Alibre Design vs DraftSight
Alibre Design
alibre.com
DraftSight
draftsight.comSide by side
| Figure | Alibre Design | DraftSight |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $999/mo | $24.92/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 4 | 6 |
| Spec score · Engineering CAD Software | 9.0 (#1) | 8.2 (#9) |
| Spec score · Engineering Design Software | 8.9 (#1) | 8.2 (#9) |
| Spec score · Computer-Aided Design & Manufacturing Software | 9.0 (#1) | 8.3 (#7) |
| Spec score · CAD software | 8.6 (#6) | 8.0 (#18) |
| Automation | Alibre Script uses Python for workflow automation, and its API supports C++ and .NET applications. | DraftSight provides APIs and supports LISP-based automations, DLLs, and custom scripts. |
| Free plan | No | No |
Plans
Alibre Design
- Design Pro$999 a month
- Design Expert$1,999 a month
- Alibre Design Pro$999, paid once
- Alibre Design Expert$1,999, paid once
DraftSight
- Professional$299 a year
- Premium$599 a year
- Network$399 a year
- DraftSight Professional$299 a year
- DraftSight Enterprise$399 a year
- DraftSight Premium$599 a year
In their own words
Alibre Design
Alibre Design has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
DraftSight
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.