AutoCAD vs. NX CAD

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
AutoCAD
Score 7.9 out of 10
N/A
AutoCAD is a CAD product from Autodesk. It allows designers to work in 2D and 3D, and is available on Windows and Mac, but with extensive online collaboration tools.
$245
per month per user
NX CAD
Score 8.1 out of 10
N/A
Siemens NX software is an integrated product design solution that helps deliver products faster and more efficiently. NX delivers design, simulation, and manufacturing solutions that enable companies to realize the value of the digital twin.N/A
Pricing
AutoCADNX CAD
Editions & Modules
Monthly Subscription
$245
per month per user
Yearly Subscription
$1975
per year per user
3-Year Subscription
$5925
3 years per user
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
AutoCADNX CAD
Free Trial
YesYes
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
AutoCADNX CAD
Considered Both Products
AutoCAD
Chose AutoCAD
AutoCAD is better for drafting construction documents than rhino. The ability to draft blue print drawings and update them to the specificity we need is a big leg up. Rhino allows me to see the model in 3d instantly where will AutoCAD I need to use a program such as sketchup to …
Chose AutoCAD
PTC Creo and SolidWorks have a separate module wherein we can create 2D drawings of the parts and assemblies modelled in them. But they generally created problem in creating circuit diagrams where in we need to manually sketch using different option. And when it comes to …
Chose AutoCAD
I use Revit far more than I use AutoCAD. AutoCAD is great for simple linework, but even then I will often create the lines in Revit and then export to AutoCAD for final touches and printing. AutoCAD is a bit easier for large-format prints, which is why I almost always end up …
Chose AutoCAD
AutoCAD is much more stable and comes with 3D capability as standard. Draftsight is less stable and requires the pro version for 3D capability, but it is also 1/4 the price of AutoCAD.
Chose AutoCAD
AutoCAD was chosen for its versatility, customisation and compatibility. AutoCAD is a highly versatile software used across various industries, including civil engineering. It's known for its precise drafting and drawing capabilities. It allows for extensive customization …
Chose AutoCAD
As we all know that AutoCAD is a basic Drafting software used to drawing all of 2D object so all above softwares mentioned as as used as 2nd one after developing the plan on AutoCAD. So I do prepare plans on AutoCAD and develops them on above software. So basically my first …
Chose AutoCAD
I have experience with AutoDesk Maya, and am familiar with their user interface with creating 3D objects. AutoCAD while from the same family, requires a steeper learning curve and more in-depth knowledge of the software.

Chose AutoCAD
for the developing of 2d drawings AutoCAD is more suitable than other software due to its very easy and understandable user interface. besides that, due to the orientation of the software to 2d drawings, the library of commands is better structured and organized, making the …
Chose AutoCAD
This is the most primitive application in the field of design and drafting hence it has the simplest workflow system. It is quite easy to comprehend the processes for any user hence they can access the mistakes easily. Man-to-machine interaction of this software is best among …
Chose AutoCAD
Automation in AutoCAD with Dynamo is going to be good. With Dynamo script we can make our AutoCAD more automatic and easy to use time-saving software. If we apply some good Dynamo script it will add a hanger in all models with a standard distance this is a type of example …
Chose AutoCAD
Better 2D designing than CATIA. Way cheaper than other CADs available in the market. 2D drafting is way better than CATIA. 2D dimensioning is better than CATIA. It is very easy to design pipeline layouts on AutoCAD than on another software. It saves time and the workflow …
Chose AutoCAD
Each program has its own pros and cons so, for example, I am using AutoCad for big scale projects especially if they are 2D drawings and need a high production rate along with high-resolution details. By that, we increased our business performance.
Chose AutoCAD
AutoCAD is improving day by day and update by update. Making their [features] smooth and more [efficient] with every update and it is very efficient in the things that it does. [The] functions that they provide are very useful and easy to use. [The] interface of AutoCAD is …
Chose AutoCAD
AutoCAD commands are effective, active and responsive to the engineer's commands, easy to customize the AutoCAD drafting features, and the final results produced have the best and productive quality.
Getting used to AutoCAD is also easy and friendly on manipulation, and even its …
Chose AutoCAD
Work involved in my organization is related to teaching 2D designs and layouts for students, so AutoCAD is a great option. However, when it comes to 3D modelling and a clean user experience, we prefer SketchUp as an alternate option.
Chose AutoCAD
All of the alternatives above work well if you are starting from scratch and are in the market for new software. Draftsight is no longer free. If you have any legacy AutoCAD drawings you are going to encounter problems as we did. Sometimes old files won't open or save …
Chose AutoCAD
AutoCAD is the industry benchmark and standard, it is easy to use and understand, the Graphic User Interface is fairly intuitive with icons that make sense, shortcut keys make drawing super fast, blocks prevent or at least limit costly mistakes.
