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.
We currently use SOLIDWORKS as our main CAD platform. Draftsight is a valuable addition as it works seamlessly in the 2D world complimenting the 3D capabilities of our base cad software. Draftsight is a fully functional 2D cad program. Price point is a great for a software program with this much usability. I highly recommend Draftsight.
Pros
Dwg editing
Colored layers
Emulates Autocad
Cons
Text editing
Likelihood to Recommend
Draftsight is well suited for modeling 2D parts for water jet, wire edm, etc. Fast and efficient in the 2D arena. A more robust cad program is required for 3D modeling.
I use DraftSight primarily to make manufacturing drawings of spare parts, layouts, and other design assignments as well.
Pros
Drawing of spare parts. Easy to design an ideal production drawing.
Drawing of layouts. Rarely requested in solid modeled version (3D).
Drawings can be customized for the customer and designed to be read by a human eye. Dimensions and positions of dimensions in different views can be divided according to how the (paper) drawing is supposed to be read.
Cons
I would like to define its own paper sizes permanently in PDF-EXPORT - PAPER SIZE to grind typing in Custom format when using e.g. A01 format (landscape 1189x594 mm).
Save as PDF feature. Every time I use the feature, I have to choose the paper size from a long list, many of which are completely irrelevant. In addition, "Margins" are always checked, and must be ticked off each time. Similarly, "Use print style table" must be checked in each time. This is time-consuming and I would like to set default settings in these menus for my respective drawing template.
2D G-code Generator - In the CAM function, it should be possible to convert text to outline. Delivering ISO code for simpler text engraving should work well with the built-in CAM feature. But for this to be smoother, it should be possible to convert pre-written text to outline. This feature is available in AlphaCam, among others.
It should be possible to set the tolerance position "middle" as the default setting.
Dimensioning, degrees. Trailing zeros should also apply to deg / min / sec.
The parenting function is only in the dialog, not among the properties.
Parameter definition for threaded holes would be useful.
Screws and nuts should be created using parameter control (key width & height), and the current selection is somewhat limited. The selection of screws and washers is also somewhat limited today. For example, spring washers (FBB) are completely missing.
Lockable function for "Snap-To". As it is now, you have to activate it every time. This is usually good, but sometimes you want to be able to lock the function.
Measuring function & measuring angle. As it is today, only length measurements and area can be measured with the help of "tape measures". Angle measurements can only be measured by setting a dimension.
The ortho function does not work as consistently as would be desirable. If you activate ortho, you want the system to consistently move unobstructed, and draw lines in a straight X / Y plane. This does not happen because of the attachment-to-function functions. This makes the ortho function useless.
HATCH - If you are moving lines, you would like the cut mark to follow, for example, by activating the update/rewrite function.
It should be possible to import .stp files into DraftSight
Likelihood to Recommend
DraftSight is good for layouts, workshop drawing for a human eye, and for archival proof drawings. It is also good for making manufacturing drawings for simpler components and spare parts for machines.
It is not good for simulations, 3D printing, or complex, double-curved geometries.
I use DraftSight to create component and assembly drawings for new products. I am currently the only user but will soon be adding a couple more engineering staff. The best thing about DraftSight is that it reduces initial company start up costs. Not all startups can afford to pay top dollar for full capability CAD software.
Pros
2 D drafting is amazing because it is simple to use
The graphics are as good as full CAD software with less complications
The program starts and runs faster that traditional CAD software
It is used by an individual to open, view and edit .dwg files. We also use AutoCAD, and we find that the two products work well together.
Pros
Editing CAD drawings in .dwg format
Attaching reference files, such as PDF's, as background, and drawing over them
Printing in a variety of formats
Easy-to-use, intuitive interface
Cons
I use DraftSight at work and at home, on different computers. I find that somehow the editor settings are different, and I haven't been able to determine what settings I need to change. For example, on one machine, I am able to select multiple drawing objects by clicking on them. On the other machine, I have to use shift-click or else it just selects the last one.
