DraftSight Reviews

“Affordable CAD but licensing issues are annoying

Pros

This is a reasonably priced 2D CAD package that fits all my needs perfectly. It offers great functionality at an affordable price point and it really mimics AutoCAD in both commands and features. If you are used to AutoCAD, you'll feel right at home using this software. It allows me to create and edit drawings easily and I can get everything done without having to spend a fortune.

Cons

I've had some trouble with licensing here and there and their support is not great. theres no one to call, so you are stuck waiting for an email response which may or may not help. Licensing issues usually need a back-and-forth conversation and that can be a pain. The printing setup/layout is hard to get right and its a struggle to keep it configured properly. If you are persistent, you might get it close to what you need but don't expect it to be perfect.

“Great free tool

Pros

The fact that the software was free really blew me away. It's a fantastic deal and I was impressed by how many features were included. All the essential tools I need for my work are there and it's incredibly simple to use. The interface is friendly which makes it easy to get started. For someone like me who just needs a simple CAD tool... this is a great choice.

Cons

a little more basic compared to its competitors but it is still a pretty solid tool overall.

“super easy to use

Pros

What I love most about this program is that, for such an affordable license, you get access to a really complete CAD drawing assistant. The software offers alot of functionalities and tools that are well thought out and easy to use. If you are already familiar with CAD programs, the interface is super accessible and everything works smoothly. It's definitely one of the best value-for-money CAD tools I've come across.

Cons

One thing I don't love about this program is that it eats up a lot of RAM especially when working on complex drawings with shading. I also found it tricky to print multiple sheets at once from the plotter. I wish there were more tutorials on the official site, as they can be hard to find sometimes.

“It works but crashes occasionally

Pros

commands in this software are pretty much identical to AutoCAD, so if you are familiar with AutoCAD, you'll find it super easy to use. I appreciate how quickly I could get up and running without needing to learn a new system. It's like a clone of AutoCAD which is great for anyone who needs AutoCAD's features without the high price tag.

Cons

It's really annoying when the program just stops working out of nowhere. I was using it occasionally for marking up drawings and tweaking designs. But after a while, it stopped working or activating even though I have been using it on the same machine for years. I bought a lifetime copy but now it checks with their servers occasionally and locks me out. I have not used it for three years and even though I have contacted support, I feel like I've been blocked by them. I've tried reinstalling it but no luck.

“Affordable but missing a few features

Pros

It is a fantastic alternative to AutoCAD especially if you are on a budget. The cost is much more affordable and it still provides most of the key features you need for CAD work. If you are looking for a more cost-effective solution, this is definitely worth considering. It performs well and does a solid job for the price.

Cons

functions are pretty clear except for a few fields. We use it to design HVAC systems and while there are a few missing elements in the libraries, it's not a huge deal...we can work around it.

“Solid alternative

Pros

One of the best things about this software is that you can import your drawings into Solidworks 3D CAD software and it does an amazing job of keeping all the properties intact. It doesn't fail to recognize any entities which makes the transition between programs smooth. This feature really enhances the software's utility for those working with different CAD platforms.

Cons

price is a little high for what it offers.

“easy to use but lacks 3D support

Pros

So easy to use. the drawing features are really convenient especially the trimming and template options. these tools save me a lot of time, making my workflow much smoother. Whether I am working on a detailed design or just a simple sketch, it's easy to get everything just right with this software.

Cons

I wish it could handle 3D drawings or at least had a free basic version available.

“good AutoCAD clone with activation issues

Pros

This was a really good AutoCAD clone. It's packed with useful features and the interface is well-polished, making it easy to navigate. I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything important from AutoCAD. Overall...it was a pleasant experience and I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a reliable, budget-friendly CAD tool.

Cons

The activation process can be a real problem...sometimes even impossible.

“Smooth AutoCAD transition

Pros

What I really love about this software is how smooth the transition is between this tool and AutoCAD. The command structure is nearly identical which makes it super easy to switch back and forth. The drawing output is also compatible, so there's no need to worry about any compatibility issues. When I am working from home, I have purchased a license for those occasional drawings or projects I don't need AutoCAD for. I actually prefer it now, as it's a more cost-effective and convenient solution for my needs.

