# AutoCAD Plant 3D vs Navisworks Comparison

---
## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between AutoCAD P&ID vs Navisworks?

AutoCAD P&ID is focused on process diagram creation and design validation, while Navisworks excels at model aggregation and clash detection for multidisciplinary coordination.

| [AutoCAD P&ID](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-plant-3d/reviews) | [Navisworks](https://www.g2.com/products/navisworks/reviews) |
| --- | --- |
| 4.5/5 (43 reviews) | 4.5/5 (206 reviews) |
| Mid-Market | Mid-Market |
| 8.2 | 8.7 |
| 8.7 | 8.5 |
| Design Development | Collaboration |



### How do the pricing models of AutoCAD P&ID and Navisworks compare?

AutoCAD P&ID and Navisworks are rated at parity for value, with both scoring 8.7 on Price/Cost satisfaction.

- **AutoCAD P&ID:** In recent reviews, several reviewers mention that the price is high compared to other 3D modeling software, but they are satisfied with the value due to its comprehensive feature set.
- **Navisworks:** Reviewers highlight the availability of a free version for field teams and appreciate the value provided by its clash detection and coordination capabilities.



### What are the best alternatives to AutoCAD P&ID and Navisworks?

The best alternatives to AutoCAD P&ID and Navisworks are SketchUp, SolidWorks Electrical 3D, and Archicad.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [AutoCAD P&ID](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-plant-3d/reviews) | 4.5/5 (43 reviews) | Mid-Market | High price compared to other 3D modeling software | Design Development |
| [Navisworks](https://www.g2.com/products/navisworks/reviews) | 4.5/5 (206 reviews) | Mid-Market | Free version available for field teams | Collaboration |
| [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) | 4.5/5 (1327 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Ease of Use |
| [SolidWorks Electrical 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks-electrical-3d/reviews) | 4.4/5 (33 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Electrical Design Integration |
| [Archicad](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/reviews) | 4.6/5 (294 reviews) | Small-Business | — | BIM Modeling |



### Which Plant Design Management Systems features should I prioritize when comparing AutoCAD P&ID and Navisworks?

Buyers comparing AutoCAD P&ID and Navisworks should prioritize process diagram creation, model aggregation, clash detection, collaboration, and customization.

- **Process Diagram Creation:** AutoCAD P&ID is frequently cited for its design development and drawing capabilities (1 all-time mention each); Navisworks does not focus on this area.
- **Model Aggregation:** Navisworks is highlighted for model aggregation and multidisciplinary coordination (9 all-time mentions for collaboration).
- **Clash Detection:** Navisworks is repeatedly praised for clash detection and coordination (9 all-time mentions for collaboration, 2 for BIM integration).
- **Collaboration:** Navisworks receives 9 all-time mentions for collaboration, while AutoCAD P&ID is noted for remote team collaboration as part of Autodesk Construction Cloud.
- **Customization:** AutoCAD P&ID is cited for customization (1 all-time mention), allowing adaptation to specific project requirements.



### What are the pros and cons of AutoCAD P&ID vs Navisworks?

AutoCAD P&ID's headline strength is design development and process diagram creation, while Navisworks excels at collaboration and clash detection.

- **AutoCAD P&ID strengths:** Design development (1 all-time mention), drawing and modeling (1 all-time mention each), customization (1 all-time mention), and a familiar user interface for AutoCAD users.
- **AutoCAD P&ID trade-offs:** Missing features (2 all-time mentions), high memory usage (1), slow processing (1), and 3D modeling issues (1).
- **Navisworks strengths:** Collaboration (9 all-time mentions), ease of use (5), 3D modeling (2), BIM integration (2), and model aggregation for clash detection.
- **Navisworks trade-offs:** Difficult navigation (3 all-time mentions), learning curve (3), slow processing (3), large file handling (2), and limited features (2).



### Is AutoCAD P&ID or Navisworks better for small businesses?

SketchUp is the top-ranked alternative with the strongest small-business fit, but both AutoCAD P&ID and Navisworks are primarily used by mid-market companies.

- **AutoCAD P&ID:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers highlight its use in small and medium-scale industrial plant design projects, with benefits for error detection and collaboration.
- **Navisworks:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers note its value for multidisciplinary coordination and clash detection, but do not emphasize small-business use cases.



### Which Plant Design Management Systems platform has better integrations?

Navisworks is favored for integrations, especially with Revit, as cited in 36 all-time reviews.

