Experience the Best AutoCAD Alternative: DraftSight

AutoCAD is a popular software that’s been around for a long time – but it isn’t the only drafting software out there. For similar functionality, consider DraftSight as an AutoCAD alternative.

What is DraftSight?

DraftSight is industry-leading, versatile 2D and 3D CAD software for creating, editing, viewing and marking up design files. It has all the tools you need for drafting, modeling, prototyping, laser cutting, 3D printing and manufacturing--all with a smaller footprint than AutoCAD.

Benefits of DraftSight 2D Design Software

If you’re looking for greater performance and flexibility at a great price, you’ll find it here. With DraftSight, you can:

Easily transition to a familiar user interface and commands
Work natively with AutoCAD’s Dynamic Blocks
Facilitate version control and revisions with a 2D layer system
Transfer your shortcuts, customizations, LISP routines and Script files
Import and export all common CAD file types
Speed up design cycles with productivity tools and APIs
Choose from 2D drafting, advanced 2D design or 2D and 3D CAD software

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DraftSight vs. the Competition

DraftSight is designed to support your existing data, knowledge and workflows, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal effort. Whether you're an engineer, designer or architect, DraftSight offers professional-grade features to help you save time and achieve precision in your projects.

Top DraftSight Tools and Features

Discover the best-in-class features that make DraftSight one of the most popular AutoCAD alternatives for both 2D drafting and 3D design.

Advanced 2D Design

Easily handle your 2D design needs. Draw your geometry, ensure accuracy, modify entities, create layers, annotate, dimension, create blocks and more.

Productivity Tools

Get robust productivity tools, including support for Dynamic Blocks, PowerTrim, DrawCompare, and automatic layer assignment.

API Access

Automate your processes and drive efficiency with APIs. Create LISP-based automations, load Dynamic Link Libraries (.dll) or use custom scripts.

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What's the Difference Between DraftSight and AutoCAD?

DraftSight is one of the most similar AutoCAD alternatives out there – but it does have some differences that put it a step ahead.

Small Footprint

Built with the latest technology and light, agile code, DraftSight takes up less space on a computer. It downloads in just a few clicks and minutes and is easy to install and configure on multiple operating systems. Its small footprint also means a fast loading time for a more efficient and productive team.

Connected

DraftSight seamlessly integrates with SOLIDWORKS because it’s made by the same company. It’s compatible with all common file formats, including AutoCAD files. You can use API connections to create custom scripts and LISP-based automations and load Dynamic Link Libraries. You can even connect to the cloud for easier file sharing and collaboration.

Flexible and Scalable

Many industries that use 2D CAD software need flexible, future-ready software that can scale up and down, yet providers like AutoCAD are eliminating network licensing. Instead of making you pay for named-user subscriptions with more seats than you need, our enterprise AutoCAD alternative offers network licensing so you can rotate among employees and contract workers as needed.