Key Takeaways
- AutoCAD (A$3,195/yr) and Revit (A$4,585/yr) remain the dominant tools for Australian AEC firms — AutoCAD for 2D drafting and documentation, Revit for BIM-heavy, multi-discipline projects — but the right choice depends on your project type, not brand familiarity.
- The market now includes strong alternatives for specific use cases: SolidWorks suits mechanical and product design teams, Fusion 360 offers integrated CAD/CAM/simulation at a lower entry point, and free options like FreeCAD or TinkerCAD serve tighter budgets or early-stage workflows.
- Pricing, hardware requirements, and learning curves vary significantly across platforms — factors that can quietly add cost if overlooked — so AEC firms should evaluate total cost of ownership, not just the licence fee, before committing.
Australia’s AEC industry is booming, reaching $193 billion by 2025. That growth brings incredible opportunities, but also demands sharper tools. This is why choosing the right CAD drafting software has become more strategic than ever.
In this guide, we break down 10 leading drafting software options, comparing features, pricing, and who they suit best. Our goal? To help architects, engineers, and construction pros like you make an explicit and informed decision.
What is Drafting Software?
Drafting software is the digital toolkit for creating precise technical drawings, blueprints, and 3D models.
Practically, drafting software is known as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. It’s the evolution of hand-drawing, more precise, flexible, and ready for collaboration.
In Australia, CAD software is used for drafting and project execution by architects, engineers, construction managers, manufacturers, and consultants. Some of them rely on AutoCAD for 2D or Revit for BIM-based modelling. But there’s a growing list of other tools tailored for specific sectors, complexity levels, and budgets.
Some drafting programs cater to mechanical or electrical work. Meanwhile, others lean toward conceptual or industrial design. Knowing which one to use and why is key to avoiding bottlenecks later.
Top 10 CAD Drafting Software
The current landscape of CAD drafting software is diverse. The market offers numerous drafting programs designed to meet varied professional needs. With so many CAD programs available, there are also several free drafting software on the market.
But please note that each platform has its niche. Some are excellent for 2D drafting, others for rich 3D modelling or collaborative BIM environments. So, what’s the simplest drafting software? The answer depends on what you’re trying to build.
TinkerCAD is great for beginners and education, while FreeCAD offers open-source freedom with more engineering depth. If you want a deeper look into how 2D and 3D tools compare, our take on CAD drafting software is a good start.
You’ll also need to weigh pricing. Drafting software pricing below can vary depending on your location, the type of licence you need, and how long you plan to use it. The pricing plan of each software below as of June 2025.
To get the accurate numbers, it’s best to check directly on the official site of each software provider. Or, if you’d prefer to skip the runaround, Interscale’s software licensing service can help simplify the process.
1. AutoCAD
AutoCAD remains the industry benchmark for 2D drafting and documentation. Its precision suits everything from site plans to MEP detailing. You’ll find robust 3D tools too, though complex models demand capable hardware. AutoCAD is Available on Windows and Mac.
With these rich capabilities, it’s normal for many firms to depend on it. But it’s hardware-hungry and pricey. For cost-conscious users, AutoCAD LT is a trimmed-down option. AutoCAD pricing as of June 2025:
- A$3,195 per year
- A$395 per month
- A$460/100 tokens.
For cost-conscious users, AutoCAD LT is a trimmed-down option. Also, you can check our review of the current AutoCAD license pricing in Australia for more details.
2. SolidWorks
SolidWorks is a strong player for mechanical modelling and complex simulations. Its parametric modelling lets you tweak dimensions while maintaining relationships between parts. This is why SolidWorks is best for product design and detailed part modelling. SolidWorks runs on Windows. In Mac, you can install eDrawings only.
The cons of Solidworks is the integration outside the Dassault ecosystem can be limited. While intuitive, it leans technical, and its modular add-ons can stack up costs quickly for growing teams. The Solidworks pricing and plans are:
- Standard: A$4,366.77 per year
- Professional: A$5,351.62 per year
- Premium: A$7,302.73 per year.
3. Revit
Revit is built for BIM-first workflows. Architects and MEP professionals rely on it for coordinated 3D models that integrate structure, services, and documentation in one hub. It’s perfect for large-scale construction projects needing collaboration across disciplines. Revit runs on Windows and uses Autodesk’s subscription model.
The downsides? Revit has a steep learning curve and requires powerful workstations. Still, for BIM-heavy projects, few drafting tools come close. Revit runs on Windows and uses Autodesk’s subscription model. Here are the Revit pricing and plans:
- Annual: A$4,585
- Monthly: A$575
- Flex: A$460/100 tokens.
4. Fusion 360
Fusion 360 combines CAD, CAM, and simulation in one cloud platform. It’s surprisingly affordable for integrated product design. Fusion’s collaborative features, simulation capabilities, and browser access make it highly scalable. It’s available on Windows and macOS.
The trade-off? Heavy cloud dependency and perhaps too much tool depth for simple drafting needs. For teams needing all-in-one functionality, it’s a compelling choice. It’s subscription-based, with commercial plans starting at around A$130/month or A$1,035/year.
