Nubo SuiteNubo CAD and AutoCAD: when to use which
Use Nubo CAD to view DXF files, make quick 2D drafts and teach drafting basics in a browser. Keep AutoCAD for DWG-based production work. Nubo CAD is an early alpha: it does not open or save DWG, and you should keep backups of anything important.
The short answer
Choose Nubo Suite if
- You need to view or tweak a DXF file without installing software.
- You draft simple 2D drawings and plot to PDF.
- You teach or learn drafting basics with a command line and object snaps.
Choose AutoCAD if
- Your clients, consultants or contractors send and expect DWG files.
- You do production drawings that must not be lost or corrupted.
- Your drawing standards and templates are built in AutoCAD.
Side by side
| Feature | Nubo Suite | AutoCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Maturity | Early alpha. Features may change and drawings could be lost; keep copies. | An established production tool. |
| DWG files | Not supported. | The native format. |
| DXF files | Reads and writes R2000 ASCII DXF. | See Autodesk for supported DXF versions. |
| 2D drafting | Command line, object snaps, polar tracking, layers, blocks, dimensions, hatching, architectural units. | Autodesk lists its own 2D drafting tools on its product page. |
| Plotting | Plot to PDF at standard paper sizes, fit or to scale, with preview. Export SVG and PNG. | See Autodesk. |
| Cost | Included in every Nubo plan, including Free. Pro A$11, Business A$21 per user per month, billed monthly. Taxes are added at checkout where they apply. | See Autodesk for the current plans and price in your country. |
We have not recorded a dated AutoCAD price from Autodesk’s own page, so this table gives none. Nubo prices come from this site’s pricing page. Check Autodesk’s page for current plans.
What moves, and how
File formats that carry over. Nubo has no migration tool; this is what you do by hand, and we can help.
| You have | Move it as | Nubo app | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| AutoCAD drawings (.dwg) | DXF, saved in the 2000 format (ASCII) | CAD | Nubo CAD reads R2000 ASCII DXF. Fonts, hatches and blocks can change in translation; check the result against the original. |
| Nubo CAD drawings | .dxf, .svg, .png, .pdf | CAD | Export DXF to hand a drawing to someone with AutoCAD. Native .cad files open only in Nubo CAD. |
| Finished sheets | Open, annotate and measure in the PDF app. |
Where Nubo falls short today
The honest limits, so nothing surprises you after you sign up.
- Nubo CAD is an early alpha. Do not use it as the only copy of important work.
- It does not open or save DWG files.
- It is a 2D drafting tool. It is not a replacement for a full CAD package.
- There is no migration tool. Convert drawings by exporting DXF from AutoCAD.
Sources and trademarks
- Autodesk AutoCAD, read on 25 October 2026
AutoCAD and DWG are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. Nubo Suite is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the owner of the AutoCAD brand.
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