--- 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 Engineering CAD products and more." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/168061/ACTCAD-Professional/" page_type: "product" language: "en" --- # ActCAD Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on August 26, 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 a native dwg/dxf cad software suitable for professional 2D drafting and 3D modeling projects. ActCAD is trusted by over 30000 users in over 103 countries for more than 10 years. The interface, commands, icons, dialogs, shortcuts etc. are very much similar to other popular cad software tools available in market. Flexible license types available even for single license. There is no learning for existing cad users while saving 80% of the costs. ActCAD offers free email technical support without any limitations. ActCAD can be fully customized and programs can be developed using our free API toolkit. It supports popular programming languages like , lisp dcl, .net, C++ etc. Apart from all regular commands, ActCAD offers many productive tools like pdf to cad converter, Block libraries, Image to Cad converter, handling point sets between Cad and Excel and many more. ActCAD is suitable for any high end professional projects in the domains of Architecture, Civil, Mechanical,Automotive ## 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 214 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://digitalmarkets.gartner.com/get-listed/claim-bx?url=https://actcad.com&name=ActCAD) Rating Breakdown 4.2 +− Features4.2 Value for Money4.6 Ease of Use4.3 Customer Service4.1 Rating Breakdown 4.2 Features4.2 Value for Money4.6 Ease of Use4.3 Customer Service4.1 ## ActCAD Reviewers Verdict Updated August 2026 AI summary - ActCAD is a strong fit for small businesses and teams needing affordable CAD tools for 2D and 3D drafting. - Users most consistently value its ease of use, familiar interface for AutoCAD users, and core CAD features at a lower cost. - It helps teams quickly create, edit, and share technical drawings with minimal retraining and supports key industry file formats. - Buyers report negative points such as recurring software bugs, printing and scaling frustrations, update difficulties, and limited documentation. - It suits budget-conscious engineering and design teams but may not meet needs for flawless stability or advanced print workflows. ## 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 (214) VS. [### AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) [4.7 (3,213)](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/reviews/) Starting Price $249 Other, One Time Starting Price $250 Per User, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version Ease Of Use 4.3 (214) Ease Of Use 4.1 (3,209) Value For Money 4.6 (205) Value For Money 4.2 (2,489) Customer Service 4.1 (181) Customer Service 4.2 (2,368) ## ActCAD alternatives [SketchUp](https://www.capterra.com/p/211798/SketchUp/) [4.5 (1,047)](https://www.capterra.com/p/211798/SketchUp/reviews/) Starting price $19.99 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 92% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/211798/SketchUp/) [AutoCAD Architecture](https://www.capterra.com/p/172801/AutoCAD-Architecture/) [4.6 (293)](https://www.capterra.com/p/172801/AutoCAD-Architecture/reviews/) Starting price $1775.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 95% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/172801/AutoCAD-Architecture/) [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/) [AutoCAD LT](https://www.capterra.com/p/2011/AutoCAD-LT/) [4.6 (226)](https://www.capterra.com/p/2011/AutoCAD-LT/reviews/) Starting price $60.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 94% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [Learn More](https://www.capterra.com/p/2011/AutoCAD-LT/) [View all alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/168061/ACTCAD-Professional/alternatives/) ## FAQs about ActCAD Overview ### What problems does ActCAD solve? ActCAD solves high CAD software costs, steep retraining, and DWG/DXF compatibility issues by giving engineers, architects, draftsmen, small contractors, and small firms a familiar AutoCAD-like workspace with similar commands. It speeds drawing edits, viewing, PDF output, and 2D/3D drafting while supporting license transfers across multiple computers. Answer based on 134 reviews Overview ### Which roles and teams benefit most from ActCAD? ActCAD is most used by architects, engineers, designers, and drafting teams that create technical drawings, construction plans, and detailed design revisions. Business owners, directors, and project managers benefit from affordable CAD workflows, file compatibility, and efficient design coordination that supports client delivery, project oversight, and day-to-day operations. Answer based on 214 reviews Overview ### What company size and industries is ActCAD built for? ActCAD is built mainly for small businesses, which make up 90% of reviewers, especially in Architecture & Planning at 22%. It serves architects, structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, with additional use in Civil Engineering at 16% and Mechanical or Industrial Engineering at 11%, primarily for Engineering CAD. Answer based on 214 reviews Features and Usability ### What are the key features of ActCAD? ActCAD includes core CAD features such as 2D drawing, drafting, and 3D modeling, plus DWG and DXF file compatibility for working with existing AutoCAD files. Differentiator features include an API for custom development, electrical blocks, PDF to DWG conversion, and collaboration tools for reviewing and updating designs. Answer based on 98 reviews Pricing ### How much does it cost and what fees or limitations are included? ActCAD starts at $249 as a one-time purchase for the 2025 Standard Key Based License, with