TrustRadius: an HG Insights company

DraftSight Reviews & Insights

Score9.3 out of 10

1,341 Reviews and Ratings

Get a Demo

Community insights

TrustRadius Insights for DraftSight are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, third party data sources.

Pros

Cost-effectiveness: Many users have praised DraftSight for being an economical option compared to similar CAD software, making it a cost-effective choice for small businesses. Some reviewers have mentioned that the affordability of DraftSight played a significant role in their decision to choose it over other options.

Stability and performance: Users consistently mention that DraftSight is stable and reliable, with no crashes or technical issues. Several reviewers have specifically highlighted the software's stability, noting that they have not experienced any crashes while using it. This aspect has greatly contributed to the positive sentiment surrounding DraftSight.

Compatibility with AutoCAD: The ability of DraftSight to open both old and new DWG/DXF files has been highly appreciated by users. Many AutoCAD users feel that this feature makes the transition to DraftSight seamless and efficient. Additionally, several reviewers praise the inclusion of commonly used AutoCAD commands in DraftSight, which further enhances its compatibility with industry-standard drawing file types.

DraftSight Reviews

2 Reviews
Enterprises (1,001+ employees)

It was worth it when it was free. Is it still worth it now that it costs?

Rating: 1 out of 10
Incentivized

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We primarily use SOLIDWORKS, but there are lots of legacy files that are AutoCAD DWG's. We use AutoCAD so rarely that it wasn't worth it to buy it. Instead, we use the free version of DraftSight. I am not sure how many people in my company use DraftSight, though.

Pros

  • Open up old and new DWG/DXF's.
  • It has many of the most used AutoCAD Commands.
  • If you're an AutoCAD person then the Command line is great to have.

Cons

  • Activation is a bear. It doesn't always work and sometimes it sends the activation email to your spam.
  • It wants to activate over and over again. Why? I do not know...
  • DraftSight only works online, that I know of. It fails if my laptop is not hooked up (I use the free version).
  • It's a great clone but clones are not that good. Dassault Systemes should really remake this program work with Catia and SOLIDWORKS.
  • Buttons are arranged in a way to not fully copy AutoCAD but are just enough off that it's annoying when searching for what you need.
  • The free version is no longer available in 2019. But the program doesn't look to have changed with the paid version.
  • I will keep using the free version until Dassault Systemes kicks me off and we buy it because it's still cheaper than AutoCAD LT. Sad Day!

Likelihood to Recommend

If DraftSight were still free I would recommend it if you are like me and only use it rarely. If it's your day to day program then please get AutoCAD or LT!
I wish Pro or Premium came free with DraftSight if you owned SOLIDWORKS or Catia. Those programs cost a ton and everyone who works at a long-lasting company knows that there are tons of Legacy DWG's. There are not many options for minor edits to DWG files. I know you can export it to SOLIDWORKS, but it's more of a pain than it is useful. Sometimes you just need to edit some text or print a file and you're done. That's what I like about DraftSight!
CA
Christopher Alan Lewis
Sr. CAD Designer in Engineering at Johns Manville (Design, 1001-5000 employees)
Vetted Review
DraftSight
4 years of experience
View profile

The best way for my organization.

Rating: 10 out of 10
Incentivized

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

This software is used across the whole organization only as a viewer except in my department in which it is used by design for mechanical and electrical drawings. The only problem is people are afraid to use it because it is a new method in front of AutoCAD.

Pros

  • Fast
  • Friendly
  • Little memory
  • Versatility in any version of CAD drawings
  • Easy to use an learn
  • It is excellent

Cons

  • I have no found room for improvement.

Likelihood to Recommend

Probably it's connectivity with 3D drawings is its unique disadvantage compared with AutoCAD.
IH
Ing. Hervin Colmenares, PMP®
Jefe de mantenimiento electromecánico in Engineering at tgestiona Perú (Facilities Services, 1001-5000 employees)
Vetted Review
DraftSight
6 years of experience
View profile