<style id="elementor-post-3721">.elementor-widget-text-editor{font-family:var( --e-global-typography-text-font-family ), Sans-serif;font-size:var( --e-global-typography-text-font-size );font-weight:var( --e-global-typography-text-font-weight );text-transform:var( --e-global-typography-text-text-transform );font-style:var( --e-global-typography-text-font-style );text-decoration:var( --e-global-typography-text-text-decoration );color:var( --e-global-color-text );}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap, .elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-default .elementor-drop-cap{color:var( --e-global-color-primary );border-color:var( --e-global-color-primary );}.elementor-3721 .elementor-element.elementor-element-63bef22{width:var( --container-widget-width, 62.643% 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--e-global-typography-text-font-size );}.elementor-3721 .elementor-element.elementor-element-118bfdf{width:var( --container-widget-width, 716.316px );max-width:716.316px;--container-widget-width:716.316px;--container-widget-flex-grow:0;}.elementor-3721 .elementor-element.elementor-element-e63b734{width:var( --container-widget-width, 721.113px );max-width:721.113px;--container-widget-width:721.113px;--container-widget-flex-grow:0;}}@media(max-width:767px){.elementor-widget-text-editor{font-size:var( --e-global-typography-text-font-size );}}</style>{"id":3721,"date":"2026-09-24T09:00:32","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T13:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/autocad-vs-solidworks\/"},"modified":"2026-09-24T14:07:01","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T18:07:01","slug":"autocad-vs-solidworks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/autocad-vs-solidworks\/","title":{"rendered":"AutoCAD vs SOLIDWORKS"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3721\" class=\"elementor elementor-3721 elementor-3688\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e0a82dc e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-default-div e-c4d3d0b \" data-id=\"e0a82dc\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"e0a82dc\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-id=\"e0a82dc\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-573c8a6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"573c8a6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>AutoCAD vs SOLIDWORKS: the <span style=\"color: #c99a3d; font-style: italic;\">quick answer<\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47d854e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"47d854e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIf your work mainly involves producing and editing 2D drawings, schematics, layouts, or DWG files, AutoCAD generally remains the most natural choice.\n\nIf you design mechanical parts, machines, equipment, or products in 3D, SOLIDWORKS is generally much better suited.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63bef22 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"63bef22\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<style>\r\n\/* KOTONA VISION \u2014 AUTOCAD VS SOLIDWORKS *\/\r\n.kv-cao-table {\r\n  --kv-cream: #f4f0e8;\r\n  --kv-cream-light: #faf8f3;\r\n  --kv-beige: 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17px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .kv-cao-table .kv-cao-mobile-hint {\r\n    display: block;\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    padding: 11px 14px;\r\n    border: 1px solid var(--kv-border);\r\n    border-top: 0;\r\n    border-radius: 0 0 12px 12px;\r\n    color: var(--kv-gold);\r\n    background: var(--kv-cream-light);\r\n    font-size: 12px;\r\n    font-weight: 700;\r\n    line-height: 1.4;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n\r\n@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {\r\n  .kv-cao-table .kv-cao-grid th,\r\n  .kv-cao-table .kv-cao-grid td {\r\n    transition: none;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"kv-cao-table\" id=\"kv-autocad-solidworks-comparison\">\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"kv-cao-scroll\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS comparison\" tabindex=\"0\">\r\n\r\n    <table class=\"kv-cao-grid\">\r\n\r\n      <thead>\r\n        <tr>\r\n          <th scope=\"col\">Requirement<\/th>\r\n          <th scope=\"col\">AutoCAD<\/th>\r\n          <th scope=\"col\">SOLIDWORKS<\/th>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n      <\/thead>\r\n\r\n      <tbody>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n          <th scope=\"row\">2D technical drafting<\/th>\r\n          <td><span class=\"kv-cao-badge\">Excellent<\/span><\/td>\r\n          <td><span class=\"kv-cao-badge\">Very good<\/span><\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n          <th scope=\"row\">DWG files<\/th>\r\n          <td><span class=\"kv-cao-badge\">Excellent<\/span><\/td>\r\n          <td>Compatible<\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n          <th scope=\"row\">3D modeling<\/th>\r\n          <td>Yes<\/td>\r\n          <td><span class=\"kv-cao-badge\">Excellent<\/span><\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n          <th scope=\"row\">Parametric