Visio is widely used for schematic and detailed technical drawings.
Visio is just for flow charts and organization charts.
Visio calculates to 12 decimal places which is precise enough for all but the most demanding uses.
Visio symbols may be easily programmed to behave as real world objects, while AutoCAD geometry consists of basic elements (lines, circles, polygons, etc.) that require significantly more effort to program with intelligent behaviors.
Visio provides much more control over the user interface, enabling developers to hide functionality that would be distracting to a user’s specific task.
It is easier, less expensive, and quicker to integrate Visio graphics with data to automatically generate valuable drawings.
Both Visio and AutoCAD provide Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to enable the development of custom applications.
Visio’s user interface is consistent with Microsoft Office products, so it is instantly familiar to most workers who therefore require less training than for AutoCAD’s more complex interface.
AutoCAD users require consistent usage to retain their knowledge while casual users often need refresher courses or ongoing support from additional staff to maintain their skills.
Because Visio is so much simpler to learn, users typically retain their Visio knowledge even if they are casual users.
#WHAT IS MICROSOFT VISIO PLUS#
A similar level of generic AutoCAD training requires minimum 4 days plus additional courses for specific applications.
A comprehensive generic Visio training course requires one day, and with a workshop geared towards specific uses the total training is 2 days.
#WHAT IS MICROSOFT VISIO SOFTWARE#
Visio integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office applications without additional software.
Visio produces presentation quality graphics while AutoCAD can do so only with significant add-on programs or customization therefore, a worker may use Visio for a variety of technical and business tasks with no additional software or training.
Visio provides extensive sets of pre-made symbols and drawing templates that are additional costs with AutoCAD.
Both versions of Visio have the same programmable automation capabilities, while AutoCAD LT programmability is limited.
AutoCAD LT is $1200 and AutoCAD is $3995 (retail).
#WHAT IS MICROSOFT VISIO PROFESSIONAL#
Visio Standard is $259 and Visio Professional is $559 (retail).
I hope this will help you make your own informed decisions about which is a more sensible solution for your particular needs. Below, we present a table of comparative costs and then a more expanded description including a list of “myths” that we’ve heard from CAD proponents who don’t take Visio seriously. For everyone else, Visio has more than enough capability to support the drawing process and integration with corporate data.įor the purposes of this discussion it is more meaningful to compare the two platforms with regard to total cost of use than to compare individual features and functions of Visio vs. In cases where direct and complete file compatibility is critical, CAD may also be a better choice. A small percentage of potential users have highly technical needs for which CAD systems are better suited. We are quite familiar with the business issues that drive our clients’ decisions to select Visio, and we are often asked to discuss the economic benefits of Visio with respect to AutoCAD.įor the great majority of the users we encounter, Visio provides the most economical environment to create, maintain, and deploy diagrams and drawings. The work we perform often deals with existing CAD installations, either to supplement or replace them with a Visio solution. Our staff is comprised of professionals with considerable experience using and implementing various CAD and graphics systems over the past 20 years. Visimation builds visual solutions to real world technical and business problems. Visio schematic of HVAC air handling unit from Carrier Corporation