nanoCAD vs QCAD Professional

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.

QCAD Professional is 2D CAD software for technical drawings such as building plans, mechanical parts, and diagrams. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Drawing tools include layers, blocks, construction and modification commands, object snaps, measuring, and scaled multipage printing. The Professional edition reads and writes DWG and DXF through version R32, covering 2018–2026, and supports PDF, SVG, bitmap, DWF, and DGN formats. Its Library Browser offers more than 5,000 CAD parts as free add-ons. An ECMAScript (JavaScript) interface supports creating and modifying entities and building interactive CAD tools. Command-line utilities batch-convert drawings to PDF, SVG, bitmaps, and other formats. QCAD offers Professional trial packages and a free, open-source Community Edition. The single-user perpetual license can be installed on multiple computers and operating systems for one user, with new-version updates included for one year. The download plan costs 48.00 USD once.