Thursday August 6, 2020 at 4:00pm
Many users of AutoCAD are about to choose whether to make the move from their current subscriptions, to a single user-named only model or, to move to an alternative 2D CAD drawing package*. Here we look at DraftSight 2020 and whether it really has more 2D/3D CAD capabilities than AutoCAD but at a much lower cost.
2D CAD is now a very mature product with its widespread use adopted in the '80s, so game-changing releases with new functionality are less frequent. It is now more about user interface enhancements, compatibility, collaboration tools and licensing models. DraftSight 2020 is packed full of rich features and intuitive user commands that are all too familiar to the traditional AutoCAD user. So what does DraftSight look like to an AutoCAD user? Lynn Allen who, for over 20 years, produced articles for Cadalyst Magazine on each AutoCAD release recently published an article on DraftSight from an AutoCAD user’s perspective.
If all you need is a straightforward 2D CAD product without the hefty AutoCAD subscriptions then DraftSight Standard could be all you need. Whether you are looking to download a DWG Viewer, produce simple 2D CAD layouts or routinely open and edit 2D CAD files, this is an affordable but powerful option.
For more advanced features and access to an API, DraftSight Professional or Premium are professional grade products and certainly worth a FREE 30 day trial if you are about to pay the £444 (AutoCAD LT) or the £1,890 (AutoCAD) per year price tag.
DraftSight Enterprise
For companies who require flexibility with how they manage their 2D CAD licenses, DraftSight offers a multi-user network licence - DraftSight Enterprise. Available as a perpetual licence (meaning you actually own the product), it is the first 2D CAD licence option that comes with the award winning support from Solid Solutions. If you have multiple users of 2D CAD, then DraftSight Enterprise should be a serious consideration. Ideal for organisations with multiple sites, designers, makers, manufacturers, and professionals.
*AutoCAD are moving away from maintenance plans and multi-user access to a named-user only, rental model. Maintenance plans retired on May 7, 2021, and cannot be further renewed. Multi-user access licencing will retire on August 7, 2022, and cannot be further renewed.
Buy Standard Today!
For students, hobbyists or other individuals that need a straight-forward 2D CAD product. Whether you need to download a dwg viewer, a 2D design tool, or to manipulate CAD files, this is an affordable but powerful option.
Buy Professional Today!
The advanced 2D CAD drafting solution with powerful, time-saving functionalities and an API to help bring your designs to life quickly and easily.
Ideal for companies, individuals, and designers.
Buy Premium Today!
The robust 2D drafting and 3D design experience with full 3D capabilities and constraints features to help meet all of your drafting, modeling, prototyping, manufacturing, laser cutting and 3D printing needs. Includes productivity tools and an API.