--- title: "ActCAD Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra" description: "With the help of Capterra, learn about ActCAD Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other 3D CAD products and more." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/168061/ACTCAD-Professional/" page_type: "product" language: "en" publication_date: "2026-10-19" --- # ActCAD Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on October 19, 2026 Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Description](#description)[Use cases](#use-cases)[Alternatives](#alternatives)[FAQs](#faqs)[Users](#users)[Pros and Cons](#pros-cons)[Features](#features)[Pricing](#pricing)[Support](#support)[Reviews](#reviews) ActCAD ## What is ActCAD? ACTCAD is professional DWG/DXF CAD software for powerful 2D drafting and 3D modeling, with a familiar interface, commands, shortcuts, and workflows for Architecture, Civil, Mechanical, Automotive, and engineering professionals. Trusted by 30,000+ users in 103+ countries, ACTCAD offers one-time purchase licensing, free technical support, and API customization with LISP, .DLL etc . Productivity tools include PDF to CAD, Image to CAD, block libraries, and CAD-Excel tools. A powerful, cost-effective AutoCAD alternative—designed to help you do more with CAD and spend less. ## What is ActCAD used for? [Engineering CAD](https://www.capterra.com/engineering-cad-software/)[Architectural CAD](https://www.capterra.com/architectural-cad-software/)[3D Architecture](https://www.capterra.com/3d-architecture-software/) Overall rating Based on 215 user reviews Reviews sentiment Positive 84% Neutral 11% Negative 6% Pros & cons Affordable CAD solution Comprehensive CAD functionality Frequent software instability Starting price $249 Other, One Time Free trial available Free version not included Capterra Shortlist charts the highest-rated and most popular products... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Our "Best of" badge program showcases products with the highest ratings... Do you work for ActCAD?[Manage this product listing](https://www.g2.com/products/actcad-actcad/claim_requests/new?auto=true) ## Compare with a popular alternative Capterra selects software alternatives based on relevant features, verified user reviews and user interactions. Placement may be influenced by client status. ### ActCAD 4.2 (215) VS. [### SketchUp](https://www.capterra.com/p/211798/SketchUp/) [4.5 (1,047)](https://www.capterra.com/p/211798/SketchUp/reviews/) Starting Price $249 Other, One Time Starting Price $19.99 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version Ease Of Use 4.3 (215) Ease Of Use 4.4 (1,047) Value For Money 4.6 (206) Value For Money 4.3 (806) Customer Service 4.1 (182) Customer Service 4.1 (675) ## ActCAD alternatives Highest Rated [Revit](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/) [4.6 (484)](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/reviews/) Starting price $365.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 96% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/) [Metaroom by Amrax](https://www.capterra.com/p/10019523/Metaroom-Studio/) [4.5 (59)](https://www.capterra.com/p/10019523/Metaroom-Studio/reviews/) Starting price $9.90 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 97% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/10019523/Metaroom-Studio/) [MicroStation](https://www.capterra.com/p/192416/MicroStation/) [4.3 (176)](https://www.capterra.com/p/192416/MicroStation/reviews/) Starting price $2284.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 89% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/192416/MicroStation/) [ALLPLAN](https://www.capterra.com/p/230054/ALLPLA/) [3.7 (10)](https://www.capterra.com/p/230054/ALLPLA/#reviews) Starting price $204.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 80% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/230054/ALLPLA/) [View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/168061/ACTCAD-Professional/alternatives/) ## FAQs about ActCAD Overview ### What problems does ActCAD solve? ActCAD solves the high cost of CAD access and workflow disruption caused by incompatible drawing files. It lets engineers, drafters, electrical panel manufacturers, contractors, and small design teams open, edit, and share DWG/DXF files, produce 2D layouts and 3D models, and transfer licenses between workstations without subscription dependence. Answer based on 113 reviews Overview ### Which roles and teams benefit most from ActCAD? ActCAD is most used by architects, civil engineers, design engineers, and drafters who create, revise, and document technical drawings. Owners, directors, and other business leaders use it to oversee design work and manage project deliverables, while project managers coordinate drawing updates, specifications, and construction-ready plans. Answer based on 215 reviews Overview ### What company size and industries is ActCAD built for? ActCAD is suitable for small businesses, which account for 90% of reviewers, particularly in Architecture & Planning (22%). It supports architects, engineers, designers, contractors, manufacturers, and CAD professionals across construction, mechanical, and electrical work. Civil Engineering represents 16%, and Mechanical or Industrial Engineering 11%; its most common use case is engineering CAD (61%). Answer based on 215 reviews Features and Usability ### What are the key features of ActCAD? ActCAD includes CAD tools and 2D drawing for creating and editing technical drawings, with drafting commands familiar to users of other CAD software. Data import/export supports PDF import and sharing files across formats. Design analysis covers area, mass, and volume measurements, while manufacturing design data supports sheet plotting and layouts. Answer based on 34 reviews Overview ### Is ActCAD good