ActCAD 2026 establishes itself as a highly capable professional CAD solution, offering native DWG and DXF file support for engineers and architects who require precision without the burden of subscription-only models. Built on the latest IntelliCAD 13.1 engine and Open Design Alliance (ODA) libraries, this software provides a familiar interface that allows users to transition effortlessly from other industry-standard CAD platforms. By combining 2D drafting and 3D modeling capabilities with a perpetual licensing structure, it serves as a practical, cost-effective tool for creating complex technical drawings and visualizations on Windows systems.
Key Features
- Native DWG/DXF Support: Opens and saves files ranging from R2 to the latest 2026 versions directly, ensuring complete data interoperability with AutoCAD and other CAD systems without conversion loss.
- Advanced File Converters: Includes built-in tools to convert PDF files to editable DXF format and raster images to vector entities, significantly speeding up the digitization of legacy drawings.
- Extensive Block Library: Provides instant access to over 5,000 standard symbols across civil, mechanical, electrical, and architectural domains, plus a custom block manager for organizing user-created content.
- High-Fidelity Rendering: Features the Artisan 3D renderer for creating photorealistic visualizations of models, complete with lighting, materials, and background customization options.
- BIM & Data Interoperability: Supports Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows by allowing users to attach RVT and IFC underlays, while also offering features to extract block attributes directly to Excel or CSV formats.
- Comprehensive API Support: Enables extensive customization and automation through support for LISP, SDS, IRX, and .NET programming interfaces, allowing teams to tailor the workspace to specific project needs.
Use Cases
Civil engineers and architects utilize ActCAD for drafting site plans and structural details, benefiting from the ability to seamlessly exchange files with clients using different CAD platforms. Independent technical consultants also rely on the software to modify legacy PDF drawings and generate 3D models for mechanical parts while maintaining low operational costs through the perpetual license model.
With its robust feature set, broad compatibility, and user-centric licensing, ActCAD 2026 remains a logical choice for professionals seeking reliable CAD performance on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Version 2025 — December 2025
- Upgraded to IntelliCAD 13.1 engine for enhanced performance and stability
- Introduced LAYOUTWIZARD command for guided creation and configuration of layout tabs
- Added COUNT command with subcommands to automatically tally and list entities within drawings
- Implemented CENTERREASSOCIATE function to reconnect centerlines and centermarks with associated geometry
- Added PKFSTGROUP command for managing and organizing fast selection groups
- Introduced XBIND command to bind external references while maintaining control over symbol table items
- Added UCSMAN for simplified user coordinate system management
- Implemented NEWVIEW command for creating and managing named views within drawings
- Added CDORDER command to control entity draw order based on color properties
- Introduced TIFOUT command for exporting drawings to TIFF format
- Added SYMMLINE command for symmetric drawing of entities
- Implemented BARCODE command to generate barcodes from text input
- Added EXPORTLAYERS command to export all layers to a specified file
- Introduced DOFF command for dynamic offsetting of entities on both sides simultaneously
- Added QUICKLAYER command to rapidly create new layers with all properties defined
- Introduced ADCLOSE, ADJUST, and PDFADJUST commands for enhanced drawing cleanup and adjustment capabilities
- Added AIDIMTEXTMOVE command for flexible repositioning of dimension text
- Enhanced network licensing with client timeout feature implementation
- Resolved issue where flip parameter changes were not retained after block editing
- Corrected annotation scale list behavior on the status bar
- Fixed crash caused by hovering over MOVE action icon in Advanced Blocks
- Improved parameter-action binding logic for action buttons in dynamic blocks
- Added null-checks to prevent crashes when action entity ID is missing
- Fixed unexpected error message during table insertion in Data Extraction
- Restored missing Display Options and improved dialog layout
- Fixed crash during entity selection for Data Extraction reports
- Improved Help file settings in installer
- Fixed PDF options initialization in the PUBLISH function
- Added BIM features including IFC file validation, RVT/RFA to IFC file conversion, AEC entity dimensioning, and corner window drawing capabilities
- Enhanced support for DWG and DXF files up to 2025 version specifications