modeling<\/th>\r\n          <td>Possible depending on the tools used<\/td>\r\n          <td><span class=\"kv-cao-badge\">Core functionality<\/span><\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n          <th scope=\"row\">Mechanical assemblies<\/th>\r\n          <td>Limited<\/td>\r\n          <td><span class=\"kv-cao-badge\">Excellent<\/span><\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n          <th scope=\"row\">Drawings from a 3D model<\/th>\r\n          <td>Possible<\/td>\r\n          <td><span class=\"kv-cao-badge\">Excellent<\/span><\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n          <th scope=\"row\">BOMs<\/th>\r\n          <td>Yes, particularly with AutoCAD Mechanical<\/td>\r\n          <td>Yes<\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n          <th scope=\"row\">Mechanical simulation<\/th>\r\n          <td>Limited<\/td>\r\n          <td>SOLIDWORKS Simulation solutions<\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n          <th scope=\"row\">Machine design<\/th>\r\n          <td>Possible<\/td>\r\n          <td><span class=\"kv-cao-badge\">Excellent<\/span><\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n          <th scope=\"row\">Architecture \/ building plans<\/th>\r\n          <td><span class=\"kv-cao-badge\">Very well suited<\/span><\/td>\r\n          <td>Less suitable<\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n        <tr>\r\n          <th scope=\"row\">Product development<\/th>\r\n          <td>Possible<\/td>\r\n          <td><span class=\"kv-cao-badge\">Very well suited<\/span><\/td>\r\n        <\/tr>\r\n\r\n      <\/tbody>\r\n\r\n    <\/table>\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"kv-cao-mobile-hint\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n    Swipe horizontally to view the full table.\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <p class=\"kv-cao-note\">\r\n    AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS can both be used to create technical drawings and 3D models, but they are designed for different needs. AutoCAD is particularly well suited to 2D drafting and DWG-based environments, while SOLIDWORKS is primarily designed for parametric 3D mechanical design, assemblies and product development.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-85ee882 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"85ee882\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>What is <span style=\"color: #c99a3d; font-style: italic;\">AutoCAD?<\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1cd367c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1cd367c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>AutoCAD is CAD software developed by Autodesk.<\/p><p>Historically associated with 2D technical drafting and the DWG format, AutoCAD also supports 3D modeling with solids, surfaces, and meshes.<\/p><p>AutoCAD 2026 also includes several specialized toolsets, including:<\/p><ol><li>AutoCAD Mechanical;<\/li><li>AutoCAD Electrical;<\/li><li>Architecture;<\/li><li>Map 3D;<\/li><li>Plant 3D;<br><br><\/li><\/ol><p>Autodesk also offers AutoCAD on the web and on mobile.<\/p><p>For a company that exchanges a large volume of DWG drawings with its clients, architects, suppliers, or subcontractors, this ecosystem is one of AutoCAD\u2019s main advantages.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"e-image-base e-default-img \" data-interaction-id=\"714c736\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"714c736\" id=\"3695\" src=\"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tracermarchesbalancee.gif\" width=\"500\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"dessin autocad escalier\"\/>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-82173f2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"82173f2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>Example of a stair drawing in AutoCAD<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf8662b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bf8662b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #c99a3d; font-style: italic;\">Parametric vs static<\/span> drawings <\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f15c6bd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f15c6bd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p> <\/p><p><strong>This is probably one of SOLIDWORKS\u2019 most important advantages for a manufacturer<\/strong>.<\/p><p>In SOLIDWORKS, a drawing is a CONSEQUENCE of the 3D design. In AutoCAD, you have to draft the drawing manually. <\/p><p>Let us take the example of changing a dimension in a part:<\/p><p>850 mm \u2192 920 mm -&gt; the model changes.