What it is
nanoCAD is Windows CAD 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. Its native DWG support works with that file format, and its import and export options include 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 289.00 USD per year for one workstation license; other listed options include nanoCAD Pro at 459.00 USD per year and nanoCAD Max at 849.00 USD per 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++.
Who it suits. nanoCAD suits Windows users doing engineering drawing, building design, architecture, site design, or landscaping. Its module options may appeal to people needing 3D assembly or construction tools.
Good
- Free plan provides 2D engineering drawing tools without a time limit
- Native compatibility with DWG
- Supports parametric and direct modeling
- 30-day trial includes all modules
- API supports multiple programming languages
Watch for
- Available on Windows only
- Listed prices exclude taxes, VAT, or levies
- Network licenses require the supplied License Server
Verdict
nanoCAD offers a no-time-limit free 2D option, a full-module trial, and paid packages for additional design tools. Check module and licensing needs before choosing a plan.
Plans and prices
| Plan | Price | Billed |
|---|---|---|
| nanoCAD 26 Platform | $289 a year | billed annually |
| nanoCAD Pro | $459 a year | billed annually |
| nanoCAD Mechanica | $620 a year | billed annually |
| nanoCAD Construction | $459 a year | billed annually |
| nanoCAD Max | $849 a year | 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 |
From nanoCAD's own pricing page, checked 19 Sept 2026. Every plan
What the maker publishes
- Assembly tools
- The 3D Solid Modeling Module offers 3D constraints for mating parts into 3D assemblies. source
- Annual updates
- A new nanoCAD version is released every year. source
- Developer API
- The API supports JavaScript, VBS, Python via COM, LISP, .NET, and C++. source
- Assembly design
- Yes source
- Global presence
- Nanosoft AS reports a presence in over 140 countries and more than 920,000 users. source
- DWG compatibility
- nanoCAD is fully compatible with the industry-standard DWG format and uses it natively. source
- File import and export
- DWG, DXF, 3D PDF, DWF/DWFX, STL, Parasolid, IGES, STEP, ACIS, VRML, JT, COLLADA, C3D, glTF/GLB source
- Free plan
- Yes source
- Free tier
- nanoCAD Free provides 2D engineering drawing tools with no time limitations. source
- Trial period
- The full nanoCAD experience is available through a 30-day trial with all modules. source
- Headquarters
- Lillestrøm, Norway source
- Industry coverage
- The products target mechanical engineering, building design, architecture, site design, and landscaping. source
- External editors
- Microsoft Excel is recommended for external tables and Microsoft Word for external text. source
- Modeling method
- hybrid source
- Starting price
- nanoCAD 26 Platform starts at $289 per year for one workstation license. source
- Tax exclusion
- Listed prices exclude taxes, VAT, or levies. source
- Raster tools
- Raster tools import, correct, skew, convert, colorize, vectorize, and smart-select raster images. source
- Sheet-metal tools
- Yes source
Review
nanoCAD is a Windows CAD platform for 2D drafting and 3D modeling, with a free 2D tier and paid modules for more specialized work. It suits contractors and design professionals who need native DWG support and want to add capabilities as projects demand; its value depends on choosing the right license and module combination.
Overview
DWG is nanoCAD’s native format, and the software also imports and exports formats including DXF, 3D PDF, DWF/DWFX, STEP, IGES, STL and IFC. That breadth can help teams exchange drawings and models across different workflows. Its hybrid modeling approach supports both parametric and direct modeling, alongside assembly design, sheet-metal tools and surface modeling.
nanoCAD targets mechanical engineering, building design, architecture, site design and landscaping. The 3D Solid Modeling Module adds constraints for mating parts into assemblies, while raster tools can correct, skew, colorize, vectorize and smart-select images. Excel is recommended for external tables and Word for external text, so those tasks rely on familiar companion applications rather than being presented as native document editing.
Key features
- Drawing and file exchange: Native DWG compatibility is a practical strength for work centered on that format. Additional supported formats include Parasolid, ACIS, VRML, JT, COLLADA, C3D and glTF/GLB.
