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Manual / Getting started

Install MCAD 2026

Install MCAD 2026 with the MET installer or from the Microsoft Store, and check the version.

What it does

MCAD 2026 is a 2D CAD program for Windows that reads and saves DWG/DXF files directly. This page explains both ways to install it, how to update it, and how to check the version you are running.

System requirements

Item Minimum
Operating system Windows 10 / Windows 11, 64-bit
Memory 8 GB (16 GB recommended for large DWG files)
Disk space About 1 GB
Internet Needed to activate the licence and to verify entitlement periodically
  1. Download the installer from license.mechdesigned.com/download/MCAD. The file is named MCAD2026-Setup-<version>.exe and is digitally signed by MET Mechatronics Designed.
  2. Double-click the file and follow the installer steps (the default location is C:\Program Files\MCAD2026).
  3. The installer includes the DWG reader and MET's symbol library (547 symbols in the electrical, pneumatic, mechanical and architecture groups). You do not need to install a separate converter.
  4. Open MCAD 2026 from the Desktop icon or the Start menu.
  5. The first time you open it, a window asks you to activate your licence. See Activate your licence.

Updating the program (MET installer)

  • The program checks for a new version by itself shortly after you start it.
  • Or run it yourself with Help › Check for Updates....

Option 2: Microsoft Store

You can also install MCAD 2026 from the Microsoft Store. It is the same program with the same licence; the Store copy updates through the Store and may trail the MET installer slightly.

Note: If you already installed MCAD from the Store, it keeps working. The Store version updates only through the Microsoft Store. Help › Check for Updates... does not download an installer for it.

Check the version

Choose Help › About MCAD2026. It shows the version number (Release version) and the licence status.

About MCAD2026 window showing the version number and licence status
About MCAD2026 window showing the version number and licence status

Note: When you report a problem to support, always include the Release version from this window.

Try it: Set up MCAD on an interior designer's new laptop

Scenario: an interior designer has a new laptop and must open a client's condo DWG plan this afternoon.

  1. Open a browser at license.mechdesigned.com/download/MCAD and download the installer.
  2. Double-click MCAD2026-Setup-<version>.exe and click Next until it finishes (it takes a few minutes).
  3. Start MCAD 2026 from the Desktop and fill in the Activate License window as described in Activate your licence.
  4. Choose Help › About MCAD2026 and note the Release version.
  5. Press Ctrl+O and open the condo DWG straight away. No extra file converter is needed.

See also