nanoCAD
nanoCAD is Windows software for 2D and 3D engineering drawing and design, using a hybrid modeling approach.
What nanoCAD is
nanoCAD is Windows software for 2D and 3D engineering drawing and design, using a hybrid modeling approach. It supports parametric and direct modeling, assemblies, sheet-metal tools, and surface modeling. Native DWG support accompanies import and export for 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; a 30-day trial provides the full experience with all modules. The nanoCAD 26 Platform workstation license costs $289 a year, billed annually. Other listed options include nanoCAD Pro at $459 a year and nanoCAD Max at $849 a year, both billed annually. Listed prices exclude taxes, VAT, or levies. Network licenses can be used on computers on a local network and require the supplied License Server. The API supports JavaScript, VBS, Python via COM, LISP, .NET, and C++.
Good
- Free 2D engineering drawing tools have no time limit.
- A 30-day trial includes all modules.
- Native DWG support is provided.
- Supports parametric and direct modeling.
- API supports JavaScript, Python via COM, LISP, .NET, and C++.
Watch out
- The free tier is limited to 2D drawing tools.
- Available for Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11.
- Listed prices exclude taxes, VAT, or levies.
- Network licenses require the supplied License Server.
Who it suits
It suits Windows users working on engineering drawings or 3D design who need DWG support and a choice of modeling tools. The free tier is for 2D drawing, while the trial includes all modules.
Verdict
nanoCAD offers a no-time-limit option for 2D drawing and a 30-day trial of its full module set. Check the required Windows version and the license terms, including the extra server requirement for network licensing.
Plans and prices
From nanoCAD's own pricing page, checked 19 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| nanoCAD 26 Platform | $289 a year | Workstation license · 2D/3D drafting · Native DWG support · billed annually |
| nanoCAD Pro | $459 a year | nanoCAD 26 Platform · 3D Solid Modeling Module · billed annually |
| nanoCAD Mechanica | $620 a year | nanoCAD 26 Platform · 3D Solid Modeling Module · Mechanica Module · billed annually |
| nanoCAD Construction | $459 a year | nanoCAD 26 Platform · Construction Module · billed annually |
| nanoCAD Max | $849 a year | nanoCAD 26 Platform · All listed modules · billed annually |
| nanoCAD Construction Workstation | $459 a year | 1-year subscription; Platform plus Construction Module |
| nanoCAD Pro Workstation | $459 a year | 1-year subscription; Platform plus 3D Solid Modeling Module |
| nanoCAD Pro Network | $559 a year | 1-year subscription; Platform plus 3D Solid Modeling Module |
| nanoCAD Mechanica Workstation | $620 a year | 1-year subscription; Platform plus 3D Solid Modeling and Mechanica Modules |
| nanoCAD Max Workstation | $849 a year | 1-year subscription; Platform plus all modules |
| nanoCAD 26 Platform Workstation | $867 a year | 3-year subscription; perpetual license with three years of support and upgrades |
| nanoCAD 26 Platform Network | $1,137 a year | 3-year subscription; perpetual license with three years of support and upgrades |
| nanoCAD 3DScan | $1,499 a year | Workstation or Network; 1-year subscription or perpetual license with optional maintenance |
The facts
Each one read from nanoCAD's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Annual updates
- A new nanoCAD version is released every year.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Assembly design
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
- Assembly tools
- The 3D Solid Modeling Module offers 3D constraints for mating parts into 3D assemblies.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Developer API
- The API supports JavaScript, VBS, Python via COM, LISP, .NET, and C++.checked 27 Sep 2026
- DWG compatibility
- nanoCAD is fully compatible with the industry-standard DWG format and uses it natively.checked 27 Sep 2026
- External editors
- Microsoft Excel is recommended for external tables and Microsoft Word for external text.checked 27 Sep 2026
- File import and export
- DWG, DXF, 3D PDF, DWF/DWFX, STL, Parasolid, IGES, STEP, ACIS, VRML, JT, COLLADA, C3D, glTF/GLBchecked 19 Sep 2026
- Global presence
- Nanosoft AS reports a presence in over 140 countries and more than 920,000 users.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Industry coverage
- The products target mechanical engineering, building design, architecture, site design, and landscaping.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Modeling method
- hybridchecked 19 Sep 2026
- Raster tools
- Raster tools import, correct, skew, convert, colorize, vectorize, and smart-select raster images.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Shared licensing
- Network licenses work on any computer on the local network and require the supplied License Server.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Sheet-metal tools
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
- Support channels
- Support includes email and help-desk for subscribers, plus community forum support.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Support resources
- The site provides a forum, FAQ, installation guide, and support center.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Surface modeling
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
- Tax exclusion
- Listed prices exclude taxes, VAT, or levies.checked 27 Sep 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
- Free tier
- nanoCAD Free provides 2D engineering drawing tools with no time limitations.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Starting price
- nanoCAD 26 Platform starts at $289 per year for one workstation license.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Trial modules
- The trial offer includes all modules.checked 27 Sep 2026
- Trial period
- The full nanoCAD experience is available through a 30-day trial with all modules.checked 27 Sep 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Lillestrøm, Norwaychecked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Supported platforms
- The listed operating systems are Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows 10 64-bit.checked 27 Sep 2026
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