AutoCAD vs LabVIEW
AutoCAD
autodesk.comLabVIEW
ni.comSide by side
| Figure | AutoCAD | LabVIEW |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 11 | 7 |
| Spec score · Electrical Design Software | 9.3 (#1) | 8.4 (#5) |
| Founded | 1982 | 1976 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Support availability | 24x7 online support options and resources | A single-seat purchase includes an NI software service agreement with technical support, version downloads, and LabVIEW Core 1 on-demand, with perpetual-license benefits included for the first year. |
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
LabVIEW
- LabVIEW Community EditionFree
- LabVIEW Base perpetualPrice not published
- LabVIEW Base subscriptionPrice not published
- LabVIEW Full perpetualPrice not published
- LabVIEW Full subscriptionPrice not published
- LabVIEW Professional perpetualPrice not published
- LabVIEW Professional subscriptionPrice not published
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.
LabVIEW
LabVIEW is a graphical programming environment for developing automated test and measurement applications. Its G language uses dataflow programming, supports parallel execution, and includes interactive debugging. LabVIEW connects to instruments from any vendor and offers more than 7,000 instrument drivers. Engineering analysis functions and a native interface support monitoring and controlling tests. Editions can integrate Python, C/C++,.NET, and MathWorks MATLAB code. The Professional edition includes Application Builder, NI Nigel AI, software engineering tools, and Report Generation, Database Connectivity, and Advanced Signal Processing Toolkits. The Community Edition costs nothing, but is limited to personal, non-commercial, non-industrial use and cannot be used for teaching or research at a degree-granting institution. Professional trials provide seven days of access; the downloadable trial can be extended up to 45 days after first opening it. The downloadable trial connects to physical hardware, while the web trial uses simulated hardware only. NI lists Windows and Linux support for editions; starting with LabVIEW 2025 Q3, Community Edition is the only macOS edition. Each target computer running a developed application requires a perpetual deployment license.