DraftSight is a professional-grade 2D CAD solution developed by Dassault Systèmes, the creators of SOLIDWORKS. Since its introduction in 2011, DraftSight has evolved into a feature-rich drafting platform utilized by engineers, architects, designers, and construction professionals. Its support for native DWG file formats and compatibility with industry workflows make it an attractive alternative to legacy CAD tools. With decades of engineering software experience, DraftSight provides a professional-grade environment for creating, editing, viewing, and sharing detailed technical drawings, at a price point that appeals to teams of all sizes. This article is based on a recent webinar hosted by DraftSight’s Kevin Land, an industry process expert at Dassault Systèmes, where he explores the DraftSight user interface and discusses the transition from other CAD software.
Image source: DraftSight.
For professionals considering a switch from their current CAD software, the decision often hinges on two key priorities: familiarity and flexibility. Many drafters and designers have spent years developing muscle memory around specific tool layouts, command aliases, and workflows. Switching platforms can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
DraftSight bridges this gap by offering a familiar interface that mimics traditional CAD environments while incorporating thoughtful modern enhancements. Layers will look familiar, Xrefs link as expected, and you can easily open older DWG files. Users transitioning from software like AutoCAD will find that many commands, shortcuts, and interface elements behave exactly as expected, minimizing the learning curve.
DraftSight features a highly customizable user interface. The standard ribbon layout organizes tools logically across tabs, while the Quick Access Toolbar provides one-click access to frequently used features. For users who prefer a classic feel, DraftSight includes a “classic” workspace mode that replicates the look and feel of earlier versions of CAD software.
Palettes, tool panels, and command input boxes can all be arranged to suit your workflow preferences. Whether working on a single monitor or multiple screens, users can tailor DraftSight to their workspace.
DraftSight can import and export DGN files. Image source: DraftSight.
Personalizing how the software looks and behaves is essential for productivity. DraftSight allows users to create named profiles and save workspace configurations, which is ideal for switching between project types or migrating preferences across machines.
Users can modify right-click behavior, customize shortcut menus, and even create your own command aliases, such as “CC” for copy instead of “CO”. These seemingly small tweaks can make a significant difference in speed and user satisfaction, especially for seasoned CAD users.
DraftSight includes a range of features designed to streamline drafting processes. Layer management is intuitive, and tools like TB Layers help automatically assign objects to the appropriate layers, improving consistency and reducing manual cleanup. Custom blocks (with dynamic behavior) and tool palettes accelerate the drawing process, while annotative dimensions and rich text options support standardized documentation practices.
The software also supports complex operations, such as data extraction for bill of materials generation, making it ideal for tracking components like pavers, furniture, or mechanical elements in a project. Viewports, scaling, and layout tools are straightforward, helping users produce clean sheets ready for plotting or export.
With 3DEXPERIENCE, users can connect their DraftSight data to the cloud for design and lifecycle management. Click image to enlarge. Image source: DraftSight.
DraftSight’s extensive feature set supports professionals across disciplines, from architecture and landscape design to manufacturing and electrical drafting. Different product versions, such as DraftSight Mechanical, offer specialized toolsets tailored to industry-specific needs.
For organizations operating in collaborative environments, DraftSight can be connected to Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, a cloud-based ecosystem designed to centralize data, manage project lifecycles, and enable secure team collaboration. Through this integration, teams can store and manage DWG files in the cloud, maintain version control, and access shared libraries and documentation from anywhere. This is particularly valuable for distributed teams or companies adopting digital transformation strategies.
DraftSight also supports workflows that extend beyond traditional drafting, including those related to manufacturing and construction. For users working in mechanical design or detailing environments, features like the built-in Toolbox help streamline component placement and production-ready documentation.
In architectural and construction contexts, the BIM (building information modeling) module — available in Premium and Enterprise Plus versions — enables users to incorporate BIM into their 2D workflows. This module provides tools for defining building elements and managing design data more effectively, helping bridge the gap between drafting and BIM environments. Together, these capabilities support a wide range of professional applications, making DraftSight a versatile platform for both individual users and multidisciplinary teams.
DraftSight shows that switching CAD platforms doesn’t have to mean giving up familiarity or control. Its interface feels familiar to experienced users, while its customization options and productivity tools help streamline day-to-day work.
For professionals exploring alternative CAD solutions, DraftSight offers a flexible environment that supports everything from basic drafting to complex documentation workflows. It’s a platform worth exploring for teams seeking practical, cost-effective CAD solutions.
You can watch the full webinar: Ready, Set, Switch! Discover DraftSight or contact DraftSight directly for more information.
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This article was sponsored by DraftSight.
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