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Compare DraftSight and SOLIDWORKS 
At a Glance
Market Segments
Small-Business (62.1% of reviews)
Small-Business (43.5% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
Starting at $299.00 1 Seat Per Year
No pricing available
DraftSight
Star Rating
(206)4.2 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (62.1% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
Starting at $299.00 1 Seat Per Year
Browse all 4 pricing plansSOLIDWORKS
Star Rating
(626)4.5 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (43.5% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about SOLIDWORKSSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- 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.
Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
DraftSight
DraftSight Professional
Starting at $299.00
1 Seat Per Year
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.
- Dynamic Blocks, PowerTrim, Mechanical Toolbox, DrawCompare, API Access
SOLIDWORKS
No pricing availableFree Trial
DraftSight
Free Trial is available
SOLIDWORKS
No trial information availableRatings
Meets Requirements
8.4
189
8.8
521
Ease of Use
8.3
194
8.6
525
Ease of Setup
8.7
101
8.2
97
Ease of Admin
8.2
27
8.0
47
Quality of Support
7.2
144
8.2
461
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
8.3
27
8.3
47
Product Direction (% positive)
7.5
194
8.6
516
Features by Category
CAD to CAM
Not enough data
9.0
42
Not enough data
8.8
42
Not enough data
8.9
42
CNC Programming
Not enough data
8.7
38
Not enough data
8.6
38
Not enough data
8.4
37
Machining
Not enough data
8.6
39
Not enough data
8.7
39
Not enough data
8.8
39
Design
9.3
132
9.5
102
6.4
105
9.4
102
6.6
107
9.3
98
5.8
102
8.1
98
Edit
8.3
128
8.5
96
7.1
104
8.4
89
7.6
116
9.3
97
8.0
121
8.3
84
Collaboration
8.3
128
8.6
93
7.8
115
9.0
95
7.4
113
8.4
89
Library
Not enough data
8.9
28
Not enough data
8.5
27
Not enough data
8.4
28
Not enough data
8.6
23
CAD
Not enough data
8.8
24
Not enough data
9.4
30
Not enough data
9.1
29
Integration
Not enough data
8.5
26
Not enough data
9.6
28
Not enough data
8.5
24
Data
Not enough data
9.2
27
Not enough data
8.7
26
Not enough data
8.3
26
Not enough data
9.0
26
Not enough data
8.3
24
Not enough data
8.7
25
Logistics
Not enough data
9.1
25
File Support - Additive Manufacturing
Not enough data
8.8
60
Not enough data
8.6
46
Not enough data
8.4
51
File Editing - Additive Manufacturing
Not enough data
7.6
54
Not enough data
8.6
59
Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing
Not enough data
7.6
48
Not enough data
8.8
57
Software Type - Additive Manufacturing
Not enough data
7.7
47
Not enough data
8.6
52
Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing
Not enough data
6.1
19
Not enough data
6.1
19
Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
File Options
8.6
50
8.9
44
8.9
51
9.1
43
9.2
53
9.0
42
7.2
42
9.3
44
7.9
40
8.3
35
8.3
51
8.3
41
Tools
8.7
50
9.5
43
8.5
50
9.1
41
7.0
36
9.2
43
Design
9.2
52
9.4
43
Design
Not enough data
7.9
12
Not enough data
7.8
12
Tools
Not enough data
9.2
13
Not enough data
8.7
13
Library
Not enough data
8.2
13
Platform
Not enough data
8.6
13
Not enough data
8.1
12
Customization
Not enough data
7.8
12
Not enough data
8.3
12
Design
Not enough data
9.2
59
Not enough data
9.0
60
Not enough data
8.8
60
Not enough data
7.6
58
Tools
Not enough data
8.0
53
Not enough data
7.9
55
Not enough data
7.4
48
Work
Not enough data
7.5
40
Not enough data
7.8
41
Not enough data
8.3
49
Not enough data
8.1
43
Not enough data
8.4
46
Environment
Not enough data
8.3
52
Not enough data
8.4
50
Not enough data
8.2
48
Not enough data
8.6
52
Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
Not enough data
9.3
26
Not enough data
8.5
25
Not enough data
9.3
26
Not enough data
9.1
25
Not enough data
7.7
25
File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
Not enough data
8.6
26
Not enough data
8.5
26
Not enough data
8.2
27
Not enough data
8.3
24
Not enough data
7.6
28
Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
Not enough data
8.3
22
Not enough data
8.3
22
Not enough data
7.6
23
Not enough data
8.2
23
Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
Not enough data
8.3
23
Not enough data
8.4
23
Not enough data
7.9
23
Not enough data
8.9
24
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
DraftSight and SOLIDWORKS are categorized as General-Purpose CAD and CAD Viewers
Unique Categories
DraftSight has no unique categories
SOLIDWORKS is categorized as Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD), Simulation & CAE, Sketching, PCB Design, Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), CAD Libraries, CAD Data Exchange, and Additive Manufacturing
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
DraftSight
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
SOLIDWORKS
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Small-Business
(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market
(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise
(> 1000 emp.)
Reviewers' Industry
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
17.2%
Manufacturing
10.3%
Construction
7.9%
Design
5.9%
Architecture & Planning
5.9%
Other
52.7%
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
23.2%
Design
12.0%
Automotive
6.6%
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
5.9%
Medical Devices
5.7%
Other
46.6%
Discussions
Could you have any application for this system for free?
1 Comment
PH
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...Read more
what operating systems does this program run on, is it microsoft freindly?
1 Comment
FF
Yes, runs on Windows with no problem.Read more
what operating systems does this program run on, is it microsoft freindly?
1 Comment
BB
I'm looking to find a cad / MDT
Read more
What is SOLIDWORKS used for?
3 Comments
YP
SOLIDWORKS IS USED FOR MULTIPLE WORK LIKE 2D & 3D CAD MODELING, ASSEMBLY MODELING, SHWWET METAL MODELING, SURFACE MODELING, RENDERING, SIMULATION, 3D...Read more
best use o this software
2 Comments
OS
Making 2D sketches and extruding them to make 3d sketches.Read more
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