nanoCAD Pricing Overview
nanoCAD is a professional DWG-compatible CAD platform available at a fraction of the cost of AutoCAD. All nanoCAD versions include native DWG file support, a familiar command interface, and powerful 2D drafting tools. Prices start at $260 per year for nanoCAD Platform with a 10% introductory discount.
Every nanoCAD license includes free technical support, software updates during the subscription or update period, and full compatibility with AutoCAD DWG files from version R11 through 2018. You can also try nanoCAD free for 30 days before purchasing.
Subscription vs. Perpetual License
nanoCAD offers two licensing models to fit different budgets and business needs:
Annual subscription gives you access to the latest version of nanoCAD for one year. This is the most affordable option upfront and includes all updates released during the subscription period. If you stop renewing, the software stops working at the end of the term.
Perpetual (lifetime) license is a one-time purchase that gives you permanent ownership of nanoCAD. The price includes 3 years of free updates. After the update period expires, the software continues to work indefinitely — you simply stop receiving new version upgrades. This option has a higher upfront cost but eliminates recurring fees. For example, a nanoCAD Platform perpetual license costs $780, which equals just 3 years of annual subscription at $260/year — and after that, you pay nothing.
Workstation vs. Network License
A workstation license is tied to a single computer. One license allows one person to use nanoCAD on one machine. This is the right choice for individual users and small teams where each engineer has a dedicated workstation.
A network license is installed on a server and shared across your organization. Multiple users can access nanoCAD from any computer on the network, but only the purchased number of concurrent users can run the software at the same time. Network licenses are ideal for larger teams, shift-based workflows, or organizations where not every engineer needs CAD access simultaneously. AutoCAD no longer offers network licensing — nanoCAD is one of the few professional CAD platforms that still supports this flexible model.
nanoCAD vs. AutoCAD: Price Comparison
nanoCAD delivers comparable 2D drafting functionality to AutoCAD at up to 87% lower cost. Here is a side-by-side pricing comparison:
| nanoCAD Platform | nanoCAD Pro | AutoCAD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-year subscription | $260/yr | $413/yr | $1,975/yr |
| 3-year cost | $780 (perpetual) | $1,239 (perpetual) | $5,925 |
| Perpetual license | Available | Available | Not offered |
| Network license | Available | Available | Not offered |
| DWG native | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LISP / .NET API | Yes | Yes | Yes |
For a team of 5 engineers, nanoCAD Platform saves $8,575 per year compared to AutoCAD. Over 3 years with perpetual licenses, the total savings exceed $21,825. See the full nanoCAD vs AutoCAD comparison.
All nanoCAD Plans and Prices
Use code NANO10 at checkout for a 10% discount on any plan. All prices are in USD. Click “Buy” to add the product to your cart.
| Product | License Type | Duration | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nanoCAD 25 | Workstation | 1-year subscription | $289 $260 | Buy |
| nanoCAD 25 | Workstation | Lifetime with 3-year updates | $867 $780 | Buy |
| nanoCAD 25 | Network | 1-year subscription | $379 $341 | Buy |
| nanoCAD 25 | Network | Lifetime with 3-year updates | $1,137 $1,023 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Pro | Workstation | 1-year subscription | $459 $413 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Pro | Workstation | Lifetime with 3-year updates | $1,377 $1,239 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Pro | Network | 1-year subscription | $559 $503 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Pro | Network | Lifetime with 3-year updates | $1,677 $1,509 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Construction | Workstation | 1-year subscription | $459 $413 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Construction | Workstation | Lifetime with 3-year updates | $1,377 $1,239 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Construction | Network | 1-year subscription | $559 $503 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Construction | Network | Lifetime with 3-year updates | $1,677 $1,509 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Mechanica | Workstation | 1-year subscription | $620 $558 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Mechanica | Workstation | Lifetime with 3-year updates | $1,860 $1,674 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Mechanica | Network | 1-year subscription | $740 $666 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Mechanica | Network | Lifetime with 3-year updates | $2,220 $1,998 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Max | Workstation | 1-year subscription | $849 $764 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Max | Workstation | Lifetime with 3-year updates | $2,547 $2,292 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Max | Network | 1-year subscription | $969 $872 | Buy |
| Bundle: nanoCAD Max | Network | Lifetime with 3-year updates | $2,907 $2,616 | Buy |
| Version & Key Features | Best For | Price | DWG Compatibility | License Type | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nanoCAD Platform — Affordable DWG CAD Software | Students, small businesses, basic drafting tasks | from $289 | ✅ Yes | Subscription / Perpetual | ✅ Yes |
| nanoCAD Pro — Professional CAD Tools for Engineers | Engineers, architects, advanced drafting | from $459 | ✅ Yes | Subscription / Perpetual | ✅ Yes |
| nanoCAD Mechanica — Mechanical Design CAD Software | Mechanical engineers, manufacturing design | from $620 | ✅ Yes | Subscription / Perpetual | ✅ Yes |
| nanoCAD Max — Advanced CAD Suite | Multi-discipline engineering, full feature set | from $849 | ✅ Yes | Subscription / Perpetual | ✅ Yes |
| nanoCAD Construction — Architectural CAD Software | Architects, construction design projects | from $459 | ✅ Yes | Subscription / Perpetual | ✅ Yes |
Which nanoCAD Version Is Right for You?