- **AutoCAD P&ID:** Reviewers mention integration with Autodesk Construction Cloud and BIM 360 in recent reviews, but no all-time mention counts are supplied.
- **Navisworks:** Revit integration is cited in 36 all-time reviews, with additional mentions of BIM 360 and other Autodesk tools in recent reviews.



### How do AutoCAD P&ID and Navisworks compare on customer support?

AutoCAD P&ID and Navisworks are rated at near-parity for Quality of Support, with scores of 8.7 and 8.5 respectively.

- **AutoCAD P&ID:** Reviewers consistently mention responsive support and a large user community, with support scores of 7.0 in multiple recent reviews.
- **Navisworks:** Reviewers describe support as generally helpful, with some noting slow response times or limited resources, and support scores ranging from 4.0 to 7.0 in recent reviews.



### Which is easier to implement, AutoCAD P&ID or Navisworks?

Navisworks has a higher Ease of Setup score (8.7 vs 8.2), but both products are described as straightforward to implement in recent reviews.

- **AutoCAD P&ID:** Reviewers note a familiar interface for AutoCAD users and a low learning curve, but mention that initial project setup can take longer and large projects may require more configuration.
- **Navisworks:** Reviewers highlight easy installation and setup, with some noting a learning curve for advanced features but generally positive implementation experiences.



| | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 43 | 208 | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### AutoCAD Plant 3D

Pros:
- Customization (1 reviews)
- Design Development (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Missing Features (2 reviews)
- 3D Modeling Issues (1 reviews)

### Navisworks

Pros:
- Collaboration (9 reviews)
- Ease of Use (5 reviews)

Cons:
- Difficult Navigation (3 reviews)
- Learning Curve (3 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 9.0 (36 reviews) | 9.0 (146 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.7 (36 reviews) | 8.7 (147 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.2 (12 reviews) | 8.7 (57 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.7 (10 reviews) | 8.2 (29 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.7 (36 reviews) | 8.5 (131 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.7 (10 reviews) | 8.4 (29 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.3 (35 reviews) | 8.2 (129 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### AutoCAD Plant 3D

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### Navisworks

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD Plant 3D** | 8.7/10 | 23 |
| **Navisworks** | 7.5/10 | 124 |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
| **Visualizing** | 9.5 (19 reviews) | 8.9 (100 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 8.5 (17 reviews) | 8.3 (91 reviews) | 
| **Drawing** | 9.3 (20 reviews) | 6.6 (79 reviews) | 
| **Editing** | 8.6 (17 reviews) | 6.7 (77 reviews) | 
| **Sequence Steps** | 8.5 (17 reviews) | 8.0 (82 reviews) | 
| **Dynamic Updating** | 9.0 (18 reviews) | 8.1 (67 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
| **Multi User** | 8.2 (18 reviews) | 8.2 (83 reviews) | 
| **File Import/Export** | 9.1 (19 reviews) | 8.8 (97 reviews) | 
| **Annotating ** | 8.8 (19 reviews) | 7.5 (85 reviews) | 
| **Document Storage** | 9.3 (20 reviews) | 7.8 (83 reviews) | 
| **Secure Data Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Construction

| Feature | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | 8.9 (16 reviews) | 7.4 (67 reviews) | 
| **Reinforcement Tools** | 8.2 (14 reviews) | 7.6 (65 reviews) | 
| **Clash Detection ** | 8.1 (19 reviews) | 9.3 (102 reviews) | 
| **Grading** | 8.5 (16 reviews) | 7.2 (47 reviews) | 
| **Earthwork** | 8.0 (15 reviews) | 7.1 (47 reviews) | 
| **CAD Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Collaboration Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | 4.8 (20 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | 4.6 (20 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | 4.4 (20 reviews) | 
| **Generative AI** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Common Data Environment (CDE) - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
| **Role-Based Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Change Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Subcontractor Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Task Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Bid Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Workflow Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Offline Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Mobile Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Contract/License Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Cost Estimation - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
| **Lifecycle Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Issue Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Conflict Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Electrical & Circuit Design - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
| **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | 9.4 (8 reviews) | 
| **Electrical System Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **MEP Coordination** | Not enough data | 9.8 (7 reviews) | 
| **Load Calculation & Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Interoperability with BIM & CAD** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Circuit Design Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Third-Party Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Design Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Additional Functionality

| Feature | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
| **Access Controls/Permissions** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Scheduling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Audit Trail** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Search/Filter** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Copilot** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Customizable Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **API** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **For AEC Industry** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Project Accounting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Version Control** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Activity Dashboard** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Estimating** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting & Statistics** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Updates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **3D Imaging** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Plant Design Management Systems

