Thirteen products, one ecosystem. We break down full AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, the Mac versions, Web, Mobile and all seven specialized toolsets — what each one actually does, who it is for, and where it falls short.
Three questions answer almost everything. Read them before you pick a product below.
The full version adds 3D modelling, LISP/API automation and the ability to run specialized toolsets. LT is 2D-only, but it is lighter, faster for flat drawings and considerably cheaper.
AutoCAD for Mac is a native app built for macOS, optimized for Apple Silicon and gestures. It is a real product, but a few Windows-only features and some toolsets are not available there.
Specialized toolsets (Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, MEP, Plant 3D, Map 3D, Raster Design) add industry-specific objects and automation on top of full AutoCAD. They are licensed separately or bundled with an Autodesk subscription.
The base AutoCAD 2026 lineup covers every platform and every type of user — from full 3D power to lightweight 2D drafting on the go.
Windows
$000
AutoCAD 2026
Full version
The flagship: full 2D and 3D CAD with LISP/API automation, AI-assisted Smart Blocks and the widest compatibility. Every toolset can be added on top.
Pros
Cons
Windows
$000
AutoCAD LT 2026
Light version
A fast, focused 2D drafting tool. Same DWG format and interface, without 3D, automation and the toolsets — at a much lower price.
Pros
Cons
macOS
$000
AutoCAD for Mac 2026
Native macOS
A native macOS build of the full AutoCAD, optimized for Apple Silicon and macOS gestures — no virtualization or Boot Camp required.
Pros
Cons
macOS
$000
AutoCAD LT for Mac 2026
Light · macOS
The 2D-only version built natively for macOS. Ideal for Mac users who need clean flat drawings without the cost of the full product.
Pros
Cons
Browser
$000
AutoCAD Web 2026
In the browser
Access, create and edit DWG files from any browser on any computer. Great for quick checks, markups and shared reviews.
Pros
Cons
iOS / Android
$000
AutoCAD Mobile 2026
On the go
Draw, review and edit drawings from a phone or tablet. Built for the field: measurements, markups and shared access to Autodesk Docs.
Pros
Cons
Toolsets add industry-specific smart objects and automation to full AutoCAD. They require the full version — LT does not support them.
Architecture
$000
AutoCAD Architecture 2026
Buildings & construction
AEC-specific objects for architecture: smart walls, doors, windows, floors and roofs that know how they relate to each other.
Pros
Cons
Mechanical
$000
AutoCAD Mechanical 2026
Machine building
Mechanical engineering design: parts libraries, generators for shafts and springs, and standard-compliant detailing.
Pros
Cons
Electrical
$000
AutoCAD Electrical 2026
Electrical & automation
Control-panel and electrical design: schematic capture, automatic wire numbering, PLC modules and assembly reports.
Pros
Cons
MEP
$000
AutoCAD MEP 2026
HVAC · plumbing · electrical
Building-services engineering: duct and pipe routing, cable trays, and calculations for heating, ventilation and water.
Pros
Cons
Plant 3D
$000
AutoCAD Plant 3D 2026
Process plants & piping
Process plant design: P&ID schematics linked to a 3D plant model, isometric drawing generation and material take-offs.
Pros
Cons
Map 3D
$000
AutoCAD Map 3D 2026
GIS & mapping
Topographic and GIS design: import and connect map data, aerial imagery and cadastre sources into your drawings.
Pros
Cons
Raster Design
$000
AutoCAD Raster Design 2026
Scan digitizing
Turn paper scans, PDFs and images into clean vector DWG lines. Ideal for digitizing archives and legacy drawings.
Pros
Cons
All thirteen products at a glance. Use it to rule out options quickly, then read the detailed reviews above.
| Product | Platform | 2D | 3D | Automation | Toolsets | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AutoCAD 2026 | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | All 7 | $000 |
| AutoCAD LT 2026 | Windows | Yes | No | No | No | $000 |
| AutoCAD for Mac 2026 | macOS | Yes | Yes | Partial | Partial | $000 |
| AutoCAD LT for Mac 2026 | macOS | Yes | No | No | No | $000 |
| AutoCAD Web 2026 | Browser | Yes | No | No | No | $000 |
| AutoCAD Mobile 2026 | iOS / Android | Yes | No | No | No | $000 |
| AutoCAD Architecture 2026 | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Architecture | $000 |
| AutoCAD Mechanical 2026 | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Mechanical | $000 |
| AutoCAD Electrical 2026 | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Electrical | $000 |
| AutoCAD MEP 2026 | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | MEP | $000 |
| AutoCAD Plant 3D 2026 | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Plant 3D | $000 |
| AutoCAD Map 3D 2026 | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Map 3D | $000 |
| AutoCAD Raster Design 2026 | Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Raster Design | $000 |
Prices are placeholders ($000) — replace them with your actual rates. Toolsets require the full AutoCAD license; LT does not support them.
Practical details you need before installing any version.
AutoCAD scales with your hardware, but the baseline is modest for 2D work and demanding for large 3D models.
A short checklist that saves time on first launch.
DWG is forward-compatible in one direction only — newer files can be saved to older formats, but not the reverse.
The questions buyers ask before choosing a version.
Buy full AutoCAD if you need 3D modelling, automation (LISP/.NET) or specialized toolsets. Choose LT if you only draw in 2D and want a lower price and a lighter install. LT cannot run toolsets or 3D.
It is a native macOS app with solid 2D and 3D tools and full DWG support. A small number of Windows-only features and some toolsets are not available on macOS, so check your specific workflow before switching platforms.
They require the full AutoCAD license, but they are licensed separately or included in certain Autodesk subscriptions and bundles. LT cannot use toolsets at all.
Web and Mobile are excellent companions for viewing, marking up and making quick edits, but they have fewer features than the desktop app. Most users keep a desktop license for serious work.
DWG files move freely between Windows and Mac. Choose the platform your team standardizes on; if you need every feature and toolset, Windows gives you the widest support.
Only if you save it in an older DWG format from within AutoCAD 2026. An older version cannot open a file saved with the newest format, so mixed teams should agree on one DWG version.
No. LT is 2D-focused and lightweight, so it runs well on modest hardware. The full version and toolsets benefit much more from extra RAM and a capable GPU.
Tell us what you are drawing and we will recommend the right product or bundle.
We review every AutoCAD 2026 product hands-on. Ask for a comparison, a bundle price or advice on which toolsets your industry actually needs.