AutoCAD remains the dominant technical drawing platform across Australian engineering, construction, and manufacturing. Despite the growth of BIM software like Revit and parametric modelling tools like SolidWorks, the majority of Australian contractors, councils, and building certifiers still accept and expect AutoCAD DWG files as the primary deliverable for construction and engineering documentation.
This guide covers what AutoCAD drafting services involve, what they cost in Australia, and how to choose the right provider. See our full CAD drafting services for all disciplines we cover.
What Are AutoCAD Drafting Services?
AutoCAD drafting services refer to any CAD documentation work carried out using Autodesk AutoCAD or its discipline-specific variants (AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD Architecture). A professional AutoCAD drafter takes an engineer’s design intent — expressed as sketches, calculations, specifications, or existing drawings — and produces accurate, dimensioned, standards-compliant DWG files ready for construction, fabrication, or council submission.
AutoCAD Variants and Their Applications in Australia
| Software | Primary Use | Australian Standards |
|---|---|---|
| AutoCAD (base) | General 2D drafting — fabrication drawings, site plans, floor plans, schematics | AS/NZS 1100 series |
| AutoCAD Electrical | Electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, panel layouts, wiring diagrams | AS/NZS 3000, AS 61439 |
| AutoCAD Civil 3D | Civil infrastructure — roads, drainage, earthworks, subdivision plans | AS 1428, AS 2892, council requirements |
| AutoCAD MEP | Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems coordination | AS 1668, AS/NZS 3000, NCC |
| AutoCAD Architecture | Architectural documentation — floor plans, elevations, sections, DA drawings | NCC, AS 1428 (access) |
What AutoCAD Drafting Services Cover
2D Mechanical Drafting
The most common AutoCAD service in Australian manufacturing and engineering — producing fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, parts lists, and manufacturing drawings. Our mechanical drafting services cover fabrication and shop drawings, GD&T to AS/NZS ISO 1101, weld symbol annotation per AS 2812, and full BOM documentation.
Architectural and Construction Drafting
AutoCAD is widely used for residential and commercial architectural documentation — DA drawing sets, construction certificate documentation, as-built drawings, and renovation documentation. See our architectural drafting services.
Electrical and Structural Drafting
AutoCAD Electrical powers our electrical drafting services — SLDs, schematics, P&IDs, and panel layouts to AS/NZS 3000. AutoCAD forms the 2D backbone of our structural drafting services — shop drawings, reinforcement details, and connection documentation to AS 4100 and AS 3600.
AutoCAD Drafting Costs in Australia (2026)
| Service | Typical Rate / Cost |
|---|---|
| General 2D AutoCAD drafting (hourly) | $65–$120/hr |
| AutoCAD Electrical (hourly) | $80–$130/hr |
| AutoCAD Civil 3D (hourly) | $90–$140/hr |
| Simple fabrication drawing (per sheet) | $150–$400 |
| Residential DA drawing set | $900–$2,500 |
| Commercial construction documentation | $3,000–$12,000+ |
| PDF to DWG conversion (per drawing) | $80–$250 |
| Dedicated AutoCAD drafter (weekly) | $1,200–$2,200/week |
Australian Standards for AutoCAD Drawings
- AS 1100.101 — General principles: sheet sizes, title blocks, scales, line types
- AS 1100.201 — Mechanical engineering drawing: third-angle projection, dimensioning, tolerancing
- AS 1100.301 — Architectural drawing: floor plan and elevation conventions
- AS 1100.501 — Structural engineering drawing: reinforcement schedules, steel detailing
Frequently Asked Questions
What version of AutoCAD do you use and deliver in?
We work in current AutoCAD (2024) and can deliver DWG files in any version from AutoCAD 2010 through to the current release. Please specify your required version when requesting a quote.
Can you work from my SolidWorks or Revit model to produce AutoCAD drawings?
Yes. We regularly produce AutoCAD fabrication drawings from SolidWorks, Inventor, or Revit models — exporting DWG then adding layers, dimensioning, tolerances, weld symbols, and title block to AS/NZS 1100 standard.
Do you offer dedicated AutoCAD drafters on a weekly or monthly basis?
Yes. We offer dedicated drafter arrangements for clients needing ongoing AutoCAD support — remote, hybrid, or on-site. Weekly rates are typically more cost-effective than per-project pricing for sustained workloads.
📞 1800 287 223 | 📧 info@optimaldrafting.com.au | Get a free quote →