Compare software

Design vs nanoCAD: catalog facts
Design	nanoCAD
Best for: Linux users who need a free 2D drafting tool that exchanges DXF files	Best for: Drafters who need DWG-compatible CAD for less than AutoCAD costs
Free Free and open source under the GPL-3.0-or-later licence.	Free + paid options Subscriptions from $289 per year, a full free trial, and a separate free edition.
Linux, Web	Windows
Reads and writes the standard DXF format Command line prompts guide each operation All 4 strengths for Design Reads and writes the standard DXF format Command line prompts guide each operation Dimensions with full dimension style support Desktop and in-browser versions	Native DWG editing as a lower-cost AutoCAD alternative Modular add-ons for mechanical, construction, raster and survey work All 3 strengths for nanoCAD Native DWG editing as a lower-cost AutoCAD alternative Modular add-ons for mechanical, construction, raster and survey work 2D and 3D parametric constraints in the Pro bundle
Desktop version is Linux only 2D drafting only, no 3D modelling	Windows only Recommended hardware is fairly demanding, including a 1920x1080 minimum screen
Downloadable app, Web application	Downloadable app
Open source	Not open source
License: GPL-3.0-or-later	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Design design-app.readthedocs.io Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for nanoCAD nanocad.com Catalog checked September 24, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.