nanoCAD
by nanoCAD
What nanoCAD is
nanoCAD is Windows CAD software for 2D and 3D engineering drawing and design, using a hybrid modeling approach. It supports parametric and direct modeling, assembly design, sheet-metal tools, and surface modeling. The platform works natively with DWG and imports and exports 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 includes all modules. nanoCAD 26 Platform is $289 a year, billed annually, for a workstation license with 2D/3D drafting and native DWG support. nanoCAD Pro is $459 a year and adds the 3D Solid Modeling Module; nanoCAD Max is $849 a year and includes all listed modules. 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++.
Who it suits
It suits Windows users doing engineering drawing or design who need 2D and 3D tools and DWG support. Teams can consider network licenses, which require the supplied License Server.
What it does well
- Free 2D drawing tier has no time limit
- 30-day trial includes all modules
- Native DWG compatibility
- Imports and exports a broad range of formats
- API supports multiple programming languages
What to know first
- Runs on Windows only
- Listed prices exclude taxes, VAT, or levies
- Network licenses require the supplied License Server
Limits
nanoCAD Free provides 2D engineering drawing tools. The full experience with all modules is available through a 30-day trial; paid plans begin with nanoCAD 26 Platform at $289 a year for one workstation license.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| nanoCAD 26 Platform | billed annually · Workstation license · 2D/3D drafting · Native DWG support | $289 a year |
| nanoCAD Pro | billed annually · nanoCAD 26 Platform · 3D Solid Modeling Module | $459 a year |
| nanoCAD Mechanica | billed annually · nanoCAD 26 Platform · 3D Solid Modeling Module · Mechanica Module | $620 a year |
| nanoCAD Construction | billed annually · nanoCAD 26 Platform · Construction Module | $459 a year |
| nanoCAD Max | billed annually · nanoCAD 26 Platform · All listed modules | $849 a year |
| nanoCAD 26 Platform Network | — | $1,137 a year |
| nanoCAD 3DScan | — | $1,499 a year |
| nanoCAD Construction Workstation | — | $459 a year |
The first 8 of 13 plans, as nanocad.com lists them, read 19 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word. Every plan
Getting started
- Visit the nanoCAD website.
- Choose the free plan, a paid plan, or the 30-day trial with all modules.
- Install nanoCAD on Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11.
- Use a network license with the supplied License Server if applicable.
Verdict
nanoCAD offers a no-cost 2D tier alongside paid options with additional modules for 3D work. Check the supported Windows versions and module bundle details against your workflow before selecting a plan.
Questions
Is nanoCAD free?
Yes. nanoCAD Free provides 2D engineering drawing tools without a time limit.
How much do the paid plans cost?
nanoCAD 26 Platform is $289 a year, nanoCAD Pro is $459 a year, and nanoCAD Max is $849 a year. Listed prices exclude taxes, VAT, or levies.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. The 30-day trial includes all modules.
Which operating systems does nanoCAD support?
It supports Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11.
Which file formats can nanoCAD use?
Formats include DWG, DXF, 3D PDF, DWF/DWFX, STL, Parasolid, IGES, STEP, ACIS, VRML, JT, COLLADA, C3D, and glTF/GLB.
Who makes nanoCAD?
The maker is nanoCAD, headquartered in Lillestrøm, Norway.
Facts from nanoCAD's own pages
- Assembly tools
- The 3D Solid Modeling Module offers 3D constraints for mating parts into 3D assemblies. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- Annual updates
- A new nanoCAD version is released every year. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- Developer API
- The API supports JavaScript, VBS, Python via COM, LISP, .NET, and C++. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- Assembly design
- Yes · nanocad.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Global presence
- Nanosoft AS reports a presence in over 140 countries and more than 920,000 users. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- DWG compatibility
- nanoCAD is fully compatible with the industry-standard DWG format and uses it natively. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- File import and export
- DWG, DXF, 3D PDF, DWF/DWFX, STL, Parasolid, IGES, STEP, ACIS, VRML, JT, COLLADA, C3D, glTF/GLB · nanocad.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · nanocad.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Free tier
- nanoCAD Free provides 2D engineering drawing tools with no time limitations. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- Trial period
- The full nanoCAD experience is available through a 30-day trial with all modules. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Lillestrøm, Norway · nanocad.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Industry coverage
- The products target mechanical engineering, building design, architecture, site design, and landscaping. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- External editors
- Microsoft Excel is recommended for external tables and Microsoft Word for external text. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- Modeling method
- hybrid · nanocad.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Starting price
- nanoCAD 26 Platform starts at $289 per year for one workstation license. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- Tax exclusion
- Listed prices exclude taxes, VAT, or levies. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- Raster tools
- Raster tools import, correct, skew, convert, colorize, vectorize, and smart-select raster images. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- Sheet-metal tools
- Yes · nanocad.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Support channels
- Support includes email and help-desk for subscribers, plus community forum support. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- Supported platforms
- The listed operating systems are Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows 10 64-bit. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows 10 (64-bit), Windows 11 · nanocad.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Support resources
- The site provides a forum, FAQ, installation guide, and support center. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
- Surface modeling
- Yes · nanocad.com, 19 Sept 2026
- Shared licensing
- Network licenses work on any computer on the local network and require the supplied License Server. · nanocad.com, 27 Sept 2026
Where nanoCAD stands on Freedom251
- 3D CAD Software#20 of 79
- Architectural Design Software#8 of 29
- CAD software#11 of 31
- 2D CAD Software#16 of 41
- Architectural CAD Software#9 of 22