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Overview of Autodesk AutoCAD 2025

Autodesk AutoCAD 2025 is a top-notch 3D CAD program used in architecture, engineering, and construction. It helps users plan, design, and build 3D models and maps for various complex projects. This powerful application comes with advanced design and simulation tools that allow users to create detailed construction plans, industrial maps, and drawings.

AutoCAD 2025 is efficient and supports writing and running scripts using Visual Basic, Visual LISP, and VBA Macros to automate tasks. Additionally, it can import maps and assemblies from other applications, making it easier to attach different drawings to the generated models.

System Requirements for AutoCAD 2025

Windows

ComponentBasicRecommended
Operating System64-bit Windows 11, Windows 10 v1809+64-bit Windows 11, Windows 10 v1809+
Processor2.5-2.9 GHz, 8 logical cores (ARM not supported)3+ GHz (base), 4+ GHz (turbo)
Memory8 GB32 GB
Display Resolution1920 x 1080 with True ColorUp to 3840 x 2160
Display Card2 GB GPU, 29 GB/s Bandwidth, DirectX 118 GB GPU, 106 GB/s Bandwidth, DirectX 12
Disk Space10.0 GB (suggested SSD)10.0 GB (suggested SSD)
NetworkSee Autodesk Network License ManagerSee Autodesk Network License Manager
Pointing DeviceMS-Mouse compliantMS-Mouse compliant
.NET Framework.NET 8.NET 8

Mac

ComponentSpecification
Operating SystemmacOS Sequoia v15, Sonoma v14, Ventura v13, Monterey v12
ModelApple Mac (macOS Monterey or above)
CPU Type64-bit Intel CPU, Apple M series CPU
MemoryBasic: 8 GB, Recommended: 16 GB or higher
Display ResolutionBasic: 1280 x 800, High Res: 2880 x 1800 with Retina Display
Disk Space8 GB free disk space for download and installation
Pointing DeviceApple-compliant Mouse/Trackpad, Microsoft-compliant mouse
Display CardRecommended: Mac native installed graphics cards
Disk FormatAPFS, APFS(Encrypted), Mac OS Extended (Journaled/Encrypted)

Key Features of AutoCAD 2025

Exterior wireframe of old fire station build layout modeled in 2D and 3D in AutoCAD with Autodesk Assistant chat open

AutoLISP

With AutoLISP and the Visual LISP IDE, you can create scripts to automate tasks, making your workflow smoother and faster.

Smart Blocks

Automatically place blocks based on where you’ve put them before. You can also quickly find and replace any existing blocks.

Autodesk Assistant

Use AI to get quick help and solutions related to AutoCAD through a conversational assistant.

My Insights

Complete your projects faster with personalized tips, features, and macros designed for you.

Activity Insights

Keep track of important design data and see detailed event logs from multiple users with version history.

Markup Import and Markup Assist

Bring in revisions and feedback from paper or PDFs to compare, review, and update your work automatically.

Push to Autodesk Docs

Publish your CAD drawings as PDFs directly from AutoCAD to Autodesk Docs for easy sharing.

AutoCAD Anytime, Anywhere

Use AutoCAD on your desktop, web, or mobile device to capture, share, and review ideas on the go with 2D and 3D DWG files.

Trace

Safely review and add feedback directly to a DWG file without changing the original drawing.

Specialized Toolsets

Access thousands of parts and extra features designed for specific industries with specialized toolsets.

Autodesk App Store and APIs

Customize AutoCAD with APIs to build your own automations and choose from over 1,000 third-party apps.

Conceptualize in 2D and 3D

Use 2D drafting tools and 3D modeling with realistic lighting and materials to bring your ideas to life.

Click here to download ArcGIS for AutoCAD Extension

What’s New in AutoCAD 2025

Learn features that provide useful insights and automation using Autodesk AI and tools that improve teamwork and collaboration.

Smart Blocks: Search and Convert

Quickly search your drawings for objects to convert into instances of a newly defined block or an existing block with the help of Autodesk AI.

Smart Blocks: Object Detection Tech Preview

Improve design efficiency by automatically recognizing objects to convert into blocks with the help of Autodesk AI. This feature is still under development and will continue to improve.

Activity Insights

Stay informed with access to essential design data with detailed multi-user event logs, tracking over 35 activity types including version history and file comparison tools.

Markup Import from Autodesk Docs

Import and connect PDF markups from Autodesk Docs. Once synced, markups will continue to update in a Trace layer in AutoCAD so you can review and incorporate feedback without switching between applications.

Hatch

Add texture to your drawings through patterns, fills, and paths without pre-defined shapes or enclosed boundaries.

