AutoCAD subscription FAQ

AutoCAD LT has many of the same features as AutoCAD at a lower price point. View, edit and share designs with a comprehensive range of design tools, including web and mobile access. 

The primary differences between the two versions lie in the more advanced toolsets with AutoCAD offering both 2D and 3D drafting tools and automation capabilities while AutoCAD LT is focused on providing a comprehensive 2D drafting toolset.

Compare all the features of AutoCAD vs AutoCAD LT to learn which version is right for you.

Yes, you can use AutoCAD on Mac and Windows if you are on an AutoCAD subscription. You can use the same subscription user name and password to activate your software on either Windows or Mac platforms. The version years must match, and you need to download and install the correct software for your operating system.

Your AutoCAD subscription gives you access to install and use the 3 previous versions. Available downloads are listed in your Autodesk Account at manage.autodesk.com after subscribing. See also Available Previous Releases for Subscribers.

Yes, access to AutoCAD on the web and on mobile is included with every AutoCAD LT subscription. Enjoy the freedom to design and collaborate from anywhere with the web and/or via mobile apps with AutoCAD LT. Features include remote access/viewing/editing, publishing & sharing, and online annotation.

Learn more about the features available in AutoCAD Web to discover how it can enhance your AutoCAD LT workflows.

Yes, AutoCAD Web, which includes access to AutoCAD on the web and on mobile, has valuable remote collaboration and sharing tools to enhance your AutoCAD experience. AutoCAD Web combines the convenience of viewing and editing designs online or on a mobile device, available as a standalone subscription with an attractive price and included in every AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT subscription.

Learn more about AutoCAD Web and discover how it can help to improve your workflow and online collaboration.

There are a number of tools available for opening CAD files online, including various free viewers available from Autodesk:

• AutoCAD Web: Online CAD viewer and editor
• Autodesk Online Viewer: Browser-based viewer

Autodesk also offers viewers for various other file types, compatible with different platforms and software products. More information is available on the Autodesk Viewers page.

Use AutoCAD Web to design on the go via iOS or Android devices. View and edit your latest drawings in the field and quickly access DWG files anywhere with Autodesk’s cloud. Collaborate and make changes in real time, reducing unnecessary communication delays and trips back to the office. Get started by downloading the app to your iOS or Android devices.

Yes. Free viewers are available for most Autodesk products and file types to allow you to share and view projects without requiring full versions of our software products. Visit the Autodesk Viewers page for information.

AutoCAD 360, now known as AutoCAD Web, is a cloud-based DWG viewing and editing application, with easy-to-use drawing and drafting tools. View, mark up, edit and create DWG files on your smartphone or tablet – any time, anywhere. Use AutoCAD Web to design on the go via iOS or Android devices.

Your AutoCAD subscription gives you access to install and use the 3 previous versions of AutoCAD. The 2023, 2022, 2021 or older versions of AutoCAD are no longer sold individually.

The most recent release of AutoCAD is AutoCAD 2024. Learn more about what’s new in AutoCAD 2024.

AutoCAD Architecture is no longer sold individually, but it is included when you purchase a subscription of AutoCAD. With the Architecture toolset included with your AutoCAD subscription:

• Create floor plans, sections, elevations and other building design drawings using specialised tools.
• Additional features include walls, doors and windows.
• Use 8,000+ intelligent architectural objects and styles to support AIA 2nd edition, BS1192 DIN 276, ISYBAU Long Format, ISYBAU Short Format and STLB layer standards.

AutoCAD Electrical is no longer sold individually, but it is included when you purchase a subscription of AutoCAD. With the Electrical toolset included with your AutoCAD subscription:

• Create panel layouts, schematic diagrams and other electrical drawings using specialised tools.
• Use consistent project standards with drawings organised in a project-based structure.
• Includes a library of 65,000+ intelligent electrical symbols to support AS, GB, IEC, IEC-60617, JIC, JIS, NFPA and IEEE standards.

