Back in the old days, engineers and architects had to hand draw their ideas to illustrate them. Computers and design software like AutoCAD and GstarCAD have replaced pens and paper in recent years. With digital designs, those ideas can be brought to life more quickly and easily. But, which design software should you choose?
So, here is a detailed comparison of both of the designing software to help you make an informed decision: AutoCAD vs GstarCAD
What is AutoCAD?
Created by Autodesk, AutoCAD is a computer-aided design software program (hence its name). By using it you can create digital 2D and 3D designs much more quickly and easily than you could by hand. The cloud-based storage feature available in AutoCAD makes it possible to store and access files anywhere and at any time.
Some of the eccentrics of AutoCAD include:
- Easy Edits: Before the computer age, designers had to manually revise the design. An entirely new draft would have to be created or you would need to edit the draft you already had, which could be confusing. However, with AutoCAD, changes and manipulations are easy.
- Faster Production: Reusable blocks can be created for reusing design components. Have a good window system? Reuse it. Include it in your library of blocks to increase efficiency. With AutoCAD, you can use and reuse saved files later, which makes the design process quicker than if you were to do it by hand.
- Better Accuracy: With AutoCAD, you can design down to fractions, which is impossible to do by hand. As a result, your designs are more accurate.
What is GstarCAD?
GstarCAD is a French-language 3D CAD Software, suitable for FWG file formats. Typically used for Open Design Alliance DWG libraries to read and write, GstarCAD is popular for its library creation, collaborative tools, 2D drawing, and more.
GstarCAD provides OpenDWG file compatibility, as well as a user interface that is very similar to AutoCAD and is a capable alternative to other well-known CAD packages on the market.
Pricing
AutoCAD subscription starts at $55 per month with a limited-time free trial. While GstarCAD costs its consumers $399 for a one-time subscription along with a free trial.
Features
AutoCAD subscription comes with the following embed features:
- 2D Drawing
- 3D Modelling
- Civil
- Collaboration
- Design Export
- Design Analysis
- Electrical
- Document Management
- Mechanical
- Presentation Tool
- Mechatronics
Whereas, GstarCAD provides its subscribers with all the above features along with database connectivity and hole making.
Pros & Cons
AutoCAD
Pros
- It is a powerful tool for designing projects, works perfectly in 2D and 3D, comprehensive software system. There is an easy and reliable data exchange between partners and suppliers.
- AutoCAD has a simple interface, interactive features, and a process of using the application to interact, along with its many other features.
Cons
- Because there are so many features in the tool, it can be difficult to find them all, and many times it can also get confusing.
GstarCAD
Pros
- Advanced and useful features including Drawing Version Management, Collaborative Design, Hidden Message Settings, Make Shape, Viewport Scale, Selection Cycling, Workspace, etc help in improving the work efficiency and reducing the designing errors.
- With GstarCAD, you won’t need to worry about losing important project drawing data because it’s fully compatible with AutoCAD versions. GstarCAD supports all AutoCAD versions.
Cons
- Only available for windows
AutoCAD v/s GstarCAD: Conclusion
Since AutoCAD stopped selling permanent licenses, its unrivaled position in the CAD industry has started to change. Despite paying a subscription fee, users do not receive significant updates, but if they don’t, the software ceases to work. Many CAD managers are rethinking whether to continue using AutoCAD because of these reasons.
For over a decade, AutoCAD was the only designing software, but now with the emergence of new 3D design and Drafting solutions in the market, CAD managers are exploring the new software.
But, although priced high, AutoCAD is considered as the benchmark of fully-featured CAD software. While GstarCAD has a good user response, the times you can save using AutoCAD can also not be neglected.
So, choosing the CAD software that suits you best is like buying a car. A budget model is fine for a monthly grocery run, but if you’re going to drive a hundred miles a day, you need something with comfy seats, good A/C and heating, adaptive cruise control, and good traction and pickup.
Depending upon your need, decide what will be best for you the budget model (GstarCAD) or the all-in-one package (AutoCAD).
