Architectural drawing

Architectural drawing software from Autodesk empowers you to bring your designs to life.

What is architectural drawing?

An architectural drawing is a technical illustration of a building or building project. These drawings are used by architects for several purposes: to develop a design idea into a coherent proposal, to communicate ideas and concepts, to enable construction by a building contractor or to make a record of a building that already exists.

3D rendering of a residential home combined with technical draught notations.
Rendering of a cafe created using AutoCAD

How is architectural drawing software used?

Architectural drawing software is commonly referred to as CAD (computer-aided design) software. Architects use this software to produce the technical drawing of a building containing specifications that are used by a contractor to construct the final architectural building. Prior to the existence of architectural drawing applications, architects manually drew these plans.

Types of architectural drawing

  • Illustration of Tianjin International Cruise Terminal Building.

    CONCEPT DRAWING

    Concept drawings are used by architects and interior designers as a quick and simple way of exploring initial ideas for designs. 

    Image courtesy of CCDI Group

  • CAD drawing of Old St. Marks Church created in AutoCAD LT.

    SITE DRAWING

    A site plan is a detailed engineering drawing that shows information about grading, landscaping, building arrangement, topography and other details. These are made easier with architectural drawing software that allows such information to be quickly added.

  • Rendering of structural building model for Waterplace Park project

    STRUCTURAL DRAWING

    A structural drawing is a plan for how a building will be built. These types of architect drawings detail the load-carrying members of a structure.

Architectural drawing software

  • Powerful BIM and CAD tools for designers, engineers and contractors, including Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D and more

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  • Plan, design, construct and manage buildings with powerful tools for Building Information Modelling.

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  • Software for 2D and 3D CAD. Subscription includes AutoCAD, specialised toolsets and apps.

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  • Navisworks Manage, Navisworks Simulate software and the Navisworks Freedom 3D viewer for 5D analysis, design simulation and project review.

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  • 3D modelling, animation and rendering software for games and design visualisation.

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  • Cost-effective 2D CAD software for drafting, drawing and documentation.

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See how others are using architectural drawing software

  • Detroit’s Beacon Park features the award-winning Lumen restaurant building.

    TOULOUKIAN TOULOUKIAN

    Architecture firm uses AutoCAD to drive urban renewal

    Award-winning architecture firm uses AutoCAD to drive urban renewal, including revitalisation of a Detroit park with adaptive reuse and green design. 

  • Final installation of lobby seating.

    DESIGNSBYJCM

    Using AutoCAD to draught and assemble millworks

    Discover how AutoCAD drives a new business for architectural millwork drawing of customised-produced cabinetry, desks and more.

  • Rendering of COVID-19 emergency facility.

    FALKBUILT-SPRUNG STRUCTURES 

    From pen and paper to full service architectural design

    Falkbuilt-Sprung partners with Autodesk experts to design and manufacture emergency facilities to help treat the overwhelming surge in COVID-19 cases. 

Architectural drawing resources

Architectural drawing resources

  • Get news, tips and insider resources straight from Autodesk staff.

  • See how the AEC Collection helps support the structural design-to-fabrication process for precast, rebar and structural steel.

  • Use BIM architectural design software to win more work and retain clients. Create more innovative, sustainable designs, improve client communication and manage data.

  • Not sure which architectural drawing programme is right for you? Use this comparison chart to see which software will fit your needs best.

  • Find third-party technology providers that deliver solutions that complement Autodesk drawing software for architects.

  • Learn the fundamental concepts and workflows in Revit with this simple guide.

Architectural drawing FAQs

Many architects use AutoCAD as a 2D drawing tool for creating floor plans, elevations and sections. This architectural software speeds up the drawing process with pre-built objects like walls, doors and windows, that behave like real-world objects.