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    Overview
    ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price

    AutoCAD LT

    Score7.9 out of 10
    N/AAutoCAD LT computer-aided design (CAD) software that architects, engineers, construction professionals, and designers rely on to produce solely 2D drawings, drafts, and documentation. AutoCAD LT is a CAD software used for 2D drawing, drafting, and documentation whereas AutoCAD is a CAD software used to create 2D drawings and 3D models. While AutoDesk's AutoCAD includes industry-specific toolsets that can provide productivity gains, both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT include the AutoCAD web and…

    $58

    per month

    Autodesk Fusion

    Score7.5 out of 10
    N/AAutodesk Fusion is a cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, and CAE tool which integrates design, modeling, and simulation capabilities.

    $70

    per month

    DraftSight

    Score8.3 out of 10
    N/ADraftSight is a 2D and 3D CAD solution for architects, engineers and construction service providers, as well as professional CAD users, designers, educators and hobbyists. DraftSight lets users create, edit, view, and markup any kind of 2D and 3D DWG file with greater ease, speed, and efficiency. Its familiar user interface helps to facilitate a quick transition from other CAD applications. DraftSight Offerings: DraftSight Professional: the advanced 2D CAD drafting…

    $249

    per year

    Pricing
    AutoCAD LTAutodesk FusionDraftSight
    Editions & Modules
    Monthly Subscription
    $60
    per month per user
    Yearly Subscription
    $490
    per year per user
    3-Year Subscription
    $1470
    3 years per user
    Fusion 360 - Paid Monthly
    $70
    per month per user
    Fusion 360 - Paid Annually
    $545
    per year per user
    Fusion 360 - 3 Years
    $1635
    3 years per user
    DraftSight Professional
    $249
    per year
    DraftSight Premium (3D)
    $549
    per year
    DraftSight Enterprise
    Contact sales team
    DraftSight Enterprise Plus
    Contact sales team
    Offerings
    Pricing Offerings
    AutoCAD LTAutodesk FusionDraftSight
    Free Trial
    YesYesYes
    Free/Freemium Version
    NoYesNo
    Premium Consulting/Integration Services
    NoNoNo
    Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup feeNo setup fee
    Additional DetailsDraftSight Professional, and Premium are available to purchase online directly. DraftSight Enterprise and Enterprise Plus are available to purchase through local resellers.
    More Pricing Information
    Community Pulse
    AutoCAD LTAutodesk FusionDraftSight
    Considered Multiple Products
    Autodesk
    Chose AutoCAD LT
    AutoCAD LT can be used by non-engineers, but free programs are usually for professionals.
    And other software started to introduce some tools that only AutoCAD LT had, so why waste time looking for what is fully found in AutoCAD LT.
    Incentivized
    Autodesk
    Chose Autodesk Fusion
    Both [Autodesk] Fusion 360 and SOLIDWORKS are far beyond any open source project or 2-D oriented software. Compared to SOLIDWORKS, [Autodesk] Fusion 360 comes packaged with more functionality without needing to purchase additional add-ons for each function.
    Incentivized
    Dassault Systemes
    Chose DraftSight
    The initial cost has AutoCAD LT beat. Draftsight functions similarly, It has been a number of years since using AutoCAD so I don't have the current experience to compare them. We selected Draftsight because, for our small business, it made no financial sense to continue with Aut…
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    AutoCAD LT is a good product, with similar features to DraftSight, however, the value that DraftSight offers makes it a much better choice for our organization, as we can have it in use by a much larger pool of our employees vs. having LT installed on just a few workstations.
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    DraftSight blows AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT away with cost effective solutions and ease of use.