Autodesk Assistant

Quickly access helpful support and solutions through the conversational interface powered by Autodesk AI.

ArcGIS Basemaps

Ground your site plans with real-world geographical information using Esri’s ArcGIS Basemaps. Access high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery, OpenStreetMaps, and more.

More Features of AutoCAD 2025

AutoLISP

Use AutoLISP to streamline workflows and enforce CAD standards through automation. Supports file types LSP, FAS, and VLX.

Smart Blocks: Placement

Automatically place blocks in the right position and scale based on where you’ve inserted them before, saving you time.

Smart Blocks: Replacement

Quickly find and replace blocks using machine learning-based suggestions, recently used blocks, or manual selection.

My Insights

View individual or team insights based on AutoCAD usage to help complete projects faster with helpful features, macros, and tips.

Count

Automate the counting of block or object instances within a selected area or entire drawing.

Markup Import and Markup Assist

Import feedback from printed paper or PDFs and add changes to your drawings automatically.

Trace

Add design change notes and markups without altering your existing drawing.

Web Functionality

AutoCAD subscribers receive exclusive additional functionality on the web, including AutoLISP API and batch plot to PDFs.

Apple Silicon Support

AutoCAD for Mac 2025 runs natively on both Intel and Apple silicon (M-Series) machines.

Autodesk App Store

Customize AutoCAD with Autodesk-approved extensions.

Arrays

Create and modify objects in circular or rectangular patterns, or along a path.

Center Marks and Centerlines

Create and edit centerlines and center marks that move automatically when you move the associated objects.

Data Extraction

Extract information from objects, blocks, and attributes, including drawing information.

Data Linking

Create a live link between a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and a table in your drawing for simultaneous updates.

Dimensions

Automatically create dimensions. Pass the cursor over selected objects to see a preview before creating them.

Dynamic Blocks

Add flexibility and intelligence to your block references by changing their shape, size, or configuration.

Fields

Use fields in text objects to display text that updates automatically as the field value changes.

Layouts

Specify the size of your drawing sheet, add a title block, and display multiple views of your model.

Leaders

Create leaders with various content, including text or blocks. Easily format leader lines and define styles.

Parametric Constraints

Apply geometric and dimensional constraints to maintain relationships between drawing geometry.

Purge

Remove multiple unneeded objects at once with easy selection and object preview.

Revision Clouds

Draw revision clouds around new changes in a drawing to quickly identify your updates.

Tables

Apply formulas, link to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and create tables with data and symbols. Automatically import data to tables using features like Count.

Text Settings

Create single or multiline text (mtext) as a single text object. Easily format text, columns, and boundaries.

Views

Save views by name to quickly return to a specific view for reference or applying to layout viewports.

3D Navigation (Orbit, ViewCube, Wheel)

Use 3D viewing and navigation tools to orbit, swivel, walk, and fly around a 3D model to showcase your design.

Model Documentation

Generate 2D drawings, including base, projected, section, and detail views from 3D models.

Point Clouds

Attach point cloud files acquired by 3D laser scanners or other technologies to use as a starting point for your designs.

Rendering

Apply lighting and materials to give your 3D models a realistic appearance and help communicate your designs.

Cloud Rendering

Render 3D models online without consuming processing power or disk space on your local computer.

Section Planes

Create section planes to display cross-sectional views through solids, surfaces, meshes, or regions.

Solid, Surface, and Mesh Modeling

Create realistic 3D models of your design using a combination of solid, surface, and mesh modeling tools.

Visual Styles

Apply visual styles to control the display of edges, lighting, and shading of your 3D model.

Leaders

Create leaders with various content, including text or blocks. Easily format leader lines and define styles.

Parametric Constraints

Apply geometric and dimensional constraints to maintain relationships between drawing geometry.

Purge

Remove multiple unneeded objects at once with easy selection and object preview.

Revision Clouds

Draw revision clouds around new changes in a drawing to quickly identify your updates.

Tables

Apply formulas, link to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, and create tables with data and symbols. Automatically import data to tables using features like Count.

Text Settings

Create single or multiline text (mtext) as a single text object. Easily format text, columns, and boundaries.

Views

Save views by name to quickly return to a specific view for reference or applying to layout viewports.

Click here to download AutoCAD 2023

AutoCAD 2025 vs. Previous Releases

AutoCAD 2025 offers advanced 2D and 3D CAD drafting, documentation, and collaboration tools that millions trust. It includes new features that provide valuable insights and automation with the help of Autodesk AI.

