ARES Commander vs. AutoCAD vs. Carlson iCAD Comparison


ARES Commander Graebert	AutoCAD Autodesk	Carlson iCAD Carlson Software	+
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About 2D & 3D CAD software to create & modify technical drawings in DWG format with choice between Perpetual, Network or Annual licenses. Experience the agility of the n°1 alternative to AutoCAD. Cost-effective, ARES Commander offers a full replacement and an easy switch, at a fraction of the cost. With Graebert's ARES CAD software you will enjoy a 3-in-1 license, including ARES Commander (for Windows, macOS and Linux computers) + ARES Kudo (Cloud) + ARES Touch (iOS + Android). These 3 products work in synergy to synchronize the work across users and devices. Create and modify DWG drawings locally, with files stored on your computer, or in sync with Google Drive, Box, OneDrive, Dropbox, Onshape, Trimble Connect. Alternatively, you can also store files in a private Cloud server (via WebDAV). Some our advanced CAD features include the support for Dynamic blocks, PDF to DWG conversion, Drawing comparison, IFC & Revit import, 3D solid modeling, satellite images and street maps.	About Autodesk AutoCAD is the world’s leading 2D and 3D CAD software, trusted by millions of architects, engineers, and construction professionals. It provides precision tools to design, draft, and document complex projects across industries. The 2026 version introduces Autodesk AI, enabling automated drafting, smart block recognition, and real-time collaboration through Autodesk Docs. With customizable workspaces, AutoLISP automation, and access to over 1,000 apps, users can streamline every stage of their design workflow. AutoCAD also offers seven specialized industry toolsets that boost productivity by up to 63%, from architecture to electrical and mechanical design. Available on desktop, web, and mobile, AutoCAD empowers professionals to design anywhere with confidence and efficiency.	About Carlson iCAD is an affordable CAD program that works with both .dwg and .dgn files and is designed to fit into your production workflow. Carlson iCAD allows drafters to finish drawings and engineers to review drawings. Functions include move, copy, erase, offset, trim. Smooth, reduce, reverse and edit polylines. Create polylines from lines and arcs. Carlson iCAD has a 3D viewer window that provides 3D display of drawing entities with lighting controls. Set plan rotation for drawing display. Show tooltip of properties as move cursor over entities. The customized user interface helps to control ribbons, menus and workspaces. Commands to label areas defined by linework boundaries.
Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Cloud On-Premises iPhone iPad Android Chromebook	Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Cloud On-Premises iPhone iPad Android Chromebook	Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Cloud On-Premises iPhone iPad Android Chromebook
Audience Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Facility management, Infrastructure, Local authorities & Government, 2D Mechanical & Product design	Audience Architects, engineers, designers, and construction professionals seeking AI-enhanced 2D and 3D CAD software for faster drafting, collaboration, and automation in precision-driven projects	Audience CAD program for companies
Support Phone Support 24/7 Live Support Online	Support Phone Support 24/7 Live Support Online	Support Phone Support 24/7 Live Support Online
API Offers API	API Offers API	API Offers API
Screenshots and Videos View more images or videos	Screenshots and Videos View more images or videos	Screenshots and Videos View more images or videos
Pricing $350.00/year Free Version Free Trial	Pricing $1,268 per user per year Free Version Free Trial	Pricing No information available. Free Version Free Trial
Reviews/Ratings Overall 5.0 / 5 ease 5.0 / 5 features 5.0 / 5 design 4.0 / 5 support 4.0 / 5 Read all reviews	Reviews/Ratings Overall 4.4 / 5 ease 4.6 / 5 features 4.6 / 5 design 4.4 / 5 support 4.6 / 5 Read all reviews	Reviews/Ratings Overall 0.0 / 5 ease 0.0 / 5 features 0.0 / 5 design 0.0 / 5 support 0.0 / 5 This software hasn't been reviewed yet. Be the first to provide a review: Review this Software
Training Documentation Webinars Live Online In Person	Training Documentation Webinars Live Online In Person	Training Documentation Webinars Live Online In Person
