# ActCAD BIM, Autodesk DWG TrueView vs DraftSight Comparison | | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.2 out of 5 | | **Total Reviews** | 50 | 75 | 208 | | **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (78.7% of reviews) | Small-Business (43.8% of reviews) | Small-Business (62.0% of reviews) | | **Entry Level Price** | Contact Us With One-Time Purchase | No pricing available | Starting at $299.00 1 Seat Per Year | --- ## Top Pros & Cons ### ActCAD BIM Pros: - Affordable (1 reviews) - Efficiency (1 reviews) Cons: - Difficult Learning (1 reviews) - Expensive (1 reviews) ### Autodesk DWG TrueView **Not enough data** ### DraftSight Pros: - Ease of Use (13 reviews) - Features Functionality (9 reviews) Cons: - Drawing Issues (2 reviews) - Expensive (2 reviews) --- ## Ratings Comparison | Rating | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Meets Requirements** | 9.0 (37 reviews) | 8.7 (57 reviews) | 8.4 (191 reviews) | | **Ease of Use** | 8.9 (38 reviews) | 8.8 (57 reviews) | 8.3 (196 reviews) | | **Ease of Setup** | 9.4 (13 reviews) | 8.5 (10 reviews) | 8.7 (103 reviews) | | **Ease of Admin** | 9.3 (12 reviews) | 8.8 (8 reviews) | 8.2 (28 reviews) | | **Quality of Support** | 8.7 (38 reviews) | 8.3 (49 reviews) | 7.2 (145 reviews) | | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 9.0 (12 reviews) | 8.3 (7 reviews) | 8.3 (27 reviews) | | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.0 (36 reviews) | 8.6 (57 reviews) | 7.6 (196 reviews) | --- ## Pricing ### ActCAD BIM #### Entry-Level Pricing Plan: ActCAD 2027 Software Price: Contact Us With One-Time Purchase Description: ActCAD is a 2D & 3D CAD software with functionality of the industry leaders. We offer two product options: - ActCAD Standard for 2D Drafting Power Users - ActCAD Primium for 2D Drafting, 3D Modeling and BIM (Building Information Modeling) functionality ActCAD can be used for applications across domains Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) including Structural, Electrical and Mechanical. We also offer value added products for specific applications based on ActCAD: - ActCAD Nesting - ActCAD Dials & Scales - ActCAD CNC Post Processor ActCAD uses the latest IntelliCAD 14 Engine, Open Design Alliance, dwg/dxf Libraries, ACIS 3D Modeling Kernel, and many other Technologies which ensures file support right from the early R2.5 to the latest 2027 Version of dwg/dxf. It also supports other file formats like .dgn, .step/.stp, .iges/.igs, .stl, .obj, 2D PDF, 3D PDF, .svg, .dae, etc. The interface and commands are designed in a manner that is familiar and easy for migration from any CAD Software. Key Features: - Support for 2027 dwg & dxf files - High Speed and Performance - IntelliCAD 14 Engine & ODA 21.11 Libraries [Learn more about ActCAD BIM](https://www.g2.com/products/actcad-actcad-bim/reviews) #### Free Trial Yes ### Autodesk DWG TrueView #### Entry-Level Pricing No pricing available #### Free Trial No information available ### DraftSight #### Entry-Level Pricing Plan: DraftSight Professional Price: Starting at $299.00 1 Seat Per Year Description: 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. Key Features: - Dynamic Blocks, PowerTrim, Mechanical Toolbox, DrawCompare, API Access [Browse all 4 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/pricing) #### Free Trial Yes --- ## Features Comparison By Category ### Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **ActCAD BIM** | N/A | N/A | | **Autodesk DWG TrueView** | N/A | N/A | | **DraftSight** | N/A | N/A | #### Design | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Visualizing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Rendering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Drawing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Editing** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Sequence Steps** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Dynamic Updating** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Collaboration | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Multi User** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **File Import/Export** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Annotating ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Document Storage** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Construction | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Fabrication** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Reinforcement Tools** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Clash Detection ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Grading** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Earthwork** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Generative AI | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Common Data Environment (CDE) - Building Design and Building Information Modeling | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Role-Based Access** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Centralized Data Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Cost Estimation - Building Design and Building Information Modeling | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Lifecycle Cost Tracking** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Quantity Takeoff & Cost Estimation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Electrical & Circuit Design - Building Design and Building Information Modeling | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Clash Detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Electrical System Modeling** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **MEP Coordination** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Load Calculation & Analysis** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Interoperability with BIM & CAD** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Circuit Design Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### Civil Engineering Design | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **ActCAD BIM** | 7.9/10 | 15 | | **Autodesk DWG TrueView** | N/A | N/A | | **DraftSight** | N/A | N/A | #### Plan | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Documentation ** | 8.8 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Sequence** | 8.0 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Annotate** | 8.5 (11 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Collaborate ** | 8.1 (9 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Design | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **3D Modeling** | 7.1 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **3D Rendering ** | 6.7 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Drawing** | 8.6 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Editing ** | 8.3 (12 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Construction | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Fabrication** | 7.8 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Reinforcement** | 7.5 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Clash Detection** | 6.