We all know AEC projects are getting bigger, deadlines tighter, and the competition sharper. Autodesk software sits at the heart of this landscape. Many firms trust Autodesk programs to visualise ideas, simulate construction, and manage projects with accuracy. But with so many products with different features, bundles, and pricing models out there, knowing where to start, or how to level up, can be tricky.
In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all the useful Autodesk software for AEC.
List of Autodesk Software
Compiling a full Autodesk software list and uses for every tool here would be a marathon. There are hundreds of Autodesk products tailored for AEC, manufacturing, and even media industries. Yup, the scale of Autodesk’s offerings is massive.
For a full autodesk software list and uses, Autodesk’s official product page remains the most up-to-date resource. But, here is a quick snapshot of Autodesk key names in the AEC industries:
- 3ds Max
- Advance Steel
- Alias
- Arnold
- AutoCAD
- AutoCAD Architecture
- AutoCAD Civil 3D (aka Civil 3D)
- AutoCAD Electrical
- AutoCAD LT
- AutoCAD Map 3D
- AutoCAD Mechanical
- AutoCAD MEP
- AutoCAD Plant 3D
- Autodesk Build
- Autodesk CFD
- Autodesk Docs
- Autodesk Drive
- Autodesk FormIt
- Autodesk Insight
- Autodesk Inventor
- Autodesk Platform Services (formerly Forge)
- Autodesk ReCap
- Autodesk Rendering
- Autodesk Structural Bridge Design
- Autodesk Takeoff
- Autodesk Vault
- BIM Collaborate
- BIM Collaborate Pro
- Civil 3D
- Dynamo Studio
- Flame
- FormIt
- Fusion 360
- InfraWorks
- Inventor
- Maya
- Moldflow
- MotionBuilder
- Mudbox
- Navisworks Manage
- Navisworks Simulate
- Netfabb
- PlanGrid (now part of Autodesk Build)
- PowerInspect
- PowerMill
- PowerShape
- ReCap Pro
- Revit
- Robot Structural Analysis Professional
- ShotGrid
- SketchBook
- Tinkercad
- Vault
- VRED
Autodesk Free Software List
Autodesk offers several useful tools and programs at no cost, though typically designed for specific purposes or user groups. Here’s a quick look:
Free Trials
Most major Autodesk programs, like AutoCAD and Revit, offer 30-day free trials. This kind of promo gives businesses a low-risk way to test before committing.
Educational Access
Students and teachers can access a wide range of Autodesk software for free. And it can be renewed annually as long as they meet eligibility requirements. It’s intended purely for non-commercial use.
Free Viewers & Utilities
- DWG TrueView™ – View, measure, and plot DWG files.
- Autodesk Viewer – Web-based viewer for dozens of file types without installing software.
- Navisworks® Freedom – Navigate and review NWD and DWF files.
- Design Review – Markup and measure 2D/3D design files.
- Autodesk Access – Manage installs and updates easily from your desktop.
Beginner/Hobbyist Tools
- Tinkercad™: Perfect for beginners and hobbyists looking to dip into 3D design and electronics.
- Fusion 360™ (for Personal Use): Available free for eligible non-commercial projects like hobbyist prototyping or personal design work.
Pro tip: Always check the specific terms of each free Autodesk software to stay compliant, especially for commercial use.
The Autodesk AEC Collection List
For serious AEC professionals in Australia, the Autodesk AEC Collection represents a critical toolkit. The AEC Collection is a curated set of BIM and CAD tools built to streamline your entire project lifecycle, from early sketches to construction handover.
The primary advantage of AEC Collection here is that you gain access to an interconnected toolset at a significant cost saving. Instead of buying the product individually, you can get an affordable price in this package.
What in the list below shows the main software you can get. If you need more info or reviews, have a look at the Autodesk AEC collection list here.
- Revit®: Core BIM software for architecture, structure, and MEP. Create coordinated, intelligent 3D models with precision.
- AutoCAD® (+ Toolsets): Drafting and design software, now enhanced with architecture, MEP, and plant-specific toolsets for faster, smarter work.
- Civil 3D®: Civil infrastructure design and documentation, combining CAD drafting with intelligent modeling.
- Autodesk Forma: Early-stage design tool leveraging AI insights for conceptual site and energy modelling.
- Navisworks® Manage: Clash detection, 5D simulation, and model coordination, critical for managing large projects.
- Autodesk Docs™: Centralised cloud document management to streamline project communication and file control.
For your reference, it’s also worth understanding Autodesk Construction Cloud solutions in greater depth, including how Autodesk Construction Cloud pricing might fit different project scales and budgets. Now, beyond the core, you also get access to tools like:
- 3ds Max for high-end 3D visualisation
- Advance Steel for structural steel detailing
- ReCap Pro for working with reality capture data
- Insight for building performance.
Pro tip: Understanding how to leverage these collection tools effectively in the Australian AEC landscape can be tricky. But that’s where Interscale can help you. Consider Interscale as your partner to implement the AEC Collection. All to maximise the software value for your business.
Where to Buy Autodesk Software?
There are two main paths to buy Autodesk software in Australia: directly from the Autodesk website and through an Autodesk authorised partner.
Buying directly from Autodesk is straightforward. On the website, you can get subscriptions for individual tools or collections. Also, you will get an offering in monthly, annual, or 3-year terms, plus a Flex option for occasional use. Quotes might come via partners, but payment goes to Autodesk.
For businesses who want more than just a license, partnering with an Autodesk Authorised Partner like Interscale is the smarter route. As an Autodesk Gold Partner right here in Australia, Interscale brings you more than just software sales. We bring:
- Deep AEC industry knowledge in Australia
- Tailored advice to match the right Autodesk product to your business goals.
- Competitive licensing options, helping you optimise costs.
- Hands-on support with implementation, integration, and renewals.
Choosing Interscale means you’re backed by real expertise, not a chatbot, not a call centre. We bring a team that understands how to make Autodesk software work for Australian AEC projects.
Your Next Step
From standalone tools like AutoCAD to the integrated Autodesk AEC Collection, the options are vast and powerful. However, navigating Autodesk software is not just about picking the right program. It’s about balancing costs, understanding tax implications, managing team expectations, and fitting everything into the bigger picture of your projects.
That’s where the right guidance makes a difference. This is why we offer a free discussion session with one of our Autodesk specialists. This is your chance to talk through your situation with someone who knows the ropes. No sales pitch. Just practical advice around Autodesk software to help you make the best move for your business. If you’re ready to have that conversation, book your free session with us here. We’re here to help.
