AutoCAD and SolidWorks are built for different jobs. AutoCAD, from Autodesk, is general-purpose CAD centred on 2D drafting (plans, sections, details, schematics) with basic 3D, and it is the standard in architecture, civil, structural and building services work. SolidWorks, from Dassault Systèmes, is parametric 3D solid modelling for mechanical design: parts, assemblies, simulation and manufacturing drawings. Architects and building engineers almost always use AutoCAD (or a BIM tool like Revit or ArchiCAD); product and machine designers use SolidWorks.
AutoCAD vs SolidWorks at a glance
| AutoCAD | SolidWorks | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Autodesk | Dassault Systèmes |
| Core strength | 2D drafting and documentation | Parametric 3D parts and assemblies |
| Modelling approach | Draw geometry directly (lines, polylines, blocks) | Sketch, constrain, extrude; features driven by dimensions |
| Typical industries | Architecture, civil, structural, MEP, interiors, landscape | Mechanical engineering, product design, machinery, manufacturing |
| Drawings | Drawn sheet by sheet in layouts | Generated from the 3D model and updated with it |
| Simulation | No | Yes, in higher tiers (stress, motion, flow) |
| Platforms | Windows and Mac | Windows only |
| Native file format | DWG | SLDPRT, SLDASM, SLDDRW |
| Licensing | Subscription (AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT) | Subscription or perpetual with maintenance, mostly through resellers |
Which should an architect or building engineer use?
AutoCAD, or a BIM program. Buildings are documented as plans, sections and details on sheets, which is AutoCAD's home ground, and the industry exchanges DWG and PDF. SolidWorks has no architectural tools and runs only on Windows. When architects need 3D, they move to BIM (Revit, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks) rather than to mechanical CAD. See CAD programs for architects and CAD vs BIM.
Which should a mechanical engineer use?
SolidWorks, or a comparable mechanical CAD program (Autodesk Inventor and Fusion are the closest Autodesk equivalents). Parametric models, assemblies with mates, sheet metal, and drawings that update when the part changes are what mechanical design needs, and AutoCAD does not offer them in the same way.
Cost
Both are professional tools with professional prices, and SolidWorks generally costs more per seat than AutoCAD, especially in its Professional and Premium tiers. AutoCAD prices are published by Autodesk; SolidWorks is mostly sold through resellers, so quotes vary by country. See how much does AutoCAD cost and AutoCAD LT vs AutoCAD. Always check current prices with the vendor or reseller.
Where the two meet: PDF drawings
On mixed projects, such as a building with custom steelwork or equipment, SolidWorks fabrication drawings and AutoCAD building drawings usually meet as PDFs, during shop drawing review and coordination. Ncored, the PDF editor we built in our architecture studio, opens heavy drawing sets fast on Windows and Mac, and lets reviewers cloud, comment, measure to scale and compare revisions, whatever program the PDF came from. See shop drawings vs submittals.
Frequently asked questions
Is SolidWorks better than AutoCAD?
For 3D mechanical design, yes. For 2D drafting and building documentation, AutoCAD is the better fit. They target different work.
Is AutoCAD or SolidWorks easier to learn?
Basic 2D drafting in AutoCAD is usually quicker to learn; SolidWorks takes longer because parametric modelling is a different way of thinking.
Can SolidWorks open DWG files?
Yes, SolidWorks can import DWG and DXF files, typically as sketches or drawings to build from.
Does SolidWorks run on a Mac?
Not natively. It is Windows software; Mac users run it in a Windows virtual machine or use a cloud-based option.
Related: free DWG viewers, what is BIM, Autodesk Access explained.