3D COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
3D CAD SOFTWARE
Autodesk has 3D CAD software designed to meet your needs. Design and make anything with AutoCAD®, our most popular 3D CAD software.
What is 3D CAD software?
3D CAD, or three-dimensional computer-aided design, is technology for design and technical documentation, which replaces manual drafting with an automated process. Used by architects, engineers and other professionals, 3D CAD software precisely represents and visualises objects using a collection of points in three dimensions on the computer. Autodesk has a broad portfolio of 3D CAD software programs to help people explore and share ideas, visualise concepts and simulate how designs will perform before they are made.
How is 3D CAD software used?
-
![]()
Staging and rigging company sets new stage during pandemic
Learn how Simon Denness – a designer and architectural technologist – uses AutoCAD and Revit to impress clients with extremely detailed 2D/3D models, real-time adjustments and competitive pricing.
Image courtesy of Simon Denness
-
![]()
One Click Metal democratises metal additive manufacturing
One Click Metal is an additive manufacturing startup developing a low-cost metal 3D printer. Not only did they decide to use Fusion 360 to make their dream and design a reality, they also decided to integrate the machine and its processes into Eagle.
Image courtesy of One Click Metal
-
![]()
How companies help get COVID-19 facilities built in less than 3 weeks
Two Canadian companies help medical facilities meet surge capacity quickly. Falkbuilt-Sprung partners with Autodesk experts to design and manufacture emergency facilities to help treat the overwhelming surge in COVID-19 cases.
Image courtesy of Falkbuilt
3D CAD software tutorials
-
![]()
AUTOCAD
Get the most out of your AutoCAD with these tutorials, tips, videos, webinars and free resources.
-
![]()
FUSION 360
Get started with Fusion 360 tutorials, videos, events & webinars on toolpaths, mechanical assemblies and more.
-
![]()
REVIT
Learn the essentials to getting started with Revit, building design software specifically built for Building Information Modelling.
Free 3D CAD software
FREE 3D CAD SOFTWARE FOR STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS
We offer free Autodesk software for students and educators. Use the same CAD software as top professionals around the world.
FREE 3D CAD SOFTWARE FOR NON-PROFITS
Are you a non-profit organisation or entrepreneur working to create positive impact through design? See if you qualify for our Technology Impact Programme.
Free 3D CAD software resources
-
Get answers to popular questions about AutoCAD software licences and subscriptions and see what’s possible with Autodesk software.
-
Learn how VDC technology via the AEC Collection helps you to increase collaboration, control costs and improve quality on your construction projects.
-
Get started with modelling, sketching, 2D drawings and assemblies with these quick tutorials.
-
Not sure which CAD software is right for you? Use this comparison chart to see which software will fit your needs best.
-
Get shortcut keys and commands lists for popular Autodesk products.
-
Get started in AutoCAD with these free guides, or develop your skills with more advanced videos and tutorials.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
3D CAD software allows the user to include precise dimensions in their drawings. When designing in 3D CAD, it is also much more efficient to make updates to a drawing and it streamlines the file sharing process.
3D CAD software like AutoCAD provides many advantages including:
- Increased accuracy for drawing precise dimensions
- Automating common processes
- Access to libraries of routinely used items such as doors, windows and manufacturing parts
- Ability to quickly adjust parts of a drawing without needing to start again
- Managing complex designs details all within one file
- Creating blocks for frequently drawn items
- Increased collaboration with colleagues through the ability to share and mark the same file
3D CAD software is used by many different professions including architects, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, interior designers, civil engineers, landscape architects, industrial designers, P&ID designers, plant engineers, piping designers, MEP engineers, surveyors, urban planners and GIS specialists.
Yes, students and educators can get free one-year educational access to Autodesk products and services, renewable as long as they remain eligible.
The AutoCAD web app is an online CAD program and it is included when you subscribe to AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT. It allows you to work remotely and collaborate with colleagues with AutoCAD in the Internet browser on your computer. In addition, AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT and the AutoCAD web and mobile apps offer connected workflows through leading cloud storage providers including Box, Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox. The cloud storage integrations enable you to store your DWG files where you want and work in AutoCAD any time, anywhere.
Yes, Autodesk offers 3D CAD certifications for products including AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Inventor and Revit. For a full list of products available for certification and details on certification, visit Autodesk Certification (US site).