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Grading** | 8.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Earthwork** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Engineering | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Hydraulic engineering** | 8.6 (6 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Hydrologic engineering** | 8.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Transportation engineering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Structural engineering** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### General-Purpose CAD | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **ActCAD BIM** | 8.0/10 | 28 | | **Autodesk DWG TrueView** | N/A | N/A | | **DraftSight** | 7.5/10 | 139 | #### Design | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Drawing** | 9.2 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | 9.3 (133 reviews) | | **Modeling** | 7.6 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 6.4 (105 reviews) | | **Visualize ** | 7.5 (18 reviews) | Not enough data | 6.6 (107 reviews) | | **Rendering** | 7.2 (15 reviews) | Not enough data | 5.8 (102 reviews) | #### Edit | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **File Import ** | 8.7 (23 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.3 (129 reviews) | | **Push/Pull** | 7.8 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.1 (104 reviews) | | **Views** | 8.0 (21 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.6 (116 reviews) | | **Grips ** | 7.7 (20 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.0 (121 reviews) | #### Collaboration | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Annotate** | 8.3 (19 reviews) | Not enough data | 8.2 (129 reviews) | | **Documentation ** | 8.1 (17 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.8 (115 reviews) | | **Data Extract** | 8.3 (16 reviews) | Not enough data | 7.4 (113 reviews) | ### CAD Libraries | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **ActCAD BIM** | 6.9/10 | 10 | | **Autodesk DWG TrueView** | N/A | N/A | | **DraftSight** | N/A | N/A | #### Library | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Categorize** | 7.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Search** | 7.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Deduplication** | 6.7 (7 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Feedback** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### CAD | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Types** | 5.7 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Models** | 7.5 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **Compatibility** | 8.1 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | #### Integration | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Catalogs** | 6.0 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **CAD & PLM** | Not enough data | Not enough data | Not enough data | | **ERP** | 6.3 (5 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | ### CAD Viewers | Product | Score | Reviews | |---|---|---| | **ActCAD BIM** | 8.5/10 | 11 | | **Autodesk DWG TrueView** | 8.1/10 | 39 | | **DraftSight** | 8.4/10 | 54 | #### File Options | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Import files** | 9.3 (9 reviews) | 8.5 (33 reviews) | 8.6 (50 reviews) | | **Export files** | 9.0 (8 reviews) | 8.5 (32 reviews) | 8.9 (51 reviews) | | **View 2D files** | 9.8 (9 reviews) | 9.3 (38 reviews) | 9.2 (53 reviews) | | **View 3D files** | 6.9 (6 reviews) | 8.3 (28 reviews) | 7.2 (42 reviews) | | **Batch convert files** | 8.0 (5 reviews) | 7.8 (27 reviews) | 7.9 (40 reviews) | | **File size** | 9.3 (9 reviews) | 8.4 (32 reviews) | 8.3 (51 reviews) | #### Tools | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Dimensioning tools** | 9.1 (9 reviews) | 7.9 (33 reviews) | 8.7 (50 reviews) | | **Change units** | 8.3 (7 reviews) | 7.9 (30 reviews) | 8.5 (50 reviews) | | **3D/solid modeling tools** | 5.7 (5 reviews) | 6.7 (23 reviews) | 7.0 (36 reviews) | #### Design | Feature | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Drawing** | 9.8 (8 reviews) | 7.2 (29 reviews) | 9.2 (52 reviews) | --- ## Categories **Shared Categories (1):** [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers) **Unique to ActCAD BIM (5):** [CAD Libraries](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-libraries), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [Civil Engineering Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/civil-engineering-design), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [Building Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim) **Unique to DraftSight (1):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad) --- ## Reviewer Demographics ### By Company Size | Segment | ActCAD BIM | Autodesk DWG TrueView | DraftSight | |---|---|---|---| | **Small-Business** | 78.7% | 43.8% | 62.0% | | **Mid-Market** | 17.0% | 35.6% | 31.7% | | **Enterprise** | 4.3% | 20.5% | 6.3% | ### By Industry #### ActCAD BIM - **Architecture & Planning:** 25.5% - **Civil Engineering:** 23.4% - **Construction:** 12.8% - **Computer Software:** 4.3% - **Information Technology and Services:** 4.3% - **Oil & Energy:** 4.3% - **Management Consulting:** 2.1% - **Investment Management:** 2.1% - **Internet:** 2.1% - **Maritime:** 2.1% - **Other:** 17.0% #### Autodesk DWG TrueView - **Construction:** 21.9% - **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 16.4% - **Civil Engineering:** 13.7% - **Architecture & Planning:** 11.0% - **Design:** 6.8% - **Automotive:** 4.1% - **Oil & Energy:** 4.1% - **Research:** 2.7% - **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 2.7% - **Aviation & Aerospace:** 1.4% - **Other:** 15.1% #### DraftSight - **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 17.1% - **Manufacturing:** 10.7% - **Construction:** 7.8% - **Architecture & Planning:** 5.9% - **Design:** 5.9% - **Industrial Automation:** 5.4% - **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 4.9% - **Machinery:** 4.9% - **Automotive:** 3.9% - **Consumer Goods:** 2.9% - **Other:** 30.7% --- ## Alternatives ### Alternatives to ActCAD BIM - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1935 reviews) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1325 reviews) - [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews) - [AutoCAD LT](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-lt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (285 