DraftSight
DraftSight provides powerful tools to create, edit, and share precise technical drawings efficiently. With flexible licensing options, DraftSight delivers a cost-effective alternative for both individual users and organizations.
What is DraftSight?
DraftSight is a professional-grade 2D drafting solution for designers, engineers and architects offering full compatibility with DWG and DXF files. The software includes a wide range of drafting and annotation tools, helping users streamline design workflows and improve productivity. DraftSight also supports customization through macros, scripts, and API integration, allowing teams to automate repetitive tasks. Available in multiple versions, from Professional to Enterprise, it provides flexible options to suit individual users, small businesses, and large organizations alike.
DraftSight Use Cases
DraftSight’s powerful 2D and 3D design tools enable engineers and designers to create, edit, and share precise drawings efficiently and with professional-quality results. Common use cases include:
AutoCAD Migration and Replacement
Seamlessly migrate from AutoCAD with familiar interface and full DWG compatibility.
2D Drafting
Create architectural plans, mechanical schematics, electrical layouts, and plumbing diagrams.
Technical Drawings
Annotate drawings with dimensions, labels, and notes for manufacturing or construction.
File Conversion
Open, edit, and save DWG and DXF files for compatibility with AutoCAD and other CAD tools.
File Collaboration
Share drawings between teams, contractors, or clients without losing formatting or data.
Engineering & Manufacturing
Create drawings for CNC machining, sheet metal design, or other manufacturing processes.
DraftSight Features & Benefits
DraftSight is a 2D CAD drafting solution with a familiar and easy to learn interface. From the makers of SolidWorks, DraftSight offers a complete set of tools for your essential 2D design and drafting needs.
DraftSight Key Features
Maintain productivity with the same drafting environment trusted by hundreds of thousands of users, enhanced with cloud capabilities.
Create, edit, view, mark up, and print 2D files with complete support for DWG data and automations, ensuring seamless migration from other CAD tools.
Access 3D modeling and editing tools, including predefined solids and parametric constraints.
Leverage customizable APIs, rich design libraries, custom blocks, dynamic blocks, and time-saving automation features.
Access advanced layer management features, including the ability to open the layers manager as a palette and merge multiple layers into a single layer.
Automate repetitive drafting tasks using macros or scripts, and integrate with other software via API for customized workflows.
Reduce expenses and maintain productivity with flexible licensing options.
DraftSight Licensing & Packages
DraftSight offers cost effective licensing options including network licensing and perpetual licenses to fit your team’s drafting and collaboration needs.
DraftSight Professional
Provides comprehensive 2D drafting capabilities, featuring time-saving productivity tools, customizable APIs, and the ability to create, edit, and manage 2D DWG files with rich design libraries.
DraftSight Premium
Builds upon Professional with added 3D capabilities, including full 3D modeling and editing tools, parametric constraints, and advanced productivity tools for creating custom blocks and dynamic blocks.
DraftSight Enterprise
Offers the features from DraftSight Professional in a convenient network license.
DraftSight Enterprise Plus
Offers the advanced features from DraftSight Premium in a convenient network license.
DraftSight Mechanical
Includes all the features in DraftSight Premium, plus advanced features for updating drawings containing mechanical entities in DWG format.
DraftSight Package Comparison
Quickly compare DraftSight packages to find the best fit for your team’s needs:
Comparison Matrix
ESSENTIAL TOOLS
Professional/ Enterprise
Premium/ Enterprise Plus
Mechanical
Draw Tools (Line, Polyline, Arc, Circle, Ellipse, Table, Hatch, Cloud, Block…)
Modify Tools (Move, Copy, Rotate, Array, Scale, Trim, Chamfer, Split…)
Layer, Block, Group, Print
Pasting to Active Layer
Layer Preview
Spline Editing with Fit and Control Vertices
Hatch Fill and Gradient
Discarding Duplicate Entities
Quick Modify (Copy/Move/Rotate/Scale)
Insert Centerlines
View Navigator
PRODUCTIVITY TOOLS
Professional/ Enterprise
Premium/ Enterprise Plus
Mechanical
Toolbox (BOM, Revision Table, Hardware, Holes, Welding/Surface/Finish Symbols…)
Design Resources Library
Batch Printing
Tool Palettes
Merge Layer
Drawing Compare
Pattern (Linear, Polar, Path)
Automatic Dimensioning & Dimension Arrangement
Dimension Palette
Mass Properties Calculations
Quick Input Methods
Using Formulas in Table Cells
Viewport Layer Freezing
Block Attribute Manager
G-Code Generator
Power Trim
Image Tracer
Pack and Go
Publish to DWF format
Create & Edit Custom Blocks
Sheet Set Manager
3D Tools (3D Modeling, 3D Drafting, Solid Editing, Mesh, etc.)
