Question

What are the similarities and differences with AutoCAD and Solid Works?

Any pros or cons to using AutoCAD over other programs?

Answer 1

AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. Developed and marketed by Autodesk.

AutoCAD is a 2-D and 3-D computer-aided drafting software application used in architecture, construction, and manufacturing to assist in the preparation of blueprints and other engineering plans. Professionals who use AutoCAD are often referred to as drafters.

SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided engineering (CAE) computer program that runs on Microsoft Windows. SolidWorks is published by Dassault Systèmes.

Mostly SolidWorks is used for Creating 3DCAD, Simulation, Visualization, Product data management, Rendering purposes.

Autodesk’s Autocad is a basic software (Command line + Panel based), which is used by all branches. mechanical, civil, even non technical also,

in autocad u can do

-2D Drafing

-3D modeling( Not Recommended where complex Parts)

-Rendering (Not much Effective Compare to all other software)

whereas Dassualt’s Solidworks is a 3D modeling software which is highly used by mechanical Branch.

In Solidworks u can do

-3D modeling,

-Auto generated 2d drawings

-Great Rendering

-Friendly user interface

SolidWorks is what we call a "parametric" solid modeller used for 3-D design. Parametric means that the dimensions can have relationships between one another and can be changed at any point during the design process to automatically alter the solid part and any related documentation (blueprint). AutoCAD, however, is primarily a 2-D design tool with some, but limited 3-D capabilities. It is very simple compared to any parametric solid modeller (although 3D is improved in AutoCAD 2007). Autodesk (the manufacturer of AutoCAD) makes a product that is nearly identical to SolidWorks, called Inventor, which is a parametric program for design of solid parts and assemblies.

SolidWorks is a 3D mechanical CAD (computer-aided design) program that runs on Microsoft Windows. SolidWorks files use the Microsoft Structured storage file format. This means that there is various files embedded within each SLDDRW (drawing files), SLDPRT (part files), SLDASM (assembly files), with preview bitmaps and metadata sub-files. Various third-party tools can be used to extract these sub-files, although the sub-files in many cases use proprietary binary file formats. SolidWorks is a parasolid-based solid modeller, and utilizes a parametric feature-based approach to create models and assemblies. Parameters refer to restrictions which values determine the shape or geometry of the model. Parameters can be either numeric, such as line lengths or circle diameters, or geometric, such as tangent, parallel, concentric, horizontal or vertical. Numeric parameters can be associated with each other through the use of relations, which allows them to capture design intent.

AutoCAD is, just like SolidWorks, a Computer Aided Design software application for 2-D and 3-D design and drafting. AutoCAD was one of the first CAD programs to run on personal or home computers, notably the IBM personal computer. At that time, most other CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or mini-computers that were connected to a graphics computer terminal for each user. Early releases of AutoCAD used basic entities such as lines, poly-lines, circles, arcs, and text to ultimately construct more complex objects. AutoCAD has since started to support custom objects through its C++ Application Programming Interface (API).

Modern AutoCAD includes a full set of basic solid modelling and 3-D tools. With the release of AutoCAD 2007 improved 3D modelling saw the light, which means better navigation when working in three dimensions. It also became easier to edit 3-D models. The mental ray engine was included in rendering and thus it was now possible to do quality renderings. AutoCAD 2010 introduced parametric functionality and network modelling. At this moment, AutoCAD only runs under Microsoft Windows operating systems. It is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. AutoCAD can run on an emulator or compatibility layer like VM-ware Workstation or Wine, although various performance issues can arise if you work with 3-D objects or large drawings.

Choosing a system that works for you depends solely on the type of work you want to do. Many experts say that SolidWorks is more effective when working on 3 dimensional designs and that AutoCAD is the way to go for 2 dimensional design.

PROS:

AutoCAD:

• Best for Drafting
• Easy to use 2D, 3D is tough for advance drawings.
• Basic CAD tool
• Has precision upto 10 decimal places
• More Theoretical oriented.​ SolidWorks:
• Best for 2D and Basic 3D
• Easy to work in 3D rather than 2D
• High end CAD tool
• More Practical oriented.
  

  One of the biggest differences between the software systems is that only AutoCAD is compatible with both MAC computers and Windows. SolidWorks is only able to run on Windows machines. Below, you’ll find several more ways these two are different:

• AutoCAD offers a free version of software for students, military veterans, school faculty and those who have worked in the CAD industry at some point in the past. The downside to the free version is that watermarks aren’t allowed.
• AutoCAD works only in 2D while SolidWorks deals with 3D.
• AutoCAD works best with electrical, mechanical and plumbing project designs.
• SolidWorks works great for non-architectural drawings. THANK YOU!