In this Article...
In the last view days, AutoCAD marketing team published several image teaser. All of the images have date stamp 3.22.2018. And while they seem random, they are certainly referring to the number “1”. Many of you guess it must be related to AutoCAD 2019 release, the number 1 is because it’s the 2018 +1.
You are not wrong. It is related to AutoCAD 2019 launch. But there is something bigger than just another AutoCAD release.
It’s now AutoCAD 2019 Including Specialized Toolsets. It means you do not only get AutoCAD 2019, but you also have access to the specialized toolsets (formerly known as AutoCAD verticals). ONE AutoCAD, with seven specialized toolsets.
The Toolsets Included
Are the toolsets new features or products? No. They are existing products, AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD MEP, and the other toolsets already exist for years now.
It means that when you subscribe to AutoCAD today, you also have access to the verticals. It is a pretty similar concept to Autodesk Suite or Collection.
What toolsets are included? With the new AutoCAD 2019 subscription, you will also get:
- Architecture Toolset (AutoCAD Architecture).
- Mechanical Toolset (AutoCAD Mechanical).
- Electrical Toolset (AutoCAD Electrical).
- MEP Toolset (AutoCAD MEP).
- Plant 3D Toolset (AutoCAD Plant 3D).
- Map 3D Toolset (AutoCAD Map 3D).
- Raster Design Toolset (AutoCAD Raster Design).
Is it possible to purchase AutoCAD 2019 only? No. I’m not sure if the price change after this new model, but there is no option to purchase only AutoCAD to get a lower price.
For Existing Customer
What if you already have AutoCAD with a subscription or an active maintenance subscription? Can you use the toolsets?
There are some schemes available:
- Maintenance subscription customers will not get the toolsets with their AutoCAD 2019. You need to move to the subscription to use the toolsets.
- Existing subscription will not automatically be migrated to AutoCAD with specialized toolsets. However, you can contact your reseller to see if you are eligible for a switch.
- Existing subscription customers can choose to stay and renew the current subscription.
- If you purchase a subscription from Autodesk Store online, you can’t switch to AutoCAD 2019 Including Specialized Toolsets. Wait until the current subscription expires then purchase a new one.
My Point of View
I used to be excited when Autodesk release a new version of AutoCAD. But it’s been years I don’t feel that way anymore. There is no significant improvement in AutoCAD for years. Many people think that Autodesk doesn’t want AutoCAD to overlap or compete with the verticals or other hero products. If this is true, now that customers can get all of the products in one purchase the developer will have more freedom to develop AutoCAD.
While AutoCAD 2019 itself doesn’t have many new features, this new scheme is a big change. You don’t get only a few new features, but access to 7 toolsets.
I suspect the new scheme will affect the subscription price. But will it benefit you? Maybe. The question is will you use those toolsets? Will you actually get more? Share your opinion about the big change in the comment section.
I am not excited; all I use and need is AutoCAD. I am on the maintenance plan so it really doesn’t affect me. Like others have said, Autodesk has lost interest in providing any real beneficial changes to AutoCAD.
Some random thoughts, observations, and opinions.
I see this as Autodesk acknowledging that AutoCAD is mature and is really mostly an engine for these verticals, As a consumer, I am always on defence when dealing with Autodesk.
I suggest that we not ignore this subscription move. The switch program that I mentioned in another post lessens the cost of switching to subscription. It is a big issue, but we would benefit by making informed decisions.
We do not know what Autodesk might do in the future. For example, I primarily use Civil 3D which I have on maintenance (About $1,000 per year for Infrastructure Design Suite Premium). Civil 3D development has stagnated while Autodesk has ramped up development of ‘companion programs’ Infraworks and Vehicle Tracking, which are only available by subscription. Vehicle tracking is a minor program that is only available as a part of the AEC Collection which costs $2,790 per year, more that tripling my yearly costs. This is a situation I should not ignore.
Beware.
When (not if) Autodesk acquires (not writes) a useful program that you want, it will (not maybe) be available only by subscription, most likely (not maybe) only as part of One AutoCAD or some collection.
When (not if) Autodesk is satisfied that the ‘modern’ successor to AutoCAD is near completion, it or it’s LT version will be added to One AutoCAD to entice you to move forward before AutoCAD itself is discontinued. (The name AutoCAD may continue, but the program, as we know it, will be replaced.)
Autodesk is concentrating on Inventor, Fusion 360 and other ‘modern’ apps as their, and our, future. I read the inclusion is these toolsets as a statement from Autodesk that AutoCAD and the vertices are reliable tools to use until their modern replacements are ready for prime time.
With the toolkits, Autodesk will say that they are making their best tools available to a larger audience. ‘Gaps’ in AutoCAD capabilities can be ‘filled’ by using a toolkit. I hope that this true, but I am concerned that this FrankenCAD approach may not be very functional.
whatever Autodesk do in the future is up to them, they get too complex and at the end of the day the
improvementsversion to version do no amount to game changers, As a designer of the interiors of commercial buildings, very little has changed in the use of the software since 2013 (i use plain old Autocad) and even earlier as i use the keyboard for most commands and rarely click on the ribbon for commands. As a designer i draw from scratch without using tool kits, make my own blocks for my own use for moving between drawings -. so version updates mean little to me, the biggest improvement they made as far as i am concerned is the ability to import and work from PDF files – that was huge. The most inconvenient thing would be no access to A360 cloud for 3D rendering. even then i have a quick machine and could live without it – or get a second machine dedicated to rendering so i dont interrupt workflow. that would be cheaper than endless subscription price hikes. Just renew maintenance for the next couple of years. then reappraise and then if no version upgrades really mean anything. cancel renewal and go with the version i have at the point of that decision. subscription would mean paying forever for version upgrades that amount to very little to justify the cost.The toolsets aren’t used here and won’t be used here. This news seems to be more hype than actual development.
