DraftSight
draftsight.com
What it is
DraftSight is a desktop 2D CAD application for creating, editing, viewing, and sharing DWG drawings; some versions add 3D design. It works natively with DWG and supports DWG, DXF, and DGN workflows. Drafting tools include layers, hatching, snapping, splines, dimensioning, batch printing, and sheet-set management. APIs, LISP automation, DLLs, and custom scripts support automation. PDF Import converts PDF drawings into editable DWG files in Premium and Enterprise Plus. DraftSight describes integrations with SOLIDWORKS Visualize, SOLIDWORKS Simulation, and 3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace Make. Professional and Premium support 64-bit Windows 11 and macOS 14, 15, and 26; listed minimums are 8 GB RAM and 5 GB disk space. Named-user, network, and perpetual licenses are available, with perpetual licenses sold through resellers. Professional costs $299 a year, Premium $599 a year, and Network starts at $399 a year. A 30-day trial is listed.
Spec sheet
- Product
- DraftSight is a desktop 2D CAD application for creating, editing, viewing, and sharing DWG drawings, with 3D design capabilities in some versions.Read 29 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
- Intended users
- DraftSight describes its audience as professionals and teams in architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and design.Read 29 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
- Free plan
- NoRead 20 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
- Integrations
- DraftSight describes integrations with SOLIDWORKS Visualize, SOLIDWORKS Simulation, and 3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace Make.Read 29 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
- Support
- The product site says all versions include documentation, user forums, and online help, while network and Premium tiers include direct help from SOLIDWORKS-certified support partners.Read 29 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
- Automation
- DraftSight provides APIs and supports LISP-based automations, DLLs, and custom scripts.Read 29 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
- Cloud collaboration
- The 3DEXPERIENCE DraftSight datasheet says users can store design data in a centralized cloud location and manage permissions and revisions.Read 29 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
- Drafting tools
- The product includes layers, hatching, snapping, splines, dimensioning, batch printing, and sheet set management.Read 29 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
- File formats
- DraftSight works natively with DWG files and supports DWG, DXF, and DGN workflows.Read 29 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
- License choices
- DraftSight offers named-user, network, and perpetual license options, with perpetual licenses available only through resellers.Read 29 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
- Mac requirement
- DraftSight 2026 lists 8 GB RAM and 5 GB of available disk space for installation on Mac.Read 29 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
- PDF import
- PDF Import converts PDF drawings into editable DWG files and is available in DraftSight Premium and Enterprise Plus.Read 29 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
- Supported desktop systems
- DraftSight 2026 Professional and Premium support 64-bit Windows 11 and macOS 14, 15, and 26.Read 29 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
- Windows requirement
- DraftSight 2026 lists 8 GB RAM and 5 GB of free disk space as minimum Windows hardware requirements.Read 29 Sep 2026 · draftsight.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Native DWG with DXF and DGN workflows
- Extensive 2D drafting tools
- APIs and LISP automation
- PDF conversion to editable DWG
- Windows and macOS support
Limits
- No free plan
- Professional starts at 299.00 USD yearly
- Perpetual licenses require resellers
- PDF Import limited to Premium and Enterprise Plus
Who it suits
It is intended for professionals and teams in architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and design. Users needing DWG editing, automation, or optional 3D capabilities can choose among desktop license types.
Verdict
DraftSight covers established DWG drafting workflows with automation and multiple licensing models. Compare the edition-specific features, operating-system requirements, and annual prices before purchase.
Where Specifiction places it
- 2D CAD Software#8 of 418.2
- Engineering CAD Software#9 of 278.2
- Engineering Design Software#9 of 248.2
- Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing Software#7 of 188.3
- Architectural CAD Software#11 of 228.0
- CAD software#18 of 318.0