Company Information Graebert Founded: 1977 Germany www.graebert.com	Company Information Autodesk Founded: 1982 United States www.autodesk.com	Company Information Carlson Software Founded: 1983 United States www.carlsonsw.com/product/carlson-icad
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Categories 3D Modeling Architectural CAD Architecture CAD	Categories 3D Architecture 3D Modeling Architectural CAD Architecture CAD Civil Engineering Construction Design Electrical Design Floor Plan Industrial Design Interior Design Irrigation Design Land Survey Mechanical Engineering Product Design Site Plan Surface Modeling	Categories 3D Viewers CAD CAD Viewers
CAD Features 2 1/2-Axis Milling 2D Drawing 3-Axis Milling 3D Modeling 4-Axis Milling 5-Axis Milling Civil Collaboration Database Connectivity Design Analysis Design Export Document Management Electrical Hole Making Mechanical Mechatronics Presentation Tools Simulate Cycles Spiral Output Structural Engineering Toolpath Simulation User Defined Cycles Show More Features 3D Modeling Features 2D Drawing Animation Annotations Bill of Materials Character Modeling Collaboration Tools Component Library Data Import / Export For 3D Printing For Architects For Manufacturers Reference Management Simulation Architectural CAD Features 2D Drawing 3D Modeling Architectural Symbol Library Automatic Formatting BIM Modeling Comparison View Design Templates Drafting Architecture Features 2D Drawing 3D Modeling Bills of material BIM Modeling Building Information Modeling Client Management Contact Management Contract Management Document Management Drafting Manufacturing Design Data Presentation Tools Project Management Proposal Management Quotes/Proposals Visualization / Presentation	CAD Features 2 1/2-Axis Milling 2D Drawing 3-Axis Milling 3D Modeling 4-Axis Milling 5-Axis Milling Civil Collaboration Database Connectivity Design Analysis Design Export Document Management Electrical Hole Making Mechanical Mechatronics Presentation Tools Simulate Cycles Spiral Output Structural Engineering Toolpath Simulation User Defined Cycles Show More Features 3D Architecture Features 2D Drawing Animation BIM Modeling Component Library Data Import / Export Landscape Design Virtual Tour 3D Modeling Features 2D Drawing Animation Annotations Bill of Materials Character Modeling Collaboration Tools Component Library Data Import / Export For 3D Printing For Architects For Manufacturers Reference Management Simulation Architectural CAD Features 2D Drawing 3D Modeling Architectural Symbol Library Automatic Formatting BIM Modeling Comparison View Design Templates Drafting Architecture Features 2D Drawing 3D Modeling Bills of material BIM Modeling Building Information Modeling Client Management Contact Management Contract Management Document Management Drafting Manufacturing Design Data Presentation Tools Project Management Proposal Management Quotes/Proposals Visualization / Presentation Electrical Design Features CAD Tools Change Management Collaboration Compliance Management Document Generation Drag & Drop Electrical Parts Catalog Functions / Calculations One Line Diagram PLC Tools Reusable Designs Symbol Library
Integrations 12d Synergy 3D ContentCentral AutoLUX Axxerion Space Management & Reservations CADMATIC Outfitting Cadison E&I Designer Ecobot Fulcrum HIVE In Mind Cloud MIE Trak Pro Microsoft OneDrive Microvellum Moovila OpenFlows WaterGEMS ReluxDesktop Siberson Veriket Data Classification ThinkDesign eXs pCon.catalog Show More Integrations View All 8 Integrations	Integrations 12d Synergy 3D ContentCentral AutoLUX Axxerion Space Management & Reservations CADMATIC Outfitting Cadison E&I Designer Ecobot Fulcrum HIVE In Mind Cloud MIE Trak Pro Microsoft OneDrive Microvellum Moovila OpenFlows WaterGEMS ReluxDesktop Siberson Veriket Data Classification ThinkDesign eXs pCon.catalog Show More Integrations View All 223 Integrations	Integrations 12d Synergy 3D ContentCentral AutoLUX Axxerion Space Management & Reservations CADMATIC Outfitting Cadison E&I Designer Ecobot Fulcrum HIVE In Mind Cloud MIE Trak Pro Microsoft OneDrive Microvellum Moovila OpenFlows WaterGEMS ReluxDesktop Siberson Veriket Data Classification ThinkDesign eXs pCon.catalog Show More Integrations
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