GstarCAD vs TAD Designer
GstarCAD
gstarcad.netTAD Designer
teamtad.comSide by side
| Figure | GstarCAD | TAD Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $19.92/mo | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 9 | 1 |
| Spec score · Architecture Software | 8.4 (#11) | 7.4 (#28) |
| Headquarters | Beijing, China | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Platforms | The maker says GstarCAD runs natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux. | The requirements page lists Windows XP or later and says TAD also works on Linux, Macintosh, and Chromebooks with WINE. |
| Support | The company describes a professional technical support team and lists support at [email protected]. | The maker directs users to community support on Discord, in-app context-sensitive help, and online documentation. |
Plans
GstarCAD
- Standard$749 a month
- Professional$949 a month
- Premium$1,120 a month
- GstarCAD 2027 Standard$239 a year
- GstarCAD 2027 Professional$319 a year
- GstarCAD 2027 Premium$359 a year
- GstarCAD 2027 Standard$599, paid once
- GstarCAD 2027 Professional$759, paid once
- GstarCAD 2027 Premium$896, paid once
In their own words
GstarCAD
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.
TAD Designer
TAD Designer Lite is a space-based BIM tool for architectural design, intended to support work from early concepts through more detailed models. A design can begin with 2D shapes and gain 3D attributes later, while users query information such as areas and distances. Its built-in ARDELA language lets users make probes or add-ons for model analysis. TAD is not drafting software; designs can be exported to CAD and 3D software, including RenderMan-compatible renderers and POV-Ray. Listed supported formats include VRML 2, Virtualight, and RenderMan. The maker describes Lite as intended for small and medium architectural offices, especially in developing countries. Work is saved on the user's computer or LAN. The maker says binary files receive a DRM signature to help protect models from misuse or copying. Support includes Discord community help, in-app contextual help, and online documentation. TAD originated in an architect's office in India in 1989. Lite is free to use; the full version requires free teamTAD Discord membership, and demo mode is available.