<\/p><p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">In SOLIDWORKS<\/span>: The corresponding view in the drawing updates (front, side, section, and detail views remain linked to the same model). <\/p><p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">In AutoCAD:<\/span> You must update EACH view manually<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"e-image-base e-default-img \" data-interaction-id=\"6abf81b\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"6abf81b\" id=\"3697\" src=\"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/escalier-solidworks.jpg\" width=\"686\" height=\"386\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/escalier-solidworks.jpg 686w, https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/escalier-solidworks-300x169.jpg 300w\" alt=\"solidworks escalier MEP\"\/>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f6680a2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f6680a2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>Each view in this drawing is generated automatically by SOLIDWORKS<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9eb6b3c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9eb6b3c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p> <\/p><p>AutoCAD does have parametric constraints and tools to automate certain designs, but it does not natively follow the same associative 3D mechanical model \u2192 linked drawing \u2192 manufacturing logic as SOLIDWORKS.<\/p><p>For a manufacturer producing many variants of the same product, this difference can become significant.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f026636 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f026636\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>SOLIDWORKS manufacturing modules: <span style=\"color: #c99a3d; font-style: italic;\">sheet metal and weldments<\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c90bb30 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c90bb30\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p> <\/p><p>SOLIDWORKS enables design based on the manufacturing trade<\/p><p>Two examples are particularly relevant for manufacturers of stairs, structures, and industrial equipment:<\/p><p>Weldments and sheet metal parts<\/p><h3><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Weldments: design a structure and automatically generate a cut list<\/span><\/h3><p>Imagine a guardrail or a frame made of rectangular tubing.<\/p><p>In a general-purpose CAD program, it is possible to draw or model each of these tubes.<\/p><p>SOLIDWORKS goes further with its Weldments environment.<\/p><p>The designer can create a structure from standard profiles:<\/p><ul><li>Square\/rectangular tubes<\/li><li>Angle irons <\/li><li>U\/H\/L profiles or custom structural profiles;<\/li><\/ul><p>SOLIDWORKS then calculates the different segments required for manufacturing.<\/p><p>It can generate a cut list \u2014 Cut List \u2014 indicating, among other things, the different elements of the structure.<\/p><p>For example:<\/p><p>Profile Quantity Length<br\/>Tube 2&#8243; \u00d7 2&#8243; 4 1,200 mm<br\/>Tube 2&#8243; \u00d7 2&#8243; 8 850 mm<br\/>Tube 1&#8243; \u00d7 1&#8243; 12 950 mm<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"e-image-base e-default-img \" data-interaction-id=\"a5762fc\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"a5762fc\" id=\"3699\" src=\"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Subweldment-vs-Main-Weldment.jpg\" width=\"658\" height=\"509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Subweldment-vs-Main-Weldment.jpg 658w, https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Subweldment-vs-Main-Weldment-300x232.jpg 300w\" alt=\"SolidWorks cutlist\"\/>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0407a44 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0407a44\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>SOLIDWORKS can generate cut lists for manufacturing<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-401597e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"401597e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For a manufacturer of stairs, guardrails, frames, or welded structures, this brings CAD directly closer to the reality of the shop floor.<\/p><p>AutoCAD can of course draw these profiles, and AutoCAD Mechanical includes bill of materials functions.<\/p><p>However, standard AutoCAD does not offer the same 3D weldments environment with associative cut list generation.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a3e580 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5a3e580\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Sheet metal: automatically go from the bent part to the flat pattern<\/span><\/h3><p>The same logic applies to sheet metal.<\/p><p>Suppose a company manufactures a step, a cover, or a bent plate.<\/p><p>In SOLIDWORKS, the part can be designed directly as a sheet metal part.<\/p><p>The software takes into account, among other things:<\/p><ul><li>Thickness <\/li><li>Bends<\/li><li>Bend radius <\/li><li>Cutouts <\/li><li>Reliefs <\/li><li>The K-factor or bend calculation parameters.<\/li><\/ul><p>SOLIDWORKS can then automatically generate the part\u2019s flat pattern.<\/p><p>In other words:<\/p><p>3D bent part \u2192 Flat Pattern \u2192 DXF for laser cutting<\/p><p>The designer therefore works on the part as it will actually exist once manufactured, while SOLIDWORKS can calculate the geometry required before bending.<\/p><p>This is extremely useful for:<\/p><ul><li>Laser\/plasma\/waterjet cutting<\/li><li>Punching;<\/li><li>Preparing parts before bending.<\/li><\/ul><p>If a part dimension changes, the flat pattern can also be recalculated.