DraftSight vs nanoCAD
DraftSight
draftsight.com
nanoCAD
nanocad.comSide by side
| Figure | DraftSight | nanoCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $24.92/mo | $24.08/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 6 | 13 |
| Spec score · 2D CAD Software | 8.2 (#8) | 8.4 (#6) |
| Spec score · Architectural CAD Software | 8.0 (#11) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Spec score · CAD software | 8.0 (#18) | 8.3 (#13) |
| File formats | DraftSight works natively with DWG files and supports DWG, DXF, and DGN workflows. | DWG, DXF, 3D PDF, DWF/DWFX, STL, Parasolid, IGES, STEP, ACIS, VRML, JT, COLLADA, C3D, glTF/GLB |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Integrations | DraftSight describes integrations with SOLIDWORKS Visualize, SOLIDWORKS Simulation, and 3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace Make. | Microsoft Excel is recommended for external tables and Microsoft Word for external text. |
Plans
DraftSight
- Professional$299 a year
- Premium$599 a year
- Network$399 a year
- DraftSight Professional$299 a year
- DraftSight Enterprise$399 a year
- DraftSight Premium$599 a year
nanoCAD
- nanoCAD 26 Platform$289 a year
- nanoCAD Pro$459 a year
- nanoCAD Mechanica$620 a year
- nanoCAD Construction$459 a year
- nanoCAD Max$849 a year
- nanoCAD Construction Workstation$459 a year
- nanoCAD Pro Workstation$459 a year
- nanoCAD Pro Network$559 a year
- nanoCAD Mechanica Workstation$620 a year
- nanoCAD Max Workstation$849 a year
In their own words
DraftSight
DraftSight is a desktop 2D CAD application for creating, editing, viewing, and sharing DWG drawings; some versions add 3D design. It works natively with DWG and supports DWG, DXF, and DGN workflows. Drafting tools include layers, hatching, snapping, splines, dimensioning, batch printing, and sheet-set management. APIs, LISP automation, DLLs, and custom scripts support automation. PDF Import converts PDF drawings into editable DWG files in Premium and Enterprise Plus. DraftSight describes integrations with SOLIDWORKS Visualize, SOLIDWORKS Simulation, and 3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace Make. Professional and Premium support 64-bit Windows 11 and macOS 14, 15, and 26; listed minimums are 8 GB RAM and 5 GB disk space. Named-user, network, and perpetual licenses are available, with perpetual licenses sold through resellers. Professional costs $299 a year, Premium $599 a year, and Network starts at $399 a year. A 30-day trial is listed.
nanoCAD
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.