--- title: DataCAD Reviews meta_title: 'DataCAD Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 64 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how DataCAD works for a business like yours. aggregate_rating: rating_value: 4.8 review_count: 64 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-07-07' parent_category: name: CAD url: https://www.g2.com/categories/cad --- # DataCAD Reviews **Vendor:** DataCAD **Category:** [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim) **Average Rating:** 4.8/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 64 ## About DataCAD DataCAD is a professional-level Architectural CADD program for design, presentation, and documentation. DataCAD is one of the few software applications that are developed specifically for Architects, and it is the only CADD software ever to be endorsed by the American Institute of Architects (ca. 1987). Originally developed by an architectural firm more than 30 years ago, DataCAD is one of the stalwarts of the CAD industry. ## DataCAD Reviews ### 1. This is a simple and very fast program to use. Perfect for someone who already had traditional draft **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Jonathan E. | Owner, Architecture & Planning **Reviewed Date:** December 16, 2014 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** Architectural cad program written by architects for architects. The interface is simple and intuitive. enough said. **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** Since it is not as widespread as AutoCAD it has limitations , especially for 3rd party adopters. Not a lot of options. DWG translation sometimes a problem. **Recommendations to others considering DataCAD:** Much easier to do whatever you want without relying on BIM. For accurate drafting it is perfect. **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** Construction drawings for Building permit. Speed of application and ability to customize graphics... superb in it's simplicity. ### 2. I wouldn't use anything else! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Rod J. | Owner, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 16, 2014 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** The personal care from customer support that is provided - I've actually emailed the president / owner of the company on the weekend and my problem was addressed immediately - I know of no other CAD program / company that offers that kind of service! **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** I dislike that there aren't more people using DataCAD - The AutoCAD users swear by their program - I just don't get it! **Recommendations to others considering DataCAD:** Buy the upgrades guys! **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** N?A ### 3. DataCAD user since 1991 **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** David C. | Principal, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 16, 2014 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** Created by Architects for Architects Ease of use, short learning curve, good import/export capability to other platforms Extremely affordable price, upgrades always include new features that I didn't even know I needed Can't be beat for Construction Drawing work (90% of most Architects business) **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** BIM not quite there but they are working on it **Recommendations to others considering DataCAD:** The "must have" program for small-mid size Architectural firms **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** fast efficient production of Construction Documents ### 4. DataCad **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Terry W. | Principal, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 18, 2015 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** A great presentation and production tool **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** Not enough users utilizing the program, schools are pushing Autodesk and not looking at other cad programs that are applicable to our profession. **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** Master Planning Schematic Design thru Construction ### 5. Cad by architects for architects **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning **Reviewed Date:** December 16, 2014 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** It is the most intuitive CAD program I have ever used. It has a very responsive tech staff, although I rarely ever need their help. When an Autocad user joins our firm I usually give them about an hour of training and by the end of the day they say they never want to go back to Autocad. **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** This is a hard question. I guess I would have to say I dislike the fact that it has as few users as it does. **Recommendations to others considering DataCAD:** Most cost effective CAD program available **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** Better working drawings completed in less time. ### 6. First vused Data CAD 25 years ago **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Richard L. | President, Architecture & Planning, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** February 20, 2015 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** It is so much easier to use than AutoCADD, and less expensive. I won a copy od DataCAD at a trade show 25 years age and it is the only CAD program I use. Others in my office use AutoCAD, but i personally do not. **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** More training opportunities would be nice. **Recommendations to others considering DataCAD:** Try it, you will love it. **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** Lower cost helps. ### 7. DataCAD is a CAD program utilizing the newest technology. **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Haiden G. | Designer, Design, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 09, 2015 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** I like how well you can produce CAD files, in a short amount of time. **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** I don't like the ability to not do 3D modeling. **Recommendations to others considering DataCAD:** Yes I would recommend it to anyone trying to learn CAD. **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** We are trying to create products for production using production ready drawings from the program. ### 8. I've been using DataCAD software for over 25 years **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Mike C. | COO/Architect, Construction **Reviewed Date:** December 16, 2014 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** I am self taught, DataCAD is very easy to use and an economical solution to create construction documents. The support is outstanding and the community of users is constantly growing. **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** There is nothing