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD Plant 3D** | N/A | N/A |
| **Navisworks** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design & Modeling - Plant Design Management Systems

| Feature | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
| **Rules-Based Design** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Structural Design** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Component Library** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **3D Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Simulation & Optimization - Plant Design Management Systems

| Feature | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
| **Virtual Validation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Digital Twins** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Virtual Tour** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Processes** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Process Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Plant Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Data Management - Plant Design Management Systems

| Feature | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Types** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Import and Export** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Insights** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim)

**Unique to AutoCAD Plant 3D (1):** [Plant Design Management Systems Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/plant-design-management-systems)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | AutoCAD Plant 3D | Navisworks | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 37.5% | 24.1% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 40.0% | 48.1% | 
| **Enterprise** | 22.5% | 27.8% | 

### By Industry

#### AutoCAD Plant 3D

- **Oil & Energy:** 20.0%
- **Construction:** 12.5%
- **Chemicals:** 10.0%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 10.0%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 10.0%
- **Civil Engineering:** 5.0%
- **Food & Beverages:** 5.0%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 2.5%
- **Design:** 2.5%
- **Higher Education:** 2.5%
- **Other:** 20.0%

#### Navisworks

- **Construction:** 36.9%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 11.8%
- **Civil Engineering:** 10.2%
- **Design:** 9.1%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 8.6%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 7.5%
- **Oil & Energy:** 5.9%
- **Automotive:** 1.1%
- **Real Estate:** 1.1%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 1.1%
- **Other:** 7.0%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to AutoCAD Plant 3D

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1326 reviews)
- [SolidWorks Electrical 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks-electrical-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (33 reviews)
- [Octave Forte 3DWorx](https://www.g2.com/products/octave-forte-3dworx/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (24 reviews)
- [Revizto](https://www.g2.com/products/revizto/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (329 reviews)
- [Archicad](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (293 reviews)
- [Vectorworks Architect](https://www.g2.com/products/vectorworks-architect/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (262 reviews)
- [Tecnomatix](https://www.g2.com/products/tecnomatix/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (217 reviews)
- [Newforma](https://www.g2.com/products/newforma/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (184 reviews)
- [CADMATIC 3D Plant Design](https://www.g2.com/products/cadmatic-3d-plant-design/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (6 reviews)
- [Tekla Structures](https://www.g2.com/products/tekla-structures/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (64 reviews)

### Alternatives to Navisworks

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1326 reviews)
- [Archicad](https://www.g2.com/products/archicad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (293 reviews)
- [Tekla Structures](https://www.g2.com/products/tekla-structures/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (64 reviews)
- [Revizto](https://www.g2.com/products/revizto/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (329 reviews)
- [Vectorworks Architect](https://www.g2.com/products/vectorworks-architect/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (262 reviews)
- [SolidWorks Electrical 3D](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks-electrical-3d/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (33 reviews)
- [STAAD.Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/staad-pro/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (75 reviews)
- [Newforma](https://www.g2.com/products/newforma/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (184 reviews)
- [ALLPLAN](https://www.g2.com/products/allplan/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (25 reviews)
- [Vectorworks Landmark](https://www.g2.com/products/vectorworks-landmark/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (75 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### AutoCAD Plant 3D

- Title: [What is AutoCAD Plant 3D used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/autocad-plant-3d-what-is-autocad-plant-3d-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Basically, you can create process flow diagrams (piping and instrumentation diagrams). Convert them to 3D piping design (e.g., pipeline layout) and even end..."

### Navisworks

- Title: [What is Navisworks used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-navisworks-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "4D, 5D BIM. Project progress review, quantification "
- Title: [How much does navisworks cost?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-much-does-navisworks-cost) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Navisworks Freedom is a free software."
- Title: [What is the difference between Revit and Navisworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-difference-between-revit-and-navisworks) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Revit is a modeling software, you can use it in modeling and modifying, but Navisworks is a coordination software, you can't use it for modeling or modifying..."
- Title: [What is Navisworks Manage?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-navisworks-manage) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "A software used in coordination between disciplines in construction industry"
- Title: [How i calculate the distance between two objects easily , not a shortest distance.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-i-calculate-the-distance-between-two-objects-easily-not-a-shortest-distance) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Follow below steps to measure distance between objects.
1. Review -  Measure
2. click point to point
3. Go to Star point on Pipeline or cable trays and..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-plant-3d-vs-navisworks)