DraftSight is a 2D free (the professional and enterprise versions are paid) drafting software developed by Dassault Systemes (The same company developing SolidWorks), the aim of developing DraftSight is to create a software that’s capable of creating, editing and viewing DWG files easily and quickly.

Learning DraftSight might be useful for draftsmen working in the field of drafting, reviewing and editing 2D drawings, it’s also useful for those who are looking for a free 2D drafting software either to review AutoCAD designs or create their own designs and illustrations.

The aim of this post is to present and compare between free online sources that beginners can rely on to learn DraftSight, the sources stated here are full-structured courses that beginners can follow along.

If you just want the bottom line (the road map to learn DraftSight) and you don’t wish to read the entire article then go to the “Bottom Line” section at the end of the article.

Getting Started with DraftSight Online from Scratch

Computer Aided Design Guide

Computer Aided Design Guide is the first free online outlet where beginners can start learning DraftSight through a text-based tutorial, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 7 tutorials, each tutorial covers certain tools and techniques in DraftSight.

Interface: The interface isn’t very intuitive, to navigate from one tutorial to another you’ve to use the list at the bottom of the page linked here.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-organized and structured for beginners.

Cons

1. The training doesn’t cover every aspect of the software
2. The navigation between tutorials might be a problem for some beginners.

Verdict: This is a very  good free online outlet where beginners can start learning DraftSight through a text based tutorials.

CAD Oasis

CAD Oasis is the second free online outlet where beginners can start learning DraftSight through a text based tutorial. You don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 10 sections, each section is divided into lessons and each of these lessons cover certain tools and technique in DraftSight.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the lesson you’re interested in and you’ll be directed to the page where the lesson resides.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.
3. The training covers the topics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using DraftSight

Cons

1. The training doesn’t cover the latest release of the software, though that won’t be a problem for complete beginners.

Verdict: This is the best free online outlet where beginners can start learning DraftSight through a text training.

DraftSight YouTube Channel

DraftSight YouTube Channel is the third free online outlet where beginners can start learning DraftSight through video tutorials.

Structure: The training is divided into playlists, each playlist has a group of video tutorials that cover the various tools and techniques in DraftSight. It’s recommended that beginners start from the playlist entitled “The Basics of DraftSight”.

Interface: Standard YouTube interface.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured for beginners.
3. The training covers the topics beginners should be familiarized with in order to start using DraftSight.

Cons

1. The training isn’t well-organized for beginners, but that won’t be a problem for complete beginners.

Verdict: This is the best free online outlet where beginners can start learning DraftSight through video tutorials.

Solid Solutions

Solid Solutions is the fourth free online outlet where beginners can start learning DraftSight through video tutorials, you don’t have to register to have access to the training.

Structure: The training is divided into 4 webinars, each of the webinars covers a group of tools and techniques essential for a certain proficiency level of using DraftSight.

Interface: The interface is very simple, just click on the webinar you’re interested in and you’ll be directed to the page where the webinar resides.

Now the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Free.
2. The training is well-structured and organized for beginners.

Cons

1. The training doesn’t cover the latest release of the software, though that won’t be a problem for complete beginners.

Verdict: This is an excellent free online outlet where beginners can start learning DraftSight through video tutorials.

Bottom Line

The recipe for learning DraftSight:

1. DraftSight YouTube Channel is the best outlet for beginners to start learning DraftSight through video tutorials.
2. CAD Oasis is the best outlet for beginners to start learning DraftSight through text based tutorials.
3. DraftSight Getting Started Guide is the best option for beginners who prefer to study from books, but you’ve to register to have access to the download link of the book.

Remember that the first step is always the toughest step, and the aim of this post is to provide you with resources that will help you take your first step in learning DraftSight.