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"e-image-base e-default-img \" data-interaction-id=\"8d9c3a8\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"8d9c3a8\" id=\"3701\" src=\"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-094108.png\" width=\"1402\" height=\"795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-094108.png 1402w, https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-094108-300x170.png 300w, https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-094108-1024x581.png 1024w, https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-094108-768x435.png 768w\" alt=\"solidworks sheet metal\"\/>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e487b58 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e487b58\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>SOLIDWORKS can flatten sheet metal and generate the bend table<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b855b18 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b855b18\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>AutoCAD can of course be used to manually draw a flat pattern.<\/p><p>However, standard AutoCAD does not have an equivalent sheet metal environment that can automatically go from a parametric bent part to its flat pattern.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3701a87 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3701a87\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>SOLIDWORKS is particularly powerful for <span style=\"color: #c99a3d; font-style: italic;\">assemblies<\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f920c12 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f920c12\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Imagine you are designing a machine made up of:<\/p><ul><li>350 parts<\/li><li>Motors\/bearings\/profiles\/plates<\/li><li>Bolts\/cylinders<\/li><li>Machined parts.<\/li><\/ul><p>In SOLIDWORKS, each component can be created individually and then integrated into an assembly.<\/p><p>Mates then define how components behave relative to one another.<\/p><p>This makes it possible to check:<\/p><ol><li>Interferences<\/li><li>Motion<\/li><li>Clearances;<\/li><li>Component positioning<\/li><li>Mass properties;<\/li><li>The assembly structure.<\/li><\/ol><p>This is precisely the type of workflow that explains why SOLIDWORKS is widely used by machine and industrial equipment manufacturers.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"e-image-base e-default-img \" data-interaction-id=\"264a502\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"264a502\" id=\"3703\" src=\"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-094839.png\" width=\"1252\" height=\"702\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-094839.png 1252w, https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-094839-300x168.png 300w, https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-094839-1024x574.png 1024w, https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-094839-768x431.png 768w\" alt=\"Vue d&#039;un escalier\"\/>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5b3f2c6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5b3f2c6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>SOLIDWORKS helps you better visualize the structure of your staircase and immerse your client<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d7b335 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0d7b335\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>Simulate\/test your products <span style=\"color: #c99a3d; font-style: italic;\">before manufacturing<\/span><\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b5b3d0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6b5b3d0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>SOLIDWORKS can also integrate simulation tools directly into the design environment.<\/p><p>Depending on the solution used, it is possible to study, among other things:<\/p><ul><li>Stresses<\/li><li>Displacements<\/li><li>Safety factors<\/li><li>Vibration<\/li><li>Thermal\/buckling<\/li><li>Fatigue.<\/li><\/ul><p>SOLIDWORKS also offers solutions dedicated to more advanced analyses.<\/p><p>The benefit is being able to perform certain validations even before building the prototype.<\/p><p>AutoCAD is not primarily positioned as a mechanical simulation platform.<\/p><p>For companies that want to integrate calculation and validation directly into their design process, SOLIDWORKS therefore has a major advantage.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"e-image-base e-default-img \" data-interaction-id=\"0158a9c\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"0158a9c\" id=\"3705\" src=\"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-095441.png\" width=\"1338\" height=\"747\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-095441.png 1338w, https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-095441-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-095441-1024x572.png 1024w, https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Capture-decran-2026-09-24-095441-768x429.png 768w\" alt=\"escalier simulation\"\/>\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a868cca elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a868cca\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><em>Once the design is complete, the designer can run a load study<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6e0694b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6e0694b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>AutoCAD vs SOLIDWORKS: two tools for two <span style=\"color: #c99a3d; font-style: italic;\">different approaches<\/span> <\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d1e3854 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d1e3854\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p> <\/p><p>Simply pitting AutoCAD against SOLIDWORKS ultimately amounts to comparing two different approaches to CAD.