Diaz Editor vs QCAD
Solid 2D drafting — or 3D + 2D with shop-floor-ready output.
Honest comparison for tradespeople. QCAD is a cheap, stable 2D CAD with a free edition. Diaz Editor adds 3D building geometry, a trade component library, and 1-click PDF export — for anyone who wants less prep time and direct shop-floor output.
TL;DR
QCAD (by RibbonSoft) is a solid 2D CAD: stable, a one-time Professional license around €41, plus a free open-source Community Edition. It is deliberately 2D-only. Diaz Editor does 3D AND 2D, with a trade component library and 1-click PDF export toward quote, work-drawing, and bill of materials. For anyone who only wants 2D drafting at the lowest price, QCAD is strong. For anyone who wants 3D, ready-made parts, and direct shop-floor output, Diaz Editor adds that layer for €99 lifetime.
When QCAD is the right choice
- You do only 2D drafting and don't need 3D building geometry.
- You want the lowest possible price, or a fully free edition (Community).
- You're comfortable with a somewhat technical, classic CAD interface and keyboard shortcuts.
- You care about open source: the QCAD core is under GPLv3.
When Diaz Editor fits better
- You want 3D for client presentations AND 2D for the shop floor in one tool — QCAD is 2D-only.
- You want direct, clean PDF export toward quote, work-drawing, and bill of materials, without rework.
- You'd rather start with starter files per trade (cabinet, stairs, frame, sheet metal) than with a blank canvas.
- You work in Dutch, German, or Spanish and want onboarding in your own language.
- You want a modern, guided interface instead of finding your own way.
Side-by-side: features that matter
| Feature | Diaz Editor | QCAD |
|---|---|---|
| 3D building editor | ✓ hierarchical | — (QCAD is 2D-only) |
| 2D CAD module | ✓ DXF in/out | ✓ DXF (DWG in Pro) |
| 1-click PDF pack (quote/drawing/BOM) | ✓ built-in | — (print/export, sometimes rework) |
| Trade component library | 30+ items | — (your own blocks/parts) |
| Guided onboarding + starter files per trade | ✓ | — (blank canvas) |
| UI languages NL/DE/ES | ✓ localized | ✓ (English-centric docs) |
| Works offline | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free edition | — (14-day trial) | ✓ Community (GPLv3, no DWG import) |
| Open source | — | ✓ (core GPLv3) |
| One-time price | ✓ €99 founding | ✓ ~€41 Pro |
Source: public QCAD documentation and user reviews (June 2026) + Diaz Editor changelog. Prices exclude VAT.
Price and value — stated honestly
QCAD
Diaz Editor — Founding
QCAD is cheaper — we acknowledge that. The question isn't which tool costs the least, but what your €99 gets you: 3D building geometry QCAD doesn't have, ready-made parts, and 1-click output to the shop floor. For a tradesperson who saves an hour of prep per project, that difference pays for itself quickly. Do the math yourself: your hourly rate × hours saved versus €99 once.
Honest verdict
For pure 2D drafting at the lowest price
QCAD is an excellent choice. It's stable, proven, and cheap, with a free Community Edition to start with. If you don't need 3D and are comfortable with a classic interface, you get a lot of value for little.
For tradespeople who want 3D, speed, and shop-floor output
Diaz Editor adds the layer where QCAD stops. 3D building geometry, a trade component library, guided onboarding, and 1-click PDF export. You pay €99 once for less prep time and drawings that can go straight to client and workshop.
Frequently asked questions
Is QCAD cheaper than Diaz Editor?
Yes. QCAD Professional is around €41 once and there is a free Community Edition. Diaz Editor is €99 founding. The difference is scope: QCAD is 2D-only; Diaz adds 3D, a trade component library, and 1-click PDF export. You pay for less prep time and shop-floor-ready output.
Does QCAD do 3D?
No. QCAD is deliberately a 2D CAD program. For 3D building geometry you need a different tool. Diaz Editor includes 3D AND 2D in the same price.
Can QCAD open .dwg?
The free Community Edition cannot open DWG; that requires the paid Professional edition. Diaz Editor reads and writes DXF; direct .dwg is on the v0.5 roadmap.
What is the difference in shop-floor output?
QCAD users report that print and export results sometimes need rework. Diaz Editor focuses on 1-click PDF export with quote, work-drawing, and bill of materials in one pack, plus DXF for the workshop.
Is QCAD easier to learn?
QCAD is powerful but is often described as having a somewhat technical interface. Diaz Editor is built around one guided workflow with starter files per trade, so you don't begin with a blank canvas.
Try Diaz Editor — €99 lifetime
100 founding spots. No subscription. 3 device seats. 3D + 2D with shop-floor output.
Claim founding spot — €99