Network Floating at 299, Live at 324, and USB Dongle at 349; a free trial is available. Reviewers often call it cost-effective and like the perpetual license, though some report bugs, slow performance, and unresolved support issues. Answer based on 98 reviews Integrations ### Which third-party tools and platforms does ActCAD integrate with? ActCAD integrates with 6 third-party tools, including Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Acrobat Reader, FreeCAD, Microsoft Word, SketchUp, and Tekla Structures. These connections support PDF import and markup, 3D modeling, document notes, and coordination with CAD and BIM workflows. Answer based on 10 reviews Getting Started and Support ### How easy is it to onboard and train a team on ActCAD? ActCAD is quick to onboard for teams already familiar with AutoCAD, since the interface, command line, and shortcuts feel familiar and often require little to no retraining. It offers in-person training, live online sessions, webinars, and documentation. Newer users and admins may need more setup help to manage the platform efficiently. 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 describe support as easy to reach, knowledgeable, and quick to respond with clear instructions. However, some report slow or unresolved issues, limited help documentation, time-zone delays, and cases where replies came promptly but fixes did not. Answer based on 30 reviews Drawing ### How well does ActCAD work for drawing and editing CAD files? ActCAD works well for everyday 2D drafting, quick edits, and opening older DWG or DXF files with familiar CAD workflows. Designers, engineers, and small firms like its drawing accuracy and AutoCAD-like interface, though some users report slowdowns, crashes, limited hatch behavior, and weaker handling of large or complex 3D drawings. 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, noting it delivers robust features and reliability at a budget-friendly rate. Frequent software instability 81% negative reviews out of 26 Most reviewers report bugs and issues, including crashes, slowdowns, and unreliable performance during critical tasks. Comprehensive CAD functionality 100% positive reviews out of 24 Most reviewers indicate the cad software provides essential design tools, industry-standard compatibility, and efficient workflow at a lower cost. Intuitive user experience 100% positive reviews out of 23 Most reviewers describe ease of use as a major benefit, highlighting straightforward navigation and minimal learning curve. ## Features AI summary Based on 1,425 Engineering CAD reviews Capterra data shows that buyers of Engineering CAD rank the following features as their top priorities: - **CAD Tools** (**47%** of reviewers rated this feature as critical) - **2D Drawing** (**41%**) - **Data Import/Export** (**37%**) ActCAD supports all three features reviewers rate most important: **CAD Tools**, **2D Drawing**, and **Data Import/Export**. Together, these capabilities help businesses create precise technical designs, produce detailed 2D plans, and move files between systems more easily, allowing teams to maintain accuracy and keep design work moving efficiently. CAD Tools 4.3 (52) 55.77% of 52 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Computer aided design to create precision drawings or technical illustrations 2D Drawing 4.6 (73) 65.75% of 73 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Drawing and modeling designs within 2D flat dimensions Design Analysis 3.8 (24) 41.67% of 24 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Simulate physical behavior for a design or structure Manufacturing Design Data 3.9 (25) 36.00% of 25 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 (49) 61.22% of 49 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 (214) 4.2 Based on 214 reviews ## Pricing Value for money 4.6 (205) Free Trial [View pricing plan details](https://www.capterra.com/p/168061/ACTCAD-Professional/pricing/) ActCAD 2025 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 (205) 4.6 Based on 205 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 (181) 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 (181) 4.1 Based on 181 reviews ## User reviews Overall rating 4.2 Based on 214 reviews Filter by rating 5(104) 4(75) 3(23) 2(3) 1(9) Mentioned topic Sorted by most recent 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. EA Ercan A. General Manager Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing ### "Need better support" 3.0 Overall Rating 3.0 3.0 Ease of Use 2.0 2.0 Features 3.0 3.0 Customer Service 1.0 1.0 Likelihood to Recommend 6/10 April 24, 2023 We use generation and modification DWG drawings with our clients and customers for IC packaging. Pros It seems a right solution for us since we use actcad for our basic drawings. Mainly add lines to IC package drawings. Cons Customer support is very bad. We are using live licenses and I have requests for overall manageability but these requests are still Pending. \[sensitive content hidden\] If these portions of website is not used, remove them from the site. 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. Popular comparisons [AutoCAD vs ActCAD](https://www.capterra.com/compare/168061-265024/ACTCAD-Professional-vs-AutoCAD)[SketchUp vs ActCAD](https://www.capterra.com/compare/168061-211798/ACTCAD-Professional-vs-SketchUp)[AutoCAD Architecture vs ActCAD](https://www.capterra.com/compare/168061-172801/ACTCAD-Professional-vs-AutoCAD-Architecture)[Revit vs ActCAD](https://www.capterra.com/compare/168061-265023/ACTCAD-Professional-vs-Revit) [AutoCAD LT vs ActCAD](https://www.capterra.com/compare/2011-168061/AutoCAD-LT-vs-ACTCAD-Professional)[MicroStation vs ActCAD](https://www.capterra.com/compare/168061-192416/ACTCAD-Professional-vs-MicroStation)[ArcSite vs ActCAD](https://www.capterra.com/compare/156735-168061/ArcSite-vs-ACTCAD-Professional)