The drawing exchange format (DXF) …
Chose AutoCAD
AutoCAD is still the top choice although the software subscription is more on the costly side. Time saved on every mouse stroke justifies the value of AutoCAD. After using AutoCAD for a while, other competitors' less expensive copycat versions feel very inefficient and not …
Chose AutoCAD
It's the best solution for a 2D drawing. Much easier to create 2D plans when you [don't] need to create 3D components. Stable and Functional. Easy to use and remember. All commands are located where they make the best sense. Various access [to] commands is awesome!!! You can …
Chose AutoCAD
AutoCAD has its own standards because this is originally designed for the quick 2d drawings.
Chose AutoCAD
For the HVAC engineering and design field, companies like RHVAC and Wrightsoft make competing products. I have not used these packages, but I have seen the designs they produce. These designs are not up to the quality, customizability, or standard that I am able to put out …
Chose AutoCAD
We chose AutoCAD because it was the professional software package, we had been using simpler and cheaper solutions but we found that our drawings were suffering because of it and that we had a lack of technical skill in CAD because of the ease of use of the more amateur …
Chose AutoCAD
We use SOLIDWORKS almost exclusively, mainly for 3D modeling and simulation efforts. We cannot use AutoCAD drawings for the engineering work we need to accomplish for our products without a 3D add in - the main benefit to AutoCAD over SOLIDWORKS is that SOLIDWORKS does not do …
NX CAD
Chose NX CAD
Customer requirement is in NX CAD.
NX CAD is easy to use.
NX and TCPLM integration is easy.
Chose NX CAD
I like NX CAD modelling features and drafting tool bars which helps in accomplishing the task in minimum steps. The available tools precisely generate the splines and complex geometries as required. There is perfect integration between NX CAD and NX CAM modules with less data …
Chose NX CAD
Was not question. The SW is only a translator, export, import system.
Chose NX CAD
NX CAD is very good for interoperability between different three dimensional modelling softwares, it can convert to .jt models, from native format such as .CATPart, .CATProduct, and ones from Solidworks. Also it is integrated to Siemens Teamcenter, which also enables other …
Chose NX CAD
The API is more great then by the others. Also the Integration in Teamcenter. This is also leading to collaborative functions.
Chose NX CAD
Copy of parts and assemblies was much easier in NX CAD than in Solid Edge. The same was with parameters. I don't know if this changed in the last few years.
Chose NX CAD
more design options,
load large assemblies
Chose NX CAD
Siemens NX CAD is having very simple layout as compared to other competitors. It supports many numbers of file formats & translation to other software. It supports easy conversion of 3D to 2D. It supports PLM for project & Data Management. It is very versatile & supports Mold …
Chose NX CAD
The only reason why NX was chosen was due to the process management, and revision control that's built-in. And being able to limit access to files and if they can be modified.
Chose NX CAD
I find DraftSight as a pure 2d integration of Siemens NX CAD. They don't collide, they are useful for different needs.
Chose NX CAD
Currently do not have any experience outside of Siemens PLM.
Features
AutoCADNX CAD
Computer-Aided Design Software
Comparison of Computer-Aided Design Software features of Product A and Product B
AutoCAD
6.1
Ratings
15% below category average
NX CAD
7.6
Ratings
7% above category average
3D Modeling6.00 Ratings8.70 Ratings
2D Drafting9.20 Ratings8.80 Ratings
Rendering and Visualization5.10 Ratings5.90 Ratings
Parametric Design4.80 Ratings8.40 Ratings
Collaboration and Sharing5.70 Ratings6.50 Ratings
Compatibility with other software and formats8.30 Ratings7.60 Ratings
Assembly Design5.30 Ratings8.30 Ratings
Simulation and Analysis1.00 Ratings7.30 Ratings
Documentation and Annotation7.80 Ratings7.10 Ratings
Customization and Extensions8.20 Ratings7.40 Ratings
Best Alternatives
AutoCADNX CAD
Small Businesses
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.9 out of 10
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.9 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.9 out of 10
Onshape
Onshape
Score 9.9 out of 10
Enterprises
Rhino
Rhino
Score 9.0 out of 10
Rhino
Rhino
Score 9.0 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
AutoCADNX CAD
Likelihood to Recommend
7.4
(0 ratings)
8.1
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
8.0
(0 ratings)
8.5
(0 ratings)
Usability
8.5
(0 ratings)
7.3
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
6.9
(0 ratings)
7.3
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
8.0
(0 ratings)
7.4
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
AutoCADNX CAD
Likelihood to Recommend
It is well suited for drafting in plan view. If you are looking for exact drafting that is the best for you to use. If you are looking to sketch and design, I would recommend you do not use AutoCAD first and instead use another app before transferring your work into AutoCAD.
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NX CAD is very good when it comes to three dimensional modelling and rendering and visualization. Furthermore, the export to jt function together with import into other Siemens software packages, such as Teamcenter, is a major reason why I am using NX. However, it can be a little more computationally expensive compare to other CAD packages.
