Autocad Features | 2026 New Features | Autodesk
- 1 hour ago
- 7 min read
Key features of AutoCAD 2026
AutoLISP
Build and run AutoLISP with Visual LISP IDE to streamline workflows through automation
Smart Blocks
Automatically place blocks based on previous placements or quickly find and replace existing blocks
Autodesk Assistant
Use conversational AI to quickly access helpful AI-generated support and solutions related to AutoCAD
My Insights
Complete projects faster with helpful features, macros and tips personalised for you
Activity Insights
Access and track essential design data using detailed multi-user event logs with version history
Markup Import and Markup Assist
Consolidate revisions and feedback captured on paper or PDFs to compare, review and automate updates
Push to Autodesk Docs
Publish your CAD drawing sheets as PDFs directly from AutoCAD to Autodesk Docs
AutoCAD any time, anywhere
Capture, share and review ideas on the go with AutoCAD 2D and 3D DWG files on desktop, web and mobile.
Trace
Safely review and add feedback directly to a DWG file without altering the existing drawing
Specialised toolsets
Gain access to thousands of parts and additional features with industry-specific toolsets
Autodesk App Store and APIs
Customise AutoCAD with APIs to build custom automations and access 1,000+ third-party apps
Conceptualise in 2D and 3D
Design with 2D drafting tools and model in 3D with realistic lighting and materials to render your ideas
What’s new in AutoCAD 2026 - Autocad Features | 2026 New Features | Autodesk
Explore features that unlock insights and automations with the help of Autodesk AI and tools designed to enhance collaborative workflows.
File open and startup speeds
Experience the fastest release of AutoCAD yet. Benefit from significant performance enhancements and innovative capabilities that save you time with every DWG file. On average, experience up to 11x faster file open and 4x faster startup times in AutoCAD 2026 vs AutoCAD 2025.** (video: 1:08 min.)
NEW
Connected Support Files
CAD managers can now define one set of project-aware support files and settings for an Autodesk Docs project. This feature gives teams the ability to view and edit DWG files with the intended support files without requiring additional steps to configure individual users or AutoCAD installations. (video: 50 sec.)
NEW
Markup Import and Markup Assist with Autodesk Docs
You can now import and connect JPG, PNG and PDF markups from Autodesk Docs. Once synced, markups made in Autodesk Docs will continue to be updated in a Trace layer in AutoCAD so you can review and incorporate feedback with Markup Assist and view Autodesk Docs issues. (video: 2:01 min.)
ENHANCED
Smart Blocks: Detect and Convert
Tech Preview
Improve design efficiency and save time when cleaning up drawings by automatically recognising objects to convert into blocks with the help of Autodesk AI. This feature is a technology preview which is still under development and will continue to evolve and improve with time. (video: 1:33 min.)
ENHANCED
Smart Blocks: Search and Convert
Quickly search your drawings for objects, matching text and variable text to convert into instances of a newly defined block, an existing or recently used block, or a suggested block from your Block Libraries with the help of Autodesk AI. (video: 1:51 min.)
ENHANCED
Activity Insights
Stay informed with access to essential design data with detailed multi-user event logs—tracking for over 35 activity types including version history, file comparison tools and new “What’s Changed” insights. Supported for files managed on Autodesk Docs, stored locally or hosted on third-party cloud storage. (video: 40 sec.)
Multi-User Markup for AutoCAD on the web (Early Access)
Help streamline collaboration on Autodesk Docs projects with Multi-User Markups. Collect and share feedback on drawings using directly intuitive Autodesk Docs mark-up tools – now available in early access with AutoCAD on the web. Create markup links to provide simultaneous access to designs without duplicating or locking files. (video: 1:12 min.)
Autocad Features | 2026 New Features | Autodesk
Explore the newest features in Autodesk AutoCAD 2026 software, including industry-specific toolsets, new automation and insights.
AutoCAD 2026
brings major performance boosts, with up to 4x faster startups and 11x faster file opening, alongside new Autodesk AI-driven features like enhanced "Smart Blocks: Search and Convert". Key updates include improved collaboration via Autodesk Docs, expanded "Markup Assist" functionality, and more detailed "Activity Insights" to track drawing changes.
This video provides a first look at the new features in AutoCAD 2026:
Key Features in AutoCAD 2026
Significant Speed Improvements: File opening is significantly faster, making it much more efficient to work with complex 2D and 3D files.
Autodesk AI Integration:
Smart Blocks (Search and Convert): Detects geometry to convert into blocks and can suggest replacements from your library, improving drawing cleanup.
Markup Import & Assist: Now supports PDF, JPG, and PNG markups from Autodesk Docs, allowing users to automatically update drawings based on feedback.
Enhanced Collaboration & Productivity:
Activity Insights: Provides a detailed log of file events, including who made changes and what was modified.
Connected Support Files: Allows CAD managers to define a single set of project-aware support files for Autodesk Docs projects.
Improved 2D/3D Drafting Tools:
Layer Control: Enhanced control over layers within centerline and center mark commands.
AutoCAD on Web/Mobile: Continued improvements to web and mobile app integration for on-the-go access and multi-user markup capabilities.
