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AutoCAD vs Vectorworks: catalog facts
AutoCAD	Vectorworks
Best for: Professionals who draft and exchange DWG drawings	Best for: Architects, landscape designers and stage or lighting designers
Paid Commercial software sold by Autodesk, with a trial available.	Paid Commercial software sold by Vectorworks, Inc.
Web	Windows, macOS
Native DWG format used widely across industries Desktop and web versions share drawings All 3 strengths for AutoCAD Native DWG format used widely across industries Desktop and web versions share drawings Covers both 2D drafting and 3D modeling	Covers sketching, modeling and presentation in one program Dedicated products for architecture, landscape and entertainment design All 3 strengths for Vectorworks Covers sketching, modeling and presentation in one program Dedicated products for architecture, landscape and entertainment design Training options from the developer
Expensive commercial licensing Requires an Autodesk account	Paid commercial software Closed source
Downloadable app, Web application	Downloadable app
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for AutoCAD autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Vectorworks vectorworks.net Catalog checked September 23, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.