Cons

I was using a free version for a while but then it disappeared and when I tried to log in, it asked me to purchase. As someone who only uses it part-time at home, I didn't want to buy it but in the end..the cost is pretty minimal.

“nice replacement for AutoCAD

Pros

It is a solid replacement for AutoCAD. The command structure is almost the same which makes creating 2D drawings super easy. It's also easy to convert your files which is a huge plus. While it might not have every single feature AutoCAD offers, it covers the essentials very well and its a great option for anyone who doesn't want to spend a ton of money on AutoCAD.

Cons

Not super friendly for new users. Printing parts of a drawing is especially tricky.

“great free trial but needs more visible tools

Pros

I really like that there's a free trial version available for people who want to test it out first. Its a really simple tool, perfect for those who don't have a lot of experience with CAD projects. I found it easy to dive into and it does not overwhelm you with complicated features.

Cons

there should be more visible tools especially the ones you use most often in these types of programs.

“Reliable and accurate tool

Pros

It works really well. I mostly use it to measure dimensions on 3D models and it does the job perfectly. It's reliable and accurate, making my work much easier.

Cons

Its not the best looking option out there but it gets the job done.

“crashes when opening AutoCAD files

Pros

Cost is much lower than AutoCAD and it's super easy to use. The commands are pretty similar to AutoCAD which makes the transition smoother. It's a great budget-friendly alternative without sacrificing functionality.

Cons

From the first use, it kept crashing especially when trying to open files created in AutoCAD. Not the most stable experience.

“No longer free since 2019

Pros

It's a low-cost CAD tool but it's packed with features and really easy to use. You can pretty much do everything a medium-level user would need from basic drawings to more complex designs. It's a great option if you need a solid CAD program without breaking the bank.

Cons

It used to be free until December 2019 but now it's not. However, the price is still pretty low compared to other CAD software.

“can't think of anything I don't like

Pros

It does everything I need it to and it's so easy to use. It's packed with useful features and I can create drawings quickly which is a huge time-saver. It's definitely easier to use than some other alternatives I've tried which makes it more efficient for me.

Cons

honestly.. I can't think of anything I don't like. I needed a solid, versatile 2D drafting program and this was one of the two I found that worked well for me.

“good option on a budget

Pros

First of all... it's free which is awesome. When I lost access to AutoCAD years ago, I was in a panic, scrambling to find an affordable software license. then I found it and it completely changed the game for me. It's a great option for anyone needing a reliable CAD tool on a budget.

Cons

Some of their snap functions could be better. they are not quite as feature-rich as the super expensive AutoCAD but they get the job done.

“Outstanding AutoCAD replacement but upgrade issues

Pros

this is an outstanding replacement for AutoCAD. The best part is that it requires very little new learning, so if you are familiar with AutoCAD, you can jump right into it without much of a learning curve. It's a fantastic alternative for those who need a similar tool without the hefty price tag.

Cons

I paid for the upgrade license and it worked fine for a few months. But now, it only gives me an error message when I try to open it. And theres no way to get help from the publisher.

“Simple and efficient solution

Pros

Just so easy to use. If you are looking for straightforward CAD software that does not complicate things, this is it. Its user-friendly and gets the job done efficiently which makes it perfect for both beginners and experienced users alike.

Cons

Since 2017, each new version of it has been getting buggier. Even something as simple as joining two arcs often does not work.

“works for DWG files with limited to 2D drawings

Pros

It opens and saves DWG files without any issues. It's also multi-platform, so you can use it on Windows, Mac or GNU/Linux. The software is feature-rich and if you are an AutoCAD user, you'll love that the interface and most of the commands are the same. Transitioning from AutoCAD is easy. Even the free version is great for most user cases.

Cons

It's limited to 2D drawings which may be a dealbreaker for some but not for everyone. Printing is trickier than with AutoCAD and there's no option to print in batches.

“awsome price and integration

Pros

Price is really good and it integrates easily with other systems and file types. It's especially great for converting CAD files. If you need a simple, cost-effective tool for your CAD needs, it does the job perfectly.

Cons

No complaints here...it's been great. Hard to beat for the price.