CAD software cost can look bewildering at first glance: one brand shouts free, another quotes four-figure annual fees, and a third offers a perpetual licence for a one-off sum. The disparity boils down to feature depth, target audience, support levels, and the licensing model behind each product.
At Interscale, we’ve steered countless Australian AEC firms through this maze. For example, we successfully matched AutoCAD subscriptions with drafting teams, vetting Rhino licences for industrial designers, and bundled BIM tools into broader IT strategies. In this guide, we’ll unpack why CAD program cost varies so widely, outline the main licence types, stack popular tools side by side, and flag genuinely free options.
How Much Does It Cost to Get CAD?
The pricing to get CAD software swings wildly. From $0 for open-source or educational versions to over $10,000 a year for top-tier, enterprise-grade packages. What drives this CAD cost range? Let’s break it down.
- Functionality: 2D drafting is cheaper than full 3D, simulation or CAM. Basic 2D tools like AutoCAD LT are cheaper than 3D modeling or BIM beasts like ArchiCAD
- Licensing Model: Subscriptions spread costs, while perpetual licenses hit you upfront. Then, add maintenance and update features here.
- Vendors and Tiers: Big-name vendors like Autodesk charge more, and support or updates can add to the bill.
- Region: Many vendors adjust figures for Australia, and currency moves daily. Don’t forget the Australian tax that sometimes bumps up prices here.
- Use Case: Student, hobby, or maker versions are heavily discounted. And even free, yet barred from commercial work. What if a firm needs SolidWorks for heavy-duty design? The costs will depend on features, users, and how long you’re in for.
Types of CAD Software Licensing Models
There are several types of CAD software licensing:
- Subscription Licenses: Pay a monthly or annual fee to access the software, with updates and support included. This model, used by programs like AutoCAD and ArchiCAD, reduces upfront costs but can become expensive over time as fees accumulate.
- Perpetual Licenses: Make a one-time purchase to own the software forever, as seen with Rhino and SolidWorks. Although there’s a higher upfront cost, you avoid ongoing subscription fees. However, maintenance fees are often needed to access the latest updates and support.
- Network or Floating Licenses: Share a set number of licenses across multiple users within a team. This flexible model is ideal for larger teams who don’t all need to use the software simultaneously, helping to reduce overall licensing costs.
- Named-User Licenses: Assign a license to a specific individual, locking access to just one user. While this model offers stability and simplicity for solo users or dedicated roles, it can be less adaptable for teams that need flexible access.
- Freemium Models: Access basic features of the software for free, with the option to pay for premium features or additional functionality. Tools like Onshape offer freemium tiers, making it a good choice for startups, small teams, or those trying out software before committing financially.
Popular CAD Software Cost Comparison
Below, we’ve compared key CAD programs used in Australia’s AEC, design, and manufacturing sectors. Many vendors often use quotes or USD, so always check AUD pricing with resellers.
This CAD software cost comparison gives you a starting point to weigh options, like AutoCAD or SolidWorks against your needs and budget.
| CAD Software | Typical Use Case | Licensing Models | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AutoCAD | 2D Drafting, 3D Design, AEC Documentation | Annual subscriptionMonthly subscriptionFlex | $3,005 AUD/year$385/month$455/100 tokens |
| Onshape | Product Design, Cloud Collaboration | Free planStandard planProfessional plan | Free plan$1,500/year$2,500/year |
| ArchiCAD | BIM for Architecture (AEC) | Archicad SoloArchicad StudioArchicad CollaborateBIMCloud SaaS | $133/month$150/month$176/month$47/month |
| SolidWorks | 3D Mechanical Design, Manufacturing | StandardProfessionalPremium | $2,820/year$3,456/year$4,716/year |
| SketchUp Pro | 3D Modeling (Arch., Interior) | GoProStudio | $119/year$349/year$749/year |
| Rhino | Freeform Surface Modeling | Single Concurrent User10 Concurrent Users50 Concurrent Users | $ 995$ 9,950$ 49,750 |
| Fusion 360 | Integrated CAD/CAM/CAE | 3 year1 yearMonthly | $3,110$725$130 |
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is the leading standard for 2D drafting and AEC documentation, with solid 3D tools to boot. In Australia, a full annual AutoCAD cost subscription runs around $3,005, or $385 monthly, with a 3-year deal at about $9,280 for savings. If 2D’s your thing, AutoCAD LT’s a steal at $515 a year or $65 monthly. Then, you have Autodesk’s Flex tokens option that offers pay-per-day flexibility.
It’s all subscription-based now, but students score free educational licenses. AutoCAD’s power capabilities come with a price. So, make sure you have decent hardware. For AEC firms, it’s a reliable workhorse, but weigh the AutoCAD pricing against your project needs.
Onshape
Onshape is a cloud-native gem, perfect for product design and team collaboration, all in your browser. Onshape is subscription-only, with free options for educators and startups. Onshape’s strength is its accessibility and version control, but that free tier’s public nature might not suit everyone. The Free plan is $0, but stores designs publicly. Of course, the free plan is not ideal for commercial work.
