Whether a novice or an expert designer, the right design tools are key to ensuring the success of your project. AutoCAD and Revit are two major software designed by Autodesk for different purposes. But choosing between them might seem like a choice between apples and oranges.
To help you determine the better choice between AutoCAD and Revit, you will have to take a look at the features of each, and see how they stack up against each other. Ultimately, your pick may boil down to your needs and the requirements of your project.
Here is a run-down of the two design applications:
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a 2D computer-aided design (CAD) software primarily used for drawings and 3D models. It is a general illustration tool with a wide range of applications. It includes access to tool kits customized to suit specific industries, helping you to produce a wide range of technical drawings using straight lines, arcs, metrics, and geometry.
Although AutoCAD started out as a 2D design software, it has added a 3D feature that produces geometry-driven models. This all-purpose drawing software has the following features:
1. Precision
When it comes to 2D representations, the use of geometric shapes makes AutoCAD great for actualizing your ideas from scratch. It lets you use straight lines and arcs to make designs. Since it is a generalized drawing tool, AutoCAD can be used by a wide range of professions, including architects and all fields of engineers. It has a set of tool kits for every application and gives you complete control over your design. The detail that it possesses will allow you to use AutoCAD for just about any design, once you get the hang of it.
AutoCAD has recently introduced a 3D module to its design features. Just like the 2D design component, the 3D feature also allows you to control your design as you please. Its surface, mesh, and solid tools allow you to manipulate the drawing outside its original parameters. It lets you use your imagination without the constraints of your main idea. The following are the defining features of AutoCAD.
2. Flexibility and versatility
AutoCAD is not a dedicated software. It is flexible enough to allow you to make any design you want for any real-life application. It comes with a wide variety of tool kits that are customized for specific fields of work. This means that AutoCAD can be used by anyone making a computer-aided design, whether architect, engineer, or entrepreneur. When it comes to AutoCAD, the only limitation is your imagination and your ability to study the tool kits.
3. AutoCAD allows you to customize your workspace
This requires you to know what you want to achieve from AutoCAD. Once you learn, you can use the tool kits provided for your specific project and customize your work area. The tool kits can be manipulated to give you the specific instruments you might need to advance your project.
4. PDF file and cloud viewing integration
AutoCAD has a sync feature that allows multiple people to work on the same project. If your design is complex and requires a team to complete it, AutoCAD allows this to be possible. You can work on your part of the project, upload it as a .dwg file, and another member of your team can tweak the original design or view it from the cloud.
Reasons to avoid:
- AutoCAD is very detailed and has a steep learning curve. This makes it discouraging for beginners to use.
- In AutoCAD, you need to input all the information on your design manually, unlike Revit.
Revit
Revit is a building information modeling (BIM) software that differs from AutoCAD in features and purpose. It is a program solely dedicated to building and construction designs. Create detailed 3D models of buildings, complete with information about the building materials, dimensions, and physical properties of each component used. Below are the features of Revit:
1. Extensive and integrated building information
Revit allows you to work on all components of your building model at once on the same 3D drawing. As you work, the software automatically updates the model’s viewpoints and translates your changes across all aspects of the drawing. In addition to this, it allows multiple people to work on the same design at once.
Revit automatically includes building materials and exact dimensions. This data will allow you to get market price estimates and the amount of material you need.
2. Allows performance analysis
Using Revit, you can analyze your building model under real-world conditions. You can gauge how your model will look in the real world and how the materials you plan to use will hold out under stress. You can also use extreme conditions to check whether the building can withstand them and make necessary changes.
3. Stress-free maintenance and upgrades
Revit’s automatic detection of changes in your design makes it easy to upgrade your model. You can also back up your design to the cloud and make any alterations at will.
4. Easier to learn
Revit has a clearer interface, thus is easier to learn than AutoCAD. Its automated integration processes also make using Revit simpler for beginners and experts.
Reasons to avoid:
- Revit only works on Windows. This makes other OS users disadvantaged.
- The cost of Revit is significantly higher than AutoCAD by about $1000.
- Revit is limited to construction use only. While AutoCAD is versatile and can be used by a variety of professions, Revit is limited to architects and civil engineers only.
While AutoCAD and Revit are both great design applications in their own right, and are both part of Autodesk, they are suited for different functions. If you are wondering which one to pick, take a look at your project needs. We at Steadfast Solutions can help you determine which application is better for your project, and take you through the steps to ensure you complete your project successfully. To learn more about AutoCAD and Revit, and how to choose between the two, please contact us today.