What’s Included

  • Industry-specific toolsets: Access toolsets for Architecture, Mechanical, Electrical, Map 3D, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), Plant 3D (including P&ID functionality), and Raster Design.
  • AutoCAD on the web: View, create, and edit AutoCAD drawings from any computer with no software installation required.
  • AutoCAD on mobile: View, create, and edit AutoCAD drawings via iOS and Android devices.
  • Integrated workflows: Work smoothly across desktop, web, and mobile devices.
  • Cloud storage connectivity: Access any DWG file in AutoCAD with Autodesk’s cloud and leading cloud storage providers.

Top New Features Added Since 2016

  • Autodesk Assistant: Quickly access support and solutions related to features and design challenges without leaving AutoCAD.
  • Activity Insights: View detailed event logs for shared DWG files with properties, version history, and comparison tools.
  • File Open Performance: On average, 2D files will open twice as fast in AutoCAD 2025 compared to AutoCAD 2024.
  • Smart Blocks: Automatically place and replace blocks, or search for and convert objects into new, existing, or suggested blocks.
  • Markup Assist and Markup Import: Import feedback and incorporate changes to your drawings automatically.
  • My Insights: Learn valuable tips and new features to help you work faster.
  • APIs for AutoCAD on the web: Automate processes with the AutoLISP API in AutoCAD on the web.
  • Trace: Safely review and add feedback directly to a DWG file without altering the existing drawing.
  • Count: Automate counting blocks or geometry with the COUNT command.
  • Share: Send a controlled copy of your drawing to teammates and colleagues for access anywhere.
  • Push to Autodesk Docs: Push your CAD drawing sheets as PDFs to Autodesk Docs from AutoCAD.
  • Drawing History: See changes made to your drawing over time (merged with Activity Insights as of AutoCAD 2025).
  • Xref Compare: Compare two versions of an external xref and implement changes without leaving your current drawing.
  • Blocks Palette: Insert blocks efficiently from the Libraries tab on desktop or in the AutoCAD web app.
  • Quick Measure: Quickly display all nearby measurements in a drawing, including areas and perimeters, by hovering your mouse.
  • Trim and Extend (Enhanced): The default Quick mode now automatically selects all potential boundaries.
  • Purge (Redesigned): Remove multiple unneeded objects with easy selection and object preview.
  • DWG Compare: Compare two versions of a drawing or xref without leaving your current window.
  • Attach/Extract Point Cloud Data: Attach point cloud files acquired by 3D laser scanners or other technologies.
  • PDF Import: Import geometry (SHX font files, fills, raster images, and TrueType text) into a drawing from a PDF.
  • AutoCAD Anytime, Anywhere: Access AutoCAD from your desktop, web, and mobile devices.
  • Save to Web and Mobile: Save drawings and their associated xrefs from your desktop to view and edit in the AutoCAD web and mobile apps.
  • New Views and Viewports: Easily add saved views to your layouts.
  • High-Resolution Monitor Support: View your designs on 4K and higher-resolution displays.
  • Off-Screen Selection: Selected objects stay in the selection set, even if you pan or zoom off screen.

Improvements Since 2016

  • 2D Graphics: Stability, fidelity, and performance improvements, including up to 9x faster switching between layout tabs compared to AutoCAD 2023.
  • Floating Windows: Pull away drawing windows to display them side by side or on multiple monitors without opening another instance of AutoCAD.
  • Sheet Set Manager: Plot your sheet sets more quickly with the Autodesk platform.
  • Save in Half a Second: Shave one second off each save on average.
  • Speedy Installation Time: Up to 50% faster for solid state hard drives.
  • New Dark Theme: Modern blue aesthetic with contrast and sharpness improvements.
  • User Interface: Flat-design icons and intuitive dialogue boxes and toolbars.
  • 3D Navigation Performance: Up to 10x faster.
  • Save, Move/Copy Performance Boost with New 2018.DWG File Format.
  • Autodesk App Store: Over 1,000 AutoCAD apps.
  • The TrustedDWG File Format.
  • Improved Installation: AutoCAD 2024 installation is up to 2x faster than AutoCAD 2023.

Support and Software Access

  • Technical Support:
    • Autodesk Support Specialists: Schedule a call, chat online (limited availability), or email for support.
    • Remote Desktop Assistance: Get secure, hands-on troubleshooting.
    • Online Resources: Access help documentation, tutorials, training videos, and community support forums.
  • Access to the Latest Software: Instantly access the newest releases and updates.
  • Access Previous Versions: Download and use previous releases.
  • Flexible Term Lengths: Subscribe monthly, annually, or for 3 years.
  • Administrative Tools: Easily manage software licenses, seats, and usage from your Autodesk Account.