Autodesk’s named users plans provide a range of capabilities for organisations of every size. Select a subscription plan that best fits your individual or company needs. Each plan has a different level of security, reporting, automation and support features.

Yes. Select Monthly for your subscription term when you make your purchase. After your order is complete, visit manage.autodesk.com, locate your order in the Billing & Orders section, and click Edit Payment to turn off auto-renewal. Your AutoCAD subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing cycle.

Subscriptions sold online are single-user access – a single user can access, activate and use each subscription seat. Users cannot share a seat, but you can purchase additional stand-alone licences and then assign those seats to different users.

Yes, you can buy AutoCAD for another user. Sign in to the Autodesk Account used to subscribe to the software and click the Users icon. You can then enter the other user’s email address to assign software access and send an invitation to download and install AutoCAD from Autodesk Account. For more information, see Managing Users and Permissions.

Autodesk software is available with a subscription only. We no longer sell perpetual licences. Learn more about our software licencing options.

You can buy an AutoCAD personal licence for single-user use online, by phone (+44 203 318 4259), or from a reseller. Learn more about licensing options.

Autodesk no longer offers new subscriptions with multi-user access since 7 August 2020. If you have a subscription with multi-user access, we’ll help you transition to a plan for named users. Learn more about retirements and licence options.

Students (US site) and teachers(US site) at qualified academic institutions worldwide are eligible for free access to Autodesk software for one year through the Autodesk Education Community. (US site)

Launch your trial software and click "Subscribe Now" on the trial screen or visit the AutoCAD page. When buying your subscription, enter the same email address and password combination you used to sign in to your trial. Subscription activation varies by product. In some instances, your software is activated automatically after purchase. Learn more about converting a trial to a paid subscription.

To upgrade from AutoCAD LT to AutoCAD, go to the subscription renewal page and select AutoCAD. You'll then be able to add 3D printing, drafting and automation capabilities as part of the upgrade to AutoCAD from AutoCAD LT.

For subscriptions purchased online, you can change products or the length of your subscription by turning off automatic renewal and letting your current subscription expire. You can then purchase a new subscription for the desired product and subscription term.

You can cancel your AutoCAD subscription at any time – or within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Contact us to request a refund after purchase. You can also edit your renewal setting from your Autodesk Account page, so your subscription does not automatically renew. You will have full access to your software and services until your subscription expires.

Sign in to manage.autodesk.com, select Billing & Orders, click Edit Payment, and turn off auto-renewal. Your subscription details will then list an expiry date instead of a renewal date. Your subscription remains active until the expiry date.

Your AutoCAD subscription is activated when an authorised named user signs in after AutoCAD is launched for the first time. If your software also requires a serial number, that activation information appears in your Autodesk Account at manage.autodesk.com and is often entered automatically during installation. You must have an active Internet connection to activate and use subscription software.

You don’t need to be online to use AutoCAD on your computer or the AutoCAD Web on your mobile device. However, you need to connect to the Internet every 30 days to verify that your subscription is still valid. An Internet connection is needed initially to instal and activate AutoCAD on desktop and mobile, and if you have cloud services, you need to be online to access cloud-based tools such as the AutoCAD on the web.

With a subscription to AutoCAD software, you can install it on up to 3 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 Software Licence Agreement (US site) for more information.

Home use rights allow subscribers to install Autodesk software at home for work related to business, personal education or training.  Learn more about the products eligible for the home use and terms & conditions.

Learn to work with AutoCAD at home with a free student licence (US site). Access nearly all features, plus view free video tutorials to gain a firmer understanding of the programme. Autodesk also offers AutoCAD support and learning content to help learn the basics of the software, along with various courses and learning pathways to level-up your skill set and build towards AutoCAD Professional Certification.

Additionally, free trials (US site) are available for AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD Web that can help introduce you to Autodesk software before you sign up for a subscription plan.