Overall Satisfaction with DraftSight
I am a one-man shop providing architectural visualization and graphic design to small architecture, engineering, and real-estate development firms. My motto is "cheap is good, free is better." I do most of my 3D work in SketchUp, but a CAD program is essential in my line of business and DraftSight fits the role admirably.
I began using AutoCAD in the 1980s. As a result, I preferentially use keyboard commands to perform CAD operations. DraftSight's commands are identical with AutoCAD's. Consequently, when I made the switch from AutoCAD LT to DraftSight, there was zero learning curve--none. The transition was utterly seamless and I was able to continue to concentrate on doing what I was doing without having to learn a new set of procedures.
I have recommended DraftSight to a number of clients, including a local tradesman specializing in rear decks to whose secretary I taught sufficient drafting to do the necessary drafting and details herself. I have also recommended DraftSight to other small-scale architectural operations where cost is a serious issue and paying $99 a year for DraftSight for features identical to AutoCAD LT's at $400/year represents a significant savings.
DraftSight is all upside, no downside. I heartily recommend it.
I began using AutoCAD in the 1980s. As a result, I preferentially use keyboard commands to perform CAD operations. DraftSight's commands are identical with AutoCAD's. Consequently, when I made the switch from AutoCAD LT to DraftSight, there was zero learning curve--none. The transition was utterly seamless and I was able to continue to concentrate on doing what I was doing without having to learn a new set of procedures.
I have recommended DraftSight to a number of clients, including a local tradesman specializing in rear decks to whose secretary I taught sufficient drafting to do the necessary drafting and details herself. I have also recommended DraftSight to other small-scale architectural operations where cost is a serious issue and paying $99 a year for DraftSight for features identical to AutoCAD LT's at $400/year represents a significant savings.
DraftSight is all upside, no downside. I heartily recommend it.
- Provides basic 2D drafting capability comparable to AutoCAD
- Is inexpensive
- Fits a specialized niche in the building community
- Excellent for students and amateurs
- File command is hidden behind an icon. One of the few instances where AutoCAD keyboard commands don't work!
- Inconsistency between DraftSight and AutoCAD print windows.
- Has same weaknesses as AutoCAD. Will someone ever make printing/plotting make sense?
- Positive--saved me money. Has already more than paid for itself.