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GstarCAD vs DraftSight: catalog facts
GstarCADDraftSight

Best for: Drafters and engineers who work with DWG drawings

Best for: Drafters and engineers maintaining DWG drawings on a smaller budget

Paid

Paid licence, with a 30-day free trial.

Paid

Paid software with a free trial.

Windows Windows
  • Works directly in the .dwg file format
  • Covers both 2D drafting and 3D design
All 4 strengths for GstarCAD
  • Works directly in the .dwg file format
  • Covers both 2D drafting and 3D design
  • Industry editions for mechanical and architectural work
  • Related viewer, cloud and BIM products from the same developer
  • 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
  • Paid software after the 30-day trial
  • Specialised editions are separate products
  • 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 Downloadable app
Not open source Not open source
License not stated License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline
Sources for GstarCAD

Catalog checked September 24, 2026

Sources for DraftSight

Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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