for engineering design? ActCAD provides familiar CAD tools for 2D engineering layouts and practical design work across construction, HVAC, civil, and manufacturing projects. Engineers and students often adapt quickly from AutoCAD-style workflows, while API options support custom tasks. Complex 3D modeling, advanced annotation features, block libraries, VBA compatibility, and occasional performance issues can require workarounds. Answer based on 27 reviews Pricing ### How much does it cost and what fees or limitations are included? ActCAD offers ActCAD 2027 Standard from $249 as a one-time Key Based License. Network Floating, Live, and USB Dongle licenses cost 299, 324, and 349 respectively, and a free trial is available. Reviewers value the perpetual-license approach, though some report bugs, slow performance, and unresolved support issues. Answer based on 98 reviews Getting Started and Support ### How easy is it to onboard and train a team on ActCAD? ActCAD is generally easy to onboard for teams familiar with AutoCAD, as its command line, keyboard shortcuts, menus, and interface feel familiar. Reviewers report that experienced CAD users and engineers can often begin work quickly, while users new to CAD may need setup help and training. Training formats include in-person sessions, live online training, webinars, and documentation. Answer based on 17 reviews Getting Started and Support ### What customer support options does ActCAD offer, and how do users rate the experience? ActCAD offers email/help desk, FAQ/forum, phone support, and chat. Many users report fast, knowledgeable responses and clear troubleshooting guidance. However, some describe limited documentation, time-zone delays, unanswered requests, and persistent technical issues that remained unresolved despite prompt replies. Answer based on 30 reviews Features and Usability ### How well does ActCAD handle CAD drawing work? ActCAD supports accurate 2D drafting, scaled printing, and editing of older DWG and DXF files for many design users. Engineers, remodelers, and electrical teams find its familiar commands useful for revisions and everyday drawings. Larger or complex files can open slowly, consume significant memory, or occasionally crash, and hatch behavior may vary. Answer based on 35 reviews ## Who uses ActCAD? Based on Capterra reviews from the past 6 years Talk to a software expert to get a free software list tailored to your business needs ## Pros and Cons Affordable CAD solution 91% positive reviews out of 70 Most reviewers appreciate pricing, emphasizing its budget-friendly cost, one-time purchase model, and strong value compared to other CAD software. Frequent software instability 81% negative reviews out of 26 Most users report bugs and issues, including crashes, slow performance with large files, and unreliable support for resolving persistent problems. Comprehensive CAD functionality 100% positive reviews out of 24 Most reviewers indicate the CAD software offers robust features, compatibility with industry standards, and serves as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive CAD solutions. Accessible and intuitive interface 100% positive reviews out of 23 Most reviewers describe ease of use as a major benefit, highlighting its straightforward interface and minimal learning curve, especially for those familiar with similar CAD programs. ## Features AI summary Based on 1,451 3D CAD reviews Capterra reviewers point to these as the top priorities when choosing engineering CAD software: - **CAD Tools** (**47%** of reviewers rated this feature as critical) - **2D Drawing** (**41%**) - **Data Import/Export** (**37%**) ActCAD supports all three of the features reviewers rate highest: **CAD Tools**, **2D Drawing**, and **Data Import/Export**. Together, these capabilities help businesses create technical designs accurately, produce detailed 2D plans, and move files between systems more easily, allowing teams to maintain drafting accuracy and keep project work moving efficiently. CAD Tools 4.3 (53) 56.60% of 53 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Computer aided design to create precision drawings or technical illustrations 2D Drawing 4.6 (74) 66.22% of 74 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Drawing and modeling designs within 2D flat dimensions Design Analysis 3.9 (25) 44.00% of 25 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Simulate physical behavior for a design or structure Manufacturing Design Data 3.9 (26) 38.46% of 26 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Access to a library of manufacturing parts, models, and specs 3D Imaging 3.6 (21) 42.86% of 21 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Representation of any object in 3D Data Import/Export 4.0 (50) 62.00% of 50 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Import and export data to and from software applications ActCAD 33 features ### All Features - 2D Drawing: Drawing and modeling designs within 2D flat dimensions - 3D Imaging: Representation of any object in 3D - 3D Modeling: Representation of any object in 3D - Access Controls/Permissions: Define levels of authorization for access to specific files or systems - Annotations: Highlight content and/or make notations about parts of content - API: Application programming interface that allows for integration with other systems/databases - Audit Trail: A record of all activities within the system, including user access, changes made, etc. - BIM Modeling: 3D design and modeling tool enabling a virtual information model - CAD Tools: Computer aided design to create precision drawings or technical illustrations - Civil: For civil engineering - Collaboration Tools: Provides a channel for team members to share AI models, media files, communicate, and work together - Component Library: Database of components and materials used in