Monday, September 20, 2010

DraftSight still free and now available for MAC

Dassault Systemes, makers of CATIA and Solidworks, put out a free 2D drafting program called DraftSight a few months ago.   As soon as I saw this I downloaded DraftSight and gave it to an intern to break.  From time to time I also used it in production.  Now, DraftSight is available for free on a MAC.  If you are running a PC or a MAC you can use DraftSight, for free.  I have a few opinions on DraftSght and I would like to share them with you.

In short, I feel that DraftSight is both good and bad.  My recommendation for it, or against it, will depend on your situation.

First, the reasons to use it.

  • It's free.  This is the best reason to use it.  It's free.  What else can I say.  It is definitely worth the cost.
  • It can read/write DWG files.
  • If you are an AutoCAD User/Veteran, it "feels" like AutoCADr14 or maybe even AutoCAD 2000.
  • It's keyboard commands recognized standard AutoCAD keyboard commands.  "L" is for "line".
  • AutoCAD users can work with DraftSight right away.
Now, my reasons not to use it.
  • It can only draw in two dimensions.
  • Lisp is not yet functional (but we are told it will be soon so I hesitate to bring this up)
  • It lacks powerful design/drafting tools (for example: Dynamic Blocks, Constraints, Sheet Managers)
  • Can not reference PDF files.
DraftSight is great for making 2D line drawings with no intelligence.  If all you and your firm do is make line drawings then you should use DraftSight.  If you are a hobbyist or need a drafting tool at home, please use DraftSight.

If you produce multiple sheet drawing sets, use something else.  If you need aerial images or PDF files in your drawings, use something else.  If you need design tools like Dynamic Blocks, or Parametric Constraints don't use DraftSight.  If you ever need to create a 3D model, even a basic one, use something else.  

DraftSight is a great 2D companion program to run alongside a powerful 3D design package, but it can't do everything.  I'll be the first to admit that I am an AutoCAD Fanboy, but I feel that DraftSight has its place.  It is an easy to use 2D drafting tool.  It's features are similar to AutoCAD r14 or AutoCAD 2000.  But it lacks many of the enhanced features that Autodesk has put into AutoCAD over the last ten years.  If you want a powerhouse CAD program that can do everything from 2D linework to 2D Constrained Design and all the way to 3D free form surface and mesh modeling, then pay for it and get AutoCAD.  AutoCAD isn't cheap, but DraftSight is.  DraftSight is limited in what it can do, but if that's all you need why pay for more?

7 comments:

  1. The main problem with DraftSight is that it does not read/write the real DWG file format - only a format similar to DWG. Not all contents of AutoCAD DWG files is interpreted properly.

    ReplyDelete
  2. On OSX it took 5 minutes to open a simple DWG, then crashed on first attempt to print. The print dialogue is baffling.
    I wouldn't even consider this a Beta release without functioning print capabilities.
    The display is very clunky too.
    First impression is very bad.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very pleasantly surprised. I have struggled for years to find a decent 2D CAD package for quickly entering outlines for 2.5D milling and stuff like that. 3D packages have excellent 2D (sketch) editors but fall over when you only want layered 2D output for a CAM program with no fuss. The last time that search ended was with QCad, but it never really met its promises.

    ReplyDelete
  4. As an Architect, who is a sole practitioner, I've been looking for a more affordable 2D CAD solution. And so far, I am really impressed with draftsight.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I still prefer AutoCAD LT over Draftsight but you still can't beat the Draftsight price! It needs a drawing management system similar to AutoCAD LT's Sheet Set Manager. That being said, I feel that Draftsight is a viable 2D solution.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Does anyone know if the function 'Dynamic Input' is also available for DraftSight? Till now, that is the only thing i can't find. I like to be able to see the length of my drawn lines!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I don't think it has Dynamic Input. It's a really good CAD program but it is missing some elements and tools.

    ReplyDelete

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