by-side comparison of how they stack up in the areas that matter most:
| Aspect | AutoCAD | SolidWorks |
| Launch Year | 1982 | 1995 |
| Primary Strength | 2D drafting, widely used for architectural and engineering drawings | 3D parametric modeling, suitable for complex parts and assemblies |
| Modeling Approach | Non-parametric, manual updates required for design changes | Parametric, easy design updates via relationships between parts |
| User Interface | Robust annotation tools, steeper learning curve (especially 2D to 3D) | Intuitive icons, customizable UI, built-in tutorials, easier to learn |
| Customization Options | Supports AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA, .NET, ObjectARX | Allows creating relationships between components, automates assembly updates |
| Hardware Requirements (RAM) | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Operating Systems | Windows & macOS, web and mobile apps | Windows 11 64-bit (from SP2), Windows 10 64-bit |
| File Formats | Native: .dwg, .dxf (industry standards for 2D) | Imports/exports: DWG, DXF, Parasolid, Pro/ENGINEER; Native: .sldprt, .sldasm |
| Pricing (Initial License) | 3-year license: $5,315, monthly subscription: $325 | Initial license: $4,195 + mandatory subscription for 2 years |
| Industry Adoption | 37% market share in CAD software, used in architecture, construction | 12% market share, used by ~7.5 million users, excels in mechanical engineering |
| Collaboration Features | Cloud versions enhance connectivity and data sharing for teamwork | Cloud versions facilitate collaboration, strong user community support |
| Ideal For | Architects, engineers, construction professionals needing 2D drafting tools | Mechanical engineers, designers needing precise 3D modeling and assemblies |
Best for 2D vs 3D Work
AutoCAD is mainly used for 2D drafting.
That’s perfect if you’re working in architecture or construction where clear plans are a must. SolidWorks is better suited for 3D modeling—especially when you’re dealing with parts, assemblies, or products that need to fit and move together.
Best for Beginners
If you’re just starting out, SolidWorks tends to be more beginner-friendly.
The interface is visual, interactive, and comes with built-in tutorials that walk you through the basics. AutoCAD, while extremely powerful, can feel more technical—especially when you’re switching from 2D to 3D.
Best for Complex Design Changes
SolidWorks uses a parametric approach, which means your parts are connected.
When you change one feature, everything updates automatically. That’s a huge time-saver in complex projects. AutoCAD gives you more manual control, which some users prefer—but it also means more effort when making changes.
Best Fit for Your Career Path
AutoCAD is a favourite in industries like architecture, civil engineering, and construction.
SolidWorks is a top choice for mechanical engineers, product designers, and anyone working with detailed 3D assemblies. So your choice might come down to the kind of work you want to do.
Up next, we’ll look at how different industries use these tools—and where your skills might take you. Let’s keep going.
What industries use AutoCAD & SolidWorks?
AutoCAD and SolidWorks may both fall under the CAD umbrella, but they serve very different industries—and that’s a key factor when deciding which one is better for you.
AutoCAD has a strong presence in industries that rely heavily on 2D drawings and technical documentation.
Data from 6sense.com shows that it’s especially popular in project management, with over 3,000 companies using it for planning and coordination. It’s also widely used in engineering (2,715 users), architecture (2,695), and interior design (2,424), all of which demand detailed layout plans, elevations, and section drawings.
In practice, AutoCAD is the tool of choice for professionals who need to create clean, precise visuals that communicate how a space or system is supposed to work.
Architects use it to draft building layouts and construction documents.
Civil engineers rely on it for site plans and infrastructure layouts.
Even interior designers and construction teams use it to map out finishes, fixtures, and dimensions down to the millimetre.
On the other side, SolidWorks is much more rooted in 3D mechanical and product design.
Another data point from 6sense.com shows that the highest number of users fall under engineering (1,289), followed by manufacturing (1,062) and design (672). It’s the go-to software in industries where building, testing, and refining 3D parts and assemblies is the core of the job.
Think of things like machinery, robotics, or even consumer electronics—SolidWorks is used to design how these products come together, how they move, and how they’ll perform under stress.
Manufacturers use it to simulate mechanical performance before production, while product designers rely on it to develop detailed prototypes and streamline iterations.
So while AutoCAD tends to dominate in the built environment, SolidWorks leads in industries that create mechanical systems and products.
Up next, let’s look at some of the other tools out there that might also be worth considering.
What are the best alternatives to AutoCAD and SolidWorks?
