AutoCAD vs Revit | Which Software is Better For You (2026)

Thet Hnin

21 min read

October 13, 2022

Table of Contents

Choosing between AutoCAD vs Revit is one of the biggest software decisions for architects, engineers, and BIM professionals. While AutoCAD is built for precise 2D/3D drafting, Revit is designed for data-rich BIM modeling and coordinated project delivery. The right choice depends on whether you mainly create drawings or need a full digital building model with information, quantities, and collaboration.
In this guide, we compare features, applications, performance, system requirements, pricing, plugins, and compatibility, and help you see which software fits your career path in the AEC industry.

	AutoCAD	Revit
Workflow	Computer-Aided Design (CAD)	Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Drafting	2D and (limited) 3D	2D and 3D
Rendering	Limited	Yes
Parametric or Generative modelling	No	Yes
Information management	No	Yes, including 4D, 5D, 6D, 7D
Cloud collaboration	No	Yes
Learning curve	Easy	Moderate
Plugins	Yes	Yes
System Requirements	- 64-bit Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 - 3+ GHz processor recommended - Recommended Memory : 16 GB RAM - Disk Space :10.0 GB	- 64-bit Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 - 2.5GHz or Higher processor Highest CPU GHz recommended - 16 GB RAM - 30 GB free disk space
Price	$234/month $1865/yr	$366 /month $2940/yr

Applications of AutoCAD and Revit

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is widely used for 2D drafting and light 3D modeling across architecture, civil, structure, interiors, and product design.
It is ideal for plans, sections, elevations, and detailed construction drawings where linework, layers, and annotations matter most.
Users can create reusable blocks, schedules, and templates to speed up standard drawing work and documentation.

Revit

Revit is the leading BIM software for creating intelligent 3D models that generate 2D drawings automatically.
Architects, structural engineers, and MEP teams use Revit BIM models for design, coordination, clash checking, quantities, and lifecycle management.
Even after construction, the Revit model can support operations and maintenance when it is kept updated.

Read more: How Automation in Construction is Leading the Way for the AEC Industry

Fundamental difference between AutoCAD and Revit

One major difference should be mentioned when talking about Revit versus AutoCAD. Revit is a BIM tool, while AutoCAD is a CAD tool. BIM versus CAD is another common comparison in the AEC industry. This huge difference actually results in many subsequent differences in features, interface, and interoperability, as we will see throughout this blog.

What is CAD?

CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design and is perhaps the earliest form of digitalisation in the AEC industry. Until the mid-20th century, architects were drawing everything by hand, and CAD tools became revolutionary as they cut down the duration of each drawing production. CAD software like AutoCAD allows both 2D drafting and 3D modelling. However, there is a lack of coordination between each drawing and within the team.

What is BIM?

BIM, or Building Information Modelling, is a methodology that accumulates all the digitally built asset data of a project in a single 3D model. It produces a digital representation that can be used from the first stage of conceptualization until the demolition stage. Through the use of BIM software, the enormous amount of information created in a built project is shared and managed at a multidisciplinary level. Such activity also necessitates software that allows for better coordination and collaboration with all stakeholders. And that is exactly what Revit is.

Features of the software

1. AutoCAD: Used for 2D and 3D drafting

😀In both 2D and 3D drafting, we deploy 2D lines to construct drawings and models with accurate dimensions.

😀We can easily create sectional drawings using section planes while the different visual styles allow reviewing the objects in different edges and shading styles.

😀As AutoCAD has been in use for decades, it is easy to find CAD blocks of furniture and structural elements for faster workflows. In fact, there are so many CAD blocks that choosing the most suitable ones is quite a headache for many architecture students!

☹️ However, one major issue is that 2D elements need to be drawn separately.

☹️ While rendering is also feasible in AutoCAD to some degree, it is uncommon to find an architect using a rendering engine in AutoCAD. Most turn to Sketchup for 3D modelling, then export 2D elevation and section drawings into AutoCAD to improve their accuracy.

2. Revit: Used for 3D modelling

Autodesk_Revit_interface

😀No software can cover all workflows necessary in construction, hence we need to use several software as architects or engineers. However, Revit is versatile in that it includes extensive features that streamline planning and construction workflows in the BIM process.

😀It is one of the most efficient software to use.

😀With a focus on creating and managing the data at a multidisciplinary level, Revit’s features facilitate better collaboration with other professionals in and outside the team.

😀If one wishes to explore different modelling techniques in Revit, there are Revit plugins such as Dynamo and Rhino.Inside.Revit for parametric modelling. To make the modelling process efficient and information accurate, there are also BIM objects, accurately modelled digital representation of real-world products.

😀Revit can also perform simpler tasks like 2D drafting. However, most users will not create independent 2D drawings since they are created simultaneously and automatically with the 3D model.

Make sure to read through our Beginner’s Guide to Revit to know more about the software and BIM before you start learning how to use it.

3. AutoCAD: Easy learning in shorter time

AutoCAD allows both 2D and 3D CAD drawings to be created, howerver, that’s about the extent of its features.

😀2D drawings are created by manipulating lines and 2D shapes (whereas we create the 3D shapes and components directly in Revit).

😀3D modelling or drafting in AutoCAD is similar to the function in SketchUp where we push and pull the geometry to manipulate.

As easy as it may be, it cannot be compared to Revit when it comes to more complex modelling functions.

☹️Every geometry, plane and component are not linked to each other and it becomes quite a task to edit a 3D CAD model.

☹️3D models and drawings need to be edited for an update thereby increasing needless workload as well as errors.

Despite its shortcomings, it is still a favourite among AEC professionals for its simpler interface and drafting capabilities. Ask any architecture graduate; the majority will tell you AutoCAD is one of the first software they learnt in architecture school and most likely one that they will faithfully use.

Read more: 10 High-Paying Architecture Jobs You Can Get by Upskilling

4. Revit: A steeper learning curve but higher ROI

Why is Revit hailed as the top BIM software? It can streamline workflows across multiple disciplines in AEC to create data-rich, intelligent BIM models in a single centralised file. To do so, it needs a more complex interface that can cater to all requirements in 2D drafting and 3D modelling. The downside is that many beginners find Revit to have a steep learning curve. But trust me when I say it is not as difficult as many make it to be!

It is important to first understand how modelling works in Revit.

😀A BIM model has a multitude of information embedded in it.

😀The process of producing a data-rich BIM model may be tedious but it provides better efficient workflows for the later stages.

😀It is also easier to iterate and edit as any modification to the model will be reflected in all components and views.

😀It also means that a change in the 3D model will be automatically reflected in all relevant 2D drawings, hence it is unnecessary to update every 2D drawing individually.

😀The advantage of an intelligent model (which is what Revit models are) is that it minimises the scope of human errors that may occur due to multiple changes and updates in a model.

😀What’s more, the data embedded in a BIM model can entail time and cost elements (4D and 5D of BIM Dimensions) that allow the AEC professionals to create estimates and schedules.

😀It also ensures transparent and accurate information shared within the team.

However, it should be noted that to incorporate such information, a BIM model needs to be at least in 3D. This is where the major difference between a CAD model and a BIM model becomes apparent. The CAD model created in AutoCAD comprises only the three dimensions (the graphical X, Y and Z axes) with no other information embedded to it, thereby making it unreliable for later cost and schedule workflows.