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ActCAD description
ActCAD is a cost-effective 2D & 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software suitable for a range of industries. It's a popular alternative to industry leaders, offering similar functionality for drafting, 3D modeling, and architectural design. ActCAD boasts a user-friendly interface familiar to those with CAD experience, making it easy to transition. It's compatible with various file formats, including the latest .dwg and .dxf versions. Users highlight its affordability, comprehensive features, and responsive customer support as key benefits.
Who is ActCAD best for
ActCAD is a budget-friendly CAD software offering 2D & 3D design capabilities, a user-friendly interface, and broad file format compatibility. Users praise its affordability and helpful customer support. A great alternative to industry leaders, it's ideal for businesses seeking cost-effective design solutions.
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Best fit for small to medium-sized businesses.
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Suitable for various industries.
ActCAD features
| Supported ActCAD supports creating and editing 2D drawings. |
| Supported ActCAD supports importing and exporting MicroStation DGN files. |
| Supported ActCAD offers a library with over 5,000 industry-standard symbols and supports custom symbols. |
| Supported ActCAD supports importing and exporting DXF files. |
| Supported ActCAD supports importing both 2D and 3D PDF files. |
| Supported ActCAD Premium supports creating and editing 3D models, but the Standard version does not. |
We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software
Value and Pricing Transparency
Customer Service
Ease of Use
Reliability and Performance
ActCAD reviews
- Cost-effective and affordable pricing with perpetual license.
- User-friendly interface, similar to AutoCAD.
- High compatibility with AutoCAD, including .dwg and .dxf files.
- Runs AutoLISP code with minimal changes.
- Responsive and helpful customer support.
- Regular updates and improvements.
- Useful features like direct PDF editing and 3D rendering.
- Self-license transfer mechanism.
- Good for beginners and introducing CAD concepts.
- Includes a variety of block libraries and converters.
- Steep learning curve for advanced features.
- Limited add-ons available.
- Documentation could be more comprehensive.
- Performance issues on older systems.
- Print preview needs improvement.
- Lack of European steel sections.
- Issues with the "Check for Updates" functionality.
- PDF to DWG/DXF add-on crashes.
- No VBA support.
- Difficulty transferring license to a new computer.
- Transparency and style printing require manual system variable adjustments.
- Limited color support (700 colors).
- Hatching functionality is not as robust as AutoCAD.
- Occasional slowdowns, especially with large files.
- "Previous" selection set command can be unreliable.
ActCAD pricing
The commentary is based on 24 reviews from ActCAD G2 reviews and ActCAD TrustPilot reviews.
ActCAD is praised for its affordability and perpetual licensing, offering a cost-effective alternative to subscription-based CAD software. Users consistently highlight its competitive pricing as a major advantage. Many consider it a good value, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
Users sentiment
See the ActCAD pricing page.
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ActCAD has a free trial.
ACTCAD 2025 STANDARD
ACTCAD STANDARD is suitable for 2D Power Drafting. 3D Model data can be visualised. Custom Programs can be developed and used.
ACTCAD 2025 PREMIUM
ACTCAD PREMIUM is our full product with all 2D Drafting & 3D features, AEC, Add-on tools and more productive commands. Custom Programs can be developed and used
ACTCAD 2025 MAP DRAFTER
ACTCAD MAP DRAFTER to create Map Drawings in 2D. Inbuilt Commands like Gaps finding, Overlaps finding, Map clean, MAPCLPLINE , Image Rectification (4-point and Multi-point) and Many more
ActCAD alternatives
ZWCADHas more momentum. Better for medium businesses as an ActCAD alternative. More expensive.Read more
OnshapeCloud-based, better for collaboration, and easier to use. A strong ActCAD alternative for collaborative design teams.Read more
SketchUpBetter for 3D modeling and visualization, especially in architecture, interior design, and construction. Growing faster than ActCAD. Easier to learn, with a large community and resource library. Primarily uses a subscription model.Read more
AutoCADHas broader industry applications, including manufacturing, retail, and construction. Offers web and mobile apps. Has more momentum based on employee growth. Users praise its intuitive interface for 2D drafting and extensive customization. However, users also mention performance issues and high licensing costs.Read more
CMS IntelliCADOffers BIM support and more flexible licensing options. Rated higher by users on G2 and Trustpilot.Read more
ActCAD FAQ
What is ActCAD and what does ActCAD do?
ActCAD is a cost-effective 2D and 3D CAD software offering a user-friendly experience and broad compatibility with industry-standard file formats like .dwg and .dxf. It provides tools for drafting, 3D modeling, and architectural design, making it a viable alternative to higher-priced CAD software. ActCAD is praised for its affordability, comprehensive features, and responsive customer support.
How does ActCAD integrate with other tools?
ActCAD integrates with other tools through its broad file format compatibility, including DWG, DXF, DGN, PDF, and more. This allows for seamless collaboration and data exchange with other CAD software. It also supports AutoLISP, enabling users to leverage existing scripts and customizations.
What the main competitors of ActCAD?
ActCAD's main competitors include AutoCAD, ZWCAD, Ares Commander, and CMS IntelliCAD. These alternatives offer similar CAD functionalities for drafting, 3D modeling and design. SketchUp, primarily a 3D modeling software, and MicroStation, focused on infrastructure projects, also compete in the broader design software market.
Is ActCAD legit?
Yes, ActCAD is a legitimate and safe CAD software. It's a popular, cost-effective alternative to AutoCAD, known for its user-friendly interface and .dwg compatibility. Positive reviews highlight its affordability and responsive customer support.
How much does ActCAD cost?
ActCAD 2025 offers three paid plans: Standard for $249, Premium for $399, and Map Drafter also for $399. A free trial is available to evaluate the software's features and determine if the product is worth it for your needs.
Is ActCAD customer service good?
ActCAD's customer service receives positive feedback. Users praise the helpful and responsive support team, especially Udit Narayan Nayak, for quickly resolving technical issues and licensing problems. However, some users experienced difficulty with license transfers and unresolved issues despite contacting support.
Reviewed by
Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.
Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.