# ActCAD BIM vs AutoCAD Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that AutoCAD excels in user satisfaction, with many praising its **precision and flexibility**. Users highlight its ability to create highly accurate drawings, which is essential for engineering and architecture projects.
- **According to verified reviews** , ActCAD BIM offers a compelling alternative at a lower price point, with users noting that it provides **excellent functionality** and is almost identical to AutoCAD, making it easy for those familiar with AutoCAD to transition.
- **Users say** that AutoCAD's implementation process is smooth, with an intuitive onboarding experience that helps new users quickly learn the software. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses looking to adopt CAD solutions.
- **Reviewers mention** that while ActCAD BIM has a slightly higher rating for ease of setup, it lacks the recent user activity that AutoCAD enjoys, which may indicate a more established support network and community for troubleshooting and advice.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that AutoCAD's extensive features, such as advanced drawing and documentation capabilities, are well-regarded, with users appreciating how it saves time by allowing for the reuse of designs.
- **According to recent feedback** , while ActCAD BIM is praised for its **perpetual license** and low cost, some users feel it may not match the depth of features and support that AutoCAD provides, particularly in complex modeling and visualization tasks.



| | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 50 | 1,934 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (78.7% of reviews) | Small-Business (46.9% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Contact Us With One-Time Purchase | $260.00 1 user | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### ActCAD BIM

Pros:
- Affordable (1 reviews)
- Efficiency (1 reviews)

Cons:
- Difficult Learning (1 reviews)
- Expensive (1 reviews)

### AutoCAD

Pros:
- Ease of Use (180 reviews)
- Drawing (115 reviews)

Cons:
- Expensive (65 reviews)
- Learning Curve (48 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 9.0 (37 reviews) | 8.8 (1579 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.9 (38 reviews) | 8.3 (1587 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 9.4 (13 reviews) | 8.3 (347 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 9.3 (12 reviews) | 8.0 (204 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.7 (38 reviews) | 8.2 (1423 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 9.0 (12 reviews) | 8.5 (203 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.0 (36 reviews) | 8.0 (1548 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### ActCAD BIM

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: ActCAD 2027 Software

Price: Contact Us With One-Time Purchase

Description: ActCAD is a 2D & 3D CAD software with functionality of the industry leaders. We offer two product options:

- ActCAD Standard for 2D Drafting Power Users
- ActCAD Primium for 2D Drafting, 3D Modeling and BIM (Building Information Modeling) functionality
ActCAD can be used for applications across domains Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) including Structural, Electrical and Mechanical.

We also offer value added products for specific applications based on ActCAD:

- ActCAD Nesting
- ActCAD Dials & Scales
- ActCAD CNC Post Processor
ActCAD uses the latest IntelliCAD 14 Engine, Open Design Alliance, dwg/dxf Libraries, ACIS 3D Modeling Kernel, and many other Technologies which ensures file support right from the early R2.5 to the latest 2027 Version of dwg/dxf. It also supports other file formats like .dgn, .step/.stp, .iges/.igs, .stl, .obj, 2D PDF, 3D PDF, .svg, .dae, etc. The interface and commands are designed in a manner that is familiar and easy for migration from any CAD Software.

Key Features:
-  Support for 2027 dwg & dxf files
-  High Speed and Performance
-    IntelliCAD 14 Engine & ODA 21.11 Libraries

[Learn more about ActCAD BIM](https://www.g2.com/products/actcad-actcad-bim/reviews)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### AutoCAD

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Monthly Subscription

Price: $260.00 1 user

Description: Access software 1 month at a time for the lowest up-front investment.


Key Features:
- Access to the latest software releases
- 1-on-1 online support
- Includes AutoCAD Mobile App

[Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ActCAD BIM** | N/A | N/A |
| **AutoCAD** | 8.1/10 | 490 |

#### Design

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Visualizing** | Not enough data | 8.4 (411 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | Not enough data | 7.3 (378 reviews) | 
| **Drawing** | Not enough data | 9.2 (428 reviews) | 
| **Editing** | Not enough data | 8.8 (410 reviews) | 
| **Sequence Steps** | Not enough data | 8.2 (371 reviews) | 
| **Dynamic Updating** | Not enough data | 8.3 (199 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Multi User** | Not enough data | 7.9 (368 reviews) | 
| **File Import/Export** | Not enough data | 8.8 (422 reviews) | 
| **Annotating ** | Not enough data | 8.7 (416 reviews) | 
| **Document Storage** | Not enough data | 8.7 (396 reviews) | 

