CMS IntelliCAD vs GstarCAD

CMS IntelliCAD is desktop CAD software for architectural, civil construction, mechanical, electrical, and HVAC drawings. It supports native DWG as well as DXF, DWF, DGN, PDF, image underlays, SAT, DAE, SVG, IFC, RVT/RFA, STEP, and IGES formats. Users can transfer customized AutoCAD environments through support for its menus, fonts, scripts, and symbol libraries. The programming toolkit includes Microsoft VBA 7.1, LISP, SDS, IRX/DRX, and the Microsoft.NET 4.5 API. Licensing options include perpetual standalone, 365-day lease, USB dongle, network license, and maintained time-limited subscription. The main software is supported on Microsoft Windows; using it on macOS through virtual 64-bit Windows requires a USB dongle license. CMS IntelliCAD PE Easy Run costs $249.95 a year, and CMS IntelliCAD PE costs $279.95 per unit once. ETOOLBOX Free CAD Viewer is a separate Android and Windows option for viewing 2D/3D DWG, DXF, and DWF files; it can open files from device or cloud folders without requiring uploads.

GstarCAD is 2D and 3D CAD software for working with technical drawings. It supports native DWG and DXF files, and the maker describes it as compatible with AutoCAD data formats. Its toolset includes more than 100 tools, such as Area Table, Auto Layer, Viewport to Layout, and AutoXlsTable. The maker says multi-core processing is designed to handle complex drawings with faster processing and less lag. GstarCAD 2027 adds Dynamic Block Parametric Constraints, Automatic Input Method Switching, and floating drawing windows. The developer environment supports LISP, C/C++, VB/VBA, and.NET, along with COM and GRX APIs; the maker says LISP and VBA applications can run without modification. A perpetual license provides lifetime usage rights, and yearly subscription and upgrade licensing are also offered. Plans listed for GstarCAD 2027 start at $239 a year, with prices excluding VAT and service fees. A free 30-day trial is available, but there is no free plan.