reviews) - [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (350 reviews) - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews) - [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (414 reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews) - [Revit](https://www.g2.com/products/revit/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (948 reviews) - [Altium Develop](https://www.g2.com/products/altium-develop/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1004 reviews) ### Alternatives to Autodesk DWG TrueView - [Bentley View](https://www.g2.com/products/bentley-view/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (18 reviews) - [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews) - [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews) - [FreeCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/freecad/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (61 reviews) - [LibreCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/librecad/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (25 reviews) - [IrfanView](https://www.g2.com/products/irfanview/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (51 reviews) - [DWG Viewer 2.0](https://www.g2.com/products/dwg-viewer-2-0/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (22 reviews) - [QCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/qcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (13 reviews) - [DWG FastView Plus](https://www.g2.com/products/dwg-fastview-plus/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (10 reviews) - [CADMATIC eBrowser](https://www.g2.com/products/cadmatic-cadmatic-ebrowser/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (50 reviews) ### Alternatives to DraftSight - [SOLIDWORKS](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (643 reviews) - [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews) - [FreeCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/freecad/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (61 reviews) - [LibreCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/librecad/reviews) — 3.8/5 stars (25 reviews) - [QCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/qcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (13 reviews) - [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1935 reviews) - [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1325 reviews) - [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews) - [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (350 reviews) - [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (414 reviews) --- ## Top Discussions ### ActCAD BIM - Title: [How can I get some of my old lisp routines to work. They don't work well with ActCAD.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/24142-how-can-i-get-some-of-my-old-lisp-routines-to-work-they-don-t-work-well-with-actcad) — 3 comments, 1 upvote *(includes official response)* > **Top comment:** "Hi David, thank you for your valuable inputs. Please share the details of your programs we will try to improve them and add to ActCAD package. Please note..." - Title: [Is ActCAD legit?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-actcad-legit) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "I don’t have any problem with ActCad. It’s more affordable than any competitors. The quality might come out on top when you facilitate the team effort. ..." - Title: [What is ActCAD used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-actcad-used-for) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "I think, because I am not an expert in Computer Data Storage Structures, I don't know. It seems to be highly capable in allocating Data Space, such that the..." - Title: ["Not opened for read" error](https://www.g2.com/discussions/34302-not-opened-for-read-error) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Update: It is not a "trial" problem. I am able to use all commands when I create a new drawing (and I imagine when I open the drawing that was created in..." - Title: [I am trying to convert over to LINUX from Windows and wonder if a LINUX version will be available? I have tried using Wine to run ActCAD on LINUX Ubuntu but it doesn't seem to work (would appreciate any help with this).](https://www.g2.com/discussions/24491-i-am-trying-to-convert-over-to-linux-from-windows-and-wonder-if-a-linux-version-will-be-available-i-have-tried-using-wine-to-run-actcad-on-linux-ubuntu-but-it-doesn-t-seem-to-work-would-appreciate-any-help-with-this) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "If your system is robust enough, you could run VirtualBox https://www.virtualbox.org/ and then run a windows virtual system to use ActCAD. I've run my older..." ### Autodesk DWG TrueView - Title: [Is DWG True View free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-dwg-true-view-free) — 2 comments > **Top comment:** "SURE ENOUGH" - Title: [How do I use TrueView in AutoCAD?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-i-use-trueview-in-autocad) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "Trueview is not in AutoCAD, but it is amongst the family of software from Autodesk. Trueview is one of just a few programs that wil open a DWG file. One..." - Title: [Can you draw with Autodesk TrueView?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/can-you-draw-with-autodesk-trueview) — 1 comment > **Top comment:** "no adding, removing or modiying" - Title: [File formats](https://www.g2.com/discussions/file-formats) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Unfortunately there is no current news on newly supported file types. It is stated that as of now, Autodesk Trueview currently supports over 50+ file..." ### DraftSight - Title: [what operating systems does this program run on, is it microsoft freindly?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/26200-what-operating-systems-does-this-program-run-on-is-it-microsoft-freindly) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "I'm looking to find a cad / MDT " - Title: [what operating systems does this program run on, is it microsoft freindly?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/26199-what-operating-systems-does-this-program-run-on-is-it-microsoft-freindly) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "Yes, runs on Windows with no problem." - Title: [Could you have any application for this system for free?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/could-you-have-any-application-for-this-system-for-free) — 1 comment, 1 upvote > **Top comment:** "It used to be free to use, but now it has a small price tag for the standard version. Well worth it if you want to use it for your business, less so if you..." --- **Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/actcad-actcad-bim-vs-autodesk-dwg-trueview-vs-draftsight)