<\/p><p>AutoCAD remains a reference for technical drafting and DWG.<\/p><p>SOLIDWORKS focuses more on parametric 3D mechanical design and product development.<\/p><p>For a manufacturing company that currently designs its machines mainly in 2D, the real question may therefore be less:<\/p><p>\u201cAutoCAD or SOLIDWORKS?\u201d<\/p><p>and more:<\/p><p>\u201cShould our design process still be primarily based on 2D drafting?\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-118bfdf elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"118bfdf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<style>\r\n.kv-autocad-cta {\r\n  --kv-ink: #1C1D1F;\r\n  --kv-sable: #C9A35C;\r\n  --kv-paper: #F4EFE6;\r\n  --kv-sand: #E3DCCB;\r\n\r\n  width: 100%;\r\n  margin: 48px 0 0;\r\n  padding: 48px 32px;\r\n  border-radius: 18px;\r\n  background: var(--kv-ink);\r\n  color: var(--kv-paper);\r\n  font-family: \"Inter\", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, sans-serif;\r\n  text-align: center;\r\n  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.kv-autocad-cta,\r\n.kv-autocad-cta * {\r\n  box-sizing: border-box;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.kv-autocad-cta .kv-autocad-eyebrow {\r\n  display: block;\r\n  margin-bottom: 14px;\r\n  color: var(--kv-sable);\r\n  font-size: 11px;\r\n  font-weight: 700;\r\n  letter-spacing: .22em;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.kv-autocad-cta h3 {\r\n  max-width: 720px;\r\n  margin: 0 auto 20px;\r\n  color: var(--kv-paper);\r\n  font-family: \"Fraunces\", Georgia, serif;\r\n  font-size: 28px;\r\n  font-weight: 700;\r\n  line-height: 1.2;\r\n  letter-spacing: -.02em;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.kv-autocad-cta h3 em {\r\n  color: var(--kv-sable);\r\n  font-style: italic;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.kv-autocad-cta p {\r\n  max-width: 680px;\r\n  margin: 0 auto 14px;\r\n  color: var(--kv-sand);\r\n  font-size: 15px;\r\n  line-height: 1.65;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.kv-autocad-cta .kv-autocad-button {\r\n  display: inline-flex;\r\n  max-width: 100%;\r\n  margin-top: 14px;\r\n  padding: 16px 32px;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  justify-content: center;\r\n  gap: 10px;\r\n  border: none !important;\r\n  border-radius: 9px;\r\n  background: var(--kv-sable) !important;\r\n  color: var(--kv-ink) !important;\r\n  font-size: 14px;\r\n  font-weight: 700;\r\n  line-height: 1.4;\r\n  letter-spacing: .04em;\r\n  text-decoration: none !important;\r\n  text-transform: uppercase;\r\n  transition: background .2s ease, transform .2s ease;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.kv-autocad-cta .kv-autocad-button:hover {\r\n  background: var(--kv-paper) !important;\r\n  transform: translateY(-2px);\r\n}\r\n\r\n.kv-autocad-cta .kv-autocad-button:focus-visible {\r\n  outline: 2px solid var(--kv-paper);\r\n  outline-offset: 5px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.kv-autocad-cta .kv-autocad-arrow {\r\n  flex-shrink: 0;\r\n  transition: transform .2s ease;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.kv-autocad-cta .kv-autocad-button:hover .kv-autocad-arrow {\r\n  transform: translateX(3px);\r\n}\r\n\r\n@media (max-width: 620px) {\r\n  .kv-autocad-cta {\r\n    margin-top: 38px;\r\n    padding: 38px 20px;\r\n    border-radius: 16px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .kv-autocad-cta h3 {\r\n    font-size: 24px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .kv-autocad-cta p {\r\n    font-size: 14px;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .kv-autocad-cta .kv-autocad-button {\r\n    width: 100%;\r\n    max-width: 380px;\r\n    padding: 15px 20px;\r\n    font-size: 12px;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n\r\n@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {\r\n  .kv-autocad-cta .kv-autocad-button,\r\n  .kv-autocad-cta .kv-autocad-arrow {\r\n    transition: none;\r\n    transform: none !important;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"kv-autocad-cta\">\r\n\r\n  <span class=\"kv-autocad-eyebrow\">\r\n    AutoCAD or SOLIDWORKS?\r\n  <\/span>\r\n\r\n  <h3>\r\n    Not sure whether to choose\r\n    <em>AutoCAD or SOLIDWORKS<\/em>?\r\n  <\/h3>\r\n\r\n  <p>\r\n    Kotona Vision can review your current design methods and show you\r\n    concretely how your own projects could be completed in SOLIDWORKS.