    Three D modeling (SOLIDWORKS and Inventor) are way more complicated than our needs and the cost is way out of our budget.
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    Much better value.
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    We selected DraftSight because Autodesk wanted too much money for their LT software. Initially, I was impressed with the seamless integration, I could use the command line just like AutoCAD. As I became more familiar with DraftSight, and also had more exposure, I started to …
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    We use Draftsight in conjunction with the above products. Some users are primarily reviewing drawings and they use DraftSght while others need the 3D modelers for conceptual work and more detailed analysis.
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    I picked DraftSight because I started with the free version and upgraded because it proved to have all the features I needed and the cost was great!
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    I do the same with DS than I did with AutoCAD, but at a much lower price.
    DS is more intuitive and powerfull than NanoCAD
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    Very similar, identical user interface, seamless transition
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    Draftsight is way more cost-effective. I have been using it for a long time so I do know the out-of-the-box version is a lot better now, but initially, when I started it took a bit of effort to get everything to how I wanted it. One thing that would be nice would be dynamic …
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    DraftSight is much less expensive, just as professional.
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    DraftSight seems to be an equivalent software package. If you can use AutoCAD well with the command line features and drawing manipulation you will find it very easy to come up to speed in using the software. The integration of paper and model space is still dicey, but being …
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    Better value for the price
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    Having being used to using AutoCAD it was easy to trial and then move on to using DraftSight full time, there are slight differences in using the package but as long as you know your CAD, you will be fine using DraftSight. The reason I selected Draftsight was purely financial, …
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, and a bunch of free software.
    The paid versions were super expensive and complicated with a high learning curve. The free software all had caveats and limited what you could do on the drawing. You could pay for it if needed but at this point, I've used …
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    Company actually uses both products. They both have their use for us, but it stacks up pretty well compared to features and tools. The cost between the two products definitely swings in DraftSight's favor.
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    Initially because it was free.
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    We use AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS software
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    The cost/benefit between DraftSight and AutoCAD is why I decided to use DraftSight.
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    DraftSight doesn't even compare to CREO. CREO is a 3D parametric solid modeler. DraftSight is just a 2D tool. So, I guess it depends on what you want to do. If you need to do some layout work, use a 2D tool. Otherwise use a 3D tool.
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    Most free CAD alternatives had serious drawbacks. We used some of them for some time before we ended up choosing DraftSight. DraftSight is surprisingly more intuitive than other well known and used applications.

