DraftSight is a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software that has been widely used by architects, engineers, and designers across various industries. The software is known for its robust features, user-friendly interface, and affordability, making it an attractive alternative to other CAD software in the market. However, have you ever wondered who owns DraftSight? In this article, we will delve into the history of DraftSight, its development, and its current ownership.
A Brief History of DraftSight
DraftSight was first released in 2010 by Dassault Systèmes, a French multinational software company. The software was designed to provide a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative to other CAD software in the market. Initially, DraftSight was available as a free download, which helped to quickly gain popularity among users. The software’s early success can be attributed to its compatibility with DWG files, which is a widely used file format in the CAD industry.
Early Development and Features
In its early days, DraftSight was developed by a team of engineers and designers at Dassault Systèmes. The software was designed to provide a range of features, including 2D drafting, editing, and annotation tools. DraftSight also supported various file formats, including DWG, DXF, and PDF. The software’s user-friendly interface and robust features made it an attractive option for users who were looking for an affordable CAD solution.
Current Ownership of DraftSight
In 2019, Dassault Systèmes announced that it would be selling DraftSight to Graebert GmbH, a German software company. The acquisition was completed in October 2019, and Graebert GmbH took over the development and distribution of DraftSight. The acquisition marked a significant milestone in the history of DraftSight, as it transitioned from being a free software to a commercial product.
Graebert GmbH: The New Owner of DraftSight
Graebert GmbH is a German software company that specializes in developing CAD software. The company was founded in 1981 and has since become a leading provider of CAD solutions in Europe. Graebert GmbH’s acquisition of DraftSight marked a significant expansion of its product portfolio, as it added a popular CAD software to its lineup.
What Does the Acquisition Mean for DraftSight Users?
The acquisition of DraftSight by Graebert GmbH has had a significant impact on the software’s development and distribution. Under Graebert GmbH’s ownership, DraftSight has continued to evolve, with new features and updates being added regularly. The software is now available in various versions, including a free trial version, a standard version, and a premium version.
Features and Benefits of DraftSight
DraftSight is a powerful CAD software that offers a range of features and benefits. Some of the key features of DraftSight include:
- 2D drafting and editing tools
- Support for various file formats, including DWG, DXF, and PDF
- User-friendly interface
- Robust annotation and dimensioning tools
- Compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux
Benefits of Using DraftSight
DraftSight offers several benefits to users, including:
- Affordability: DraftSight is a cost-effective alternative to other CAD software in the market.
- Ease of use: DraftSight’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to learn and use, even for users who are new to CAD software.
- Compatibility: DraftSight supports various file formats, making it easy to collaborate with others.
- Robust features: DraftSight offers a range of features, including 2D drafting and editing tools, annotation and dimensioning tools, and more.
Comparison with Other CAD Software
DraftSight is often compared to other CAD software in the market, including AutoCAD and SolidWorks. While these software programs offer similar features and benefits, DraftSight stands out for its affordability and ease of use.
AutoCAD vs. DraftSight
AutoCAD is a popular CAD software that offers a range of features and benefits. However, AutoCAD is generally more expensive than DraftSight, making it less accessible to users who are on a budget. Additionally, AutoCAD has a steeper learning curve than DraftSight, which can make it more difficult to learn and use.
SolidWorks vs. DraftSight
SolidWorks is a 3D CAD software that offers a range of features and benefits. However, SolidWorks is generally more expensive than DraftSight, and it requires more powerful hardware to run. Additionally, SolidWorks has a steeper learning curve than DraftSight, which can make it more difficult to learn and use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, DraftSight is a powerful CAD software that offers a range of features and benefits. The software’s affordability, ease of use, and compatibility make it an attractive option for users who are looking for a cost-effective CAD solution. Under the ownership of Graebert GmbH, DraftSight continues to evolve, with new features and updates being added regularly. Whether you are a professional designer or an hobbyist, DraftSight is definitely worth considering for your CAD needs.
| Software | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| DraftSight | Affordable | 2D drafting and editing tools, support for various file formats, user-friendly interface |
| AutoCAD | Expensive | 2D and 3D drafting and editing tools, support for various file formats, robust annotation and dimensioning tools |
| SolidWorks | Expensive | 3D modeling and simulation tools, support for various file formats, robust annotation and dimensioning tools |
Note: The prices listed in the table are relative and may vary depending on the region and vendor.
