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The difference between Revit and AutoCAD

What is important when it comes to finding the best computer-aided drafting (CAD) program is to know how to approach it. Both Revit and AutoCAD are software coming from the Autodesk family, and are designed for designers and engineers. You can even integrate work in each and other if need be.

The two software have different purposes to serve. AutoCAD is responsible for creating 2D geometries with 3D modeling capabilities, where Revit is used to work in 3D parametric modeling and focuses its use as a building information modeling (BIM) tool. Both has different functions in architectural and civil engineering projects.

In the first instance, let us learn about the pricing of the two software, after which we will discuss about their features, usage, user experience, and support.

PRICING AND LICENSING

Revit

Price: $305/month subscription; $2425/year subscription; $6550/3-year subscription.

Licensing: Autodesk provides with stand-alone user licenses that allows one single user access with every subscription. They even offer network licenses that allows multi-user to access through one subscription, but it is now known that Autodesk is outing a stop to this kind of subscription they will not sell new licenses as of August 7th, 2020, they will also close down existing network license subscriptions.

AutoCAD

Price: $210/month subscription, $1690/ year subscription, $4565/3-year subscription.

Licensing: Just like in the case of Revit, AutoCAD offers a stand-alone license and a network license, but the network license will not be valid anymore.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Both the software run on Windows? operating system with minimum requirements so as to run their total program error-free. On Mac OS AutoCAD can run, but to run Revit on a Mac, Autodesk provides support for a parallel desktop setup which would allow you to access the right version of Windows.

Given below is the list of computing power required to run each program. The list states the minimum power required though it is best to go above the basic requirements:

Revit

Operating system: Windows 10 (64-bit)

CPU: It is recommended by Autodesk that you get the highest CPU speed you can afford and a multi-core processor.

Memory: 8 GB RAM

Video display: Minimum 1280 x 1024; maximum 4k

Video adapter: 24-bit display

Disk space: 30 GB

Browser: Internet Explorer 10 or higher

Internet connection: Required for initial license registration and for downloading components.

AutoCAD

Operating system: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (all 64-bit); macOS Catalina v10.15, macOS Mojave v10.14, macOS High Sierra v10.13

CPU: 2.5 to 3+ GHz processor

Memory: 8 to 16 GB RAM

Video display: Minimum 1920 x 1080; maximum 4K (3840 x 2160)

Video adapter: N/A

Disk space: 6 GB

Browser: Google Chrome or Safari 5.0+

Internet connection: Required for initial license registration and to access AutoCAD web app.

AUTOCAD FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS

Given below are the details of the most important features and functions of AutoCAD:

CAD standards checker: After installing AutoCAD, you will be able to set your own CAD standards to be able to keep consistent styles for layers, line types, texts, dimensions throughout the projects.

3D modeling and visualization: Even though the primary function of AutoCAD is based on 2D drafting, with the updates that came it also delved into 3D modeling which is beneficial for people who need both the options.

Section planes: Within its 3D modeling, you will get a number of opportunities to dissect your object and look at it from various cross-sections of its layers. This not only allows you to gain new perspective but also allows you to make sure it is right from inside to out.

Visual styles: AutoCAD with different lighting, shading and edges allows you see your object from various angles which is based on real life viewing. It also allows you to change setting that your design is in.

Quick measure: To view the measurements just take your mouse over that place for easy reference.

Object selection and isolation: The separate layers on AutoCAD helps you focus on details without the need to deal with the design all together.

Revision clouds: The revision circle which is available from the AutoCAD 2020 version helps you to draw circle around an area for revision which will help you revise the changes made from version to version.

Mobile app: It allows you to access your AutoCAD files from your phone.

The following is the list of features and functions of Revit:

Construction coordination: Revit, as a BIM, is great for sharing information amongst the people who are involved in the same building structure. Everyone is able to keep their autonomy as well as learn about every step taken from the models which are uploaded at every point of the process into a shared drive.

Insight integration: With its building information model, Revit allows you to alter structures that are already made. The insight integration will help you to learn about the building performance according to general efficiency and environmental considerations.

Global parameters: Project parameters are set up using Revit which can be followed throughout the process.

Generative design: According to the parameters your plugin Revit will create design features to help you save time.

Cloud rendering: The cloud rendering process provided by Revit allows you to complete the photo-realistic processing of your 3D model with offsite storage. This will allow you to work within your program without the need for extra hardware.

USER EXPERIENCE

Revit

REMEMBER THE DIFFERENT WORKFLOW

Even if you come from a computer-aided design background you will have to start from square one if you want to learn Revit as it is a BIM system. You will definitely find a number of information familiar but they are applied differently on Revit.

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FREE TRIAL(S)

Since Autodesk offers a 30-day free trial for all software, it is best to make full use of it. They also provide tutorials. Make use of the extensive tutorials, learn from the tutorials and then work on the free trial version.

AutoCAD

CUSTOMIZE YOUR USER INTERFACE

It is best advised to remember how to navigate through the program and that comes with extensive practice. To make the navigation easier you can use the tool ?Custom User Interface Editor? so that you can make the tools you use visible and the ones you don?t hide.

FOCUS ON ITS BASIC FUNCTIONALITY

It is important to focus on the basic function of AutoCAD which is much like using a pencil and paper to put simple shapes together.

USE AND APPLICATION

Revit

Use cases: Take a look at places where Revit is used which ranges from renovating industrial kitchens to building in extreme environments.

Applications: Revit?s function as a BIM model is mostly used in construction, but it is also used for pipefitting, community planning, traditional construction, remodeling, building upkeep and upgrades.

AutoCAD

Use cases: AutoCAD is an established CAD program which is why it is most widely used. AutoCAD?s clients range from interactive media company to landscape designers to bike wheel company as well.

Applications: AutoCAD has a huge range of applications but the most common ones are architecture, interior design, product design, graphic design, city planning, electrical and civil engineering along with aerospace.

SUPPORT

As the two software, Revit and AutoCAD, are products of the Autodesk company, therefore, the community is the same along with the company support. The software individually has their own tutorials and user forums.

There are no verified user or teachers from Autodesk but the internet has a number of users and teacher whoa re wiling to share their knowledge regarding the software. Since AutoCAD has been in the market for a long time, therefore, you will for sure find useful videos which might help you clear your doubts regarding the software.

Revit: The forums of Autodesk provides you a platform to discuss about the Revit product with users. There are also tutorials present in the Learning tab from Autodesk, which ranges from quick start guide to troubleshooting help.

AutoCAD: AutoCAD has a similar structure as to that of Revit. The AutoCAD page has learning tab as well.

CONCLUSION

Revit is a good option for its powerful modeling capabilities and real-time editing features. Revit also allow you to get a better sense of design regarding how it will interact with the real world which then you can incorporate in your design.

If what you require is a design-forward program then AutoCAD is the best option. It provides more ways to control design details in its 2D base.

Make a choice between the two software according to what you will use it for.

The difference between Revit and AutoCAD