Download gCADPlus

Use the links here to download a copy of the gCADPlus landscape design software setup file and try it for a free trial. The links can also be used to upgrade an existing copy of gCADPlus. Install gCADPlus, start the application, and select Demo for a free trial.

YouTube movieHow to download and install gCADPlus.

Get the Imperial version of gCADPlus (where we use decimal feet as the base system of measurement)

Unpack with Windows Explorer, WinZip or search for and install 7Zip – a free file compaction application.

Tip: You may get a warning message that the file is blocked by your virus protection software (or not commonly downloaded and has not been digitally signed). If this happens, download a zip version of the software from the link. 

Note: We regularly submit the gcadplus.exe file to VirusTotal.com and run a check using a large number (64 at the last count) of antivirus tools. The figure below shows the results of the latest test.

Virus check

Tip: When using gCADPlus in the USA, the base unit of measurement is decimal feet. We have developed a handy tool called FtInches for converting feet, inches, and fractions of an inch to decimals. Download the setup file to install FtInches on your computer and let the tool float above your drawing, as shown below.

Click here to download a copy of FtInches as a 7zip file. Expand the file with 7Zip and run setup to install FtInches.

Using FtInches, a measurement of 9 ft 7 and 3/4 of an inch is quickly converted to 9.646 decimal feet.

Get the metric version of gCADPlus (where we use mm as the base system of measurement)

Tip: Unpack with Windows Explorer or WinZip, or search for and install 7Zip, a free file compression application.

Note: We regularly submit the gcadplus.exe file to VirusTotal.com and run a check using a large number (64 at the last count) of antivirus tools. The figure below shows the results of the latest test.

Virus check

The full benefit of gCADPlus can be seen in the landscape ‘smarts’ on the gCADPlus pull-down menu.

About this trial version

The evaluation (unregistered) version of gCADPlus available here is full-featured and can be run in demo mode. It cannot save and print drawings, but the full range of drawing aids is available. When you start the program, it will ask for a username and code. Select “Demo” to enter the evaluation mode. We would encourage you to try out some of our learning materials with the demo version of gCADPlus using this link:

To purchase and unlock the software, visit this website’s “shop” page and select the Buy button. After you pay via PayPal ($AUD 120.00—about $USD 95.00), you will receive an activation code via email. Entering the code will enable you to save designs.

Required hardware

gCADPlus takes relatively little disk space (about 65 Mb) and makes few demands on computer resources.  Any modern computer running Windows should cope comfortably with gCADPlus. We have tested gCADPlus on Windows XP, Windows 2000, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.  Since Microsoft no longer supports Windows XP, you should avoid running gCADPlus under it.

Rather than worry about whether your computer is powerful enough to run gCADPlus, please download this trial version. Test it thoroughly by loading one of the larger sample drawings on this website. If you do not find it satisfactory for your needs, uninstall it via Program files>gCADPlus.

*** gCADPlus also runs in the Mac environment using CrossOver, Parallels, Fusion, BootCamp, etc., or under Linux (Ubuntu and WINE) ***