Selecting CAD software that is budget-friendly

We are excited to share this recently published video comparing AViCAD and AutoCAD, two exceptional CAD software options. If affordability is a key factor in your decision, AViCAD could be your ideal choice as an AutoCAD alternative.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Choosing and comparing CAD
0:15 Why choose AViCAD (cost, commands, DWG)
1:14 Your CAD level
1:33 Importance of individual support
2:05 Subscriptions or own it?
2:46 Extra tools that are included
3:00 Mech-Q
3:20 Comparing with AutoCAD (Ribbon)
3:51 Same commands
4:18 Properties palette and tool palette
4:40 Alias settings (customize shortcuts)
5:12 Express tools
5:33 Import and export
5:55 3D functionality
6:27 What are you struggling with?

Are you a seasoned AutoCAD user, familiar with CAD, or just beginning your journey?

Don’t worry if you’re new to CAD or unfamiliar with AViCAD; today’s video provides a good introduction.

AViCAD is an inexpensive CAD program with AutoCAD-like functionality. It offers identical commands and DWG format compatibility, making it a user-friendly and budget-friendly choice.

AViCAD is a suitable alternative, especially since AutoCAD LT is more affordable but limited to 2D-only functionality and other productivity tools.

It has the same CAD features and interface but at a much lower price

AViCAD offers features similar to AutoCAD at just a quarter of its cost. This affordability, combined with the inclusion of Mech-Q tools, delivers significant value at a more accessible price. Our CAD software is beginner-friendly, and we are always here to assist new users.

But to clarify, the term “affordability” or “cheapest” doesn’t imply low quality here; it signifies a reasonable price for small and medium-sized firms looking to stick to their budgets.

Let’s delve into a key distinction: AutoCAD operates on a subscription-only model. In contrast, AViCAD offers both subscription licenses and the option of perpetual licenses.

A perpetual license means paying once and owning the software indefinitely is an advantage for those seeking long-term cost savings and software ownership.

This price comparison table shows how cost-effective AViCAD is

To illustrate the cost differences, let’s compare AutoCAD and AViCAD subscription prices. Note: these prices may change – but as you can see, AutoCAD is 4 1/2 times more expensive! AViCAD is a clear winner in terms of cost-effectiveness.

Cost AutoCAD (April 2024)	Cost AViCAD (April 2024)
$2030/year per user	$449/year per user
$255/month per user	$49/month per user
Perpetual: Not Available	$749-$849

Why AutoCAD is so expensive:

AutoCAD is considered expensive primarily due to several key factors:

1. Comprehensive Feature Set: AutoCAD offers a comprehensive suite of professional tools, but mastering them can be complex due to the extensive capabilities of 2D and 3D drafting, modeling, documentation, and collaboration. This complexity demands significant time and dedication to learn and develop the necessary skills.
2. The “Mother of CAD: AutoCAD has established itself as an industry-standard software in the AEC field over decades. Its widespread adoption means many professionals and firms rely on AutoCAD for daily operations and project workflows. AutoCAD has established a strong user base over time, and many firms have continued to be loyal users of the software since its inception.
3. Updated through the years: Autodesk, the developer of AutoCAD, provides continuous updates,to ensure users can leverage the latest technological advancements and remain competitive in their respective fields. Because of its size and the ongoing investments in software updates and support services, Autodesk has to keep its pricing relatively high.

In contrast, AViCAD offers affordability primarily due to:

1. Focused Feature Set: AViCAD targets industry needs with a streamlined feature set emphasizing core functionalities essential for 2D drafting and 3D modeling. By focusing on these essential tools, AViCAD can offer a cost-effective solution without the overhead of extensive development for the engineering and architecture niche and other advanced features.
2. Lower Overheads: AViCAD is often referred to as the cheapest CAD alternative to large software corporations such as Autodesk. AViCAD operates with lower overhead costs, allowing it to pass on these savings to customers through more competitive pricing models. Despite being one of the cheapest alternatives, AViCAD still provides users with direct phone and email support and regular updates that won’t require relearning.
3. Flexible Licensing Options: AViCAD offers flexible licensing options, including perpetual licenses and subscription plans, catering to the various budget and operational needs of small to medium-sized businesses and individual professionals. In contrast, Autodesk discontinued perpetual licensing in 2016. Many users feel they have less control over their software and are obliged to continuously pay for access, leading to increased frustration with the software.

10 reasons why AViCAD stands out as an affordable and reliable AutoCAD substitute:

• AViCAD mirrors AutoCAD in functionality but is more accessible price-wise, making it a great AutoCAD alternative
• Suitable for all skill levels, AViCAD empowers users, from novices to experts, offering an inexpensive CAD program that’s both robust and user-friendly.
• As a cost-effective AutoCAD substitute, AViCAD provides a similar suite of tools at a fraction of the cost.
• AutoCAD LT offers a more budget-friendly AutoCAD experience but is limited to 2D; AViCAD extends beyond with more versatile options.
• AViCAD includes Mech-Q engineering software at no extra charge, adding value to this CAD alternative.
• Ideal for CAD beginners, AViCAD supports learners with educational resources.
• AViCAD caters to various user needs with perpetual and subscription licenses, standing out among CAD alternatives.
• Enhance your AutoCAD with Mech-Q, or choose AViCAD for a built-in experience.
• AViCAD Plus offers additional features, such as PDF to DWG conversion, making it a comprehensive alternative to software similar to AutoCAD.
• Fully compatible with AutoCAD, AViCAD offers an affordable alternative software option that is comparable to AutoCAD.

We provide various resources, including help videos and tutorials on using Mech-Q tools to help you choose the suitable CAD alternative. Whether you opt for a perpetual or a subscription license, we are here to assist.

Here are a few videos teaching you how to use Mech-Q. If you already have AutoCAD, Mech-Q can be added as an excellent add-on. But if you choose our AViCAD/AutoCAD Alternative, you’ll get Mech-Q tools included at no additional cost.

We hope this walkthrough has been informative. If you have any questions or need assistance in exploring inexpensive CAD programs and AutoCAD substitutes, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. 

You can reach us at info at CADavenue com, or you can call us at (888) 271-7121.