# AutoCAD vs CMS IntelliCAD Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that AutoCAD excels in precision and flexibility, making it a top choice for engineering and architectural design. Users appreciate its ability to create highly accurate drawings, which is essential for their work, and they highlight its efficiency in producing both 2D and 3D designs.
- **Users say** that CMS IntelliCAD offers a user-friendly experience at a more affordable price point. Many find it easy to adapt to, especially if they have prior CAD experience, and they commend its capability to open DWG files seamlessly while providing all necessary tools for their drawing projects.
- **According to verified reviews** , AutoCAD has a strong reputation for quality and satisfaction, reflected in its high G2 Score. Users frequently mention its robust features and reliability, which contribute to a positive overall experience, despite its higher price compared to competitors.
- **Reviewers mention** that CMS IntelliCAD shines in customer support, with users praising prompt and courteous responses to inquiries. This level of support can be particularly beneficial for users who may encounter challenges during their design processes.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that while AutoCAD has a wealth of features, some users find it can be complex to learn initially. However, many appreciate the intuitive onboarding process that helps new users get up to speed quickly, making it a solid investment for long-term use.
- **Users report** that CMS IntelliCAD's interface is both lovely and snappy, which enhances the overall user experience. This responsiveness, combined with its affordability, makes it an attractive option for small businesses looking for effective CAD solutions without breaking the bank.



| | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.7 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 1,932 | 97 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (46.9% of reviews) | Small-Business (85.9% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | $260.00 1 user | Starting at $159.95 1 user With One-Time Purchase | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### AutoCAD

Pros:
- Ease of Use (180 reviews)
- Drawing (115 reviews)

Cons:
- Expensive (65 reviews)
- Learning Curve (48 reviews)

### CMS IntelliCAD

Pros:
- Ease of Use (2 reviews)
- CAD Compatibility (1 reviews)

Cons:
- 3D Modeling (1 reviews)
- Difficult Configuration (1 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (1577 reviews) | 9.4 (77 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.3 (1585 reviews) | 9.5 (77 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.3 (345 reviews) | 9.2 (16 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.0 (204 reviews) | 9.6 (13 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.2 (1421 reviews) | 9.3 (73 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.5 (203 reviews) | 9.5 (13 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.0 (1546 reviews) | 9.2 (70 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### AutoCAD

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Monthly Subscription

Price: $260.00 1 user

Description: Access software 1 month at a time for the lowest up-front investment.


Key Features:
- Access to the latest software releases
- 1-on-1 online support
- Includes AutoCAD Mobile App

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### CMS IntelliCAD

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: CMS IntelliCAD Premium Edition (PE)

Price: Starting at $159.95 1 user With One-Time Purchase

Description: 2D & 3D compatible CAD Software - Standalone perpetual license or Renewable Subscription license with maintenance included.

Key Features:
- .DWG Native Support
- Full 2D & 3D Surface Tools
- Raster image support

[Browse all 2 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/cms-intellicad/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

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

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD** | 8.1/10 | 490 |
| **CMS IntelliCAD** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Visualizing** | 8.4 (411 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering** | 7.3 (378 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing** | 9.2 (428 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing** | 8.8 (410 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Sequence Steps** | 8.2 (371 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Dynamic Updating** | 8.3 (199 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Multi User** | 7.9 (368 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Import/Export** | 8.8 (422 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Annotating ** | 8.7 (416 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Document Storage** | 8.7 (396 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Construction

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | 8.4 (367 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reinforcement Tools** | 8.2 (357 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Clash Detection ** | 7.5 (335 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Grading** | 8.1 (187 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Earthwork** | 7.8 (180 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | 7.2 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | 7.1 (46 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | 6.2 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Role-Based Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Lifecycle Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation** | 7.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

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

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electrical System Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **MEP Coordination** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Load Calculation & Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Interoperability with BIM & CAD** | 9.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Circuit Design Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD** | 8.4/10 | 597 |
| **CMS IntelliCAD** | 9.5/10 | 63 |

#### Design

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.5 (531 reviews) | 9.8 (60 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 8.0 (496 reviews) | 9.5 (50 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 8.1 (489 reviews) | 9.5 (52 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 7.4 (428 reviews) | 9.2 (47 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.7 (496 reviews) | 9.5 (53 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 8.2 (439 reviews) | Feature Not Available | 
| **Views** | 8.5 (485 reviews) | 9.5 (54 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | 8.4 (459 reviews) | 9.4 (51 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.6 (479 reviews) | 9.6 (54 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.6 (472 reviews) | 9.4 (47 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.4 (448 reviews) | 9.6 (51 reviews) | 

