# SOLIDWORKS vs nanoCAD Free Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that SOLIDWORKS excels in overall user satisfaction, reflected in its significantly higher G2 Score compared to nanoCAD Free. Users appreciate its intuitive interface, which makes complex 3D modeling and assembly straightforward, enhancing productivity in design tasks.
- **According to verified reviews** , SOLIDWORKS has a robust feature set that includes advanced tools for parametric modeling and simulations. Users highlight the ease of converting files from other CAD software, which is a major productivity booster, especially for those working with metallic structures and machine movements.
- **Users say** that nanoCAD Free stands out for its accessibility, being a completely free option that allows users to learn and create without financial commitment. Many find it similar to AutoCAD, making it a practical choice for those looking to transition from more expensive software.
- **Reviewers mention** that while nanoCAD Free is praised for its ease of use and intuitive interface, it lacks the extensive features and capabilities that SOLIDWORKS offers. Users appreciate its simplicity for basic drawing tasks but note that it may not meet the needs of more complex design projects.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** that SOLIDWORKS provides a more comprehensive support experience, with a quality of support score that outshines nanoCAD Free. Users have reported positive experiences with SOLIDWORKS support, which is crucial for troubleshooting and maximizing the software's capabilities.
- **According to recent feedback** , both products have their strengths in usability, but SOLIDWORKS is noted for its superior modeling and rendering capabilities. Users specifically mention the effectiveness of its sheet metal features and the ability to easily create complex designs, which can be a deciding factor for professionals in engineering and design fields.



| | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.2 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 643 | 23 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (44.3% of reviews) | Mid-Market (52.2% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### SOLIDWORKS

Pros:
- Ease of Use (34 reviews)
- Features (28 reviews)

Cons:
- Performance Issues (16 reviews)
- Slow Performance (15 reviews)

### nanoCAD Free

**Not enough data**

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.8 (535 reviews) | 8.9 (19 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.6 (540 reviews) | 8.9 (19 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.3 (112 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.0 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.2 (475 reviews) | 7.7 (17 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.3 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.6 (529 reviews) | 9.4 (19 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### SOLIDWORKS

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### nanoCAD Free

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

Yes

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.7/10 | 53 |
| **nanoCAD Free** | N/A | N/A |

#### CAD to CAM

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **CAD-CAM Import** | 9.0 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAM Data Exchange** | 8.8 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAD/CAM Compatibility** | 8.9 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### CNC Programming

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **CNC Workflows** | 8.7 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CNC Feature Recognition** | 8.6 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Programming Control** | 8.4 (37 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Machining

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Job Set-up** | 8.6 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Operations** | 8.7 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Tooling and Toolpaths** | 8.8 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 112 |
| **nanoCAD Free** | 8.4/10 | 17 |

#### Design

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.5 (107 reviews) | 9.0 (15 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 9.4 (107 reviews) | 8.8 (15 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 9.2 (103 reviews) | 9.0 (15 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 8.1 (100 reviews) | 7.0 (14 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.5 (98 reviews) | 9.2 (14 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 8.4 (90 reviews) | 8.8 (12 reviews) | 
| **Views** | 9.3 (101 reviews) | 7.4 (14 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | 8.3 (85 reviews) | 7.7 (13 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.6 (94 reviews) | 8.6 (12 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | 9.0 (96 reviews) | 8.5 (14 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.4 (90 reviews) | 8.3 (15 reviews) | 

### CAD Libraries

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.9/10 | 35 |
| **nanoCAD Free** | N/A | N/A |

#### Library

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Categorize** | 8.9 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Search** | 8.6 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Deduplication** | 8.4 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Feedback** | 8.6 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### CAD

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Types** | 8.8 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Models** | 9.4 (30 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Compatibility** | 9.1 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Integration

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Catalogs** | 8.5 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **CAD & PLM** | 9.6 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **ERP** | 8.6 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### CAD Data Exchange

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 34 |
| **nanoCAD Free** | N/A | N/A |

#### Data

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D Format** | 9.3 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Data Quality** | 8.8 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Extra Information** | 8.3 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Standard Format** | 9.0 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Translate** | 8.3 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Validation** | 8.7 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Logistics

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integrate** | 9.1 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Additive Manufacturing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 7.9/10 | 66 |
| **nanoCAD Free** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Support - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **STL Compatible** | 8.7 (61 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3MF Compatible** | 8.5 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **OBJ Compatible** | 8.4 (52 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### File Editing - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mesh Repair** | 7.5 (55 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Editing** | 8.6 (60 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Standalone Slicer** | 7.6 (49 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Inetgrated 3D Modeling** | 8.8 (58 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Software Type - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Cloud-based Platform** | 7.7 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Downloadable Application** | 8.6 (53 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | 6.0 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | 6.1 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Material Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Building Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Slicing Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### CAD Viewers

