DraftSight Review

PROS: I purchased DraftSight Pro Version and it has been a perfect partner for my AutoLISP files. The user interface is also helpful for faster drafting.

CONS: I am using a high-end PC and it still lags quite a lot so I think it's a software issue.

PROS: I love how it is FREE and a GOOD 2D CAD software! It has the same capabilities as the AutoCAD Lite. You can edit DWG files on it and you don't need to pay for updates every year as you do for other software. If you need more functionalities, you can upgrade to its pro version for about $300. In there, you'll have short-cut functions, more drawing tools, and even some programming functions.

CONS: I am annoyed at the "-" (dashes) found in Excel tables embedded. Sometimes they just go away on their own but it's hard to identify and deal with them even using various zoom scales. Also, multi-sheet drawings are hard to handle from a single file. It has trouble printing them. This might also be an issue with AutoCAD.

PROS: This is a great alternative for AutoCAD, especially if, like me, you're working on the text part of drawings. It features the same tools for a lot less money.

CONS: I had trouble with Cyrillic fonts on the previous versions. They were immediately fixed on the later versions so I think it's not worth mentioning (yet here I am mentioning it).

PROS: DraftSight is great for viewing, creating, and editing Autocad files, especially for 2D drawing. The UI is also user-friendly. This is a good substitute for Autodesk Autocad.

CONS: The application was free until last year.

PROS: DraftSight also supports the DWG format. Also, it has the same interface and similar commands as AutoCAD. Furthermore, it is free to use. You can also opt for the professional version which is cheaper than AutoCad.

CONS: It gets a bit annoying as it reminds you to register the free version. Like AutoCAD, DraftSight sometimes freezes for a second or two. Also, their website is not great. It is not easy to know where to download.

PROS: I work with 2D drawings in DWG often and I use DraftSight to view and edit them by adding lines and objects in different layers. It works great as a CAD alternative though projects should not be too complex and must be in 2D. That way, its loading times are not affected.

CONS: DraftSight is meant for 2D drafting only. It does not have support for 3D. So I have to switch to other software when I need to do some 3D modeling. Additional functions outside of lines and text would be great.

PROS: What I like best about DraftSight is its zero-dollar cost. This is beneficial because, as an engineer, I do not use 2D software often and it would not make sense to acquire a license for a costly product.

CONS: The user interface needs an update though since it is free software, I cannot expect much.

PROS: I am used to the AutoCAD interface so I am glad that DraftSight has a familiar look and feel. It supports multiple formats, including DWG and DXF, and can convert them to other formats like SVG as well. With this, I can view and edit files made in AutoCAD without needing to buy a costly license. This is also helping us produce documentation for our projects.

CONS: It could be enhanced with more AutoCAD-like features. DraftSight also needs to improve its print dialogue interface and to add support for DWF exporting. Plus, they should remove the need for constant program registration.

PROS: It is a free 2D CAD and drawing application with a comprehensive set of features. You can do basic drafting up to technical drawings in the system. I highly recommend it for mechanical engineers, civil engineers, architects, and others in similar fields. Also, it is compatible with formats supported by AutoCAD.

CONS: The freemium model is not really for everyone. Also, the lack of basic 3D capabilities can be a bit annoying.

PROS: I need to view some CAD files a few times a month. However, I can't justify a full AutoCAD license. With DraftSight, I can view and edit 2D CAD drawings easily. Also, it's free. I don't need the premium version at all for what I do.

CONS: The "Buy Now" button gets very annoying whenever you open the software. It is also quite big compared to the "no thank you" button. So, I have been leaving an empty window open just to avoid the annoying "Buy Now" button.

PROS: I like how the software is easy to use. It has a clean and simple looking dashboard and is very easy to understand. Moreover, I find the price point to be quite fair. There is only a small learning curve if you have been using other CAD software.

CONS: Sometimes the software freezes. Also, the website they have needs updating. It looks very old and it's hard to understand.

PROS: There is a free version that works when you need only basic functions. But if you require advanced features, there is a paid version, too. But it costs less compared to sophisticated drawing programs. Additionally, it has a better performance than other 2D drawing software I have used.

CONS: Plot settings are cumbersome but they are still worth using. There are command aliases that vary so a learning period is required.

PROS: A customizable platform with a vibrant community that shares plenty of plugins. Best of all, it is a free alternative to CAD despite having excellent features.

CONS: There is no solid 3D view mode.

PROS: Every basic tool is available free. If you want more advanced features, there are options for upgrading.

CONS: There is little documentation available. More of it would be nice.