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SPECIFICTION
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nanoCAD

nanocad.com

From $24.08/mo Free trial Windows
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Spec score 8.4 #6 of 41 in 2D CAD Software

What it is

nanoCAD is Windows software for 2D and 3D engineering drawing and design. It uses a hybrid modeling approach and supports parametric and direct modeling, assembly design, sheet-metal tools, and surface modeling. The platform is compatible with DWG natively and supports import and export formats including DXF, 3D PDF, DWF/DWFX, STL, Parasolid, IGES, STEP, ACIS, VRML, JT, COLLADA, C3D, and glTF/GLB. nanoCAD Free provides 2D engineering drawing tools without a time limit, while a 30-day trial includes all modules. The nanoCAD 26 Platform starts at $289 a year for one workstation license; other listed plans include nanoCAD Pro at $459 a year and nanoCAD Max at $849 a year. Listed prices exclude taxes, VAT, or levies. Network licenses work on computers on a local network and require the supplied License Server. The API supports JavaScript, VBS, Python via COM, LISP,.NET, and C++. Support includes email and help desk for subscribers, plus community forum support. The maker is headquartered in Lillestrøm, Norway.

Spec sheet

Free plan
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
External editors
Microsoft Excel is recommended for external tables and Microsoft Word for external text.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Headquarters
Lillestrøm, NorwayRead 28 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Annual updates
A new nanoCAD version is released every year.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Assembly design
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Assembly tools
The 3D Solid Modeling Module offers 3D constraints for mating parts into 3D assemblies.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Developer API
The API supports JavaScript, VBS, Python via COM, LISP, .NET, and C++.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
DWG compatibility
nanoCAD is fully compatible with the industry-standard DWG format and uses it natively.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
File import and export
DWG, DXF, 3D PDF, DWF/DWFX, STL, Parasolid, IGES, STEP, ACIS, VRML, JT, COLLADA, C3D, glTF/GLBRead 19 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Free tier
nanoCAD Free provides 2D engineering drawing tools with no time limitations.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Global presence
Nanosoft AS reports a presence in over 140 countries and more than 920,000 users.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Industry coverage
The products target mechanical engineering, building design, architecture, site design, and landscaping.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Modeling method
hybridRead 19 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Raster tools
Raster tools import, correct, skew, convert, colorize, vectorize, and smart-select raster images.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Shared licensing
Network licenses work on any computer on the local network and require the supplied License Server.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Sheet-metal tools
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Starting price
nanoCAD 26 Platform starts at $289 per year for one workstation license.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Support channels
Support includes email and help-desk for subscribers, plus community forum support.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Support resources
The site provides a forum, FAQ, installation guide, and support center.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Supported platforms
The listed operating systems are Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows 10 64-bit.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Supported platforms
Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11Read 19 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Surface modeling
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Tax exclusion
Listed prices exclude taxes, VAT, or levies.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Trial modules
The trial offer includes all modules.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
Trial period
The full nanoCAD experience is available through a 30-day trial with all modules.Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com

Plans and prices

nanoCAD 26 Platform $289 a year billed annually Workstation license · 2D/3D drafting · Native DWG support Read 19 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
nanoCAD Pro $459 a year billed annually nanoCAD 26 Platform · 3D Solid Modeling Module Read 19 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
nanoCAD Mechanica $620 a year billed annually nanoCAD 26 Platform · 3D Solid Modeling Module · Mechanica Module Read 19 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
nanoCAD Construction $459 a year billed annually nanoCAD 26 Platform · Construction Module Read 19 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
nanoCAD Max $849 a year billed annually nanoCAD 26 Platform · All listed modules Read 19 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
nanoCAD Construction Workstation $459 a year 1-year subscription; Platform plus Construction Module Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
nanoCAD Pro Workstation $459 a year 1-year subscription; Platform plus 3D Solid Modeling Module Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
nanoCAD Pro Network $559 a year 1-year subscription; Platform plus 3D Solid Modeling Module Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
nanoCAD Mechanica Workstation $620 a year 1-year subscription; Platform plus 3D Solid Modeling and Mechanica Modules Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
nanoCAD Max Workstation $849 a year 1-year subscription; Platform plus all modules Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
nanoCAD 26 Platform Workstation $867 a year 3-year subscription; perpetual license with three years of support and upgrades Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com
nanoCAD 26 Platform Network $1,137 a year 3-year subscription; perpetual license with three years of support and upgrades Read 27 Sep 2026 · nanocad.com

Every nanoCAD plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free 2D drawing tier has no time limit.
  • 30-day trial includes all modules.
  • Native DWG support and broad import/export formats.
  • Supports parametric and direct modeling.
  • API supports several programming languages.

Limits

  • Available on Windows only.
  • Free plan provides 2D drawing tools.
  • Listed prices exclude taxes, VAT, or levies.
  • Network licenses require the supplied License Server.

Who it suits

It suits engineering, building design, architecture, site design, and landscaping users needing Windows CAD tools. The free tier is limited to 2D engineering drawing.

Verdict

nanoCAD covers 2D drafting and 3D design, with a no-time-limit 2D free tier and a full-module trial. Check the module bundle and license type against the work and budget.

Where Specifiction places it

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