actcad Review, Pricing & Features

ActCAD is a perpetual-license CAD tool for 2D drafting and 3D modeling, built on IntelliCAD, with DWG/DXF support and one-time pricing from $249.

Category: Productivity
Pricing: one_time, from 249
Verified: Not yet
Last updated: August 6, 2026

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ActCAD is a Windows-based CAD (computer-aided design) software built on the IntelliCAD engine, offering 2D drafting and 3D modeling with DWG/DXF file compatibility. It targets architects, interior designers, structural engineers, manufacturers, surveyors, GIS specialists, and other technical professionals who need AutoCAD-style drafting tools without a subscription. The product line spans ACTCAD Standard (2D-focused), ACTCAD Premium (2D/3D), and ACTCAD Map Drafter (surveying/GIS), and includes a large library of CAD symbols, PDF-to-CAD and CAD-to-PDF conversion, point-cloud import, and AEC-specific tools (walls, windows, roofs, stairs) plus photorealistic rendering. ActCAD is developed by a company founded in 2014 by veterans of the earlier PowerCAD Draft software, headquartered in Hyderabad, India with a US office in Michigan.

Key Features

2D Drafting & 3D Modeling — Full standard 2D drafting command set plus 3D solid/mesh modeling (Premium tier).
Broad File Compatibility — Supports DWG, DXF, SHP, DGN, STP, IGS, STL, OBJ, and SVG file formats.
PDF Conversion Tools — Built-in PDF printer for one-click PDF export plus PDF-to-CAD conversion.
7,000+ Symbol Block Library — Large built-in CAD symbol library with custom block support.
AEC & Point Cloud Tools — Point cloud data import and AEC elements such as walls, windows, roofs, and stairs.
Scripting Support — Automate workflows via LISP, DCL, SDS, Object IRX, and .NET scripting.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Perpetual (one-time-purchase) licensing avoids ongoing subscription costs common with AutoCAD-style tools
Broad file format support, including DWG, DXF, STP, IGS, STL, OBJ, and SVG
Large built-in library of over 7,000 standard CAD symbols
Includes PDF-to-CAD and CAD-to-PDF conversion tools without extra software
Separate Map Drafter edition tailored to surveying and GIS workflows

Cons

Advanced 3D solid modeling is limited to the Premium tier; the Standard tier only provides a 3D viewer
Windows-only desktop software with no evidence of a native macOS or web version
Smaller ecosystem and community/plugin support compared to market leaders like AutoCAD

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