Constraints
MECHANICAL TOOLS
Professional/ Enterprise
Premium/ Enterprise Plus
Mechanical
Open, edit and create Mechanical DWG files
Create, edit Bill of Materials (BOMs)
Edit and create part references
Insert part reference Balloon annotations
Automatically apply part references to Toolbox hardware
Support for drafting standards such as ANSI, ISO, Din, JIS, BSI
INTEROPERABILITY TOOLS
Professional/ Enterprise
Premium/ Enterprise Plus
Mechanical
Dynamic Blocks Viewing
Dynamic Blocks Editing
Auto/Visual LISP Import
3DEXPERIENCE® Marketplace Integration
Data Link – Excel to DraftSight
HomeByMe Integration
3D Content Central Integration
3DEXPERIENCE, DELMIA, SOLIDWORKS Electrical, PDM Connectors
PDF Underlay
DGN Import/Convert & Underlay
CATIA drawing import
PDF Import
CUSTOMIZATION TOOLS
Professional/ Enterprise
Premium/ Enterprise Plus
Mechanical
Application Programming Interface (API)
SVG scalable icons for HD displays
Dark mode
Macro Recording
DraftSight FAQs
Is Draftsight Included with Solidworks?
No, DraftSight is a separate product and is not included with SOLIDWORKS licenses. DraftSight is a standalone or network 2D and 3D drafting solution that can complement your SOLIDWORKS workflow but requires its own license. However, DraftSight integrates well with SOLIDWORKS for seamless data exchange.
Can I get a quote to buy Draftsight?
Yes, absolutely! Contact MLC CAD Systems for a custom DraftSight quote tailored to your specific needs. Our team will help you determine the right package (Professional, Premium or Enterprise) and licensing options for your organization. We can also discuss volume discounts, network licensing, and implementation support.
Is DraftSight better than AutoCAD?
DraftSight offers significant advantages over AutoCAD, particularly in cost-effectiveness. While AutoCAD is widely used, DraftSight provides the same core 2D drafting capabilities with full DWG compatibility at a fraction of the cost.
Where can I find DraftSight pricing?
For current DraftSight pricing and package options, please contact MLC CAD Systems directly. Pricing varies based on the package level (Professional, Premium or Enterprise), number of licenses, and licensing type (individual or network). Our team will provide you with up-to-date pricing and help you find the most cost-effective solution for your needs.
What is the best CAD software for 2D drawing?
The best 2D CAD software depends on your specific needs, but DraftSight stands out as a top choice for 2D drafting. It offers full DWG compatibility, making it a great alternative to AutoCAD with significant cost savings. What sets DraftSight apart is its familiar interface that requires minimal training, flexible licensing options, and seamless integration with 3D design workflows when you’re ready to expand.
Related Resources
Blog & Articles
Get DraftSight up and running—whether standalone or network-based—with a clear, step-by-step setup process. From individual serials to SolidNetWork License (SNL) deployment, your CAD-ready system is just a few clicks away. Start your DraftSight install now—set it up clean, fast, and right!
Verify that your workstation meets the recommended specs for DraftSight before installation. From OS compatibility and processor speed to GPU support and memory requirements, optimizing your setup ensures reliability and efficient design workflows. Confirm your system is DraftSight-ready—review requirements before you install!
Remove corrupted settings and leftover files before reinstalling DraftSight. Follow a full uninstall, clean user folders and registry entries, then reinstall with fresh settings for reliable performance. Refresh your setup—reset DraftSight clean and restore your CAD productivity today!
Create a single admin-image deployment package using the DraftSight Deployment Wizard. Preconfigure licensing, settings, and network paths so users simply run deploydraftsight.exe for a seamless install. Simplify your software deployment—build and deploy your DraftSight Enterprise image now!