DraftSight

DraftSight is a fast and exceptionally powerful piece of software that offers 3D modeling and computer-aided design functionality without the exorbitant cost of the most expensive options out there.

This software suite was designed by Dassault Systems to provide an alternative to the industry standard CAD options on the market, of which there are several over-priced options. The main version of DraftSight is entirely free, and it doesn't sacrifice on substance to reach that level of savings. Many of the utilities and features available in DraftSight would be surprising to find in any other free suite. The end goal of the developer was to give smaller companies an option for CAD software that wouldn't break their budgets.

Just because the main version of DraftSight is free doesn't mean that it's any less powerful than the professional competitors. The software can read, edit, and open any file with the .DWG type, and libraries can be created for storage of anything created in the system. Objects can be easily measured, including area, length, and volume.

Users who want to draw freehand can do so by switching off the 'snap to grid' setting, which makes it easier to quickly arrange objects in a simple grid. Objects can be split, melded together, scaled, or extended to fit the needs of the project. Layering is also possible with this app. Once the drawings are complete, they can be finished with information tables and labels.

Those who desire the professional version of DraftSight can take advantage of scripted applications in LISP, C++, C#, VB.net, or VBA. Add-ons and other scripts can be purchased to increase the automation potential of this already powerful app.

The main goal for DraftSight was to make a product that could easily be used by anyone, even those without any comprehensive CAD training. The layout of the menus and toolboxes can easily be customized for the individual user, which makes it incredibly easy to optimize the software for a single workflow. Edits are exceptionally easy, and new projects can be started in a snap. Users can even import objects that were previously created and tweak them with new elements.

Like most CAD software, the majority of the controls are simple point-and-click buttons, but keyboard shortcuts can also be used to enhance the workflow. Users who have gone all out and acquired the professional version of DraftSight can create additional functionality when it comes to tedious processes. This helps make the software that much more intuitive.

There are really no other options for stellar CAD software at this same cost. The free version of the software will perform basically all the functionality that the standard user could want, and the great thing is that the professional version can be unlocked at any point. This will create a seamless transition for growing businesses that want to start with the free version before moving on to the professional version at a later date.

• Full Features in Free Version
• Fast & Powerful
• Customizable Interface
• Paid Version Includes Advanced Scripting Option

• Minor Bugs
• Limited Additional Features in Paid Version