\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <a class=\"kv-autocad-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/contact-us\/\">\r\n    <span>Request a demo<\/span>\r\n    <span class=\"kv-autocad-arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\u2192<\/span>\r\n  <\/a>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e63b734 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"e63b734\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<style>\r\n.kv-autocad-faq {\r\n  --kv-ink: #1C1D1F;\r\n  --kv-graphite: #3A3B3E;\r\n  --kv-sable: #C9A35C;\r\n  --kv-deep-gold: #B88C3F;\r\n  --kv-paper: #F4EFE6;\r\n  --kv-sand: #E3DCCB;\r\n  --kv-border: rgba(58, 59, 62, 0.12);\r\n  --kv-font-display: \"Fraunces\", \"Georgia\", serif;\r\n  --kv-font-sans: \"Inter\", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, \"Segoe UI\",\r\n    system-ui, sans-serif;\r\n\r\n  width: 100%;\r\n  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16px;\r\n    line-height: 1.4;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .kv-autocad-faq .kv-autocad-faq-answer {\r\n    padding: 0 32px 22px 2px;\r\n    font-size: 14.5px;\r\n    line-height: 1.7;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n\r\n@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {\r\n  .kv-autocad-faq .kv-autocad-faq-answer {\r\n    animation: none;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .kv-autocad-faq .kv-autocad-faq-question,\r\n  .kv-autocad-faq .kv-autocad-faq-question::after {\r\n    transition: none;\r\n  }\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\r\n\r\n<section class=\"kv-autocad-faq\">\r\n\r\n  <p class=\"kv-autocad-faq-eyebrow\">\r\n Frequently Asked Questions\r\n  <\/p>\r\n\r\n  <h2 class=\"kv-autocad-faq-title\">\r\n FAQ \u2013 AutoCAD vs <em>SOLIDWORKS<\/em>\r\n  <\/h2>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"kv-autocad-faq-accordion\">\r\n\r\n\r\n    <details class=\"kv-autocad-faq-item\" open=\"\">\r\n      <summary class=\"kv-autocad-faq-question\">\r\n        <h3>Can SOLIDWORKS replace AutoCAD?<\/h3>\r\n      <\/summary>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"kv-autocad-faq-answer\">\r\n        <p>\r\n In a company specializing in <strong>mechanical design<\/strong>,\r\n often yes for a large part of the design process.\r\n However, an organization that mainly does 2D drafting\r\n or must constantly work with DWG files may keep\r\n AutoCAD or another 2D CAD program.\r\n        <\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n    <details class=\"kv-autocad-faq-item\">\r\n      <summary class=\"kv-autocad-faq-question\">\r\n        <h3>Can AutoCAD do 3D?<\/h3>\r\n      <\/summary>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"kv-autocad-faq-answer\">\r\n        <p>\r\n Yes. AutoCAD can create solids, surfaces, and 3D models.\r\n However, SOLIDWORKS is more specialized in\r\n <strong>parametric mechanical design<\/strong> and the creation\r\n of complex assemblies. \r\n        <\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n    <details class=\"kv-autocad-faq-item\">\r\n      <summary class=\"kv-autocad-faq-question\">\r\n        <h3>Is AutoCAD Mechanical comparable to SOLIDWORKS?<\/h3>\r\n      <\/summary>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"kv-autocad-faq-answer\">\r\n        <p>\r\n AutoCAD Mechanical adds many mechanical drafting tools\r\n to AutoCAD, including standard libraries and\r\n bill of materials functions. SOLIDWORKS is more oriented toward\r\n <strong>complete 3D design of a product or machine<\/strong>,\r\n with linked parts, assemblies, and drawings. \r\n        <\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n    <details class=\"kv-autocad-faq-item\">\r\n      <summary class=\"kv-autocad-faq-question\">\r\n        <h3>Which software should you choose to design a machine?<\/h3>\r\n      <\/summary>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"kv-autocad-faq-answer\">\r\n        <p>\r\n For complete machine design with\r\n <strong>linked parts, assemblies, drawings, and bills of materials<\/strong>\r\n , SOLIDWORKS is generally better suited to this type\r\n of workflow.\r\n        <\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n    <details class=\"kv-autocad-faq-item\">\r\n      <summary class=\"kv-autocad-faq-question\">\r\n        <h3>Which software should you choose if you mainly work with DWGs?<\/h3>\r\n      <\/summary>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"kv-autocad-faq-answer\">\r\n        <p>\r\n AutoCAD remains particularly well suited when\r\n <strong>creating and editing DWG files<\/strong>\r\n is at the core of day-to-day work.\r\n        <\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n    <details class=\"kv-autocad-faq-item\">\r\n      <summary class=\"kv-autocad-faq-question\">\r\n        <h3>Can AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS be used in the same company?