GstarCAD vs nanoCAD

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.

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.