DRAFTSIGHT – AutoCAD Alternative or First Choice
The first version of DRAFTSIGHT was released in 2011. At that time, it was just another AutoCAD LT alternative. Seven years later DRAFTSIGHT has established itself as one of the leading products in the 2D CAD market.
Even though DRAFTSIGHT is not being developed in the shadow of its main competitor anymore, command names, shortcuts and the way the things are done are not changed. For AutoCAD command line users this means effortless migration to DRAFTSIGHT. For AutoCAD users that rely on ribbons or toolbars migration to DRAFTSIGHT will take minimal effort since its GUI is very well organized.
Key features:
- Supported work on multiple operating systems – Windows, Mac and Linux
- Open, edit and save DWG documents – supported DWG format in multiple versions
- Customizable user interface - solution from this discipline offers a variety of tools for the development of forms and materials with a high level of complexity and the quality of the surface, as tools for decision making about the prototypes of products
- User interface with control line
- Application Programming Interfaces (API)
- Interface with business systems, ie. PLM, PDM, ERP
- Create custom program
For more information about DraftSight please contact our team
DRAFTSIGHT GUI
Also, it is important to mention that free version of DRAFTSIGHT is available for download. DRAFTSIGHT vs AutoCAD LT comparison list shows that DRAFTSIGHT shouldn’t be considered as just another AutoCAD LT clone. DRAFTSIGHT covers almost every single functionality of its main competitor. Also, it is capable of generating G-Code for CNC machining and offers some additional, very interesting functionalities.
G-code generator
Users that are not part of a CNC machining business might find the Toolbox much more interesting. The toolbox is standards-based mechanical symbol library and mechanical annotation library with a set of manipulation tools for increased productivity
Toolbox - standards-based mechanical symbol and annotation library
Beside the already mentioned differences, DRAFTSIGHT offers some less prominent tools for everyday use such as Power Trim, trimming tool that runs without sufficient clicks and allows users to select objects to cut by simple press and drag technique.
PowerTrim
Advanced CAD users that are prone to software customizations will be pleasantly surprised with the ease of finding needed customization options. Unlike AutoCAD Options dialogue box with almost a dozen tabs and an endless number of checkboxes and other options, DRAFTSIGHT offers settings search capability. For instance, to change some of the cursor settings you only need to type word “cursor” in the Find field and all cursor settings will be listed in the main area of the Options dialogue box
Setup
For more information about DraftSight please contact our team
Reliable partner
For legacy AutoCAD LT users AutoCAD clones, that are present on the market for decades, usually aren’t the best choice. Majority of these programs are products of small software companies that are struggling for existence on very competitive CAD market, and their sustainability is always an issue. Even though those clones are very affordable, usually they aren’t free of charge. Therefore, new releases, hotfixes and support can be considered as questionable. On the other hand, DRAFTSIGHT isn’t a product of some startup software company or a group of enthusiasts. On the contrary, DRAFTSIGHT is a product of Dassault Systèmes, the most sustainable company in the world, a global leader in 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions such as CATIA, SIMULIA, ENOVIA, SOLIDWORKS and others. Also, it is not of less significance to mention that Dassault Systèmes is a part of Dassault Group which has expanded its business to include private jets Dassault Falcon, military planes Mirage and Rafale, aerospace equipment producer S.A.B.C.A. products, as well as media interests through Figaro Group. It is legitimate to conclude, considering functionalities, price and Dassault Systèmes reputation, that DRAFTSIGHT isn’t some alternative to AutoCAD LT, and can be preferred as the first choice
Step into the 3DEXPERIENCE
Transitioning from 2D to 3D CAD is an irreversible global trend. Although DRAFTSIGHT is old-school CAD software for 2D design, for single users as well as for teams it can be the first step into the world of 3DEXPERIENCE, revolutionary business platform that provides software solutions for every organization in a company from engineering to sales to marketing that help firms, in their value creation process, to create differentiating consumer experiences