AEC Collection already offers all AutoCAD verticals. And we only use one – plain AutoCAD. Let’s face it – AutoCAD is EOL. It no longer cuts the mustard in the AEC industry. They want BIM’s. While you CAN create a BIM in AutoCAD, many people prefer a ‘real’ 3D application like Revit or ArchiCAD. So it’s actually a good thing Autodesk doesn’t spend too much time on AutoCAD development. Better to spend that time on the more sophisticated stuff. That’s a challenge on its own, with that 13% staff layoff.
i mean these toolsets already exist dont they – arent these just short cuts
Yes. They are not new. It’s just like another suite or collection.
Calling these toolset is disingenuous on Autodesk’s part. Calling them toolsets make them sound like a familiar easy to use add in. rather than stand alone programs that run on top of AutoCAD using it as a data base graphics and publishing engine. They all have their own steep learning curves. (I am more familiar Civil 3D, which is AutoCAD based, and uses parts of AutoCAD Architecture and lots of AutoCAD Map 3D. ) Learning AutoCAD is trivial compared to learning Civil 3D. Knowing both, I was totally lost when I looked into AutoCAD Plant 3D.
This gift from Autdesk is not s genreous as it looks.
this is the big question – how useful are these toolsets. i am just about to renew and am currently on Maintenance Plan. really happy with the ACAD 2018 not sure if these toolsets are just kind of hype. would like to know more before i decide whether or not its worth moving to Subscription for the previlage of useing these toolsets. ive only got 8 days before i need to renew one way or the other. any more detail available apart from the titles?
What kind of details are you looking for?
You can renew your maintenance subscription now, and switch later. I think it is the best decision before you can see what the others think about the new subscription.
yes thanks Edwin, ill renew maintenance
First —
Please talk to your reseller and request a maintenance extension, to give you more time to make your decision. If they are unable to help, try another reseller or Autodesk. Do not be surprised if you get different answers. You may have to pay a prorated fee, But I a couple of years ago I got a free extension moving my renewal from April 4 to June 30 after I complained (strenuously and repeatedly) that my renewal date was always to close the Civil 3D release date to allow me to make an informed decision.
Second —
Look into the switch program. You will not find this information on line. Agin, Check with a reseller, or Autodesk. If you have a perpetual license for AutoCAD, your maintenance will be $572 this year, $629 next and $755 the following year. Using the switch program, you surrender your perpetual license to get a significant discount on a new subscription. Subscription cost for AutoCAD will be $572 for the first 3 years, and “substantially less the full subscription price” thereafter. (If you stay on maintenance this renewal and switch later, the subscription cost goes up 5% per year.)
This is from information made available last year; I am pretty sure that the “toolset” inclusion does not change anything. IF YOU SWITCH, then decide to stop renewing your subscription you no longer have the right to use the software. THIS IS AN ISSUE for many people. (Think BricsCAD)
My experience is that you can only switch at renewal time. When the switch program was announced For June 2107, I was just starting the 2nd year of a 3 year maintenance contract. Even though I wanted to switch, and was willing to pay any price difference, I can not switch until June 2019.
Third — This is for everyone,
It pays to know and pay attention to your maintenance and subscription renewal dates. If you miss a maintenance renewal date, even by a day, Autodesk will no longer allow you catch up and renew the maintenance plan. You can continue using the latest release or subscribe at full price.
If you switch and let your subscription lapse, you can no longer use the software and then need a new full price subscription to continue.
Fourth — Also for everyone
Autodesk price increases are typically in March. If your renewal date is in the April – June time frame, you can renew up to 3 months early and avoid the price increase. A good reseller, will be aware of this and should let you know in time to make a good decision.
thanks Chris for taking the time to clarify – thats really helpful. the real stumbling block for me is that (as you identify) remaining on Maintenance means that in the future if i choose not to keep paying every year (I`m a one man band) i will have access to the software. i am struggling to give that up to move to Subscription.
Bricscad is the answer to your dilema. much cheaper great 3D
It’s interesting that Civil 3D isn’t included in the tool sets.
Civil 3D will be rebranded as Autodesk Civil 3D. And true, it’s not part of the toolsets.
Any idea what this means for those who work in Civil 3D and in AutoCAD? Will each of them still be able to open drawings from the other?
Many of these tool sets are already represented to some extent in Revit.
Revit is not included in this bundle. Infraworks and Vehicle tracking are not included and are only available by subscription. These three are ‘modern’ program that Autodesk sees a future in. Civil 3D is just as old school as the other verticals, but there is no modern equivalent and Autodesk is actively, and successfully, courting the various state departments of transportation (DOTs). Civil 3D development was stagnate for several years, but seems to be picking up as things are being developed ion conjunction with Infraworks. It looks like at least 10 years until a modern Civil program will be available, possibly as Infraworks Design or Revit Civil. (Right now, it looks like they are headed to Civil DOT.)