It works good!
Updated June 03, 2024

It works good!

Arthur C Gagnon | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Software Version

Paid

Overall Satisfaction with DraftSight

I'm the only user of DrafSight or any other design software in my company. It is used to edit old mechanical desktop files or customers' Autocad files. I would like to get it into use at a local community workshop, but for them, the price is too much for a non-profit to afford.

Pros

  • Edit Mechanical Desktop or AutoCAD files.
  • Great at editing drawings.
  • Works just like AutoCAD, so there's a learning curve.

Cons

  • It would be nice if DraftSight had the 3D functionality of Mechanical Desktop.
  • AutoCAD compatibility.
  • Low cost vs AutoCAD.
  • Continuous improvements each year.
  • + AutoCAD compatibility.
  • - Subscription is separate from SOLIDWORKS subscription.
  • Need site license.
DraftSight is just as good, or better, than AutoCAD. Also at a price that is very competitive. Plus, DraftSight has new features every few releases.

Do you think DraftSight delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with DraftSight's feature set?

Yes

Did DraftSight live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of DraftSight go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy DraftSight again?

Yes

It's well suited for users who need Autocad, but don't want to pay Autocad's exorbitant prices. It is no longer well suited for small maker spaces with limited budgets due to there being no free option. Also, DraftSight should also be part of any Solidworks package in order to make maintaining the subscription easier.

DraftSight Feature Ratings

Computer-Aided Design Software
7.5
2D Drafting
9
Compatibility with other software and formats
9
Documentation and Annotation
6
Customization and Extensions
6

Using DraftSight

1 - Engineer and design.
1 - Engineer and design.
  • Open and print AutoCAD files.
  • Edit AutoCAD files.
  • Create quick and simple drawings.
  • Convert raster to vector, when it use to come with my version.
  • Same as today.
Because I use it.

Evaluating DraftSight and Competitors

Yes - Mechanical Desktop
  • Other
Autocad compatibility
n/a

DraftSight Implementation

DraftSight Training

  • No Training
I knew autocad, so the transition to Draftsight was seemless.

Configuring DraftSight

Draftsight is as configurable as I need it to be.
I have no recommendations to offer.
Some - we have done small customizations to the interface - I just moved icons or turned on/off menus.
No - we have not done any custom code

DraftSight Support

Poor support from my last experience a couple of years ago. Luckily, the software started working properly again after installing a newer version.
ProsCons
None
Slow Resolution
Poor followup
Problems left unsolved
Not kept informed
Difficult to get immediate help
Need to explain problems multiple times
Support doesn't seem to care
Slow Initial Response
What is premium support?
No, if anything, I got locked out because of the support I received. Luckily I got a new pc and the reinstall worked.

Using DraftSight

It's good, but it can always get better.
ProsCons
Like to use
Relatively simple
Easy to use
Well integrated
Consistent
Quick to learn
Convenient
Feel confident using
Familiar
None
  • Drawing lines.
  • Editing text.
  • Explode
  • Changing line lengths.
  • Matching properties.
  • Scaling

DraftSight Reliability

Scalability for cad software is a term that has no meaning to a business with one seat of DraftSight.
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.
No problems here

Integrating DraftSight

Relationship with Dassault Systemes

I can buy Draftsight easily enough, but they offer very little help afterwards. At least they respond to issues about my order or serial number.
I can buy Draftsight easily enough, but they offer very little help afterwards. At least they respond to issues about my order or serial number.
No negotiations were offered.
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.
The price was locked in, which is good. They are responsive to questions about the order. But they do not offer any tech support.

Upgrading DraftSight

Yes - Yes
  • Nothing new was added to my version
  • More features, such as pdf editing or raster to vector
Yes - From Professional to Premium.
Yes - From free to Professional.

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