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<\/p>\nHere I am writing about 2D on a 3D Blog. What\u2019s up with that?\u00a0 You and I both know there are still plenty of 2D CAD users out there, which can be mind-boggling to anyone who has fully embraced the world of 3D CAD.\u00a0 Why would anyone settle for a 2D representation when they can have an identical virtual twin of their intended object?<\/p>\n
With so much amazing technology available for designing in 3D (SOLIDWORKS), testing and validating your designs with simulation tools, and then 3D printing or manufacturing these same designs. So why would anyone resort to using 2D CAD?<\/p>\n
And, yet they do.<\/p>\n
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There are many reasons that 2D CAD is still so prolific.\u00a0 Many projects, including publicly procured projects, still require 2D deliverables.\u00a0 Some industries are somewhat better suited for 2D over 3D, such as Electrical or Facility Management.\u00a0 And last, but certainly not least, many companies are living happily ever after in their 2D world and have no desire to change.\u00a0 The reasons are vast and varied \u2013 and the file format of choice is DWG.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s impossible to live in the CAD world without knowing about AutoCAD.\u00a0 While getting close to celebrating its 40th<\/sup> birthday, it is still a fan favorite of many.\u00a0 AutoCAD has just about all the bells and whistles a 2D CAD program could ask for (one could argue too many).\u00a0 One area where a good portion of its adamant fans do not agree with, however, is the price.<\/p>\n Many argue that the price continues to go up while the number of new features appears to go down.\u00a0 Gone are the days where you can outright buy your own copy of AutoCAD either, now everyone has been forced to a subscription model.\u00a0 And, the icing on the cake: for those companies who have enjoyed the benefits of network licenses, this too is coming to an end.<\/p>\n No surprise that droves of previously content 2D CAD users are seeking an alternative to their beloved AutoCAD.\u00a0\u00a0But who wants to learn an entirely new tool after all the precious time and effort that went into mastering AutoCAD?\u00a0\u00a0Who wants to toss their coveted customizations and programming only to start all over again with another product?\u00a0\u00a0Who wants to deal with possible file and library symbol incompatibility?\u00a0\u00a0Nobody!<\/p>\n Enter DraftSight to the rescue.\u00a0 DraftSight speaks AutoCAD, feels like AutoCAD (without \u201cbeing\u201d AutoCAD) so the learning curve is minimal.\u00a0 DraftSight respects all the time and effort you put into your customization and programming routines making them easy to port over. And, your AutoCAD DWGs are going to get along splendidly with the DraftSight DWGs (so nobody needs to know!).\u00a0 In fact, DraftSight saves back to more file formats than AutoCAD does as seen below.<\/p>\n DraftSight actually recognizes the majority of the AutoCAD commands.\u00a0\u00a0 You simply type them in at the Command line (Hallelujah\u2026there is a Command line), and they will automatically execute the corresponding DraftSight command.\u00a0 DraftSight has a robust API and supports LISP so you don\u2019t need to worry your pretty little head about all that time you spent getting your parentheses lined up.\u00a0 And, guess what?\u00a0 The DraftSight team is constantly adding new features with each release without changing the price or the pricing structure on you.<\/p>\n Do you want to buy a perpetual license of DraftSight (own your own)?\u00a0 No problem.\u00a0 Would you prefer Network Licensing?\u00a0 Also no problem!\u00a0 Would you like all of this for a FRACTION of the price of AutoCAD?\u00a0 Absolutely no problem!\u00a0 All of this can be yours with DraftSight!\u00a0 And by the way, DraftSight fully supports 3D for those of you want it (so you are only confined to 2D by choice!)<\/p>\n P.S.\u00a0 Did I mention that DraftSight has some cool tools that AutoCAD doesn\u2019t have?\u00a0 Think of it like the old fabulous Express Tools days.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t take my word for it, however; you really need to experience it for yourself.\u00a0 Nobody wants you to purchase a copy of DraftSight and then end up unhappy with your decision (I certainly don\u2019t!).<\/p>\n You can download a copy of DraftSight and try it for free for 30 days \u2013 and that is exactly what you should do.\u00a0 See how you feel using it, see if your customization ports across, see if the commands you use every day are working for you in a way that fits your comfort zone.\u00a0 Do this when you have a month to really check it out.\u00a0 And you don\u2019t need a credit card so there is no fear of forgetting to terminate it like all those other \u201cfree\u201d offers we are always getting!<\/p>\n Millions of people have already made the move to DraftSight from all kinds of industries, which should bring you some comfort.\u00a0 It isn\u2019t some fly-by-night product that could disappear tomorrow. It is a serious 2D CAD solution that is taking the market by storm.\u00a0 Period.<\/p>\n So as I conclude this blog post on 2D CAD \u2013 I leave you with this.\u00a0 While we do indeed live in a 3D World \u2013 there are many who are still thriving in 2D.\u00a0 I say, thrive in whatever world you desire \u2013 but don\u2019t spend extra money doing it!<\/p>\n Ready to learn more?<\/strong> Join Lynn Allen LIVE!<\/p>\n Technology Evangelist and AutoCAD expert Lynn Allen will host live webinars on Wednesday, April 14, 7 pm EDT, and Thursday, April 15, 11 am EDT as she explores DraftSight from the perspective of an AutoCAD user.<\/p>\n Join Us Live – Register!<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog-assets.solidworks.com\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/draftsight_blog_banner_lynn_960w.jpg\")
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