How Much Does AutoCAD Cost? Prices, Licenses and How to Save in 2026

AutoCAD is the benchmark for technical drawing and CAD design, used every day by architects, engineers, surveyors, and design studios. Precisely because it is a professional tool, the first question from those approaching it - or those who need to renew it - is always the same: how much does AutoCAD cost? And here comes the surprise, because the official price is among the highest in the entire software landscape. In this guide updated to 2026, we see how much Autodesk really asks for, why it costs so much, what are the less expensive versions and how it is possible to get AutoCAD by spending a fraction of the amount.

How much does AutoCAD cost? The short answer

In summary: the official Autodesk subscription for AutoCAD costs about €290 per month, €2,300 per year or €6,200 for three years (Source: Autodesk). For years, Autodesk has stopped selling perpetual licenses. The reduced version, AutoCAD LT, costs less but it's still a subscription. Alternatively, in the license market, you can find AutoCAD with a perpetual license starting at a one-time fee of €99.

The official price of AutoCAD: how much does Autodesk ask for

On the official website, AutoCAD is only available by subscription. These are the list prices updated to 2026 (Source: Autodesk); they may vary slightly depending on the region and promotions:

• Monthly subscription - approximately 290 €/month

• Annual subscription - approximately €2,300/year

• Three-year subscription - approximately €6,200 for 3 years

The bill is unforgiving: three years of official AutoCAD exceeds €6,000. And this is where many professionals, especially freelancers and small firms, begin to look for more sustainable alternatives.

Why does AutoCAD cost so much?

The high price is not random. AutoCAD is a professional software with decades of development behind it, continuous updates, formats that have become industry standards (the DWG), and an ecosystem of specialized tools. To this is added a precise strategic choice: since 2016 Autodesk has removed the perpetual license from its price list, shifting everything to the subscription model. Those who work in the field know it well - it means that, with the official formula, you never stop paying: the moment the subscription expires, the software locks up.

AutoCAD LT: the most affordable version of Autodesk

If you don't need 3D modeling and advanced automation tools, Autodesk offers AutoCAD LT, the "light" version designed for 2D drawing. It costs significantly less than the full AutoCAD, but it is still an annual subscription and not a definitive license. It's a good choice for those who work exclusively in two dimensions, but for those who need 3D, it's not enough.

Perpetual license AutoCAD: how much does it cost on Macrosoft

However, there is another path, which is of more interest to those who want to contain costs: perpetual licenses. On Macrosoft It is possible to purchase AutoCAD with a one-time payment, without recurring fees. Here are the prices updated as of July 2026:

• AutoCAD 2026 - €99.00 one-time fee

• AutoCAD 2027 — €109.00 one-time fee

• AutoCAD 2024 — €149.00 one-time payment

• AutoCAD 2022 — €109.00 one-time fee

• AutoCAD LT 2024 - €99.00 one-time fee

• AutoCAD Web — €59.00 one-time fee

• AutoCAD Civil 3D 2024 — €99.00 one-time fee

The comparison speaks for itself: a perpetual license for AutoCAD 2026 at €99 costs less than a single month of an official subscription. If you want to better understand what the software is for and in which sectors it is used, we have explained it in the article on What can be done with AutoCAD .

Subscription or perpetual license: how much do you really save

Let's put the numbers side by side on a three-year horizon, the typical lifespan of a workstation. The official AutoCAD subscription, in three years, costs approximately €6,200 (Source: Autodesk). A perpetual license for AutoCAD 2026 costs €99 as a one-time fee and remains yours even afterwards. The difference is not a percentage: it's an order of magnitude. For a studio with multiple workstations, the savings multiply for each license.

What we always recommend is to consider the actual use: if you constantly need the very latest version and direct Autodesk support for mission-critical projects, the subscription makes sense. However, if you need a reliable and stable CAD tool to work with, without chasing every annual update, the perpetual license drastically cuts costs.

Which version of AutoCAD to choose

The choice depends on the type of work. For pure 2D drawing, it might be enough. AutoCAD LT or AutoCAD Web. For complete 3D design, you need the full version of AutoCAD. Those working in specific fields can opt for specialized toolsets: Mechanical for mechanics, Electrical for electrical installations, Civil 3D for civil engineering and infrastructure. The practical rule is simple: choose the version that covers what you really need, without paying for modules you would never use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AutoCAD still have a perpetual license?

Not in the official Autodesk list, which has been selling only subscriptions since 2016. However, in the license market, it is possible to find AutoCAD with a perpetual license and one-time payment, starting from 99 €.

How much does AutoCAD LT cost?

In the Autodesk AutoCAD LT price list, there is an annual subscription, cheaper than the full version. Alternatively, the perpetual license for AutoCAD LT 2024 is available for a one-time fee of 99€.

Is there a free AutoCAD?

Autodesk offers a free 30-day trial version and free licenses for students and teachers for educational purposes, not to be used for commercial work. For professional use, a paid license is required.

Why does AutoCAD cost more than other CAD software?

Because it is the industry standard, with the widely spread DWG format, constant updates and a sales model based on continuous subscription. It is this model that makes perpetual licenses such a cost-effective alternative.

In conclusion, how much AutoCAD costs entirely depends on the plan you choose: the official subscription exceeds €2,300 per year, while a perpetual license allows you to have the same software with a one-time cost of a few tens of euros. To compare all available versions and find the one suitable for your work at the best price, you can start from the section. AutoCAD and Autodesk by Macrosoft .