EXHIBIT 23.1
 
               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
   
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our report dated February 24, 1998, included in the Proxy Statement
of Autodesk, Inc. that is made a part of Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement (Form S-4) and Prospectus of Autodesk, Inc.     
 
  We also consent to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
February 24, 1998 with respect to the financial statement schedules of
Autodesk, Inc. for the years ended January 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 included in
the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for 1998 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
San Jose, California
   
November 12, 1998