All the file formats supported by DraftSight.ĭraftSight actually recognizes the majority of the AutoCAD commands. In fact, DraftSight saves back to more file formats than AutoCAD does as seen below. And, your AutoCAD DWGs are going to get along splendidly with the DraftSight DWGs (so nobody needs to know!). DraftSight respects all the time and effort you put into your customization and programming routines making them easy to port over. DraftSight speaks AutoCAD, feels like AutoCAD (without “being” AutoCAD) so the learning curve is minimal. But who wants to learn an entirely new tool after all the precious time and effort that went into mastering AutoCAD? Who wants to toss their coveted customizations and programming only to start all over again with another product? Who wants to deal with possible file and library symbol incompatibility? Nobody!Įnter DraftSight to the rescue. No surprise that droves of previously content 2D CAD users are seeking an alternative to their beloved AutoCAD. And, the icing on the cake: for those companies who have enjoyed the benefits of network licenses, this too is coming to an end.
Gone are the days where you can outright buy your own copy of AutoCAD either, now everyone has been forced to a subscription model. Many argue that the price continues to go up while the number of new features appears to go down. One area where a good portion of its adamant fans do not agree with, however, is the price. AutoCAD has just about all the bells and whistles a 2D CAD program could ask for (one could argue too many). While getting close to celebrating its 40 th birthday, it is still a fan favorite of many. It’s impossible to live in the CAD world without knowing about AutoCAD. The reasons are vast and varied – and the file format of choice is DWG. And last, but certainly not least, many companies are living happily ever after in their 2D world and have no desire to change. Some industries are somewhat better suited for 2D over 3D, such as Electrical or Facility Management. Many projects, including publicly procured projects, still require 2D deliverables. There are many reasons that 2D CAD is still so prolific. So why would anyone resort to using 2D CAD? With so much amazing technology available for designing in 3D (SOLIDWORKS), testing and validating your designs with simulation tools, and then 3D printing or manufacturing these same designs. Why would anyone settle for a 2D representation when they can have an identical virtual twin of their intended object? What’s up with that? You and I both know there are still plenty of 2D CAD users out there, which can be mind-boggling to anyone who has fully embraced the world of 3D CAD.