#### Construction

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | Not enough data | 8.4 (367 reviews) | 
| **Reinforcement Tools** | Not enough data | 8.2 (357 reviews) | 
| **Clash Detection ** | Not enough data | 7.5 (335 reviews) | 
| **Grading** | Not enough data | 8.1 (187 reviews) | 
| **Earthwork** | Not enough data | 7.8 (180 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | 7.2 (48 reviews) | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | 7.1 (46 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | 6.2 (48 reviews) | 

#### Common Data Environment (CDE) - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Role-Based Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Centralized Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Cost Estimation - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Lifecycle Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation** | Not enough data | 7.0 (5 reviews) | 

#### Electrical & Circuit Design - Building Design and Building Information Modeling

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Electrical System Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **MEP Coordination** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Load Calculation & Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Interoperability with BIM & CAD** | Not enough data | 9.3 (5 reviews) | 
| **Circuit Design Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Civil Engineering Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ActCAD BIM** | 7.9/10 | 15 |
| **AutoCAD** | N/A | N/A |

#### Plan

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Documentation ** | 8.8 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Sequence** | 8.0 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Annotate** | 8.5 (11 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Collaborate ** | 8.1 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Design

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D Modeling** | 7.1 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3D Rendering ** | 6.7 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing** | 8.6 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing ** | 8.3 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Construction

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fabrication** | 7.8 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Reinforcement** | 7.5 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Clash Detection** | 6.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Grading** | 8.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Earthwork** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Engineering

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hydraulic engineering** | 8.6 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Hydrologic engineering** | 8.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Transportation engineering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Structural engineering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ActCAD BIM** | 8.0/10 | 28 |
| **AutoCAD** | 8.4/10 | 599 |

#### Design

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.2 (24 reviews) | 9.5 (532 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 7.6 (15 reviews) | 8.0 (498 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 7.5 (18 reviews) | 8.1 (491 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 7.2 (15 reviews) | 7.4 (428 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.7 (23 reviews) | 8.7 (496 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 7.8 (17 reviews) | 8.2 (439 reviews) | 
| **Views** | 8.0 (21 reviews) | 8.5 (485 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | 7.7 (20 reviews) | 8.4 (459 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.3 (19 reviews) | 8.6 (480 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | 8.1 (17 reviews) | 8.7 (473 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.3 (16 reviews) | 8.4 (448 reviews) | 

### GIS

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ActCAD BIM** | N/A | N/A |
| **AutoCAD** | 8.4/10 | 46 |

#### Data Management

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Data Capture** | Not enough data | 8.6 (37 reviews) | 
| **Data Storage** | Not enough data | 8.8 (38 reviews) | 
| **Data Manipulation** | Not enough data | 8.6 (36 reviews) | 
| **Data Visualization** | Not enough data | 8.8 (37 reviews) | 

#### Map Creation

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Geocoding** | Not enough data | 8.4 (37 reviews) | 
| **Buffer Zone Query** | Not enough data | 8.0 (32 reviews) | 
| **Overlaying** | Not enough data | 8.7 (36 reviews) | 
| **Publishing** | Not enough data | 8.6 (34 reviews) | 

#### Analysis

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Spatial Analysis** | Not enough data | 8.5 (34 reviews) | 
| **Reporting ** | Not enough data | 7.9 (34 reviews) | 
| **Real-Time Streaming ** | Not enough data | 8.0 (29 reviews) | 

### CAD Libraries

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ActCAD BIM** | 6.9/10 | 10 |
| **AutoCAD** | N/A | N/A |

#### Library

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Categorize** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Search** | 7.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Deduplication** | 6.7 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Feedback** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### CAD

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Types** | 5.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Models** | 7.5 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Compatibility** | 8.1 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Integration

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Catalogs** | 6.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAD & PLM** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **ERP** | 6.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### CAD Viewers

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ActCAD BIM** | 8.5/10 | 11 |
| **AutoCAD** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Options

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Import files** | 9.3 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Export files** | 9.0 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **View 2D files** | 9.8 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **View 3D files** | 6.9 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Batch convert files** | 8.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 9.3 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Dimensioning tools** | 9.1 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Change units** | 8.3 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3D/solid modeling tools** | 5.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Design

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.8 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **ActCAD BIM** | N/A | N/A |
| **AutoCAD** | 8.2/10 | 22 |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | 7.5 (14 reviews) | 
| **Rendering Tools** | Not enough data | 7.0 (14 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | 9.0 (15 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 8.9 (14 reviews) | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 8.7 (14 reviews) | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | Not enough data | 8.5 (14 reviews) | 
| **Import Files** | Not enough data | 8.9 (14 reviews) | 
| **File Interoperability** | Not enough data | 8.2 (16 reviews) | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | Not enough data | 8.2 (14 reviews) | 
| **File size** | Not enough data | 8.0 (15 reviews) | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | Not enough data | 8.1 (15 reviews) | 
| **Custom Scripts** | Not enough data | 8.3 (15 reviews) | 
| **Custom Menus** | Not enough data | 7.9 (13 reviews) | 
| **Custom Interface** | Not enough data | 8.2 (17 reviews) | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | 7.9 (14 reviews) | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | Not enough data | 7.9 (13 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | 7.9 (13 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | 8.6 (14 reviews) | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (2):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim)

