# DraftSight vs SOLIDWORKS Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that SOLIDWORKS excels in **3D modeling** and **simulation capabilities** , with users praising its intuitive interface that simplifies complex designs. One user highlighted how it allows for easy adjustments in dimensions, enhancing creativity and productivity.
- **Users say** DraftSight is particularly **user-friendly** for those focused on **2D projects** , with many appreciating its compatibility with AutoCAD files. This feature is a significant advantage for users transitioning from AutoCAD, as noted by a reviewer who found it sufficient for their needs without the complexity of SOLIDWORKS.
- **Reviewers mention** that while SOLIDWORKS has a higher overall satisfaction score, DraftSight's **ease of setup** is a strong point, with users noting a smoother onboarding experience. This can be particularly beneficial for small businesses looking to implement CAD solutions quickly.
- **According to verified reviews** , SOLIDWORKS shines in its **sheet metal features** , which users find particularly helpful for creating intricate designs. This capability is often highlighted as a productivity booster, making it a preferred choice for those in manufacturing and engineering sectors.
- **G2 reviewers report** that DraftSight, while slightly lower in overall ratings, offers **customization options** that enhance user experience. Users appreciate the special features that improve speed and accuracy, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize efficiency in their workflows.
- **Users say** that SOLIDWORKS provides a comprehensive set of tools for **parametric modeling** and **documentation** , which are essential for detailed engineering projects. This extensive feature set is often cited as a reason for its popularity among small businesses, despite its higher entry-level price compared to DraftSight.



| | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.2 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 208 | 643 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (62.0% of reviews) | Small-Business (44.3% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Starting at $299.00 1 Seat Per Year | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### DraftSight

Pros:
- Ease of Use (17 reviews)
- Features Functionality (11 reviews)

Cons:
- Difficult Learning (3 reviews)
- Drawing Issues (2 reviews)

### SOLIDWORKS

Pros:
- Ease of Use (37 reviews)
- Features (29 reviews)

Cons:
- Performance Issues (17 reviews)
- Slow Performance (15 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.4 (191 reviews) | 8.8 (535 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.3 (196 reviews) | 8.6 (540 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 8.7 (103 reviews) | 8.3 (112 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.2 (28 reviews) | 8.0 (47 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.2 (145 reviews) | 8.2 (475 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.3 (27 reviews) | 8.3 (47 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 7.6 (196 reviews) | 8.6 (529 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### 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

### SOLIDWORKS

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **DraftSight** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.7/10 | 53 |

#### CAD to CAM

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **CAD-CAM Import** | Not enough data | 9.0 (42 reviews) | 
| **CAM Data Exchange** | Not enough data | 8.8 (42 reviews) | 
| **CAD/CAM Compatibility** | Not enough data | 8.9 (43 reviews) | 

#### CNC Programming

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **CNC Workflows** | Not enough data | 8.7 (39 reviews) | 
| **CNC Feature Recognition** | Not enough data | 8.6 (38 reviews) | 
| **Programming Control** | Not enough data | 8.4 (37 reviews) | 

#### Machining

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Job Set-up** | Not enough data | 8.6 (39 reviews) | 
| **Operations** | Not enough data | 8.7 (39 reviews) | 
| **Tooling and Toolpaths** | Not enough data | 8.8 (39 reviews) | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **DraftSight** | 7.5/10 | 139 |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 112 |

#### Design

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.3 (133 reviews) | 9.5 (107 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 6.4 (105 reviews) | 9.4 (107 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 6.6 (107 reviews) | 9.2 (103 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 5.8 (102 reviews) | 8.1 (100 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.3 (129 reviews) | 8.5 (98 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 7.1 (104 reviews) | 8.4 (90 reviews) | 
| **Views** | 7.6 (116 reviews) | 9.3 (101 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | 8.0 (121 reviews) | 8.3 (85 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.2 (129 reviews) | 8.6 (94 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | 7.8 (115 reviews) | 9.0 (96 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | 7.4 (113 reviews) | 8.4 (90 reviews) | 

