NanoCAD

Active

Country: Russia (RU)
Founded: 2008
Developer: Nanosoft (Russia)
Pricing: Free (basic version); paid modules available
Open source: No
Platforms: Windows

Indexes

Moving/Floor Planning

Overview

nanoCAD is a CAD software platform for 2D/3D drafting and design, supporting native DWG files for creating industry-standard CAD files. It targets engineers and designers across industries for project documentation, featuring a classic interface, customizable profiles, and APIs for automation and application development.¹²³

Key Features

Native DWG compatibility - Supports industry-standard DWG files for 2D/3D drawing and editing.
Classic CAD interface - Implements a familiar, easy-to-learn user interface similar to traditional CAD tools.
Profiles management - Allows saving, exporting, importing, and switching custom user environment settings.
Multiple APIs - Includes NRX API (C++/ .NET, similar to AutoCAD ARX), MultiCAD API, and scripting support for LISP, VBS, JavaScript.
Layer profiles - Organizes layers for collaborative work and automatic prefixing in mechanical designs.
Profile lines - Creates lines for surface elevations, road profiles, reports, with auto-closing or extension options.
Customizable UI - Supports reorganization of workspace and multiple color themes.
Scripting engine - Automates routine tasks using supported Windows scripting languages.

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
nanoCAD Platform	Free	Basic 2D/3D CAD tools, DWG support, APIs, profiles.
nanoCAD Plus	Paid (purchase after trial)	Advanced features; exact pricing on site.
Industry Modules (e.g. Mechanica)	Paid add-ons	Specialized tools for specific engineering tasks.

Platforms & Requirements

nanoCAD runs on Windows PCs with a classic interface optimized for that platform. Minimum requirements align with standard CAD software for PC; no support mentioned for macOS, Linux, mobile, or web. All features, including APIs and profiles, are Windows-specific.¹²⁶

Integrations & Ecosystem

DWG import/export
DXF compatibility (implied via DWG tools)
NRX API (C++/ .NET, AutoCAD ARX compatible)
MultiCAD API (cross-platform CAD apps)
LISP scripting
Visual Basic Script
JavaScript
Layer and profile systems for team collaboration

Alternatives

App	Difference
AutoCAD	Proprietary with broader ecosystem but higher cost; nanoCAD offers similar DWG support at lower price.
LibreCAD	Free and open-source but limited to 2D; nanoCAD adds 3D and advanced APIs.
DraftSight	Free DWG viewer/editor from Dassault; nanoCAD provides fuller CAD platform with customization.
FreeCAD	Open-source parametric modeler; nanoCAD focuses on classic 2D/3D drafting interface.

Reputation

nanoCAD is recognized as a cost-effective alternative to AutoCAD, praised for native DWG support, familiar interface, and API compatibility that eases migration of AutoCAD apps.³ Users appreciate its performance for 2D/3D tasks and free base version, though some note it as Russian-developed software which may raise geopolitical concerns.¹² Criticisms include limited non-Windows support and reliance on paid modules for specialized industry use.

Sources (10)