nanoCAD comes in five versions, each designed for specific engineering workflows. All versions share the same DWG-compatible core platform and differ in the specialized modules included:
nanoCAD Platform (from $260/yr)
The core CAD application for 2D drafting and basic 3D work. Includes all essential drawing, editing, and annotation tools, full DWG support, layer and block management, plotting, and LISP/.NET API access. Best for students, freelancers, small businesses, and anyone who needs reliable 2D CAD without specialized industry tools.
nanoCAD Pro (from $413/yr)
Everything in Platform plus the 3D Solid Modeling module. Adds parametric 2D and 3D design, solid body operations (extrude, revolve, boolean), 3D assembly constraints, and support for STEP, IGES, STL, and other 3D exchange formats. Best for engineers and architects who need advanced 3D modeling alongside 2D drafting.
nanoCAD Mechanica (from $558/yr)
Everything in Pro plus specialized mechanical engineering tools. Includes weld seam notation, thread drawing, section properties calculators, fastener and bolt calculators, and a built-in parts library with thousands of standard components. Best for mechanical engineers, manufacturing firms, and machine builders.
nanoCAD Construction (from $413/yr)
Everything in Platform plus construction and architectural design modules. Includes tools for building plans, structural layouts, reinforcement detailing, and construction documentation. Best for architects, structural engineers, and construction design firms.
nanoCAD Max (from $764/yr)
The complete nanoCAD package with all available modules — 3D Solid Modeling, Mechanica tools, and Construction tools in one license. Best for multi-discipline engineering firms and users who need maximum flexibility across different project types.
Frequently Asked Questions About nanoCAD Pricing
How much does nanoCAD cost?
nanoCAD Platform starts at $260 per year for a workstation subscription. Perpetual (lifetime) licenses start at $780 with 3 years of updates included. Specialized bundles like nanoCAD Pro ($413/yr), Mechanica ($558/yr), Construction ($413/yr), and Max ($764/yr) are also available. All prices are in USD and include a 10% introductory discount with code NANO10.
Is nanoCAD cheaper than AutoCAD?
Yes, significantly. An AutoCAD subscription costs $1,975 per year. nanoCAD Platform costs $260 per year — that is 87% less for comparable 2D drafting functionality. nanoCAD also offers perpetual licenses (AutoCAD does not) and network licensing (AutoCAD discontinued this option). Over 3 years, a single nanoCAD Platform perpetual license ($780) saves over $5,000 compared to AutoCAD.
Is there a free trial for nanoCAD?
Yes. nanoCAD offers a free 30-day trial with full functionality. No credit card is required, and you can test all features with your own DWG files. Request your free nanoCAD trial here.
What is the difference between subscription and perpetual license?
A subscription gives you access to nanoCAD for one year at a lower upfront cost. A perpetual license is a one-time purchase that lets you use nanoCAD permanently — it includes 3 years of free updates, and after that the software continues working but no longer receives new versions. The perpetual license pays for itself after 3 years compared to the annual subscription.
What is the difference between workstation and network license?
A workstation license is installed on one specific computer for one user. A network license is installed on a server and can be shared by multiple users — only the purchased number of concurrent users can run nanoCAD at the same time. Network licenses are ideal for teams, offices with shift workers, or organizations where not everyone uses CAD simultaneously.
Do I need to pay annually for nanoCAD?
No. While annual subscriptions are available, you can also purchase a perpetual (permanent) license. With a perpetual license, you make a one-time payment and own the software indefinitely. nanoCAD is one of the few professional CAD platforms that still offers this option — AutoCAD moved to subscription-only pricing in 2016.
Are all nanoCAD versions compatible with AutoCAD DWG files?
Yes. Every nanoCAD version — from Platform to Max — uses DWG as its native file format. Files created in nanoCAD can be opened in AutoCAD and vice versa without any conversion. nanoCAD supports DWG versions from R11 through 2018, which is broader than AutoCAD’s own support range.
Can I upgrade from Platform to Pro or Max later?
Yes. You can upgrade your nanoCAD license at any time by purchasing the difference between your current version and the target version. Contact us at ask4cad.com/contact-us for upgrade pricing specific to your license.
Do you offer volume or educational discounts?
Yes. Volume discounts are available for purchases of 5 or more licenses. Educational institutions can access special academic pricing. Contact us at ask4cad.com/contact-us for a custom quote tailored to your organization.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, and bank transfers for enterprise purchases. All transactions are processed securely. Orders are typically fulfilled within one business day, and you will receive your license key via email.