### GIS

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD** | 8.4/10 | 46 |
| **CMS IntelliCAD** | N/A | N/A |

#### Data Management

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Capture** | 8.6 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Storage** | 8.8 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Manipulation** | 8.6 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Visualization** | 8.8 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Map Creation

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Geocoding** | 8.4 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Buffer Zone Query** | 8.0 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Overlaying** | 8.7 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Publishing** | 8.6 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Spatial Analysis** | 8.5 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting ** | 7.9 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Real-Time Streaming ** | 8.0 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **AutoCAD** | 8.2/10 | 22 |
| **CMS IntelliCAD** | N/A | N/A |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 7.5 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering Tools** | 7.0 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 9.0 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 8.9 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | 8.7 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | 8.5 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Import Files** | 8.9 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Interoperability** | 8.2 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | 8.2 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 8.0 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | 8.1 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Scripts** | 8.3 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Menus** | 7.9 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Interface** | 8.2 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 7.9 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | 7.9 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 7.9 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 8.6 (14 reviews) | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)

**Unique to AutoCAD (3):** [GIS Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/gis), [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim), [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | AutoCAD | CMS IntelliCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 46.9% | 85.9% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 34.2% | 10.9% | 
| **Enterprise** | 18.9% | 3.3% | 

### By Industry

#### AutoCAD

- **Architecture & Planning:** 22.2%
- **Civil Engineering:** 10.4%
- **Construction:** 9.3%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 8.6%
- **Design:** 8.4%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.2%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 2.9%
- **Automotive:** 2.9%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 2.3%
- **Higher Education:** 1.8%
- **Other:** 27.8%

#### CMS IntelliCAD

- **Architecture & Planning:** 22.8%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 18.5%
- **Civil Engineering:** 16.3%
- **Computer Software:** 6.5%
- **Construction:** 6.5%
- **Design:** 5.4%
- **Apparel & Fashion:** 3.3%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 2.2%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 2.2%
- **Airlines/Aviation:** 1.1%
- **Other:** 15.2%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to AutoCAD

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (996 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (191 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (539 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (527 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (410 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (349 reviews)

### Alternatives to CMS IntelliCAD

- [Octave BricsCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/octave-bricscad/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (135 reviews)
- [ActCAD BIM](https://www.g2.com/products/actcad-actcad-bim/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (50 reviews)
- [DraftSight](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (208 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (349 reviews)
- [progeCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/progecad/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (11 reviews)
- [AutoCAD LT](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-lt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (285 reviews)
- [TurboCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/turbocad/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (31 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### AutoCAD

- Title: [Can we add simulation?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/15648-can-we-add-simulation) — 4 comments, 3 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Yes we can do any kind of simulation here. This tool provides great flexibility."
- Title: [Which of the features might be useful for CAD software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-of-the-features-might-be-useful-for-cad-software) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "3d extend "
- Title: [What is AutoCAD Architecture used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-autocad-architecture-used-for) — 2 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "AutoCAD Architecture is a specialized version of AutoCAD developed for architects and building professionals. It provides intelligent architectural..."
- Title: [Can you do 3d in AutoCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-you-do-3d-in-autocad) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Yes"
- Title: [What is AutoCAD software used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-autocad-software-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "drafting, design and drawing production.  2d and 3d"

### CMS IntelliCAD

- Title: [Is there a Japanese version of the software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-there-a-japanese-version-of-the-software) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Yes it does. Go to TOOLS > Options > Display > Set language as Japanese"
- Title: [What is CMS IntelliCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-cms-intellicad) — 1 comment *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "CMS IntelliCAD® is a powerful and affordable full-featured CAD Software providing extended customization. offering a full suite of 2D and 3D AutoCAD®..."
- Title: [Importing SHX files](https://www.g2.com/discussions/33681-importing-shx-files) — 1 comment, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Comment deleted by user."
- Title: [How can you import a BIM Revit file and filter categories?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-can-you-import-a-bim-revit-file-and-filter-categories) — 1 comment, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "CMS IntelliCAD Premium Edition Plus supports BIM allows you to importing a BIM file (.ifc, .rvt or .rfa) as underlay.
Run CMS IntelliCAD and open a new..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/autocad-vs-cms-intellicad)