Used AutoCAD Electrical for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.


Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

AutoCAD Electrical is an animation-focused tool that streamlines designing and documenting electrical control systems. It combines familiar AutoCAD features with specialized electrical design tools, enabling engineers to manage complex projects efficiently, place components precisely, and access extensive symbol libraries, reducing repetitive tasks while maintaining an organized, structured workflow.

The standout aspect of AutoCAD Electrical is its automation of routine tasks, which reduces errors and improves accuracy in large-scale electrical designs. With more than 65,000 intelligent symbols and advanced reporting capabilities, it ensures schematic consistency while offering a user-friendly interface suitable for professional engineers and teams handling multiple, simultaneous projects effectively.

Efficient automation enhances electrical design

One of the standout strengths of the program is its automation of wire numbering and component tags, which allows users to update annotations quickly without manually adjusting each element. The Electrical toolset also provides connected support files, facilitating seamless collaboration among teams using shared project drawings. This approach improves accuracy and keeps the workflow organized, which is critical for complex panel designs and terminal blocks.

Another key feature is the automatic generation of customized reports. Engineers can generate bill-of-materials, error reports, and design summaries with minimal effort. The program’s comprehensive symbol library supports various industry standards, allowing users to integrate existing components or create custom symbols on the fly. While highly efficient, the program requires a learning curve to fully leverage these advanced tools, which might be challenging for beginners.

Performance-wise, AutoCAD Electrical manages large schematics with generally stable operation, though the program can slow down when handling very extensive multi-drawing projects or highly detailed designs. Nevertheless, the tool’s integration with manufacturer catalog content, including Schneider Electric components, adds significant practical value. This feature provides accurate, real-world specifications directly within the workflow, reducing manual data entry, minimizing errors, and ensuring designs remain consistent and reliable throughout the project lifecycle.

Enlarged image for AutoCAD Electrical
AutoCAD Electrical 0/2
  • Pros

    • Automated wire numbering
    • Extensive symbol library
    • Connected support files
  • Cons

    • Learning curve for beginners
    • Occasional project slowdowns

Bottom Line

A solid choice for electrical engineers

AutoCAD Electrical continues to be a dependable solution for engineers looking for an efficient, automated design tool. Its extensive symbol libraries, automation capabilities, and comprehensive reporting simplify even the most complex electrical projects. Although beginners might encounter a moderate learning curve, professional users benefit from improved workflow efficiency, enhanced design accuracy, and seamless collaboration features, making the program a highly recommended choice for structured and reliable electrical system design.

What’s new in version 2026

  • Update wire‑number annotations across panels and terminal blocks
  • Enhanced cable‑marker library now shows gauge information
  • Support files now shared in a single Autodesk Docs project
  • Activity Insights shows edits between saved activities
  • Smart Blocks search & convert improved with better detection
  • CENTERLAYER variable now controls layer assignment for centerlines/marks
  • New Schneider Electric catalog content added (relays, switches, enclosures)
  • Performance improvements: faster raster loading, better text display, enhanced plotting


Explore More


Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
Version
2026
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Platform
Windows
Operating System
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 7
  • Windows XP
  • Windows Vista
POPULARITY
Total Downloads
76,509
Downloads Last Week
107

Report Software

Program available in other languages


Last Updated


Developer’s Description

Design competitive electrical control system with all the functionality of AutoCAD.
AutoCAD Electrical software is the AutoCAD software for electrical controls designers. Created for electrical control systems, AutoCAD Electrical design software includes all the functionality of AutoCAD plus a complete set of electrical CAD features. Comprehensive symbol libraries and tools for automating electrical design tasks help to save hours of effort, so electrical engineers can spend more time innovating.

Download.com
Your review for AutoCAD Electrical