AutoCAD 2026

Autodesk’s AutoCAD 2026 is here! Let’s take a look at some key features and updates to this newest version of their industry-dominating software!

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 personalized 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 anytime, 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

Specialized toolsets

Gain access to thousands of parts and additional features with industry-specific toolsets

Autodesk App Store and APIs

Customize AutoCAD with APIs to build custom automations and access 1,000+ third-party apps

Conceptualize in 2D and 3D

Design with 2D drafting tools and model in 3D with realistic lighting and materials to render your ideas

New Features

  • Improved 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 update in a Trace layer in AutoCAD so you can review and incorporate feedback with Markup Assist and view Autodesk Docs issues.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 directly on drawings using intuitive Autodesk Docs markup 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.

 

Find Out More!

Yes, there’s a whole lot more to learn about AutoCAD 2026.  Here’s a couple links to get you as informed as possible about this exciting, new release!

  1. Key Features of AutoCAD 2026:  A complete rundown of everything that is available in this new version.

  2. Introducing AutoCAD 2026: Accelerate with Faster Performance, Autodesk AI, and Connected Design (Article)

  3. AutoCAD Pricing Overview

Thanks for reading!

-Luke