An advantage to using a product like AutoCAD is that given how long it has been in development, it is a mature product with a robust feature set. It does many things, and it does those things well. What this does mean is that the yearly “what’s new” is light, without a lot of substance.
AutoCAD 2026 is here. Like the past few releases, there is not much new. Although it does seem even lighter than past years. Especially if you do not use Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), like me, and these new features do not impact your workflows.
So, what are AutoCAD 2026 new features?
Performance
Raster images now load asynchronously in the background while opening a drawing. With drawings with many images, this means quicker open times.
If you work with larger 3D models, you should appreciate the updated FASTSHADEDMODE with two new visual styles: Hidden and Conceptual.
If you use GPU acceleration, new Graphics Performance options provide better control over the display of TrueType fonts.
AutoCAD 2026 has better compatibility with Windows system printers, handling custom configuration settings more effectively. I do not print much, and when I do, I do not use custom configurations. So I will need to take Autodesk’s word on this one.
Other Highlights
A new CENTERLAYER system variable allows you to set the default layer for the Centerline and Center Mark commands. Set this with the system variable or from the new layer picker in the ribbon.
I will be honest; I thought this was already there. But it is a nice-to-have feature, and I am glad it is there now. It would be better if all the annotation-related tools had like features. Let’s be able to set the default layers for text, multi-leaders, revision clouds, wipeouts, and tables. Or even better, implement object layer mapping controls like AutoCAD Mechanical.
Activity Insights now includes What’s Changed details. This shows a high-level summary of the changes made during each edit session. The idea is it can help you know what last happened in the drawing so you know where to continue from.
This What’s Changed information is tied to the drawing, not to individual users. So anyone working on the drawing sees the same insight.
For new users, the AutoCAD Foundations training series focuses on teaching everything needed to get up and running with AutoCAD. Note, this is currently only available in english.
Smart Blocks
Search and Convert
AutoCAD 2024 was the first to introduce Smart Blocks workflows. In that release, it suggested similar blocks when selecting a block reference to replace. As a bonus, AutoCAD maintained the scale, rotation, and attribute values of the original block. AutoCAD 2025 extended this workflow, introducing a conversion workflow where it found similar geometry and converted all instances into blocks.
AutoCAD 2026 refines the process. First, Search and Convert is now in the ribbon! Yes, in the previous version it was commandline accessible only.
Search and Convert (now BSEARCH) finds all instances of similar geometry in the drawing. What’s different is the use of the trace-like search review toolbar to more easily navigate through the found instances. It also allows you to adjust filters on the fly and see the total number of matching instances.
What remains unchanged is the block definition to use; you can still pick an existing block instance from the drawing. Or from the Convert dialog, choose a recently used block, pick from the drawing’s list of blocks, or choose a machine-learning-suggested block.
With the block definition selected, adjust the rotation and alignment relative to the source geometry.
Here is the 2025 process vs. 2026.
Heads up: I cannot find the option of just converting the source object. I’m sure it’s there, as I can’t imagine you need to deselect all the other instances.
The big news is the new Include text variations. What this means is adding attribute tags, and during the conversion, AutoCAD includes the text variations, moving the text content into the new attributes. Fantastic!
Detect and Convert
Detect, now known as Detect and Convert, remains a Tech Preview. This means the feature is not fully flushed out, and you may encounter errors or strange results. Opposed to a closed beta, this technology is released for anyone to test and use. It remains important to report errors; otherwise, the feature will not get better.
Disappointingly, this tech preview detection still only works best on architectural objects in floor plans… what about us non-architectural types!
If you have never used Detect, it uses Autodesk’s machine learning service to find objects suitable for block conversion. With 2026 it has improved detection capabilities. This means it finds more matching sets of objects for block conversion.
After running Detect and Convert, the palette shows all detected sets and the number of found instances for each set. Like with Search and Convert, use the Detect review toolbar to navigate through the found instances.
You can change or edit the primary instance. You want to make sure AutoCAD finds what you want. The primary instance is the seed AutoCAD uses to find matching instances. Use change to choose a different primary instance. Or use edit to add or remove objects from the primary instance.
Finish by invoking the conversion process.
In Summary
So, for the non- ACC users, not a lot is new. Overall, AutoCAD 2026 new features are a Mid release. CENTERLAYER is a nice to have. The biggest enhancement is the text variation and attribute creation with the smart block convert process.
The Smart Block workflows started with smart placement in 2025 and continued with search/convert and the detect tech preview in 2025. 2026 feels like they are just treading water, not really moving or progressing. Hopefully in 2027 we see a stride forward again. Like move the detect workflows past just supporting architectural shapes. Or giving the user the ability to train the smart placement workflow. Or how about a fuzzy match so that more closely shaped instances are found?
You can read everything that’s new, including the ACC enhancements, here. If you are a Global eTraining subscriber, also make sure you check out my AutoCAD 2026 New For lecture.