    As a designer I've used more expensive and complex CAD applications …
    Incentivized
    Chose DraftSight
    AutoCAD is a great product, but it is very expensive to buy. We do use DraftSight because it is not very expensive. It is easy to learn.
    We already use SOLIDWORKS and these to programs work great together.
    Incentivized
    Key User Insights
    Would buy again
    100%
    Would buy again
    6 Answers
    89%
    Would buy again
    8 Answers
    96%
    Would buy again
    77 Answers
    Delivers good value for the price
    100%
    Delivers good value for the price
    6 Answers
    100%
    Delivers good value for the price
    8 Answers
    99%
    Delivers good value for the price
    75 Answers
    Happy with the feature set
    100%
    Happy with the feature set
    6 Answers
    89%
    Happy with the feature set
    8 Answers
    95%
    Happy with the feature set
    76 Answers
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    No answers on this topic
    86%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    6 Answers
    94%
    Lived up to sales and marketing promises
    64 Answers
    Implementation went as expected
    100%
    Implementation went as expected
    5 Answers
    100%
    Implementation went as expected
    8 Answers
    95%
    Implementation went as expected
    73 Answers
    Features
    AutoCAD LTAutodesk FusionDraftSight
    Computer-Aided Design Software
    Comparison of Computer-Aided Design Software features of AutoCAD LT and Autodesk Fusion and DraftSight
    Feature
    AutoCAD LT
    7.5
    3 Ratings
    0% above category average
    Autodesk Fusion
    7.7
    2 Ratings
    3% above category average
    DraftSight
    6.8
    8 Ratings
    9% below category average
    2D Drafting10.03 Ratings7.62 Ratings8.48 Ratings
    Parametric Design8.01 Ratings5.22 Ratings6.32 Ratings
    Collaboration and Sharing7.52 Ratings9.62 Ratings7.17 Ratings
    Compatibility with other software and formats4.73 Ratings9.82 Ratings8.17 Ratings
    Assembly Design8.52 Ratings5.02 Ratings7.84 Ratings
    Simulation and Analysis7.01 Ratings4.62 Ratings4.52 Ratings
    Documentation and Annotation6.03 Ratings8.02 Ratings6.78 Ratings
    Customization and Extensions8.52 Ratings7.82 Ratings5.66 Ratings
    3D Modeling00 Ratings9.82 Ratings7.92 Ratings
    Rendering and Visualization00 Ratings9.12 Ratings5.54 Ratings
    Best Alternatives
    AutoCAD LTAutodesk FusionDraftSight
    Small Businesses
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    Medium-sized Companies
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    Onshape
    Score6.4 out of 10
    Enterprises
    PTC Creo
    Score7.6 out of 10
    PTC Creo
    Score7.6 out of 10
    PTC Creo
    Score7.6 out of 10
    All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
    User Ratings
    AutoCAD LTAutodesk FusionDraftSight
    Likelihood to Recommend
    8.6
    (6 ratings)
    8.2
    (17 ratings)
    9.2
    (417 ratings)
    Likelihood to Renew
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    9.1
    (23 ratings)
    Usability
    8.6
    (3 ratings)
    7.4
    (3 ratings)
    8.4
    (24 ratings)
    Availability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    8.2
    (7 ratings)
    Performance
    -
    (0 ratings)
    8.0
    (1 ratings)
    8.2
    (6 ratings)
    Support Rating
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.9
    (2 ratings)
    4.8
    (15 ratings)
    In-Person Training
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.1
    (1 ratings)
    Implementation Rating
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    9.0
    (16 ratings)
    Configurability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    8.3
    (6 ratings)
    Contract Terms and Pricing Model
    -
    (0 ratings)
    -
    (0 ratings)
    7.3
    (1 ratings)
    Ease of integration
    -
    (0 ratings)
    10.0
    (1 ratings)
    8.2
    (4 ratings)
    Product Scalability
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    7.4
    (7 ratings)
    Vendor post-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    9.1
    (4 ratings)
    Vendor pre-sale
    -
    (0 ratings)
    9.0
    (1 ratings)
    8.0
    (5 ratings)
    User Testimonials
    AutoCAD LTAutodesk FusionDraftSight
    Likelihood to Recommend
    Autodesk
    AutoCAD LT is suitable for engineers that uses DWG formats casually and don't rely on AutoCAD as the main tool to issue drawings in the workflow. AutoCAD LT is best suited for firms that do not use LISP functions in AutoCAD and do not care about 3D modeling. Although AutoCAD LT has other missing functions when compared to standard AutoCAD, these features are of less importance and can't be noticed.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    This software has been so easy to use from day one! I couldn't be more thrilled with it. Being an SME, it is offered on an annual basis free of charge. My network of engineers are amazed I am able to accomplish what I have using this software when the companies they come from are paying thousands for licensing. I also would like to note that Autodesk offer an incredible specialization to really round out your skills via Coursera.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Dassault Systemes
    2D design work
    3D design work
    Large area (500m²+) analysis and assessment
    From product design, including production drawings to lay out of large (10m x 1m footprint) layouts DraftSight is a cost effective solution providing all appropriate interfaces for BIM.
    The level of detail during rendering (while it can be slow) is good for visualization and for use in installation and training materials
    Incentivized
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    Pros
    Autodesk
    • The library feature for all areas is to me AutoCAD LT's extra strong point, it makes it easier to find information within the program itself.
