AutoCAD vs DIgSILENT PowerFactory
AutoCAD
autodesk.com
DIgSILENT PowerFactory
digsilent.deSide by side
| Figure | AutoCAD | DIgSILENT PowerFactory |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 11 | 4 |
| Spec score · Electrical Design Software | 9.3 (#1) | 8.0 (#11) |
| Founded | 1982 | 1985 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California | Gomaringen, Germany |
| Support availability | 24x7 online support options and resources | Commercial perpetual licences include maintenance and support for the first 12 months, and subscriptions include them for the subscription term; software support requests go through the Customer Portal. |
Plans
AutoCAD
- AutoCAD MonthlyPrice not published
- AutoCAD MonthlyPriced on request
- AutoCAD AnnualPriced on request
- AutoCAD AnnualPrice not published
- AutoCAD 3-YearPriced on request
- AutoCAD 3-YearPrice not published
- Monthly subscription$260 a month
- Annual subscription$2,095 a year
- Three-year subscription$6,285 a year
- Education accessFree
DIgSILENT PowerFactory
- Demo licenceFree
- Commercial licence — perpetualPrice not published
- Commercial licence — subscriptionPriced on request
- Commercial licence — time-limitedPriced on request
In their own words
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is software for precise 2D and 3D drafting, design, and modeling. It uses DWG as its primary file format and also supports DXF and PDF underlays. Seven specialized toolsets address architecture, mechanical, MEP, electrical, plant, mapping, and raster design. Teams can share DWG files, work in parallel, and add markups with multiple users. AI capabilities include markup assistance, block replacement suggestions, and contextual productivity tips. Standalone subscriptions include Forma Data Management Essentials. AutoCAD runs on Windows, macOS, web, iOS, and Android; subscriptions include web and mobile access. Each subscription is assigned to one named user and can be installed on up to three devices, with use limited to one device at a time. A 15-day free trial is available. Pricing starts at $175 per month; listed options are $260 per month or $2,095 per year. Eligible students and educators can receive renewable one-year access while eligible.
DIgSILENT PowerFactory
DIgSILENT PowerFactory is software for analyzing electrical generation, transmission, distribution and industrial power systems. Its study areas include renewable integration, distributed generation, and medium- and low-voltage networks. Available analyses cover load flow, short circuits, contingencies, protection, stability and electromagnetic transients. Users can automate work with Python, DIgSILENT Programming Language, a C++ API or a parallel task automation tool. The base package imports and converts network data; its DGS interface exchanges data in ASCII, XML, CSV and ODBC formats for GIS and SCADA connections. Additional interfaces include OPC DA/UA, IEEE C37.118 simulation and FMI 2.0 co-simulation, though some require separate licences. Editions range from a local SQLite setup to licence-server management and shared project data using Oracle, SQL Server or PostgreSQL. The 28-day demo is free for one user, with predefined functions, and excludes DGS, exports and API. Commercial pricing is available on request; platforms listed are Windows, API and self-hosted.