design templates - Content Library: Centralized repository to store content and assets - Data Import/Export: Import and export data to and from software applications - Design Analysis: Simulate physical behavior for a design or structure - Design Modeling: Helps create, plan and design construction models for AEC businesses - Design Templates: Create designs using pre-built templates or customize them with flowcharts, mindmaps, wireframes, network diagrams and org charts - Document Management: Store, manage, and track all electronic documents in a centralized location - Drafting: Prepare preliminary versions of digital documents, technical drawings, or design mock-ups for review - Electrical: For electrical engineering - For AEC Industry: Primarily serving architecture, engineering, and construction industry professionals - For Architects: Intended to be used by architects - Image Editing: Edit, touch up, and convert images for publishing - Landscape Design: Edit images and create drawings with computer-aided design (CAD) tools - Manufacturing Design Data: Access to a library of manufacturing parts, models, and specs - Mechanical: For mechanical engineering - Mechatronics: Integration of electrical and mechanical engineering to create hybrid systems - Multiple File Format Support: Supports multiple file formats, such as Doc, Docx, PDF, HTML, etc. - Offline Access: Ability of websites, web applications, or mobile applications to function without an active internet connection - Presentation Tools: Share and present designs - Real-Time Updates: Receive system updates as soon as any changes are made - Rendering: Generation of non-photorealistic images from a 2D or 3D model - Sketching and Annotation Tools: Create, draw, and annotate graphical content directly within the software application --- Get Advice We can help you find the software with the features you need. Features 4.2 (215) 4.2 Based on 215 reviews ## Pricing Value for money 4.6 (206) Free Trial [View pricing plan details](https://www.capterra.com/p/168061/ACTCAD-Professional/pricing/) ActCAD 2027 Standard $249.00 Other,One Time It includes: - Actcad Quick Start Guide - All Regular Drafting Commands - .Bmp - Drawing Creation From CSV Data - .Dwf - .Dwf & .Stl Files - .Dxb & .Dwt Files - .Emf - Execute for Ads®/Sds® - Execute for .NET & COM Automation - Execute for Vlisp® Programs - Export .Pdf - Import Collada .Dae Files - In-Place/Transparent MTEXT Editor - New GATTE Command to Edit Group Attributes - New High Resolution PDF Printer With Gradient Hatch Support - New LHSECTIONS Command With 1 Click - Open Microstation ® .Dgn Files - Support Both Binary & ASCII DXF Files - Support DWG & DXF Files From R2.5 to 2020 - Support for .Dwf - Support Native Format of DWG & DXF Files - .Svg - View 3d Solid Models - .Wmf Value for money 4.6 (206) 4.6 Based on 206 reviews Connect with a Capterra advisor for a free 15-minute consultation Get a personalized software list aligned to your business needs with guidance from our expert advisors. Our team has helped 1 million+ businesses like yours find options that fit their needs. ## Support, customer service and training options Customer Service 4.1 (182) Support - Email/Help Desk - FAQs/Forum - Knowledge Base - Phone Support - 24/7 (Live rep) - Chat Training - In Person - Live Online - Webinars - Documentation - Videos Deployment - Web - Android - iPhone/iPad Typical users - Freelancers - Small businesses - Mid size businesses - Enterprises Customer Service 4.1 (182) 4.1 Based on 182 reviews ## User reviews Overall rating 4.2 Based on 215 reviews Filter by rating 5(105) 4(75) 3(23) 2(3) 1(9) Mentioned topic Sorted by most recent B Shankar R. CAD manager Architecture & Planning ### "A detailed & genuine review of ACTCAD" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 September 8, 2026 My overall experience with ACTCAD has been very positive. It offers a familiar CAD workflow, good performance, helpful technical support, and excellent value for the price. Pros like ACTCAD's clean and user-friendly interface, along with the responsive technical support. The overall workflow is simple to understand and comfortable for regular CAD work. Cons ACTCAD already performs well, including with large DWG files, but performance on very complex drawings could be improved further for an even smoother experience. Switched from [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) because of I can't bear the high price.so I went to ACTCAD with same features and performance at a low cost Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. JM John M. Architectural Designer Architecture & Planning ### "Decent product if you are looking for cheaper version of AutoCAD" 4.0 Overall Rating 4.0 4.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 5/10 May 22, 2025 Has same UI as AutoCAD. Almost Identical Function/Shortcut Function and Interface wise, there aren't much difference between CAD Pros One time purchase & Direct email for inquiries Overall the program is decent. Wish there are less bugs Cons Bug/Glitches drive users crazy. Program needs more polish. Lots of things are glitched and you have to make sure you have backup folder and save files every 10 min. Switched from [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) Yearly Subscription is too burden. Way too expensive. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. AC Alessandro C. software technician Architecture & Planning ### "ActCAD Software" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 4.0 4.