    • The fast solutions and precise development of drawings and projects is also another strong point.
    • I use the floor plans, elevations, sections and the hydraulic designs to work with my students on physics projects.
    • The software allows you to scale model and remodel as many times as you need, from simple to more complex designs
    • Importing and exporting files is also very simple to perform making corrections and quick feedback to students easy.
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    • The first PRO of Fusion 360 that always comes to mind is how versatile it is. Fusion 360 is the first CAD/CAM software that also includes other key features that CAD programs of this size don't have.
    • Fusion 360 has a generous licensing structure that gives those just starting out a place to start with a professional level CAD program. As a result, this has helped build up a huge community and user base around Fusion 360.
    • Fusion 360 is updated on a monthly basis. This has proven to be a huge advantage over Solidworks (something else I use) which is only updated once a year. The nice thing about monthly updates, other than regular bug fixes, is that the team can adapt quickly and no one is taken by storm with a big overhaul of the UI or features at the beginning of the year.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Dassault Systemes
    • You can easily bring in a dwg format drawing into the programme and it will display the information just as well as AutoCAD.
    • The programme supports shortcut features or one-click buttons for the most commonly used operations.
    • Script files can be used which is a bonus.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Cons
    Autodesk
    • The differences between the Mac and PC versions are quite difficult to navigate. It would be better to have a more streamlined experience between the two platforms
    • It would be nice to have feature like geolocation on the online or mac version and not just the PC version
    • Make it more compatible with other AutoCAD formats so that I can at least view things when they are coming from Civil 3D
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Autodesk
    • Fusion 360 is a very simple program, so once you begin to draw more complex 3D models, the software gets sluggish and loses its fluidity.
    • It would be really nice if Fusion 360 could output a model as a SolidWorks file so I can begin to draw something out in Fusion 360 and then pick it up in SolidWorks when I need to do some more advanced functions.
    • Because Fusion 360 is a simpler program, there are a few functions such as 3D sketches that are not intuitive like all the rest of the functions are.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Dassault Systemes
    • The text search and replace is very crude and barely works. Needs a major revamping.
    • The layout tabs are very clunky and hard to use. Needs to be fixed.
    • DraftSight will fix a problem in one version, mess it up in another version, then fix it again later on. And so forth, and so forth, and so forth. Very poor software update control.
    Incentivized
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    Likelihood to Renew
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Autodesk
    It does everything I need for great value.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Dassault Systemes
    It has given us, a small startup, the ability to compete effectively with far larger competitors by evening the playing field at a low cost.
    Incentivized
    Read full review
    Usability
    Autodesk
    It’s easy to use, easy to customize, easy to understand on the logic behind it and the guides provides everything to improve further. the buttons are well displaced and easy to use and remember. everything seems really well fought to make it easier to use. in a single word: polished.
    Incentivized
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    Autodesk
    Because the tool is very useful and easy to access, it provides very basic and useful tools to start in the modeling part despite being basic processing aspects. It is also very easy to get a free, temporary, or student license, which makes it a very good CAD tool.
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    Dassault Systemes
    Easy if you know how to use CAD software. But is not very difficult to learn using DraftSight if this is your first CAD software. As soon as you get in to it the work flow will save you a lot of time and its simple interface is very nice.
    Incentivized
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    Reliability and Availability
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Autodesk
    Sometimes I like using it on Saturday nights. Unfortunately, they usually do their updates at this time and it isn't available to use.
    Incentivized
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    Dassault Systemes
    Other than a bug created by a VAR tech support that didn't get resolved until I installed the next version, DraftSight has worked fine.
    Read full review
    Performance
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Autodesk
    It can freeze sometimes while doing heavy tasks.
    Incentivized
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    Dassault Systemes
    In general it's very quick to load drawings...now it depends a lot on the file we're opening or working on.
    Incentivized
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    Support Rating
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Autodesk
    Support is conducted via internet Q&A boards; newcomers to 3D modeling may find that articulating their questions in the language of CAD software is the tricky part — once they find the right technical term for what they're trying to accomplish, answers come quickly. Autodesk also provides a large library of educational tutorial videos that make the initial process of learning Fusion 360's interface much easier.
