BETTESWORTHConstruction

DraftSight

#16 of 31 in CAD Software

from $299 a yearFree trial

What it is

DraftSight is a desktop 2D CAD application for creating, editing, viewing, and sharing DWG drawings; some versions also include 3D design capabilities. 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. Users can automate work through APIs, LISP, DLLs, and custom scripts. PDF Import converts PDF drawings into editable DWG files in Premium and Enterprise Plus. The product describes integrations with SOLIDWORKS Visualize, SOLIDWORKS Simulation, and 3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace Make. DraftSight 2026 Professional and Premium support 64-bit Windows 11 and macOS 14, 15, and 26; listed minimum requirements include 8 GB RAM and 5 GB of free or available disk space. License options include named-user, network, and perpetual, with perpetual licenses available only through resellers. Professional starts at 299.00 USD per year, and a 30-day trial is listed.

Who it suits. DraftSight describes its audience as professionals and teams in architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and design. It suits users working with DWG drawings who need desktop drafting tools and optional automation.

Good

  • Native DWG support with DXF and DGN workflows
  • Includes batch printing and sheet set management
  • Supports APIs, LISP automations, DLLs, and scripts
  • PDF Import can convert drawings to editable DWG
  • Offers named-user, network, and perpetual licenses

Watch for

  • No free plan
  • PDF Import is limited to Premium and Enterprise Plus
  • Perpetual licenses are available only through resellers
  • Minimum listed hardware includes 8 GB RAM

Verdict

DraftSight provides a broad set of desktop drafting and automation tools for DWG-based work. Review platform requirements and license options, especially if PDF conversion or network licensing is needed.

Plans and prices

PlanPriceBilled
Professional$299 a yearUSD/yr
Premium$599 a yearUSD/yr
Network$399 a yearStarting at USD/yr
DraftSight Professional$299 a yearper year
DraftSight Enterprise$399 a yearper year
DraftSight Premium$599 a yearper year

From DraftSight's own pricing page, checked 20 Sept 2026. Every plan

What the maker publishes

Automation
DraftSight provides APIs and supports LISP-based automations, DLLs, and custom scripts. source
Cloud collaboration
The 3DEXPERIENCE DraftSight datasheet says users can store design data in a centralized cloud location and manage permissions and revisions. source
Drafting tools
The product includes layers, hatching, snapping, splines, dimensioning, batch printing, and sheet set management. source
File formats
DraftSight works natively with DWG files and supports DWG, DXF, and DGN workflows. source
Free plan
No source
Integrations
DraftSight describes integrations with SOLIDWORKS Visualize, SOLIDWORKS Simulation, and 3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace Make. source
Intended users
DraftSight describes its audience as professionals and teams in architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and design. source
License choices
DraftSight offers named-user, network, and perpetual license options, with perpetual licenses available only through resellers. source
Mac requirement
DraftSight 2026 lists 8 GB RAM and 5 GB of available disk space for installation on Mac. source
PDF import
PDF Import converts PDF drawings into editable DWG files and is available in DraftSight Premium and Enterprise Plus. source
Product
DraftSight is a desktop 2D CAD application for creating, editing, viewing, and sharing DWG drawings, with 3D design capabilities in some versions. source
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. source
Supported desktop systems
DraftSight 2026 Professional and Premium support 64-bit Windows 11 and macOS 14, 15, and 26. source
Windows requirement
DraftSight 2026 lists 8 GB RAM and 5 GB of free disk space as minimum Windows hardware requirements. source