Created Date：2021.08.12
Updated Date：2025.10.02
Perhaps some of you are considering an AutoCAD-compatible CAD due to concerns like, "I wonder if there's a way to cut down on the annual running cost of AutoCAD...?" In this article, we explain in detail the differences in the licensing models of IJCAD, the most widely used AutoCAD-compatible CAD in Japan.
For information on price differences, please refer to the article below. ■ Are there price differences between AutoCAD and IJCAD? A thorough comparison including post-adoption costs!
Since Autodesk began phasing out perpetual licenses in 2016, AutoCAD has become available only through subscription licenses. A subscription license is a license type that is specified for a certain period. In AutoCAD's case, you can choose from "1 month, 1 year, or 3 years," and you must purchase a new subscription license when the old one expires. A perpetual license, once purchased, can be used forever, making it more cost-effective the longer you use it. However, it was more expensive than a subscription license and required a huge initial investment, so the price was not feasible for individuals or small businesses.
With a subscription license, you must continue to pay a fee as long as you use AutoCAD, but the amount paid at one time is (depending on the subscription period) much cheaper than a perpetual license, putting it within the reach of individuals. This led to an increase in the number of AutoCAD users, and as a result, Autodesk's sales grew even further. While the shift to subscription licenses made AutoCAD easier to purchase in the short term, it is also a fact that over a long period, it can end up being more expensive than a perpetual license. In such cases, AutoCAD-compatible CAD products were considered as a way to reduce costs.
Now, not only has AutoCAD become subscription-only, but its license model has also been unified into the "single-user subscription" (a per-user license).
With this model, license information is managed on Autodesk's cloud servers, and when you use AutoCAD, it checks via the network whether that user holds an AutoCAD license. If they do, AutoCAD will start; if they do not, or if the license has expired, AutoCAD cannot be started. Compared to the previously common model of building a license server within each company to manage licenses, this eliminates the need for the installation, operation, and maintenance of physical servers, making it possible to use AutoCAD anywhere with a network connection.
On the other hand, it is also true that this has made AutoCAD harder to use in some environments, for example, by not allowing for offline activation. (Offline activation is possible for the limitedly sold perpetual licenses and educational licenses, but it is no longer available for standard subscription licenses.) Once an online activation is performed, it is possible to use the software offline for 30 days, but you must access the internet every 30 days for a license validity check.
IJCAD is a 2D general-purpose CAD with an operational feel similar to AutoCAD. As a feature unique to Japanese-made CAD like Jw_cad, it can not only read and write DWG files but also JWW files. Other AutoCAD-compatible CADs include BricsCAD and ZWCAD, but in Japan, IJCAD has the largest market share and is used by general contractors and government agencies.
IJCAD is still sold only with perpetual licenses. You can also choose from three license types to suit your usage needs: "Standalone," "Network," and "USB." Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of each license.
A standalone license is a type of license that is fixed to a single computer. Since the license is fixed, it is possible to activate it offline and continue to use it that way.
The disadvantage is that the license cannot be shared, but the advantage is that it is priced lower than the network or USB licenses. For individual use, or when the person or computer using CAD is fixed, a standalone license seems to be sufficient.
A network license is a type of license where a license server is installed within a company to manage licenses. With a network license, for example, if there are 100 contracted licenses and 150 users, only the first 100 people who start IJCAD can obtain a valid license from the server. The remaining 50 people cannot use IJCAD until a license is returned. It is a so-called first-come, first-served license model. As mentioned above, the network license allows for license sharing, which is very convenient in situations where "the users of CAD are many and varied, but most are not constantly using CAD."
The advantage, as mentioned earlier, is the ability to share licenses. The disadvantages are the costs associated with setting up, operating, and maintaining the license server, and the hassle of applying for offline use when you want to use IJCAD somewhere you cannot connect to the company network.
A USB license is a type of license where the USB itself acts as the license key for IJCAD. By inserting the dedicated USB protector into a computer and starting IJCAD, you can use IJCAD anywhere, regardless of whether you are online or offline.
The advantage is that because it is a physical key, sharing the license is easy, and it is convenient for use by a small number of people or for portability. The disadvantage is that the USB itself is at risk of damage or loss. Being a physical object, nothing is unbreakable, and since USBs are small, the possibility of losing one cannot be denied, even with care. When trying to use IJCAD at a client's site, you might not be able to start it if the USB has a poor connection. It's best to consider these advantages and disadvantages when choosing which license to purchase.
We've looked at the licensing models for AutoCAD and IJCAD. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so please consider the number of licenses you need, frequency of use, and other factors to find the optimal license for you.
【Reference Articles】
■ Are there price differences between AutoCAD and IJCAD? A thorough comparison including post-adoption costs!
■ Is IJCAD's Price Cheap or Expensive? A Super Simple Price Breakdown by Grade for New Users