**Unique to ActCAD BIM (4):** [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [CAD Libraries](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-libraries), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [Civil Engineering Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/civil-engineering-design)

**Unique to AutoCAD (2):** [GIS Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/gis), [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | ActCAD BIM | AutoCAD | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 78.7% | 46.9% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 17.0% | 34.2% | 
| **Enterprise** | 4.3% | 18.9% | 

### By Industry

#### ActCAD BIM

- **Architecture & Planning:** 25.5%
- **Civil Engineering:** 23.4%
- **Construction:** 12.8%
- **Computer Software:** 4.3%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 4.3%
- **Oil & Energy:** 4.3%
- **Management Consulting:** 2.1%
- **Investment Management:** 2.1%
- **Internet:** 2.1%
- **Maritime:** 2.1%
- **Other:** 17.0%

#### AutoCAD

- **Architecture & Planning:** 22.3%
- **Civil Engineering:** 10.4%
- **Construction:** 9.2%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 8.6%
- **Design:** 8.4%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.2%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 2.9%
- **Automotive:** 2.9%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 2.3%
- **Higher Education:** 1.8%
- **Other:** 27.9%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to ActCAD BIM

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [AutoCAD LT](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-lt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (285 reviews)
- [DraftSight](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (208 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (350 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (413 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (947 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1001 reviews)

### Alternatives to AutoCAD

- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1001 reviews)
- [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (191 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (600 reviews)
- [Esri ArcGIS](https://www.g2.com/products/esri-arcgis/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (539 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (525 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (413 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (350 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### ActCAD BIM

- Title: [How can I get some of my old lisp routines to work.  They don't work well with ActCAD.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/24142-how-can-i-get-some-of-my-old-lisp-routines-to-work-they-don-t-work-well-with-actcad) — 3 comments, 1 upvote *(includes official response)*
  > **Top comment:** "Hi David, thank you for your valuable inputs. Please share the details of your programs we will try to improve them and add to ActCAD package. Please note..."
- Title: [Is ActCAD legit?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-actcad-legit) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "I don’t have any problem with ActCad.  It’s more affordable than any competitors.  The quality might come out on top when you facilitate the team effort. ..."
- Title: [What is ActCAD used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-actcad-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "I think, because I am not an expert in Computer Data Storage Structures, I don't know.  It seems to be highly capable in allocating Data Space, such that the..."
- Title: ["Not opened for read" error](https://www.g2.com/discussions/34302-not-opened-for-read-error) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Update: It is not a "trial" problem. I am able to use all commands when I create a new drawing (and I imagine when I open the drawing that was created in..."
- Title: [I am trying to convert over to LINUX from Windows and wonder if a LINUX version will be available? I have tried using Wine to run ActCAD on LINUX Ubuntu but it doesn't seem to work (would appreciate any help with this).](https://www.g2.com/discussions/24491-i-am-trying-to-convert-over-to-linux-from-windows-and-wonder-if-a-linux-version-will-be-available-i-have-tried-using-wine-to-run-actcad-on-linux-ubuntu-but-it-doesn-t-seem-to-work-would-appreciate-any-help-with-this) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "If your system is robust enough, you could run VirtualBox https://www.virtualbox.org/ and then run a windows virtual system to use ActCAD.  I've run my older..."

### AutoCAD

- Title: [Can we add simulation?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/15648-can-we-add-simulation) — 4 comments, 3 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Yes we can do any kind of simulation here. This tool provides great flexibility."
- Title: [Which of the features might be useful for CAD software?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-of-the-features-might-be-useful-for-cad-software) — 3 comments
  > **Top comment:** "3d extend "
- Title: [What is AutoCAD Architecture used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-autocad-architecture-used-for) — 2 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "AutoCAD Architecture is a specialized version of AutoCAD developed for architects and building professionals. It provides intelligent architectural..."
- Title: [Can you do 3d in AutoCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-you-do-3d-in-autocad) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "Yes"
- Title: [What is AutoCAD software used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-autocad-software-used-for) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "drafting, design and drawing production.  2d and 3d"

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/actcad-actcad-bim-vs-autocad)