- Modular 3D tools: The base Platform provides 2D/3D drafting; the 3D Solid Modeling Module adds assembly constraints, with further modules available for construction and mechanical design. This makes the package adaptable, but buyers need to match the license to the actual work.
- Raster editing: Image correction, conversion and vectorization can support drawing workflows involving scanned or raster plans.
- Customization: The API supports JavaScript, VBS, Python via COM, LISP, .NET and C++, giving organizations several routes to extend or automate the software.
- Licensing and support: Network licenses can be used on computers across a local network and require the supplied License Server. Subscribers have email and help-desk support; community support is also available through a forum.
Pricing
nanoCAD Free provides 2D engineering drawing tools with no time limit. It is a useful starting point for users whose needs stay in 2D, but it does not substitute for the paid module packages when specialized 3D or construction tools are required.
Paid subscriptions are billed annually, and listed prices exclude taxes, VAT and levies. The Platform starts at $289 a year for one workstation license and includes 2D/3D drafting with native DWG support. It is the entry paid option for general drafting rather than a bundled specialist toolset.
- nanoCAD Pro — $459 a year: Platform plus the 3D Solid Modeling Module, for users needing constrained 3D assemblies.
- nanoCAD Construction — $459 a year: Platform plus the Construction Module, for building-design work that needs that dedicated module.
- nanoCAD Mechanica — $620 a year: Platform, 3D Solid Modeling and Mechanica modules, for mechanical workflows needing both additions.
- nanoCAD Max — $849 a year: Platform plus all listed modules, suited to buyers who need the broadest listed package rather than selecting a narrower bundle.
Workstation and network subscription options are also offered: Pro Workstation is $459 a year and Pro Network is $559 a year. Construction Workstation is $459 a year; Mechanica Workstation is $620 a year; and Max Workstation is $849 a year. Network licensing may suit teams sharing access across local-network computers, but it requires the License Server.
For buyers seeking a perpetual license, the three-year Platform Workstation option is $867 a year and the Platform Network option is $1137 a year; each includes three years of support and upgrades. A full-feature trial includes all modules for 30 days, giving prospective buyers a time-limited way to assess the broader package before committing.
Platforms
nanoCAD supports Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows 11. It is not a fit for teams that need a native macOS, web or mobile platform.
Who it's for
nanoCAD is strongest for Windows-based contractors, building designers and engineering teams that work with DWG and can identify the modules their projects require. The no-time-limit free tier is appropriate for 2D engineering drawings; paid plans make more sense when 3D assembly, construction or mechanical capabilities are needed. Buyers who need cross-platform access or a simpler, single-purpose modeling workflow should compare alternatives.
Pros and cons
- Pros: Native DWG support and a wide import/export range support drawing exchange; a no-time-limit 2D tier lets users continue without a subscription; modular subscriptions offer a choice between focused tools and all listed modules.
- Cons: The free plan is limited to 2D engineering drawing tools, so it is not a free route to the full modular feature set; paid packages require careful module selection, and the full trial lasts only 30 days; platform support is limited to Windows.
Alternatives
Consider SOLIDWORKS if you need its macOS or web availability alongside Windows; its listed Design Standard with Cloud Services plan is $2820 a year and uses a device-locked single-device license. Choose Creo if a floating concurrent license with Support and Maintenance included better fits organizational use. Autodesk Inventor is another Windows option with a free trial and a monthly no-contract subscription option.
Onshape may suit non-commercial users willing to keep all documents public. Shapr3D offers a free Basic plan limited to two projects, with a paid Pro tier. Rhino 3D is an option for Windows or macOS users considering a permanent license. FreeCAD is a free alternative available on Linux, macOS and Windows, while OwlCAD offers a free plan with commercial rights and cross-platform availability.
Browse our 3D CAD software, CAD software and architecture software guides to compare more options.
Verdict
Choose nanoCAD if your work is Windows-based, DWG-centered and benefits from selecting drafting, assembly or construction tools as separate modules. The permanent free 2D tier is its clearest advantage; look elsewhere if you need macOS or web access, or want a package whose licensing and toolset require less modular decision-making.