Autodesk CAD subscriptions — AutoCAD, LT & Fusion 360 compared

Autodesk software is licensed as an annual subscription, not as a one-off perpetual key — each licence is bound to your Autodesk account. Below you compare the three plans most professionals choose: full AutoCAD for 2D and 3D, AutoCAD LT for 2D-only work, and Fusion 360 for integrated CAD/CAM/CAE. Each is an account-bound annual subscription, set up on your Autodesk e-mail with a proper invoice.

Autodesk CAD subscriptions — AutoCAD, LT & Fusion 360 compared

Autodesk software is licensed as an annual subscription, not as a one-off perpetual key — each licence is bound to your Autodesk account. Below you compare the three plans most professionals choose: full AutoCAD for 2D and 3D, AutoCAD LT for 2D-only work, and Fusion 360 for integrated CAD/CAM/CAE. Each is an account-bound annual subscription, set up on your Autodesk e-mail with a proper invoice.

AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT or Fusion 360?

Choose full AutoCAD if you need 3D modelling, the AutoLISP/API customisation and the specialised toolsets (mechanical, electrical, architecture). Pick AutoCAD LT if you work almost entirely in 2D — it has the full 2D drafting toolkit at a much lower price. Choose Fusion 360 for product design and manufacturing, where CAD, CAM, simulation and PCB live in one cloud platform.

PlanBest forScope
AutoCAD 2026Pros needing 2D + 3D + toolsetsFull 2D/3D, AutoLISP, industry toolsets
AutoCAD LT 20262D drafting on a budgetFull 2D drafting, no 3D / toolsets
Fusion 360Product design & manufacturingCAD + CAM + CAE + PCB, cloud-based

How the subscription model works

Every plan here is a one-year Autodesk subscription. After purchase we book the licence onto your Autodesk account e-mail — there is no perpetual product key, because Autodesk no longer sells perpetual licences. You get the latest version for the whole term, including updates, and access on Windows (Fusion 360 also on macOS).

  • Account-bound annual licence on your own Autodesk e-mail — full, genuine subscription.
  • Always the current release with updates included for the subscription term.
  • Proper invoice for your business accounting; bilingual setup support.
  • Honest guides on costs, free alternatives and the LT-vs-full decision, linked below.

Is there a free or cheaper route?

Fusion 360 has a free personal/hobby tier with limits, and students can get education licences. For light 2D work, free alternatives exist. Our guides below help you decide honestly whether you actually need a paid Autodesk plan.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get a product key for AutoCAD?

No. Autodesk no longer sells perpetual product keys. Every plan is an annual subscription bound to your Autodesk account — after purchase the licence is booked onto your Autodesk e-mail address.

What is the difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT?

Full AutoCAD includes 3D modelling, AutoLISP/API customisation and the specialised toolsets. AutoCAD LT is 2D-only — the complete 2D drafting toolkit at a much lower price. If you never work in 3D, LT is usually enough.

Does Fusion 360 run on Mac?

Yes. Fusion 360 is cloud-based and runs on both Windows 10/11 and macOS, which makes it a flexible choice for mixed-platform teams. AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT here target Windows.

Is there a free version of Fusion 360?

Autodesk offers a free personal/hobby tier of Fusion 360 with feature limits, plus education licences for students. For commercial use you need a paid subscription — our guide explains exactly where the free tier ends.