DraftSight vs IntelliCAD
DraftSight
draftsight.comIntelliCAD
intellicad.orgSide by side
| Figure | DraftSight | IntelliCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $24.92/mo | $83.33/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 6 | 4 |
| Spec score · 2D CAD Software | 8.2 (#8) | 8.2 (#10) |
| Spec score · CAD software | 8.0 (#18) | 7.8 (#24) |
| Product | DraftSight is a desktop 2D CAD application for creating, editing, viewing, and sharing DWG drawings, with 3D design capabilities in some versions. | IntelliCAD is commercial 2D/3D CAD software and a development platform for building CAD solutions. |
| 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. | ITC does not directly support end users; the commercial member that sold the IntelliCAD-based product handles its customer support. |
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
IntelliCAD
- API Membership$1,000 a year
- Government Membership$35,000 a year
- Royalty Membership$38,000 a year
- Royalty-Free Membership$75,000 a year
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.
IntelliCAD
IntelliCAD is commercial 2D/3D CAD software and a development platform for building CAD solutions. The IntelliCAD Technology Consortium licenses it to commercial members, who market and support products for architects, designers, engineers, surveyors, and other CAD users. The platform reads and writes native DWG files, with legal compatibility described for releases 2.6 through 2020. It also supports DXF files and PDF underlays. Developers can use LISP, DCL, VBA, COM, .NET, and C++ extensions. Version 15 adds Drawing Compare, AI feature previews, and a modernized LISP API. Supported AI previews can connect with Claude, Google Antigravity, or ChatGPT to query drawings and run generated LISP code. BIM tools attach IFC, Revit RVT, and Revit RFA files as underlays. IntelliCAD 15 requires 64-bit Windows 10 or 11; the Mobile Viewer is available for Windows desktop and Android. Pricing is on request, and end-user support comes from the selling member.