ACTCAD review
A Windows CAD suite with native DWG/DXF support and one-time pricing.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ACTCAD is desktop CAD software for 2D drafting, DWG/DXF editing, 3D modelling, surveying, GIS, and related engineering workflows. It is aimed at Windows users who need native DWG and DXF file handling, familiar drafting and editing commands, geometric constraints, layer and sheet management, and support for scripting through LISP, SDS, and scripts. The Standard, Premium, and Map Drafter editions divide the product between general drafting, advanced 3D and AEC work, and surveying or mapping tasks.
Pricing is structured as perpetual, one-time licences rather than recurring plans. ACTCAD Standard costs $249 per seat and includes complete 2D drafting, native DWG and DXF support, 3D model viewing, 7,000+ blocks and symbols, and 2D and 3D PDF export. ACTCAD Premium costs $399 per seat and adds ACIS 3D modelling, AEC tools, raster tools, and PDF to DWG conversion. ACTCAD Map Drafter also costs $399 per seat and adds survey data import, contours, TIN surfaces, shapefile and GIS support, and terrain and mapping tools. A 15-day fully featured trial is available without a credit card, and the official store lists a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The feature set is broad for a desktop CAD application: ACTCAD supports PDF to DWG and PDF to DXF conversion, batch printing with MULTIPRINT, point-cloud import, GIS workflows, and extensive file-format exchange. That breadth makes it a practical choice for users moving between drafting, documentation, 3D, surveying, and mapping. The main constraint is platform coverage: the software is for Windows 10 and 11. Choose ACTCAD if native DWG/DXF workflows, perpetual pricing, and specialised mapping or 3D options matter; choose another product if cross-platform access is essential.
ACTCAD pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Native DWG/DXF read/write with geometric constraints
- One-time pricing starting at $249 per seat
- Includes PDF conversion, batch printing, GIS, and scripting
- Where it doesn't
- Windows 10 and 11 only
- No free plan
- Advanced 3D and GIS workflows require higher-tier editions
ACTCAD fact sheet, pricing and score →
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