Who owns DraftSight?
DraftSight is owned by Graebert GmbH, a German-based software company that specializes in developing CAD software solutions. Graebert GmbH acquired DraftSight from Dassault Systèmes in 2018, and since then, the company has continued to develop and improve the software.
Under Graebert GmbH’s ownership, DraftSight has continued to evolve and expand its capabilities, with a focus on providing users with a powerful and intuitive CAD solution. The company has also invested in improving the software’s compatibility with various file formats and its integration with other CAD tools.
What is DraftSight?
DraftSight is a 2D and 3D CAD software solution that is designed to provide users with a powerful and intuitive tool for creating, editing, and managing CAD designs. The software is compatible with various file formats, including DWG, DXF, and DWF, and offers a range of features and tools for creating and editing CAD designs.
DraftSight is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, making it an ideal solution for users who are new to CAD design or who are looking for a more affordable alternative to other CAD software solutions. The software is also highly customizable, allowing users to tailor the interface and workflow to their specific needs and preferences.
What are the key features of DraftSight?
DraftSight offers a range of key features that make it a powerful and intuitive CAD solution. Some of the key features include support for 2D and 3D CAD design, compatibility with various file formats, and a range of tools and commands for creating and editing CAD designs. The software also offers advanced features such as parametric design, 3D modeling, and dynamic blocks.
In addition to its core CAD features, DraftSight also offers a range of productivity tools and features, including a customizable interface, a command line, and a range of keyboard shortcuts. The software also supports collaboration and sharing, making it easy to work with others and share designs.
How does DraftSight compare to other CAD software solutions?
DraftSight is often compared to other CAD software solutions, such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks. While these solutions offer similar features and capabilities, DraftSight is designed to be more affordable and accessible, making it an ideal solution for users who are new to CAD design or who are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
In terms of features and capabilities, DraftSight is highly competitive with other CAD software solutions. The software offers a range of advanced features, including parametric design, 3D modeling, and dynamic blocks, making it a powerful tool for creating and editing CAD designs.
What are the system requirements for DraftSight?
The system requirements for DraftSight vary depending on the specific version of the software and the operating system being used. Generally, DraftSight requires a Windows or macOS operating system, a minimum of 4 GB of RAM, and a 2.5 GHz processor. The software also requires a minimum of 10 GB of free disk space and a graphics card that supports OpenGL 3.3 or higher.
In addition to these minimum system requirements, DraftSight also recommends a range of additional hardware and software specifications to ensure optimal performance. These include a 64-bit operating system, 8 GB of RAM or more, and a graphics card that supports OpenGL 4.0 or higher.
How much does DraftSight cost?
The cost of DraftSight varies depending on the specific version of the software and the licensing option chosen. Graebert GmbH offers a range of licensing options, including a perpetual license, a subscription-based license, and a free trial version. The perpetual license option allows users to purchase the software outright, while the subscription-based license option provides access to the software for a monthly or annual fee.
The cost of DraftSight is generally more affordable than other CAD software solutions, making it an ideal option for users who are on a budget or who are looking for a more cost-effective solution. The software is also highly scalable, making it suitable for use by individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises.
What kind of support does Graebert GmbH offer for DraftSight?
Graebert GmbH offers a range of support options for DraftSight, including online documentation, tutorials, and FAQs. The company also provides email and phone support, as well as a community forum where users can ask questions and share knowledge.
In addition to these support options, Graebert GmbH also offers a range of training and education resources, including webinars, videos, and online courses. These resources are designed to help users get the most out of DraftSight and to improve their CAD design skills.