Native DWG Program for Proofing Translations
February 21, 2018
Native DWG Program for Proofing Translations
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Overall Satisfaction with DraftSight
Draftsight is a program available on line from Dassault systems. it is a basic drafting program which utilizes OpenDWG, so it is fully compatible with AutoCad. All that being said, my main use of Draftsignt is to check translations from my main program, PowerCadd, to DWG. It is very helpful in that it allows one to view the document as it might be viewed by an AutoCad user. Also, another helpful feature of Draftsight is its ability to save a DWG document in an earlier format, say it would open an AutoCad 2016 document and allow me to save it as an AutoCad 2013 document. The program makes good use of the MacOS interface. Once the document is viewed in Draftsignt, the program has enough tools that allows the user to fully edit lines, blocks, text, etc. Or, as an option, simply return to the main program and edit the document there. For Mac users using PowerCadd or any other program that requires translation to DWG for AutoCad users, this program is recommended. And the price is very reasonable.
- Saves in native DWG format
- Allows a document to be saved to be read by earlier versions of AutoCad
- Makes good use of MacOS interface
- Sufficient tools allow editing of the document within the program
- Could use more extensive libraries. This is a basic drafting program, so for an additional cost, there are add-ons making the program more useful.
- Delete function doesn't work intuitively.
- Lacks "power tools" which would enable line cleanups, snap to objects, etc.
- Draftsight gives me a tool which allows me to examine imported DWG documents.
- Draftsight allow proofing of translated documents- important in that the translated document has to be functional and useful to the end user.
- Sharing of documents with consultants who do not use my programs is crucial. Draftsight makes this process more viable.
- PowerCadd, Vectorworks and SketchUp
Draftsight is NOT my basic drafting program. It lacks the power tools that PowerCadd has. Vectorworks Architect is a complete BIM solution. Draft sight does not offer an object-based solution, so would not work for my basic CAD needs. Users considering Draftsight should use it for what it seems to do best - proof DWG documents.