Autodesk to cut 1,000 workers as the tech company bets on AI

Autodesk, the San Francisco-based software company serving architects, designers, and engineers, is reducing its global workforce by approximately 1,000 positions. This represents a 7% decrease in the company’s total employee count, a move announced to employees on Thursday.

Strategic Realignment and AI Investment

The cuts are described as resulting from “strategic shifts,” with a particular focus on expanding Autodesk’s role in the field of artificial intelligence. The company indicated that savings generated from these reductions will be reinvested in its stated priorities through the fiscal year ending January 2027.

Impact on Workforce

Employees in “customer-facing sales” roles will be significantly affected by the layoffs. Autodesk plans to lay off roughly 104 employees at its San Francisco headquarters in April, according to a filing with the California Employment Development Department. The company has offices in Europe and Asia, but did not disclose the distribution of cuts across those locations.

Did You Know? In the third quarter ending in October 2025, Autodesk’s revenue increased 18% to $1.85 billion.

This round of layoffs follows a previous workforce reduction in 2025, where Autodesk cut roughly 1,350 positions, or 9% of its workforce. That earlier reduction was attributed to geopolitical and macroeconomic factors, as well as investments in AI. Other tech companies, such as Meta, are also currently reducing their workforces.

Company Response and Future Outlook

Autodesk CEO and President Andrew Anagnost communicated to employees that the cuts are not part of an annual process and are not driven by a desire to replace employees with AI. He stated, “We remain steadfast in our belief that technology is only as powerful as the people who use it and humans will always be the most important part of the equation.”

Expert Insight: The repeated rounds of workforce reductions, even while revenue is increasing, suggest a significant internal reassessment of priorities and operational efficiency. Companies often make these moves to streamline operations and focus resources on areas perceived as having the greatest potential for future growth, such as artificial intelligence.

Autodesk has also changed its software subscription purchasing process, now requiring customers to pay the company directly. It is possible that this change in sales strategy is connected to the restructuring of customer-facing sales roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of Autodesk’s workforce is being affected?

Roughly 7% of Autodesk’s global workforce, approximately 1,000 roles, is being eliminated.

What reason did Autodesk give for the layoffs?

Autodesk stated the cuts are due to “strategic shifts,” including a focus on expanding its leadership in artificial intelligence.

Has Autodesk reduced its workforce before recently?

Yes, Autodesk cut roughly 1,350 positions, or 9% of its workforce, last year, citing geopolitical and macroeconomic factors and AI investments.

How will these changes ultimately impact the design and engineering industries remains to be seen, but the company’s focus on AI suggests a potential shift in the tools and workflows used by professionals in these fields.