Watch this video to learn about the improved Smart Blocks feature in AutoCAD 2026:
AutoCAD 2026 vs. previous releases
2D and 3D CAD drafting, documentation and collaboration tools trusted by millions. Including features that unlock insights and automations with the help of Autodesk AI.
What’s included
Access to industry-specific toolsets, including:
AutoCAD on the web: View, create, and edit AutoCAD drawings from any computer with no software install required.*
AutoCAD on mobile: View, create, and edit AutoCAD drawings via iOS and Android devices.
Integrated workflows: Work smoothly across desktop, web and mobile devices.*
Cloud storage connectivity: Access any DWG file in AutoCAD with Autodesk’s cloud, as well as with leading cloud storage providers.
Top new features added since 2016 include:
Autodesk Assistant: Quickly access helpful support and solutions related to features and your design challenges without leaving AutoCAD.
Activity Insights: View detailed event logs for shared DWG with properties, version history and comparison tools for files.
File Open Performance: On average, 2D files will open 2x faster in AutoCAD 2025 vs AutoCAD 2024**
Smart Blocks: Automatically place and replace blocks, or search for and convert objects into new, existing or suggested blocks.
Markup Assist and Markup Import: Import feedback and incorporate changes into your drawings automatically.
My Insights: Learn valuable tips and new features to help you work faster.
APIs for AutoCAD on the web: Automate processes with the AutoLISP API in AutoCAD on the web.
Trace: Safely review and add feedback directly to a DWG file without altering the existing drawing.
Count: Automate counting blocks or geometry with the COUNT command.
Share: Send a controlled copy of your drawing to teammates and colleagues to access wherever they are.
Push to Autodesk Docs: Push your CAD drawing sheets as PDFs to Autodesk Docs from AutoCAD.
Drawing history: See changes made to your drawing over time (merged with Activity Insights as of AutoCAD 2025).
Xref Compare: Compare two versions of an external xref and implement changes without leaving your current drawing.
Blocks palette: Insert blocks efficiently from the Libraries tab on desktop or in the AutoCAD web app.
Quick measure: Quickly display all nearby measurements in a drawing, including areas and perimeters, by hovering your mouse.
Trim and extend (enhanced): The default Quick mode now automatically selects all potential boundaries.
Purge (redesigned): Remove multiple unneeded objects with easy selection and object preview.
DWG Compare: Compare two versions of a drawing or xref without leaving your current window.
Attach/extract point cloud data: Attach point cloud files acquired by 3D laser scanners or other technologies.
PDF import: Import geometry (SHX font files, fills, raster images and TrueType text) into a drawing from a PDF.
AutoCAD any time, anywhere: Access AutoCAD from your desktop, web and mobile devices.*
Save to web and mobile: Save drawings and their associated xrefs from your desktop to view and edit in the AutoCAD web and mobile apps.
New views and viewports: Easily add saved views to your layouts.
High-resolution monitor support: View your designs on 4K- and higher-resolution displays.
Off-screen selection: Selected objects stay in the selection set, even if you pan or zoom off screen.
Improvements since 2016
Autodesk App Store with 1,000+ AutoCAD apps.
2D graphics: Stability, fidelity, and performance improvements—including up to 9x faster switching between layout tabs in when comparing AutoCAD 2024 vs. AutoCAD 2023.**
Improved Install: AutoCAD 2024 install is up to 2x faster than AutoCAD 2023.**
Sheet Set Manager: Plot your sheet sets with AutoCAD on the web from drawings stored in Autodesk Docs projects (2023).*
Floating windows: Pull away drawing windows to display them side by side or on multiple monitors without opening another instance of AutoCAD (2022).
3D navigation performance: Up to 10x faster (2020).**
Faster Saves: Shave one second off each save on average (2020).**
Speedy install time: Up to 50% faster for solid state hard drives (2020).**
New dark theme: Modern blue aesthetic with contrast and sharpness improvements (2020).
User interface: Flat-design icons and intuitive dialogue boxes and toolbars (2019).
Save, move/copy performance boost with new 2018 DWG file format.
TrustedDWG: Integrity and compatibility alerts for DWG files.
Support and software access
Technical support
Autodesk support specialists: Schedule a call,† chat online (limited availability) or email us.
Remote desktop assistance: Get secure, hands-on troubleshooting.†
Online resources: Access our knowledge base for help documentation, tutorials, training videos and community support forums.
Access to the latest software: Instantly access the newest releases and updates.
Access previous versions: Download and use previous releases.
Flexible term lengths: Subscribe monthly, annually, or for three years.*
Administrative tools: Easily manage software licences, seats and usage from your Autodesk Account.
Not available to maintenance plan customers. *As with all performance tests, results may vary based on factors such as user experience, machine, operating system, network configurations, filters, and source material. While every effort has been made to make the tests as fair and objective as possible, your results may differ. Product information and specifications are subject to change without notice. Autodesk provides this information “as is,” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. © 2025 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved. †Available to maintenance plan customers with Advanced Support.
Referring Domain : https://www.autodesk.com/au/products/autocad/features
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