I dislike about the product. **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** Being able to complete construction documents in a timely manner. ### 9. DataCad **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** John W. | Architect, Architecture & Planning **Reviewed Date:** December 17, 2014 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** Ease of use tailored for Architects. Comands are set up in construction language **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** That it is unknown to many so some think it is an third party product - but it is far better than Autocad **Recommendations to others considering DataCAD:** Best software for architects! **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** Architectural design ### 10. RSM **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Construction | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 16, 2014 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** easy to work with, easy to print compared to autocad **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** Lack of hands on training, lack of a Canadian contact **Recommendations to others considering DataCAD:** Yes! but look at the training **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** nil ### 11. DATACAD IS EASY TO LEARN, USE, AND CUSTOMIZE, **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Patrick F. | Architect, Architecture & Planning **Reviewed Date:** December 22, 2014 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** It's a very intuitive product, that make training new staff a breeze **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** That it is not used as much as Autocad, more people don't know how good it is. **Recommendations to others considering DataCAD:** It's worth a look and test drive you won't be disapointed. **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** Coordinates well with other software, and it makes it easy to use with other engineering companies. ### 12. My CAD Program Of Choice for 18 Years **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Bob- S. | Owner, Architecture & Planning **Reviewed Date:** January 23, 2014 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** DataCAD is a very versatile CAD program. I use it mostly for construction documents although it includes 3D modeling, 3D is not my bag. I have tried to learn Autocad and other programs, but found them difficult to do the same tricks that DataCAD can do and requires many more key strokes to achieve the same results. I also use it to create non-architectural work such as flyers, cartoons and cards. The use of keyboard macros speeds up drafting time. It comes with many useful symbols or you can create your own as needed. I can open multiple files and cut and paste between them. I can import DWG and export DWG so working with engineers who use Autocad is not that big of a problem. Their customer support is top notch. **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** I can't say it's really a dislike but I don't use the 3D modeling capabilities in the program. It's just something I rarely get asked to do by a client due to the projects I get. One weak point is exporting files to work seamlessly with an Autocad office. I'm sure other CAD programs are similar. **Recommendations to others considering DataCAD:** Very intuitive menus and process of producing documents. A very versatile drawing program. Includes features such as Multi-scale plotting, Xrefs, Go-to-views, Many symbols, patterns, line types and the ability to create your own custom ones. A close knit DataCAD community of users who believe in the program and love to help out others with problems. **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** I can produce drawings quickly. Schematic design is quick and then can be used to upgrade to the construction drawings. I list DataCAD on my company website as one of my assets in my way of doing business. ### 13. 28 years of use in the architectural field **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning **Reviewed Date:** December 18, 2014 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** Ease of use and that it is geared towards architects, simple but powerful program. **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** could use better 3d capabilities and rendering **Recommendations to others considering DataCAD:** a great powerful program and easy to use **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** working drawings ease to put together with clarity ### 14. I have been using it for 20 years! I would not use anything else! **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Architecture & Planning | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 16, 2014 **What do you like best about DataCAD?** It is designed by an Architect for Architecture! The ease of training employees who have had no experience w/ DataCad is unbelievable. **What do you dislike about DataCAD?** I would have said the 3-d aspects of the program several years ago, but they have come a long way with the product. **Recommendations to others considering DataCAD:** You will not get a better value for your money invested! **What problems is DataCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?** Design problems w/ clients on Custom homes. The production time is minimal when producing working drawings ## DataCAD Discussions - [What is the company for DataCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-company-for-datacad) - 1 comment - [View DataCAD pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/datacad/reviews?page=2§ion=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-07-15+01%3A34%3A00+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=15d7b9d5-88b0-4765-a498-a5b533c29f21&secure%5Btoken%5D=f4226a87a6a753a2737943d3d3ce5d0d55b767fd3a2bf3de2b9f58a166c810fb&format=llm_user) ## DataCAD Features **Design** - Visualizing - Rendering - Drawing - Editing - Dynamic Updating **Collaboration** - Multi User - File Import/Export - Annotating **Construction** - Fabrication - Grading - Earthwork **Generative AI** - AI Text Generation - AI Text Summarization - AI Text-to-3D **Common Data Environment (CDE) - Building Design and Building Information Modeling** - Role-Based Access - Centralized Data Management **Cost Estimation - Building Design and Building Information Modeling** - Lifecycle Cost Tracking - Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation **Electrical & Circuit Design - Building Design and Building Information Modeling** - Clash Detection - Electrical System Modeling - MEP Coordination - Load Calculation & Analysis - Interoperability with BIM & CAD - Circuit Design Integration ## Top DataCAD Alternatives - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) - 4.4/5.0 (1,837 reviews) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (1,299 reviews) - [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) - 4.6/5.0 (918 reviews)