The Onshape cost for a commercial CAD project is divided into 3 categories. You can grab the Standard plan at $1,500/year for unlimited private storage. Then, you have a Professional plan at $2,500/year for many collaboration team features like advanced PDM. Then there is the Enterprise plan, which is based on one quote. To find out how much it costs and what it can do for your project, you need to speak to an Onshape representative.
ArchiCAD
ArchiCAD, by Graphisoft, is a BIM powerhouse for architects, rivaling Revit with strong Mac support. Figuring out Archicad cost can be tricky because pricing varies by reseller and region. In Australia, the ArchiCAD Collaborate plan is more than $176 monthly. There are many reasons for this price increase. These include adjustments to the features and facilities that customers wish to enjoy.
But, of course, Archicad is subscription-only now, with educational versions free. BIMcloud collaboration might add costs. ArchiCAD’s robust BIM tools make it a top pick for AEC, but you’ll want to clarify pricing with a local reseller. If you’re after CAD software for Mac, this one’s a strong contender, though the cost needs careful budgeting.
SolidWorks 3D
SolidWorks, from Dassault Systèmes, rules 3D CAD for mechanical engineering and manufacturing. Sorting out the SolidWorks 3D CAD cost means dealing with resellers, as prices aren’t public. Expect perpetual licenses around $4,195-$8,000, plus mandatory maintenance (~$1,300-$2,000 USD/year) for updates. Also, you can consider a term license or a named user subscription license
As mentioned in the table comparison above, the subscriptions start at $2,820/year. With that high price, the SolidWorks feature depth and community are unmatched. But navigating resellers and maintenance fees can feel like a maze. If you’re comparing AutoCAD or SolidWorks, the latter’s simulation and manufacturing tools shine.
SketchUp
SketchUp’s a breeze to use, loved for 3D modeling in architecture, interiors, and woodworking. SketchUp Free is web-based for hobbyists, while SketchUp Go ($119/year) adds iPad access. Professionals typically go for SketchUp Pro (349 /year), which includes desktop apps and LayOut for 2D drawings. SketchUp Studio ($749/year) throws in rendering and point cloud tools.
It’s all annual subscriptions, with educational discounts. Prices have crept up lately, so check with Aussie resellers. If you’re after intuitive CAD software for beginners, SketchUp’s a great starting point, especially for conceptual design.
Rhino
Rhino’s a beast for freeform modeling, ideal for industrial design, jewelry, and complex architecture. But please note the Rhino license is a perpetual deal. So, the price in the comparison table above is perpetual only. No mandatory subscriptions, which keeps costs predictable.
Upgrades are affordable, and plugins like Grasshopper add parametric design power. If you need CAD software for intricate curves, Rhino’s hard to beat. That one-time cost makes it a smart pick for long-term users who want flexibility without recurring fees.
Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is a cloud-based all-rounder, blending CAD, CAM, and simulation for designers and engineers. Its commercial subscription is about $725/year (often discounted), with monthly ($130) or 3-year options.
Free tiers for hobbyists, startups, and students make it super accessible, though non-commercial. If you’re eyeing web-based online CAD software, Fusion’s cloud collaboration and affordability are big draws. It’s a solid choice for startups or anyone wanting an integrated platform without breaking the bank, but watch those Extension costs.
Is There Any Free CAD Software?
Yes, genuinely free CAD software exists beyond commercial free tiers. Open-source tools like FreeCAD, a parametric 3D modeler, or LibreCAD, focused on 2D drafting, are solid for budget-conscious users. Blender, while more for creative modeling, can handle some CAD tasks. OpenSCAD’s script-based approach suits coders, and Tinkercad perfect for beginners or 3D printing.
These tools are free for commercial use, but expect less polish, community-driven support, and potential file compatibility hiccups with formats like DWG. They’re great for hobbyists or small projects, but professionals might miss the advanced features and support of paid options like AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
Free vs Paid CAD Software
Deciding between free and paid hinges on workflow gravity. Paid tools like AutoCAD or ArchiCAD pack advanced features. You can get BIM, simulation, CAM, plus dedicated support, regular updates, and slick collaboration. Free options like FreeCAD or LibreCAD cover basics well but often lack specialized tools or polished interfaces.
Paid software offers structured training and clear commercial licensing, while free tools lean on community forums and might restrict commercial use (e.g., Onshape’s free tier). Paid platforms, especially cloud ones like Fusion 360, shine for team workflows with version control. Free software’s development can be patchy, unlike the predictable updates of paid vendors. Hobbyists or students might love free CAD software for beginners. But professionals needing reliability and advanced capabilities usually go for paid software.
For most firms, then, the real decision isn’t free or paid. But, does this licence still earn its keep? If you’d like a clear-eyed review of your current stack or a shortlist of cost-effective alternatives, reach out to the Interscale software-licensing. We’ll unpack your CAD software cost drivers, compare options, and set out a plan that matches budget with capability.
Book a free discussion with Interscale’s licensing experts here. We will help you explore the best CAD software fit for your projects. No pushy sales. Just find the best CAD software fit for your projects.
Your Next Step
Identifying CAD software cost is about features, licensing, and what your projects demand. The right choice now can save you time and money later. If the maths feels murky or vendor jargon keeps shifting, lean on us. Interscale’s software licensing team audits existing seats, models alternative scenarios, and negotiates with suppliers so you pay for productivity.