### CAD Libraries

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **DraftSight** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 35 |

#### Library

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Categorize** | Not enough data | 8.9 (29 reviews) | 
| **Search** | Not enough data | 8.6 (28 reviews) | 
| **Deduplication** | Not enough data | 8.4 (28 reviews) | 
| **Feedback** | Not enough data | 8.6 (23 reviews) | 

#### CAD

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Types** | Not enough data | 8.8 (24 reviews) | 
| **Models** | Not enough data | 9.4 (30 reviews) | 
| **Compatibility** | Not enough data | 9.1 (29 reviews) | 

#### Integration

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Catalogs** | Not enough data | 8.5 (26 reviews) | 
| **CAD & PLM** | Not enough data | 9.6 (29 reviews) | 
| **ERP** | Not enough data | 8.6 (25 reviews) | 

### CAD Data Exchange

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **DraftSight** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 34 |

#### Data

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D Format** | Not enough data | 9.3 (29 reviews) | 
| **Data Quality** | Not enough data | 8.8 (27 reviews) | 
| **Extra Information** | Not enough data | 8.3 (26 reviews) | 
| **Standard Format** | Not enough data | 9.0 (27 reviews) | 
| **Translate** | Not enough data | 8.3 (24 reviews) | 
| **Validation** | Not enough data | 8.7 (25 reviews) | 

#### Logistics

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | 9.1 (25 reviews) | 

### Additive Manufacturing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **DraftSight** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 7.9/10 | 66 |

#### File Support - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **STL Compatible** | Not enough data | 8.7 (61 reviews) | 
| **3MF Compatible** | Not enough data | 8.5 (47 reviews) | 
| **OBJ Compatible** | Not enough data | 8.4 (52 reviews) | 

#### File Editing - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mesh Repair** | Not enough data | 7.5 (55 reviews) | 
| **File Editing** | Not enough data | 8.6 (60 reviews) | 

#### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Standalone Slicer** | Not enough data | 7.6 (49 reviews) | 
| **Inetgrated 3D Modeling** | Not enough data | 8.8 (58 reviews) | 

#### Software Type - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Cloud-based Platform** | Not enough data | 7.7 (48 reviews) | 
| **Downloadable Application** | Not enough data | 8.6 (53 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | 6.0 (20 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | 6.1 (20 reviews) | 

#### Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Material Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Building Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Slicing Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### CAD Viewers

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **DraftSight** | 8.4/10 | 54 |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 9.0/10 | 49 |

#### File Options

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Import files** | 8.6 (50 reviews) | 8.9 (44 reviews) | 
| **Export files** | 8.9 (51 reviews) | 9.1 (43 reviews) | 
| **View 2D files** | 9.2 (53 reviews) | 9.1 (43 reviews) | 
| **View 3D files** | 7.2 (42 reviews) | 9.3 (44 reviews) | 
| **Batch convert files** | 7.9 (40 reviews) | 8.3 (35 reviews) | 
| **File size** | 8.3 (51 reviews) | 8.3 (41 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Dimensioning tools** | 8.7 (50 reviews) | 9.5 (43 reviews) | 
| **Change units** | 8.5 (50 reviews) | 9.1 (41 reviews) | 
| **3D/solid modeling tools** | 7.0 (36 reviews) | 9.2 (43 reviews) | 

#### Design

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 9.2 (52 reviews) | 9.4 (43 reviews) | 

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **DraftSight** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 15 |

#### Design

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | Not enough data | 7.9 (12 reviews) | 
| **Schematic editor** | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (13 reviews) | 
| **Component placement** | Not enough data | 8.7 (13 reviews) | 

#### Library

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | Not enough data | 8.2 (13 reviews) | 

#### Platform

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | Not enough data | 8.6 (13 reviews) | 
| **Layers** | Not enough data | 8.1 (12 reviews) | 

#### Customization

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom commands** | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | 
| **Custom interface** | Not enough data | 8.3 (12 reviews) | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **DraftSight** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 64 |

