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AutoCAD 2020 vs. previous releases

AutoCAD® has a flexible subscription model, with new features available with each release and product update. If you have a perpetual license of AutoCAD 2016 or earlier, here’s what’s changed in AutoCAD 2017, AutoCAD 2018, AutoCAD 2019, and AutoCAD 2020.

AutoCAD 2020

What's included

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

Top new features added since 2016 include:

• • Blocks palette: Insert blocks efficiently from visual galleries.
  • Quick measure: Quickly display all nearby measurements in a drawing by hovering your mouse.
  • Purge (redesigned): Remove multiple unneeded objects with easy selection and object preview.
  • DWG™ compare (enhanced): 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.*
• • Shared views: Publish design views of your drawing in a web browser for viewing and commenting.*
  • 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.
  • New feature highlighting: Quickly see what’s new in each release.
  • Autodesk desktop app: Get alerts and install software updates without disrupting your workflow. View tutorials about new features.

Improvements since 2016

• • Save in half a second: Shave one second off each save on average
  • Speedy install 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 dialog boxes and toolbars
• • 2D graphics: Better stability, fidelity, and performance
  • 3D navigation performance: Up to 10x faster
  • Save, move/copy performance boost with new 2018.dwg file format
  • Autodesk App Store and 600+ exchange apps
  • The TrustedDWG™ file format

Support and software access

• • Technical support
    • Autodesk support specialists: Schedule a call†, chat online (limited availability), or email us.
    • Remote desktop assistance: Get secure, hands-on troubleshooting.†
    • Online resources: Access our knowledge base for 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.

*Not available to maintenance plan customers.

†Available to maintenance plan customers with Advanced Support.