DraftSight
DraftSight is a desktop CAD application for creating, editing, viewing and sharing 2D DWG drawings, with 3D design capabilities in some versions.
What DraftSight is
DraftSight is a desktop CAD application for creating, editing, viewing and sharing 2D DWG drawings, with 3D design capabilities in some versions. 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-based automation, DLLs and custom scripts provide ways to automate work. PDF Import turns 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; DraftSight 2026 lists 8 GB RAM and 5 GB of disk space as minimum requirements for each. Professional costs $299 a year, and Premium costs $599 a year. Network licensing costs $399 a year. A 30-day trial is listed. License choices include named-user, network and perpetual options, with perpetual licenses available only through resellers.
Good
- Native DWG support and DWG, DXF and DGN workflows
- Includes batch printing and sheet set management
- Supports APIs, LISP, DLLs and custom scripts
- Named-user, network and perpetual license options
Watch out
- No free plan is listed
- Professional costs $299 a year
- PDF Import is limited to specified tiers
- Perpetual licenses are available only through resellers
Who it suits
DraftSight is aimed at professionals and teams in architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing and design. It suits users working with DWG drawings who need 2D drafting or, in some versions, 3D capabilities.
Verdict
DraftSight combines DWG-focused drafting tools with automation options and several license types. Compare edition capabilities and platform requirements before choosing, especially if you need PDF Import or 3D tools.
Plans and prices
From DraftSight's own pricing page, checked 20 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Professional | $299 a year | Create, view, and edit DWG, DXF, and DGN files · 2D drafting tools · Editing, design, and automation tools · AutoLISP support · USD/yr |
| Premium | $599 a year | Advanced 2D CAD and 3D capabilities · Custom Blocks · STEP import · Sheet Set Manager · DGN Export · BIM module · USD/yr |
| Network | $399 a year | Simultaneous organizational usage · Network licensing · Technical support through SOLIDWORKS partners · Network license deployment · Starting at USD/yr |
| DraftSight Professional | $299 a year | 2D drafting tools · per year |
| DraftSight Enterprise | $399 a year | Network-based organizational option · per year |
| DraftSight Premium | $599 a year | Premium features; 30-day free trial · per year |
The facts
Each one read from DraftSight's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Automation
- DraftSight provides APIs and supports LISP-based automations, DLLs, and custom scripts.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Cloud collaboration
- The 3DEXPERIENCE DraftSight datasheet says users can store design data in a centralized cloud location and manage permissions and revisions.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Drafting tools
- The product includes layers, hatching, snapping, splines, dimensioning, batch printing, and sheet set management.checked 29 Sep 2026
- File formats
- DraftSight works natively with DWG files and supports DWG, DXF, and DGN workflows.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Integrations
- DraftSight describes integrations with SOLIDWORKS Visualize, SOLIDWORKS Simulation, and 3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace Make.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Intended users
- DraftSight describes its audience as professionals and teams in architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and design.checked 29 Sep 2026
- License choices
- DraftSight offers named-user, network, and perpetual license options, with perpetual licenses available only through resellers.checked 29 Sep 2026
- PDF import
- PDF Import converts PDF drawings into editable DWG files and is available in DraftSight Premium and Enterprise Plus.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Product
- DraftSight is a desktop 2D CAD application for creating, editing, viewing, and sharing DWG drawings, with 3D design capabilities in some versions.checked 29 Sep 2026
- 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.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Supported desktop systems
- DraftSight 2026 Professional and Premium support 64-bit Windows 11 and macOS 14, 15, and 26.checked 29 Sep 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Nochecked 20 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Mac requirement
- DraftSight 2026 lists 8 GB RAM and 5 GB of available disk space for installation on Mac.checked 29 Sep 2026
- Windows requirement
- DraftSight 2026 lists 8 GB RAM and 5 GB of free disk space as minimum Windows hardware requirements.checked 29 Sep 2026
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