#### Design

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (62 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | 9.0 (62 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 8.8 (62 reviews) | 
| **Rendering tools** | Not enough data | 7.7 (60 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | Not enough data | 8.0 (54 reviews) | 
| **Finite element analysis** | Not enough data | 7.9 (56 reviews) | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | Not enough data | 7.4 (49 reviews) | 

#### Work

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | Not enough data | 7.6 (41 reviews) | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | Not enough data | 7.8 (42 reviews) | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | Not enough data | 8.3 (51 reviews) | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | Not enough data | 8.1 (44 reviews) | 
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | 8.4 (47 reviews) | 

#### Environment

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | 8.3 (53 reviews) | 
| **Task** | Not enough data | 8.4 (51 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | 8.2 (49 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | 8.6 (53 reviews) | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **DraftSight** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.4/10 | 45 |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | 9.4 (36 reviews) | 
| **Rendering Tools** | Not enough data | 8.7 (28 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (30 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 9.1 (26 reviews) | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 7.7 (25 reviews) | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | Not enough data | 8.6 (31 reviews) | 
| **Import Files** | Not enough data | 8.6 (27 reviews) | 
| **File Interoperability** | Not enough data | 8.3 (29 reviews) | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | Not enough data | 8.0 (26 reviews) | 
| **File size** | Not enough data | 7.3 (32 reviews) | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | Not enough data | 8.4 (23 reviews) | 
| **Custom Scripts** | Not enough data | 8.4 (24 reviews) | 
| **Custom Menus** | Not enough data | 7.6 (24 reviews) | 
| **Custom Interface** | Not enough data | 8.2 (24 reviews) | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | 8.0 (27 reviews) | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | Not enough data | 8.4 (23 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | 7.9 (23 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | 9.0 (27 reviews) | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (2):** [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad), [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers)


**Unique to SOLIDWORKS (8):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam), [CAD Libraries](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-libraries), [CAD Data Exchange Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-data-exchange), [Additive Manufacturing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | DraftSight | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 62.0% | 44.3% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 31.7% | 33.8% | 
| **Enterprise** | 6.3% | 21.9% | 

### By Industry

#### 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%

#### SOLIDWORKS

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 23.2%
- **Design:** 11.7%
- **Automotive:** 6.6%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 5.9%
- **Medical Devices:** 5.8%
- **Machinery:** 5.6%
- **Higher Education:** 4.6%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 4.5%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.0%
- **Consumer Goods:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 26.8%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to DraftSight

- [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 (1930 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [ZWCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/zwcad/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (349 reviews)
- [MicroStation](https://www.g2.com/products/microstation/reviews) — 4.0/5 stars (401 reviews)
- [AutoCAD LT](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad-lt/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (285 reviews)

### Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS

- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (599 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1930 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1324 reviews)
- [Designcenter NX](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-nx/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (527 reviews)
- [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (43 reviews)
- [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (255 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### 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..."

### SOLIDWORKS

- Title: [What is SOLIDWORKS used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-solidworks-used-for) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "A person can use SolidWorks for many things, Part modeling, Assembly Testing, rendering, Creating working animation of any machine or product. Start..."
- Title: [How to stop or cancel a ongoing command.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-to-stop-or-cancel-a-ongoing-command) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "By pressing escape key."
- Title: [best use o this software](https://www.g2.com/discussions/35425-best-use-o-this-software) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Making 2D sketches and extruding them to make 3d sketches."
- Title: [Where is the Features toolbar in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/where-is-the-features-toolbar-in-solidworks) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Right-click in the window border, click Toolbars, and select or clear a toolbar name.
Click Tools > Customize. On the Toolbars tab, select the toolbars to..."
- Title: [What are features in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-features-in-solidworks) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Solidworks have so many feature like sketch tool, Part modeling, Assembly modeling, Drawing Tool, Sheet metal, weldments, Surface modeling, Rendering Tool,..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/draftsight-vs-solidworks)