DraftSight vs GstarCAD
DraftSight
draftsight.comGstarCAD
gstarcad.netSide by side
| Figure | DraftSight | GstarCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $24.92/mo | $19.92/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 6 | 9 |
| Spec score · 2D CAD Software | 8.2 (#8) | 8.5 (#4) |
| Spec score · Engineering CAD Software | 8.2 (#9) | 8.5 (#5) |
| Spec score · CAD software | 8.0 (#18) | 8.4 (#12) |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Product | DraftSight is a desktop 2D CAD application for creating, editing, viewing, and sharing DWG drawings, with 3D design capabilities in some versions. | GstarCAD is 2D and 3D CAD software positioned as a high compatibility alternative to AutoCAD. |
| 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. | The company describes a professional technical support team and lists support at [email protected]. |
Plans
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
GstarCAD
- Standard$749, paid once
- Professional$949, paid once
- Premium$1,120, paid once
- GstarCAD 2027 Standard$239 a year
- GstarCAD 2027 Professional$319 a year
- GstarCAD 2027 Premium$359 a year
- GstarCAD 2027 Standard$599, paid once
- GstarCAD 2027 Professional$759, paid once
- GstarCAD 2027 Premium$896, paid once
In their own words
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.
GstarCAD
GstarCAD is 2D and 3D CAD software for working with technical drawings. It supports native DWG and DXF files, and the maker describes it as compatible with AutoCAD data formats. Its toolset includes more than 100 tools, such as Area Table, Auto Layer, Viewport to Layout, and AutoXlsTable. The maker says multi-core processing is designed to handle complex drawings with faster processing and less lag. GstarCAD 2027 adds Dynamic Block Parametric Constraints, Automatic Input Method Switching, and floating drawing windows. The developer environment supports LISP, C/C++, VB/VBA, and.NET, along with COM and GRX APIs; the maker says LISP and VBA applications can run without modification. A perpetual license provides lifetime usage rights, and yearly subscription and upgrade licensing are also offered. Plans listed for GstarCAD 2027 start at $239 a year, with prices excluding VAT and service fees. A free 30-day trial is available, but there is no free plan.