5. SketchUp
SketchUp is known for its intuitive interface and rapid 3D modeling capabilities. It’s a favorite among architects and interior designers for conceptual modeling and quick visualizations. This popular 2D drafting (via LayOut) and 3D modeling tool is available on desktop (Windows/Mac), web, and iPad.
While it may not match AutoCAD in technical precision, it shines in early-stage design exploration. SketchUp is best for fast conceptualisation and 3D presentations. Comparing AutoCAD vs SketchUp shows how the two fit into very different project stages. SketchUp runs on a subscription model:
- A$185 per year for Go
- A$544 per year for Pro
- A$1,169 per year for Studio.
6. DraftSight
DraftSight offers a familiar 2D environment at a lower cost than AutoCAD. Built for drafters, it’s a great transition tool with DWG file support and efficient drawing features. It’s best for architecture, engineering, and design teams that don’t need 3D or BIM. DraftSight is available for Mac and Windows with a pricing plan around:
- Professional: A$463 per year
- Premium: A$927,67 per year
- Network: Starting A$617,93 per year.
7. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler that’s completely free to use. It’s modular, with “workbenches” for everything from CNC to part design. Despite being free, it supports advanced features like CNC path generation, finite element analysis, and Python scripting. FreeCAD is cross-platform, available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
However, it may not be the best option for large-scale architectural projects requiring BIM integration. And its learning curve is real. FreeCAD could be categorized as one of the best CAD software programs for beginners. All because the learning curve reflects the complexities in real projects.
8. BricsCAD
BricsCAD combines familiar 2D drafting tools with AI-powered modelling and BIM-lite features. It supports DWG files and offers unique workflows like block-based machine learning. BricsCAD supports Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Its interface is familiar, but deeper tools require training.
BricsCAD is not the cheapest, but it’s licensing flexibility makes it ideal for teams who want control without the Autodesk lock-in. The pricing and plan of BricsCAD are:
- A$505 per year for BricsCAD Lite
- A$1,020 per year for BricsCAD Pro
- A$1,548 per year for BricsCAD Mechanical
- A$1,641 per year for BricsCAD BIM
- A$1,827 per year for BricsCAD Ultimate
9. Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a browser-based tool designed for beginners, especially in educational settings. It’s excellent for introducing young learners to 3D modelling concepts and is widely used in STEM programs. Tinkercad is free CAD software that runs on any device with a browser and does not need installation. Naturally, it lacks the depth required for complex engineering. But it’s a great entry point for schools, STEM programs, or those just starting.
Tinkercad proves that drafting software for beginners doesn’t have to feel intimidating. Or, if the budget is tight, checking our review on several CAD software costs upfront can help avoid surprises down the road.
10. Rhino
Rhino handles complex curves and organic forms better than most. Its NURBS-based modelling suits bespoke facades and industrial design. It’s often used in conjunction with Grasshopper, a visual programming plugin for parametric design. Rhino is available on Windows and Mac platforms. But the learning curve can be steeper than simpler tools.
Rhino is best for industrial design, architecture with complex forms, and marine design. Rhino is sold as a perpetual license, around:
- A$1,553 for Single Concurrent User
- A$15,531 for 10 Concurrent Users
- A$77,659 for 50 Concurrent Users.
How to Choose the Right CAD Software?
Choosing the right CAD software is about considering what your team does: Do you need 2D drafting only? BIM support? Mechanical prototyping? Is cloud access a deal breaker or a bonus?
Let’s break down what to consider:
- Skill Level: Tools like Tinkercad or SketchUp may benefit beginners. Meanwhile experienced users might prefer AutoCAD or Revit.
- Industry Focus: Architects often use Revit or ArchiCAD, while mechanical engineers may prefer SolidWorks or Fusion 360.
- Budget: Some tools offer free versions or student licenses, while others require a significant investment.
- Collaboration Needs: Cloud-based tools like Fusion 360 or SketchUp Studio support real-time teamwork.
- Integration Requirements: Consider how well the software works with other tools in your workflow (e.g., BIM, rendering engines, or simulation tools).
At Interscale software licensing service, we often help clients break down these criteria to find a realistic fit. Here’s how our team will help you manage your CAD ecosystem:
- Match tools to project types
- Optimise license costs
- Plan training transitions
- Implement BIM workflows.
We Help You Choose the Best CAD Software
Tell us what you need and what you are working on, we will provide the best solution, including licensing support, software optimization, to training.
Your Next Step
As you can see, the drafting software space is broad and keeps expanding. From straightforward 2D drafting tools to complex BIM systems, each option comes with its own set of features, quirks, and trade-offs. We can add the complexities of cloud platforms, AI integration, and multi-device workflows, which are becoming the norm.
Going it alone often results in tools gathering digital dust or being used far below their potential. These challenges need strategic management of your CAD ecosystem.
That’s why we offer a free discussion session with our team. In that meeting, our specialist will review your current workflow, look at what’s working (and what’s not). No sales pressure. Just clear advice. And to know each other.
All you need to do is book your free discussion session via Calendly now.
