Which Software is More Popular in the Engineering Sector: SolidWorks or AutoCAD?
In the realm of computer-aided design (CAD), two software giants, SolidWorks and AutoCAD, stand out as the industry's leading tools. While both have their unique strengths, their popularity and utility vary across different engineering disciplines.
AutoCAD, developed by Autodesk, is one of the oldest and most widely-used CAD programs. Historically, it has been a staple tool in civil engineering for drafting site plans, architectural designs, and electrical engineering for circuit layouts and schematics. Its broad applicability and integration with Autodesk’s suite (like Civil 3D) make it prevalent in infrastructure, construction, and electrical projects. Autodesk's push toward cloud-native and AI-enhanced workflows aims to maintain AutoCAD's broad usability and cross-disciplinary collaboration [2].
On the other hand, SolidWorks, created by Dassault Systèmes, is primarily a 3D parametric modeling tool. It is a standard in mechanical engineering, aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries where detailed product design, simulation, and motion analysis are critical. SolidWorks excels in feature-based 3D modeling and supports extensive simulation and product data management capabilities [4].
When it comes to specific engineering fields, SolidWorks is more dominant in mechanical engineering due to its advanced 3D modeling, simulation, and ease of creating complex assemblies commonly required for mechanical product design [4]. Meanwhile, AutoCAD and Autodesk’s Civil 3D are more widely used in civil engineering due to their strong drafting, terrain modeling, and infrastructure design tools tailored for civil projects [2]. In electrical engineering, AutoCAD remains the tool of choice for 2D electrical schematics and wiring diagrams [2].
As the industry evolves, both companies are focusing on embedding AI to speed and simplify CAD tasks. Autodesk has introduced features like AutoConstrain, automating 2D geometric constraint generation, while SolidWorks offers AI Selection Helper for complex modeling steps [1].
Many engineers learn both AutoCAD and SolidWorks to stay competitive. In the automotive, aerospace, robotics, industrial machinery, and consumer product design industries, SolidWorks is used more, while AutoCAD is more widely used overall in the engineering industry due to its versatility and longevity [3].
In summary, if your focus is mechanical or product design engineering, SolidWorks leads in popularity and capability. For civil and electrical engineering disciplines, AutoCAD remains the more widely used and versatile option. Many companies use both AutoCAD and SolidWorks, depending on project requirements. With the rise of 3D printing, SolidWorks is becoming more essential for rapid prototyping.
References: [1] Autodesk (2020). AutoCAD 2021: What's New. [online] Available at: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/ENU/2021/MAY21/AUTOCAD/main/content/what_s_new_in_autocad_2021.html
[2] Dassault Systèmes (2021). SolidWorks 2022: What's New. [online] Available at: https://www.3ds.com/products-services/product-portfolio/solidworks/solidworks-2022/whats-new/
[3] CAD Masters (2021). AutoCAD vs SolidWorks: A Comparative Analysis. [online] Available at: https://www.cadmasters.com/blog/autocad-vs-solidworks-comparative-analysis
[4] Autodesk (2021). SolidWorks. [online] Available at: https://www.autodesk.com/products/solidworks/overview
In the engineering industry, AutoCAD is more widely used overall due to its versatility and long history, particularly in civil engineering for drafting site plans, architectural designs, electrical engineering for circuit layouts and schematics, and electrical engineering for creating 2D electrical schematics and wiring diagrams. On the other hand, SolidWorks, primarily a 3D parametric modeling tool, is more dominant in mechanical engineering due to its advanced 3D modeling, simulation, and ease of creating complex assemblies commonly required for mechanical product design.
