The User Interface has the same cozy, comfy look and feel as AutoCAD and the naming convention for most of the commands is virtually the same. Since joining Dassault Systèmes and being exposed to DraftSight, I am happy to say the answer is a great big “Yes!” Not only does DraftSight produce 100% compatible DWG files (complete with blocks, dimension styles, layers etc.) for a mere fraction of the price, but you will feel right at home with DraftSight in no time. But were they good enough? Were they DWG file compatible? Were these “CAD-Clones” like cheap Louis Vuitton knock-offs or were they serious, robust, quality CAD solutions? And most importantly (for someone who LOVES her AutoCAD), could I possibly feel comfortable in a new CAD environment? I was no longer jaded by all things Autodesk and I came to realize that there were a variety of other CAD options out there, especially for those who didn’t want to pay the hefty AutoCAD price tag. I have written three AutoCAD books, 20 years’ worth of AutoCAD articles for Cadalyst Magazine, and produced hundreds of AutoCAD video tips.īut the world around me did change and I ended up leaving my comfortable AutoCAD/Autodesk days behind. I spent over 20 years with Autodesk promoting the annual “Best Release of AutoCAD yet” and I certainly feel at home in the product, just as many of you do. Not many people in the world know the product better than I do as I’ve built my knowledge of the product from Release 1.4, adding new features one release at a time along the way. I have spent my career using, teaching and promoting AutoCAD. But I also believe that my personal struggles with change helps me relate to and feel other people’s pain as well as truly understand their fears. I have a job that revolves around getting people to change.

I have often joked over the years that my personal disdain for change doesn’t exactly go hand-in-hand with my role as a Technology Evangelist! I have spent much of my career helping/convincing people to embrace new technology and to move from one software product to another. Back June 18th, 2020 Can DraftSight REALLY replace your beloved AutoCAD?

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