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Pros
  • The tools are easy to use and the learning curve is fairly minimal to be able to create blueprints.
  • The 3D application is very fun to use and it is nice to be able to see your product instead of having to imagine what it will look like.
  • The speed and accuracy in which students can create plans is a huge bonus. Students can plan their industrial art projects out and use their own set of plans to build them.
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  • Seamless interaction across multiple departments.
  • The software allows you to create a very high level of control and organization within your engineering staff. This reduces the companies mistakes and maximizes productivity.
  • The software makes it very easy to track your product through every phase of the production cycle.
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Cons
  • User Interface Customisation: AutoCAD's user interface could benefit from more robust customisation options. Allowing users to rearrange toolbars, menus, and panels according to their specific workflows and preferences would enhance productivity.
  • Enhanced 3D Modeling Tools: While AutoCAD is capable of 3D modeling, it's not as intuitive or feature-rich as dedicated 3D modeling software. Streamlining the process and adding more advanced modeling tools would be a welcome improvement.
  • Enhanced Collaboration and Version Control: AutoCAD could improve its collaboration tools, such as real-time editing and version tracking, to facilitate smoother teamwork, especially in multi-disciplinary projects.
  • Intelligent Object Libraries: AutoCAD could benefit from an expanded and more intelligent library of standard objects and components. This would save time for designers who often have to create custom components from scratch.
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  • Keeping the colors of surfaces if volume bodies are linked
  • Show and keep symbolic threads
  • For me, I miss more information why a surface can't be deleted or a radius is not possible. And maybe a solution, how could it look like, if NX CAD adds a new surface.
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Likelihood to Renew
Because rarely we [would] rather wait for a whole year to update, sometimes the new updates don't bring many new features and we are still ok with the current version. Also the change of interface is always something that takes time for every partner in the company to get comfortable with. So those are the main reasons we may want to keep the same version.
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It works very well for our organization. It has made us much more productive.
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Usability
The use case of AutoCAD as a CAD software is highly relevant today as it focuses or targets to tasks types which involve creating 2D drawings of a number of types like electrical drawings, hydraulic drawings, layout diagrams, floor plans, etc. thereby addressing a large number of industries like Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and in most case Architectural Engineering as well
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Siemens NX CAD has been has been simple in design & user interface. It is best among the competitors. It can develop heavy models & designs with very ease. It has Layers options for arranging multiple assemblies in the same file. It does not require heavy system investment & works fine on professional PCs
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Support Rating
AutoCAD has the issue of crashing or slowing down the design procedure once a heavy design that includes several disciplines or multiple families/blocks is involved. Customer services gets the feedback from the crash reports but this issue seems like it has never been addressed in the software updates past several years.
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NX CAD version is going out of support after only 12 months. Changes will not be implemented after 12 months from prodcution
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Implementation Rating
the implementation was realy easy , to set up our workstation we pay for the licenses we are about to use , there was a little bit of delay to get the payment processed to receive the serial but after that the install runs without any problem , so you can fell secure there will be not issue with the implementation.
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Need more clear training
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Alternatives Considered
AutoCAD is the industry best and is well integrated with regular updates and fixes if required. Being very developer friendly and having a huge community of enthusiasts behind takes it miles ahead of the competition. Some might get an edge over price but due to this being an High performance software it is miles ahead.
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I like NX CAD modelling features and drafting tool bars which helps in accomplishing the task in minimum steps. The available tools precisely generate the splines and complex geometries as required. There is perfect integration between NX CAD and NX CAM modules with less data loss. Better graphical interface and simplified commands makes NX CAD a better software then others.
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Return on Investment
  • AutoCAD is cost effective when you get the Autodesk suite, so it makes sense to have it for many of our workflows.
  • AutoCAD is like a hammer. It's simple and is very good at certain things. No matter how advanced tools get, you will not soon get rid of hammers.
  • AutoCAD is really useful when models do not line up correctly in Revit.
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  • Through API implementation we have created some CAD Automation tool that saved us about 100h to create specific 3D geometry
  • Teamcenter integration leverage quality of 3D geometry because avoid any situation of duplicated version of same Item that can take lot of hours to verify the correct version
  • Possibility to integrate different 3D format allow to earlier detect possible impact of wrong geometry
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ScreenShots

NX CAD Screenshots

Screenshot of NX technology can generate multiple design options. (It's like having an extra employee dedicated to "trying out" different designs.) Then Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) can be used to generate the part.Screenshot of Studies show an inordinate amount of time can be spent by designers as they look for previous or similar parts. The software can search for similarly-shaped parts.Screenshot of NX has the ability to validate a part (or assembly) and its adherence to standards, collisions, and manufacturability.Screenshot of Virtual inspection and mark up full sized assemblies.Screenshot of a rendering created from the actual product design. Notice the lighting and surface realism.