GorkyCAD vs EPLAN: honest comparison for designers

Introduction

EPLAN Electric P8 is the de-facto standard for electrical design of industrial facilities in Europe. GorkyCAD Pro is a new web-based tool for electricians and designers. There's a chasm in price, architecture, and philosophy between them. But is the choice that clear-cut? We compare honestly.

Comparison criteria

We evaluated both systems across 15 criteria, grouped into 5 categories: cost, functionality, automation, platform/accessibility, and learning curve.

1. Cost

- EPLAN Electric P8: license from €3,000/year. With Pro Panel, API, P&ID modules — up to €6,000+/year. Deployment: training, server infrastructure, administration — from €10,000 one-time.

• GorkyCAD Pro: free plan for basic projects, Pro — from ~€10/mo. No hidden modules. Deployment: open browser — start working.

  Verdict: EPLAN is 30-50× more expensive. For a small design bureau or independent electrician, this is the deciding factor.

  2. Functionality

  EPLAN covers everything: circuit diagrams, cabinet layout (Pro Panel), hydraulics (Fluid), instrumentation (Preplanning), harnesses (Harness proD). An ecosystem for large manufacturers.

  GorkyCAD focuses on the electrical designer's tasks: floor plan, single-line diagram, panel layout, BOM, calculations. For industrial multi-line design, GorkyCAD isn't there yet — and we admit it.

  Verdict: EPLAN wins on breadth. GorkyCAD wins in its segment through speed and simplicity.

  3. Automation

  - EPLAN: powerful macros, C#/Python API, auto-routing, auto-numbering. But setup requires a qualified administrator.

• GorkyCAD: automatic diagram and BOM generation from floor plan, auto-selection of breakers and cross-sections, auto-placement of devices on DIN rails, AI assistant for standards checks. Everything works out of the box.

  Verdict: EPLAN is more flexible for complex customization, GorkyCAD goes faster from zero to result.

  4. Platform and accessibility

  - EPLAN: Windows only. Requires powerful PC (16+ GB RAM, SSD, dedicated GPU). Network licensing via ePLAN License Manager. Annual updates, complex procedure.

• GorkyCAD: web app. Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, tablet. No installation. Weekly updates, transparent to user.

  Verdict: GorkyCAD wins on accessibility. Open a project from any device, anywhere.

  5. Learning curve

  - EPLAN: productive work requires 1-3 months of training. EPLAN Certified Engineer (ECE) certification is expensive and time-consuming.

• GorkyCAD: "pick up and work" interface. Basic skills — 30 minutes. Full proficiency — 2-3 days.

  Verdict: GorkyCAD is dozens of times faster to learn. For hiring new staff, this is critical.

  When EPLAN is still needed

  We'll be honest: EPLAN is irreplaceable when:

  1. You design industrial cabinets with hundreds of devices and complex 3D layouts

2. Enterprise-level multi-user work with version control is required

3. End-to-end ERP/PLM integration (SAP, Teamcenter) is needed

4. Client requires documentation specifically in EPLAN format (Z13, AML)

5. Project includes hydraulics, pneumatics, and instrumentation simultaneously

In all other cases — especially residential, commercial, and small production sites — GorkyCAD gets the job done faster, cheaper, and more conveniently.

Summary table

| Criterion | EPLAN Electric P8 | GorkyCAD Pro |

|---|---|---| | Price | €3,000-6,000/yr | ~€10/mo | | Platform | Windows only | Browser (all OS) | | Learning | 1-3 months | 1-3 days | | Floor plan | No | Yes | | Auto diagram | Via macros | Out of the box | | AI assistant | No | Yes | | 3D cabinet layout | Pro Panel | Basic | | Industrial projects | Yes | Limited |

The choice is not what's better "in general", but what's better for your tasks.