Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Autodesk Design Review VS nanoCAD

Compare Autodesk Design Review VS nanoCAD and see what are their differences

Autodesk Design Review logo Autodesk Design Review

Design Review lets you view, mark up, print, and track changes to 2D and 3D files.

nanoCAD logo nanoCAD

nanoCAD is a pro-grade 2D CAD system with native DWG support and full customizability.
  • Autodesk Design Review Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-07-27
  • nanoCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-25

Autodesk Design Review features and specs

  • Free of Charge
    Autodesk Design Review is available for free, making it accessible for users and businesses without the need for a financial investment.
  • Supports Multiple File Formats
    The software supports a variety of file formats including DWF, DWG, and PDF, allowing for flexibility in document reviewing and sharing.
  • Markup Tools
    It provides a comprehensive set of markup and annotation tools, enabling users to add comments and suggestions directly onto the design files.
  • 3D Model Interaction
    Users can interact with 3D models, allowing for better visualization and understanding of complex designs.
  • Measuring Features
    The application includes tools for measuring distances, areas, and more, which are crucial for precise review and modification of designs.
  • Offline Access
    Since it is a standalone application, Design Review can be used without an internet connection, offering convenience in various environments.

Possible disadvantages of Autodesk Design Review

  • Limited Editing Capabilities
    Autodesk Design Review is primarily a viewing and markup tool, so it has limited capabilities for making actual design changes or edits to files.
  • Windows Only
    The software is only available for Windows operating systems, which can be a limitation for users on MacOS or Linux.
  • Outdated Interface
    The user interface is considered outdated by some users, lacking the modern design and user experience found in other contemporary software.
  • Infrequent Updates
    Autodesk Design Review does not receive frequent updates, leading to potential compatibility issues with newer file formats or systems.
  • No Mobile Version
    There is no mobile version of Design Review, which limits users who need to review documents on the go.

nanoCAD features and specs

  • Cost-effective
    nanoCAD offers a range of pricing options, including a free version and subscription plans. This makes it highly affordable for both professionals and hobbyists.
  • Familiar Interface
    The user interface of nanoCAD is similar to other popular CAD software, making it easy for users to transition to or work with if they are familiar with other tools.
  • Compatibility
    nanoCAD supports industry-standard DWG file formats, ensuring compatibility with other prominent CAD applications like AutoCAD.
  • Customization Options
    The software allows for extensive customization through APIs and user scripts, enabling users to tailor it to their specific needs.
  • Comprehensive Toolsets
    nanoCAD provides a robust set of tools for 2D drafting, along with some 3D capabilities, making it versatile for various types of projects.

Possible disadvantages of nanoCAD

  • Limited Advanced Features
    Compared to other high-end CAD software, nanoCAD may lack some advanced features and functionalities that are critical for certain specialized tasks.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, especially when handling very large or complex drawings, which could affect productivity.
  • Learning Curve for Customization
    While customization is a pro, it comes with a learning curve that may be steep for users not already familiar with scripting or API usage.
  • Less Frequent Updates
    Updates and new feature releases may not be as frequent as those from more established CAD software providers, potentially resulting in slower access to new technologies.
  • Support and Documentation
    The level of support and available documentation may not be as comprehensive or readily accessible as that offered by larger, more established CAD software companies.

Analysis of nanoCAD

Overall verdict

  • Overall, nanoCAD is considered a good option by many users, especially for those who need a cost-effective CAD software that doesn't compromise on essential features. Its accessibility and performance make it a viable alternative for those looking to avoid the high costs typically associated with CAD programs.

Why this product is good

  • nanoCAD is a popular choice for users seeking an affordable yet powerful CAD solution. It provides a comprehensive set of tools comparable to more expensive options, making it ideal for small businesses or independent professionals. nanoCAD is known for its user-friendly interface, compatibility with industry standards, and generous feature set, which includes 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and a strong API for customization. Additionally, it supports DWG file formats, ensuring seamless integration with existing workflows.

Recommended for

  • Architects and engineers on a budget
  • Small to medium-sized design firms
  • Freelance designers requiring professional tools
  • Educational institutions in need of affordable software for students
  • Businesses seeking to maintain compatibility with DWG files without incurring high expenses

Autodesk Design Review videos

Introduction to Autodesk Design Review

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Revit Tutorials: Autodesk Design Review For Beginners
  • Tutorial - CAD tutorials, introduction to Autodesk Design Review

nanoCAD videos

nanoCAD for aCAD Users - Why it is not just the clone? New video by Ralph Grabowski

More videos:

  • Review - nanoCAD at a Glance
  • Tutorial - NanoCAD 5 Tutorial English - Part 1: Introduction

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Autodesk Design Review and nanoCAD)
3D
27 27%
73% 73
CAD
26 26%
74% 74
Architecture
16 16%
84% 84
Photos & Graphics
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Autodesk Design Review and nanoCAD

Autodesk Design Review Reviews

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nanoCAD Reviews

15 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2022
However, this Sketchup alternative is more of a suite as it features multiple programs including the nanoCAD, nanoCAD Plus, nanoCAD Pro, nanoCAD 3Dscan, etc.
9 Free CAD Software to Download
If you’re looking for other CAD tools that comes with full .dwg support, nanoCAD is next on the list. Although you can use it for free, nanoCAD still comes with many benefits that you usually need to pay for at a premium price, such the famous Command Line tool, SNAP and ONSAP, large number of precision tools and many others that you may find useful.
10 Free AutoCAD Alternatives
NanoCAD provides the user with several very innovative, collaborative and also customizable functions that improve its efficiency. This design and modeling software includes several APIs, which make it very versatile at work. Its capabilities range from the automation of some routine tasks, to the development of various complex CAD applications. All this completely for free.
Source: solidface.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, nanoCAD seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 1 time since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Autodesk Design Review mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Autodesk Design Review yet. Tracking of Autodesk Design Review recommendations started around Mar 2021.

nanoCAD mentions (1)

  • Can opening files on a pirated version of AutoCAD cause complications down the line?
    TLDR. Piracy is bad. Don’t do it. But there is almost zero risk of getting caught. Use NanoCAD if you can’t afford AutoCAD. Source: about 4 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Autodesk Design Review and nanoCAD, you can also consider the following products

Autodesk DWG TrueView - Get a free DWG viewer to view, open, edit, and convert .dwg files, the native file format for AutoCAD files. DWG Trueview includes DWG TrueConvert.

LibreCAD - An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.

ZWCAD Viewer - Cross-Platform .DWG | .DXF | .DWT R12-2013 Viewer

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

ActCAD - ActCAD is one Software for many applications covering the primary domains of – Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) including Structural, Electrical, and Mechanical.

QCAD - QCAD is an application for computer aided drafting in 2D.