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 9.0/10 | 49 |
| **nanoCAD Free** | N/A | N/A |

#### File Options

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Import files** | 8.9 (44 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Export files** | 9.1 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **View 2D files** | 9.1 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **View 3D files** | 9.3 (44 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Batch convert files** | 8.3 (35 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 8.3 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Dimensioning tools** | 9.5 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Change units** | 9.1 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **3D/solid modeling tools** | 9.2 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Design

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.4 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 15 |
| **nanoCAD Free** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | 7.9 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Schematic editor** | 7.8 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | 9.2 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Component placement** | 8.7 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Library

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | 8.2 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Platform

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | 8.6 (13 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Layers** | 8.1 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Customization

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom commands** | 7.8 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom interface** | 8.3 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 64 |
| **nanoCAD Free** | N/A | N/A |

#### Design

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 9.2 (62 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 9.0 (62 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 8.8 (62 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering tools** | 7.7 (60 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Tools

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | 8.0 (54 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Finite element analysis** | 7.9 (56 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | 7.4 (49 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Work

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | 7.6 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | 7.8 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | 8.3 (51 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | 8.1 (44 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Integrate** | 8.4 (47 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Environment

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.3 (53 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Task** | 8.4 (51 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 8.2 (49 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 8.6 (53 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.4/10 | 45 |
| **nanoCAD Free** | N/A | N/A |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | 9.4 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Rendering Tools** | 8.7 (28 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Drawing Tools** | 9.2 (30 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Editing Tools** | 9.1 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | 7.7 (25 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | 8.6 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Import Files** | 8.6 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File Interoperability** | 8.3 (29 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | 8.0 (26 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **File size** | 7.3 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | 8.4 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Scripts** | 8.4 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Menus** | 7.6 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Custom Interface** | 8.2 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | 8.0 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | 8.4 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | 7.9 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 
| **Command Clarity** | 9.0 (27 reviews) | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)

**Unique to SOLIDWORKS (9):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam), [CAD Libraries](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-libraries), [CAD Data Exchange Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-data-exchange), [Additive Manufacturing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing)



---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | SOLIDWORKS | nanoCAD Free | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 44.3% | 30.4% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 33.8% | 52.2% | 
| **Enterprise** | 21.9% | 17.4% | 

### By Industry

#### SOLIDWORKS

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 23.2%
- **Design:** 11.7%
- **Automotive:** 6.6%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 5.9%
- **Medical Devices:** 5.8%
- **Machinery:** 5.6%
- **Higher Education:** 4.6%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 4.5%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.0%
- **Consumer Goods:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 26.8%

#### nanoCAD Free

- **Information Technology and Services:** 13.0%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 8.7%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 4.3%
- **Building Materials:** 4.3%
- **Business Supplies and Equipment:** 4.3%
- **Computer Software:** 4.3%
- **Construction:** 4.3%
- **Consumer Electronics:** 4.3%
- **Consumer Goods:** 4.3%
- **Design:** 4.3%
- **Other:** 43.5%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS

- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1934 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (527 reviews)
- [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (43 reviews)
- [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (255 reviews)

### Alternatives to nanoCAD Free

- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1934 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (349 reviews)
- [AutoCAD LT](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-lt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (285 reviews)
- [DraftSight](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (208 reviews)
- [Octave BricsCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/octave-bricscad/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (135 reviews)
- [FreeCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/freecad/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (61 reviews)
- [LibreCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/librecad/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (25 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [QCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/qcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (13 reviews)
- [TurboCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/turbocad/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (31 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### SOLIDWORKS

- Title: [What is SOLIDWORKS used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-solidworks-used-for) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "A person can use SolidWorks for many things, Part modeling, Assembly Testing, rendering, Creating working animation of any machine or product. Start..."
- Title: [How to stop or cancel a ongoing command.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-to-stop-or-cancel-a-ongoing-command) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "By pressing escape key."
- Title: [best use o this software](https://www.g2.com/discussions/35425-best-use-o-this-software) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Making 2D sketches and extruding them to make 3d sketches."
- Title: [Where is the Features toolbar in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/where-is-the-features-toolbar-in-solidworks) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Right-click in the window border, click Toolbars, and select or clear a toolbar name.
Click Tools > Customize. On the Toolbars tab, select the toolbars to..."
- Title: [What are features in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-features-in-solidworks) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Solidworks have so many feature like sketch tool, Part modeling, Assembly modeling, Drawing Tool, Sheet metal, weldments, Surface modeling, Rendering Tool,..."

### nanoCAD Free

No discussions available for this product.

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/solidworks-vs-nanocad-free)