Subscription vs. Perpetual: A CFO’s Guide to CAD Licensing in 2026

At Northlink, we are authorized resellers for both Autodesk and ZWCAD. We often see companies overspending by applying a “one-size-fits-all” policy to their software procurement.

The Hybrid Licensing Model

Buying expensive AutoCAD subscriptions for staff who only do 2D drafting is inefficient. Conversely, forcing a Lead Architect to use alternative software when they rely on specific cloud features is counter-productive.

The solution isn’t about “cheap” vs “expensive.” It is about allocating your IT budget efficiently.

1. Use AutoCAD for Design Leads

Keep your top 10-20% of users on official Autodesk subscriptions. These are the Power Users who utilize dynamic blocks, cloud collaboration sets, and specific plugins.

2. Use ZWCAD for Drafters

For the remaining 80% of your workforce who primarily open, edit, and print DWG files, a perpetual license offers identical functionality at a fraction of the 5-year cost.

3. The Inflation Factor

Subscription models historically inflate by ~7% annually. A perpetual license locks in your cost today. By mixing these models, you hedge your risk against future price hikes.