Scaling drawings into standard hard-copy formats, such as A, B, C, D size paper, and inserting a border with title block, could be made easier.
I find myself resizing the dimension text, spacing, arrowhead size, etc. each time I start a new drawing so that the dimensions are appropriately sized for that drawing. I go into the drafting properties and individually edit each parameter. I'd like an easier way to do this.
Likelihood to Recommend
It is quite well suited for editing CAD drawings in .dwg format. Although there are some differences in the user interface, I find that I'm able to switch back and forth between the DraftSight and AutoCAD with ease.
We use DraftSight to drawing diagrams, make model markups, made model drawings & models are then turned into production drawings. Also used for tracing images for our CNC machines and Laser cutting machines.
Pros
Very accurate Modelling Drawings
Very accurate Production Drawings
Very accurate Tracing and G-Code Generation for CNC Machines
Very accurate Tracing and G-Code Generation for Laser Cutters
Cons
DraftSight how to videos for 2019 product are really needed!
Likelihood to Recommend
Extremely well suited and extremely easy to use for modelling, production , tracing drawings as well as highly accurate CNC and Laser Cutter G-Code.
We use DraftSight to map out the rooms with dimensions for our clients so that we are able to decide what pieces will work best and create ultimate flow and functionality. Previously we used AutoCAD and find that DraftSight is just as easy to use, but more affordable. We do not offer 3-D renderings but our 2-D drawings in DraftSight are clear and easy to read by our clients.
Pros
The shortcuts are easy to learn and help with efficiency.
We like switching between colors to highlight the various components of each drawing.
The snap feature is helpful to create exact joints.
Cons
We have not been able to find out how to rotate the elevations in view ports.
Setting dimension and text preferences is somewhat cumbersome.
Likelihood to Recommend
We love the ease of creating a drawing. We have a bit more difficulty with rotating the elevations to read right-side-up.
Allied Stainless mostly uses DraftSight to edit DXF files for clean up before sending to CNC laser software for cutting. We also use it for viewing floorplans, and equipment schedules for food service designs. We like it because it gets the job done and costs much less than the competitor's equivalent product. We would recommend it to anyone who needs to edit or view DWG or DXF files.
Pros
Quick trim is great
Layers is easier to use than autocad
Pretty stable, have had very few crashes
Cons
Changing the dimension styles is a pain.
Needs to have a drop down menu for multiple dimension styles.
If it has one it needs to be easier to find... because I can't find it.
User profiles or view profiles... so that you can switch back and forth between one UI layout and another.
Likelihood to Recommend
There doesn't seem to be any time that it would not do you just fine. Unless you needed 3D.
I design conveyor systems for customers. Build in 5 year growth for future needs. Customer needs and ease of maintenance is a major focal point. Reliable systems and similar drive units always the facilities department to have spare parts for all conveyor unitswith limited inventory. Off the shelf are chose without specialized parts.
Pros
DraftSight is easy to use.
Able to import AutoCAD files
Save as .dwg files
Send files to others using different AutoCAD formats
Cons
I am very happy with the present functionality of the software.
Likelihood to Recommend
I have been able to design, fabricate and install systems using 2D DraftSight.
Being a one-man design service, I use DraftSight to design Low Voltage to the architect's plans for installation. I also use DraftSight to design special fixtures that may be required to hold a touch screen panel or a box to protect some special electronic application.
Pros
I am able to take any DWG file and add another layer which comprises all of the Low Voltage requirements.
Very easy to use
Excellent Support
Much less expensive than other CAD Softwares.
Cons
Possibly a better layout for layers, so you can change the colors for clarity on the plans.
Likelihood to Recommend
Aside from being a great program for my type of work, it is affordable and easy for me to produce professional results. All my CAD files are converted to PDF's for my clients. DraftSight does this very well.
