Compare software

nanoCAD vs GstarCAD: catalog facts
nanoCAD	GstarCAD
Best for: Drafters who need DWG-compatible CAD for less than AutoCAD costs	Best for: Drafters and engineers who work with DWG drawings
Free + paid options Subscriptions from $289 per year, a full free trial, and a separate free edition.	Paid Paid licence, with a 30-day free trial.
Windows	Windows
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	Works directly in the .dwg file format Covers both 2D drafting and 3D design All 4 strengths for GstarCAD Works directly in the .dwg file format Covers both 2D drafting and 3D design Industry editions for mechanical and architectural work Related viewer, cloud and BIM products from the same developer
Windows only Recommended hardware is fairly demanding, including a 1920x1080 minimum screen	Paid software after the 30-day trial Specialised editions are separate products
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	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 nanoCAD nanocad.com Catalog checked September 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for GstarCAD gstarcad.net Catalog checked September 24, 2026

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