    Incentivized
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    Dassault Systemes
    Technical support seems to be overseas with broken English and difficulty to read English. I asked for a trial license to try the fix but it was declined. Ask pratiksha.dahotre and gayatri.keskar for details. In summary, they released a broken version, I helped to fix by providing feedback and error logs. They claimed it is fixed but I can't test it.
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    In-Person Training
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Dassault Systemes
    Based on some knowledge of AutoCad, using Draftsight took a short time before I felt comfortable using it.
    Incentivized
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    Implementation Rating
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Autodesk
    No. It is basic and straightforward.
    Incentivized
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    Dassault Systemes
    Take time to get used to where commands are and how the interface can be customized to suit your needs and work style. The keyboard commands are very helpful and can make work more efficient if time is taken to learn them.
    Incentivized
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    Alternatives Considered
    Autodesk
    Although AutoCAD LT is the lite software when compared to standard AutoCAD, it does all the work when it comes to 2D modeling and issuing design drawings. When comparing it to BricsCAD, AutoCAD LT shines, as it works without freezing and is usually more responsive than BricsCAD, it just outclasses it.
    Incentivized
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    Autodesk
    Autodesk Inventor excels at daily core engineering tasks. When integrated with Vault management systems and part libraries, Autodesk Inventor is tough to beat when you need a mechanical design solution. When Inventor and Vault are setup properly it allows for a very efficient design workflow. I think it would be difficult to achieve the same amount of workflow efficiency with Autodesk Fusion 360, that said, Autodesk Fusion 360 offers a very good toolset at a much lower cost. I can maintain a yearly subscription of Autodesk Fusion 360 and get about 85% of the functionality that is available via the Inventor design suite for the cost of about 2 months of an Inventor subscription. I then also get access to manufacturing plugins with Autodesk Fusion 360 but lose a lot in the drawing environment. Inventor beats Autodesk Fusion 360 hands down when it comes to documentation.
    Incentivized
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    Dassault Systemes
    While SketchUp is free, DraftSights cost is minimal and its abilities are much greater. It is so much easier to layout and modifies a system design. Since DraftSight is compatible with all versions of CAD, it makes it easy to collaborate with customers on their specific system design. We spend less time and see greater sales on our projects.
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    Contract Terms and Pricing Model
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Dassault Systemes
    It's a typical contract for cad software. It was inexpensive at the time I started. But now the more useful features are on the more premium (priced) version.
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    Scalability
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Autodesk
    It offers so much already, and the reason being is that it showed promise early on.
    Incentivized
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    Dassault Systemes
    As a startup, we really appreciate scalable software or tools, and because we use it for diverse types of projects, flexibility is key.
    Incentivized
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    Professional Services
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Autodesk
    No answers on this topic
    Dassault Systemes
    Quite responsive when I have an issue, and with little to no delay in responding. They are professional and know the software so have been able to solve all of the issues that I have had with both using the software and also with making revisions as required. Non-technical issues like invoices have also been resolved quickly.
    Incentivized
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    Return on Investment
    Autodesk
    • The impact is always positive in my case when I use AutoCAD LT, because I provide intelligent lessons with few resources
    • The negative impact usually happens with professionals who don't like to innovate, study, or put a little more effort into their work. AutoCAD LT enables the enchantment at the end of the project by the public and at the beginning by the students that are delighted with so many tools
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    Autodesk
    • It gives me totally positive impacts. Its zero cost eliminates the need to search for other software to use.
    • Fusion 360's Autodesk cloud solution enables me to use 3d files generated via other Autodesk design software that are widely used by my customers.
    Incentivized
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    Dassault Systemes
    • Draftsight has been very cost effective, it was free a few years ago then £79 a year, which it still is if you have the standard version. Now the minium level is Profession edition at £159+ VAT per year. Which is still very good value for money, just more that what we currently pay with the standard licences we have.
    Incentivized
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    ScreenShots

    DraftSight Screenshots

    Screenshot of Plate InsertScreenshot of Image TraceScreenshot of 2D and 3D DWG filesScreenshot of HomeByMe Integration