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AutoCAD vs DraftSight: catalog facts
AutoCAD	DraftSight
Best for: Professionals who draft and exchange DWG drawings	Best for: Drafters and engineers maintaining DWG drawings on a smaller budget
Paid Commercial software sold by Autodesk, with a trial available.	Paid Paid software with a free trial.
Web	Windows
Native DWG format used widely across industries Desktop and web versions share drawings All 3 strengths for AutoCAD Native DWG format used widely across industries Desktop and web versions share drawings Covers both 2D drafting and 3D modeling	Full DWG file support Interface familiar to users of other CAD programs All 3 strengths for DraftSight Full DWG file support Interface familiar to users of other CAD programs Handles both 2D drafting and 3D DWG files
Expensive commercial licensing Requires an Autodesk account	Paid after the trial Focused mainly on 2D drafting All 3 limitations for DraftSight Paid after the trial Focused mainly on 2D drafting Closed source
Downloadable app, Web application	Downloadable app
Not open source	Not open source
License not stated	License not stated
Account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for AutoCAD autodesk.com/products/autocad/overview Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for DraftSight draftsight.com Catalog checked September 23, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.