Side by side
DraftSight vs QCAD Professional
Both stand on computer-aided design & manufacturing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free trial APIMacWindows
DraftSight provides desktop 2D drafting tools, with 3D capabilities in some versions and multiple license options. The edition matters: PDF Import is limited to Premium and Enterprise Plus.
Visit DraftSight
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Choose QCAD Professional for cross-platform 2D drafting with DWG and DXF support, a large parts library, and command-line conversion tools. Its one-time listed download price is 48.00 USD, and the included new-version updates last one year; buyers seeking a free option can consider the Community Edition.
Visit QCAD ProfessionalThe facts
| DraftSight | QCAD Professional | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | DraftSight Professional: $299 a year | QCAD Professional (Download): $48, paid once |
| Plans published | 6 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | QCAD Professional |
| Website | draftsight.com | qcad.org |
| On computer-aided design & manufacturing software | #8 of 18 | #4 of 18 |
DraftSight: what it does well
- Native DWG support with DXF and DGN workflows
- Includes batch printing and sheet set management
- Supports APIs, LISP, DLLs, and custom scripts
- Premium adds 3D capabilities and PDF Import
What to know first
- No free plan
- Professional costs $299 a year
- Perpetual licenses are available only through resellers
QCAD Professional: what it does well
- Reads and writes DWG and DXF through version R32.
- Includes scaled and multipage printing tools.
- Offers over 5,000 CAD parts as free add-ons.
- JavaScript interface supports custom interactive CAD tools.
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What to know first
- The listed download costs $48, paid once.
- New-version updates are included for one year after purchase.
- Technical questions are directed to the user forum.
Alternatives to DraftSight Alternatives to QCAD Professional The whole list