AutoCAD and SolidWorks are two of the biggest names in CAD, but they’re not your only options. Depending on your goals—whether it’s budget, industry fit, or specific features—there are several alternatives worth exploring.
Some are more affordable, some are easier to learn, and others are built for very specific workflows.
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a flexible, all-in-one tool from Autodesk that blends 3D modelling, simulation, and manufacturing tools in a single platform. It’s a favourite among makers, product designers, and even small teams who want something powerful but approachable.
Why it’s a solid alternative:
- Lets you do both 2D sketches and full 3D models in one place
- Great for hands-on work like 3D printing, CNC machining, or prototyping
- Way more budget-friendly than SolidWorks, especially for students and startups
Revit
If you’re headed into architecture or construction, Revit is worth a serious look. It’s made for BIM (Building Information Modelling), which means it’s not just about lines and shapes—it’s about smart models with real-world data behind them.
Why it’s a strong AutoCAD alternative:
- Built specifically for architecture, engineering, and MEP workflows
- Makes teamwork easier with real-time collaboration on full building models
- More structured and model-based than AutoCAD, which helps reduce errors in complex projects
CATIA
Think of CATIA as the big-league version of SolidWorks. Also made by Dassault Systèmes, it’s used in industries where complexity is the norm—like aerospace or automotive design.
Why it might be the right pick:
- Trusted by pros designing planes, cars, and other high-performance systems
- Handles massive assemblies and detailed simulations without breaking a sweat
- A step up from SolidWorks if you’re aiming for large-scale industrial work
SketchUp
SketchUp is like the sketchbook of the CAD world—simple, fast, and surprisingly powerful for early-stage ideas. It’s especially popular in architecture and interior design for quickly blocking out spaces and concepts.
Why people love it:
- Super easy to learn—even if you’re brand new to 3D modeling
- Works great alongside AutoCAD for concept development
- The free version and huge model library (3D Warehouse) make it super accessible
Is SolidWorks harder to learn than AutoCAD?
Between the two, SolidWorks is generally easier to learn—especially if you’re jumping straight into 3D design. AutoCAD, while incredibly powerful, can feel more technical and abstract, particularly for beginners who aren’t familiar with drafting principles or command-line tools.
SolidWorks is built with a more visual workflow in mind.
Most of the tools are icon-based, the interface feels intuitive, and there are tons of built-in tutorials to guide you through your first models. It’s designed to help you see how parts fit and move together, which makes it easier to understand as you go.
AutoCAD, on the other hand, often starts with 2D.
And while 2D drafting is important in many fields, it can be harder to grasp if you’re more visually inclined or thinking in terms of physical objects. It also requires more manual control—like typing commands, managing layers, and understanding line weights—which adds a layer of complexity early on.
That said, if you’re working towards a career in architecture, construction, or civil engineering, learning AutoCAD is still a must. It’s just worth knowing that the initial learning curve might feel steeper than it does with SolidWorks.
So, which one should you learn first?
If your focus is 3D modelling, product design, or mechanical systems, SolidWorks is probably the smoother entry point.
If you’re headed into architecture, construction, or any field where 2D drawings are still the foundation, AutoCAD is the more relevant skill—even if it takes a little more time to get comfortable with.
Learn AutoCAD and SolidWorks with a Certified Online Course
Want to turn this knowledge into real-world skills?
The best way to truly understand the difference between AutoCAD and SolidWorks is to start using them. And if you’re serious about starting or advancing your career in design, engineering, or the AEC space, a structured course can help you move forward faster—without second-guessing every step.
But where should you learn it?
Interscale Education, an Autodesk Gold Partner, offers certified online training to help you learn AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and other industry-standard tools in a practical, guided way.
Here’s what you’ll get with the course:
- 100+ certified courses focused on tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and Fusion 360—built specifically to improve technical workflows
- Step-by-step video lessons that show how to organize files, apply standards, and automate repetitive tasks
- Expert instructors with 60+ years of combined experience in design, engineering, and project delivery
- 60,000+ minutes of flexible, on-demand content, so you can learn at your own pace and revisit topics anytime
- An industry-recognized certificate, backed by Autodesk Gold Partner status, to strengthen your career credentials
Learn the tools that power real design and engineering work. With certified training in AutoCAD and SolidWorks, you’ll build practical, job-ready skills—and the confidence to apply them from day one.
Start building your skills today with a certified AutoCAD online course—enroll now!