<\/h3>\r\n      <\/summary>\r\n\r\n      <div class=\"kv-autocad-faq-answer\">\r\n        <p>\r\n Yes. Some companies, for example, use\r\n <strong>SOLIDWORKS for 3D mechanical design<\/strong>\r\n and AutoCAD for certain 2D drawings, layouts, or files\r\n coming from clients and suppliers. \r\n        <\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/details>\r\n\r\n\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n<\/section>\r\n\r\n\r\n<script>\r\n(function () {\r\n  document\r\n    .querySelectorAll(\".kv-autocad-faq-accordion\")\r\n    .forEach(function (accordion) {\r\n\r\n      if (accordion.dataset.kvReady === \"true\") return;\r\n\r\n      accordion.dataset.kvReady = \"true\";\r\n\r\n      const items = accordion.querySelectorAll(\r\n        \".kv-autocad-faq-item\"\r\n      );\r\n\r\n      items.forEach(function (item) {\r\n\r\n        item.addEventListener(\"toggle\", function () {\r\n\r\n          if (!item.open) return;\r\n\r\n          items.forEach(function (other) {\r\n            if (other !== item && other.open) {\r\n              other.open = false;\r\n            }\r\n          });\r\n\r\n        });\r\n\r\n      });\r\n\r\n    });\r\n})();\r\n<\/script>\r\n\r\n\r\n<!--\r\nNe pas dupliquer ce balisage FAQPage\r\nsi votre plugin SEO g\u00e9n\u00e8re d\u00e9j\u00e0 le schema FAQ.\r\n-->\r\n\r\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n{\r\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\r\n  \"mainEntity\": [\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"SOLIDWORKS peut-il remplacer AutoCAD ?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"Dans une entreprise sp\u00e9cialis\u00e9e en conception m\u00e9canique, souvent oui pour une grande partie du processus de conception. En revanche, une organisation r\u00e9alisant principalement du dessin 2D ou devant travailler constamment avec des fichiers DWG peut conserver AutoCAD ou un autre logiciel de CAO 2D.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"AutoCAD est-il capable de faire de la 3D ?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"Oui. AutoCAD permet de cr\u00e9er des solides, des surfaces et des mod\u00e8les 3D. SOLIDWORKS est cependant davantage sp\u00e9cialis\u00e9 dans la conception m\u00e9canique param\u00e9trique et la cr\u00e9ation d'assemblages complexes.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"AutoCAD Mechanical est-il comparable \u00e0 SOLIDWORKS ?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"AutoCAD Mechanical ajoute de nombreux outils de dessin m\u00e9canique \u00e0 AutoCAD, notamment des biblioth\u00e8ques normalis\u00e9es et des fonctions de nomenclature. SOLIDWORKS est davantage orient\u00e9 vers la conception compl\u00e8te d'un produit ou d'une machine en 3D, avec pi\u00e8ces, assemblages et mises en plan associ\u00e9es.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"Quel logiciel choisir pour concevoir une machine ?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"Pour la conception compl\u00e8te d'une machine avec pi\u00e8ces, assemblages, mises en plan et nomenclatures associ\u00e9es, SOLIDWORKS est g\u00e9n\u00e9ralement mieux adapt\u00e9 \u00e0 ce type de workflow.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"Quel logiciel choisir pour travailler principalement avec des DWG ?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"AutoCAD reste particuli\u00e8rement adapt\u00e9 lorsque la cr\u00e9ation et la modification de fichiers DWG constituent le c\u0153ur du travail quotidien.\"\r\n      }\r\n    },\r\n    {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n      \"name\": \"Peut-on utiliser AutoCAD et SOLIDWORKS dans la m\u00eame entreprise ?\",\r\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n        \"text\": \"Oui. Certaines entreprises utilisent par exemple SOLIDWORKS pour la conception m\u00e9canique 3D et AutoCAD pour certains plans 2D, implantations ou fichiers provenant de clients et fournisseurs.\"\r\n      }\r\n    }\r\n  ]\r\n}\r\n<\/script>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AutoCAD vs SOLIDWORKS: the quick answer If your work mainly involves producing and editing 2D drawings, schematics, layouts, or DWG files, AutoCAD generally remains the most natural choice. If you design mechanical parts, machines, equipment, or products in 3D, SOLIDWORKS is generally much better suited. Requirement AutoCAD SOLIDWORKS 2D technical drafting Excellent Very good DWG [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3690,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"AutoCAD vs SOLIDWORKS: Which CAD software is the best ?","_seopress_titles_desc":"AutoCAD vs SOLIDWORKS: Compare their differences in 2D drafting, 3D modeling, assemblies, and simulation for mechanical engineering.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"both","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":301,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"autocad vs solidworks,solidworks vs autocad,autocad alternative,autocad competitor","footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3721","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technical-topic"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3721","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3721"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3721\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3730,"href":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3721\/revisions\/3730"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3690"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3721"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3721"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3721"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}