# ActCAD Software Pricing, Alternatives & More 2026 | Capterra > With the help of Capterra, learn about ActCAD Software - reviews, pricing plans, popular comparisons to other Engineering CAD products and more. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/168061/ACTCAD-Professional --- # ActCAD Software Review 2026: Features, Integrations, Pros & Cons Last updated on March 13, 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/) Top alternative Featured 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 Includes Free Version 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) ## 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. [4.6 (482)](https://www.capterra.com/p/265023/Revit/reviews/) Starting Price $249 Other, One Time Starting Price $365 Flat Rate, Per Month Free Trial Free Version Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version Ease Of Use 4.3 (214) Ease Of Use 4.0 (482) Value For Money 4.6 (205) Value For Money 4.2 (380) Customer Service 4.1 (181) Customer Service 4.1 (358) ## ActCAD alternatives [4.5 (342)](https://www.capterra.com/p/164681/Onshape/reviews/) Starting price $1500.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 94% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.4 (39)](https://www.capterra.com/p/199886/Civil-3D/reviews/) Starting price $320.00 Per User, Per Month Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 90% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars [4.6 (181)](https://www.capterra.com/p/175058/Altium-Designer/reviews/) Starting price Contact vendor for pricing Pricing Options Free Trial Free Version User Rating 94% of reviewers rated it above 4 stars Highest Rated [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) [4.7 (3,209)](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/reviews/) Starting price $250.00 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/265024/AutoCAD/) [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 file compatibility headaches by providing AutoCAD-like commands, DWG/DXF support, and fast 2D/3D drafting in a lighter, budget-friendly tool. Engineers, drafters, architects, electrical designers, contractors, and small firms benefit most, especially teams editing drawings across multiple computers. Answer based on 134 reviews Overview ### Which roles and teams benefit most from ActCAD? ActCAD is most used by architects, civil and design engineers, draftsmen, and architectural designers who create 2D drawings, technical plans, and construction documentation. Owners, directors, CEOs, and project managers benefit from affordable CAD workflows, design review, and project coordination for small firms, engineering teams, and design-focused businesses. 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, and is used most in Architecture & Planning at 22%. It also serves civil engineering at 16% and mechanical or industrial engineering at 11%, supporting professional drawings for architects, engineers, interior design, and engineering CAD work. Answer based on 214 reviews Features and Usability ### What are the key features of ActCAD? ActCAD includes core CAD features like 2D drawing, 3D modeling, drafting, and annotations, with strong DWG and DXF file compatibility. Differentiating features include an API for custom development, electrical block libraries, PDF-to-DWG conversion, and collaboration support for sharing, reviewing, and updating engineering and architectural drawings. Answer based on 98 reviews Pricing ### How much does it cost and what fees or limitations are included? ActCAD starts at $249 one time 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 easy for AutoCAD users, though some report small 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: Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Acrobat Reader, FreeCAD, Microsoft Word, SketchUp, and Tekla Structures. These connections cover PDF handling, 3D modeling, document editing, and structural design workflows. Answer based on 10 reviews Getting Started and Support ### How easy is it to onboard and train a team on ActCAD? ActCAD is generally quick to onboard for teams already familiar with AutoCAD, since the interface, command line, and shortcuts feel similar. Reviewers say engineers and experienced CAD users often start the same day with little or no retraining. Newer users and admins may need more setup help, supported by in-person training, live online sessions, 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 describe support as easy to reach, quick to respond, and clear in resolving issues. Others report gaps in documentation, time-zone delays, slow follow-up, and some cases where replies arrived promptly but problems remained unresolved. Answer based on 30 reviews Drawing ### How well does ActCAD handle CAD drawing work? ActCAD handles everyday CAD drawing work well, especially for 2D drafting, file compatibility, and quick edits. Designers, engineers, and small firms often use it for technical drawings, layouts, and remodel plans, though some users report slower performance, crashes, and awkward behavior with large files, hatches, or certain commands. 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 Company size Based on 104 reviews 100% 75% 50% 25% Smallbusiness Midsizebusinesses Enterprise Top job functions Based on 104 reviews Creative & Design 42% Creative & Design 42% Engineering 17% IT & Software Development 8% Product 8% Others 25% Top industries Based on 104 reviews Architecture & Planning 30% Civil Engineering 25% Construction 19% Mechanical or Industrial Engineering 15% Other 11% ## 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 Features with the highest number of reviews are displayed first. Those that have no reviews appear next, sorted alphabetically. 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 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 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 Drafting 4.4 (30) 46.67% of 30 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Prepare preliminary versions of digital documents, technical drawings, or design mock-ups for review Content Library 3.7 (29) 41.38% of 29 reviewers that rated this feature as important or highly important Centralized repository to store content and assets 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 ActCAD 33 features Drawing and modeling designs within 2D flat dimensions Representation of any object in 3D Representation of any object in 3D Define levels of authorization for access to specific files or systems Highlight content and/or make notations about parts of content Application programming interface that allows for integration with other systems/databases A record of all activities within the system, including user access, changes made, etc. 3D design and modeling tool enabling a virtual information model Computer aided design to create precision drawings or technical illustrations For civil engineering Provides a channel for team members to share AI models, media files, communicate, and work together Database of components and materials used in design templates Centralized repository to store content and assets Import and export data to and from software applications Simulate physical behavior for a design or structure Helps create, plan and design construction models for AEC businesses Create designs using pre-built templates or customize them with flowcharts, mindmaps, wireframes, network diagrams and org charts Store, manage, and track all electronic documents in a centralized location Prepare preliminary versions of digital documents, technical drawings, or design mock-ups for review For electrical engineering Primarily serving architecture, engineering, and construction industry professionals Intended to be used by architects Edit, touch up, and convert images for publishing Edit images and create drawings with computer-aided design (CAD) tools Access to a library of manufacturing parts, models, and specs For mechanical engineering Integration of electrical and mechanical engineering to create hybrid systems Supports multiple file formats, such as Doc, Docx, PDF, HTML, etc. Ability of websites, web applications, or mobile applications to function without an active internet connection Share and present designs Receive system updates as soon as any changes are made Generation of non-photorealistic images from a 2D or 3D model 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. 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