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 8/10 December 19, 2024 ActCAD offers a strong combination of powerful 2D drafting and 3D modeling tools, support for DWG/DXF formats, and affordable perpetual licensing. However, it does have some drawbacks, including limited file format support, occasional lag, a steep learning curve for new users, and the lack of a complete Italian translation. Overall, it's a solid choice for professionals, but it may require some patience and adaptation, especially for those looking for comprehensive localization. Pros ActCAD offers powerful 2D drafting and 3D modeling tools, supports DWG/DXF formats, and provides perpetual licensing at an affordable cost. Cons Please note that ActCAD currently does not offer a complete Italian translation. This may impact usability for Italian-speaking users. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. SS Srinivas S. CEO Oil & Energy ### "Best CAD solution in the Industry" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 September 19, 2024 We have been using ActCAD for our engineering & find it very helpful & Economical cad solution. Pros It is one of the best CAD solution in the Industry. ActCAD comes with all the latest features & functions which is very helpful for Engineers, designers & draftsman for their day to day engineering activities. The ease of use makes it more user friendly software for cad users. Cons Only few minor improvements are required. I hope it will be implemented in future releases. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. RN Rajalakshmi N. Engineer Architecture & Planning ### "It is a good product, you can buy!" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 August 21, 2024 I am very happy of this software, i cannot find some negative point from ActCAD at the moment. Pros I 'am beginner in ActCAD, I discovered great new software, It is very easy to use, Shortcut keys are good,Also ActCAD is very low price as compared to another CAD. Cons As of know to the extent I have used this tool I do Not found any cons of using this tool.As it is very cost effective as compared to the functions it provide.In my opinion it is best software . Switched from [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) The ActCAD is very less comparison to AutoCAD and we are paid monthly and annually and in this ActCAD I payment one time and get Life time license. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. RK Ratna kumari K. Design Engineer Design ### "Valuable software" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 August 21, 2024 The software is worth as per the price and regular updates. Introducing new commands as per the customer requirement. Pros The software is working smoothly and quick response from the technical team. Cons Improve the interface color and icon size. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. HT Harshitha T. Developer Computer Software ### "ActCAD Best Low Cost CAD Software" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 December 2, 2023 Pros fastest , smooth performance , 2d and 3d modeling, Technical support Cons Need to expand the network , only a few are using this Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. MS Mayur S. Design Engineer Civil Engineering ### "Must Have CAD Software" 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 5.0 5.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 July 17, 2023 Pros All features are easy to use . Import PDF file is nice feature. Also ACTCAD Lib in add on is huge and very specific and sorted applicationwise, Cons Nothing....I Have a great experience. So Thanks to your team. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. JC Jason C. Senior Scheduler Construction ### "ActCAD affordable " 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 4.0 4.0 Customer Service 4.0 4.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 April 29, 2023 Loving it. Pros What I liked most about this product is the affordable price for a high end drafting software. Cons One thing is having to remember to deactivate the licence at the workplace office and reactivate at the home office. Suggest having the software recognised the location of the user when logging in and the program automatically deactivates and reactivates between the IP addresses. Reasons for choosing ActCAD No yearly fees and license transferable. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. EB Edmond B. President-Owner Mechanical or Industrial Engineering ### "Better than I imagined." 5.0 Overall Rating 5.0 5.0 Ease of Use 5.0 5.0 Features 5.0 5.0 Customer Service 0.0 0.0 Likelihood to Recommend 10/10 April 24, 2023 Overall, I am very pleased to have ActCAD, especially considering the value. The transferable key is easy to switch over to my laptop when I travel. Pros To be perfectly honest, I was looking for an alternative to the extremely expensive standard when the COVID 19 pandemic occurred and we had to cut down on expenses. So, after trying several other CAD programs which simply were too limited or have an unfamiliar format that would require too long to master, I happened on ActCAD almost by accident. To my delight ActCAD turned out to be the perfect alternative in every way. Cons Most of what I do is in 3D rendering. The quality of visual renderings displayed on my excellent monitors, especially when transparencies are involved is noticeably grainy in appearance. Also, what I call "anchor points" which would be the reference base point for copying or moving anything usually defaults to some undesired reference. I'd like to know if there's a fix for that. Finally, when executing any command the default position for the keystrokes should be the COMMAND line. It is a nuisance to have to always anchor the command with the cursor. Review source Non-incentivized review: any software user can leave a review for any product listed on our site. All submitted reviews are subject to our verification process prior to publication. [View all Reviews](https://www.capterra.com/p/168061/ACTCAD-Professional/reviews/) ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. 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