Top Plugins and Extensions for DraftSight

If you use DraftSight regularly, you know the base tools only get you so far. While it is a powerful AutoCAD alternative, the real speed comes when you start layering on extensions that handle the tedious parts of your workflow.

Unlike SketchUp or Revit, DraftSight doesn't have a massive public "App Store" cluttered with thousands of tools. Instead, its ecosystem is tighter, focusing on high-value industrial integrations, custom automation (LISP), and specific interoperability plugins.

Here are the extensions and tools that actually make a difference in a professional workflow.

1/ Essential Productivity Add-ons

These are often developed by Graebert (the technology partner behind DraftSight) or Dassault Systèmes themselves. They bridge the gap between "drawing lines" and "managing data."

PDF Import for DraftSight

Converts vector PDF files back into editable DWG entities (lines, arcs, text).

Why it matters: Architects and engineers constantly receive "flat" PDFs from consultants. Tracing them manually is a waste of billable hours. This plugin (often built into Professional/Premium versions now) restores them to usable CAD geometry instantly.

Best for: Renovation projects where original CAD files are lost, or coordinating with consultants who only share PDFs.

OnlineMaps (ArcGIS Integration)

Connects DraftSight directly to Esri’s ArcGIS to pull in real-world map data and satellite imagery.

Why it matters: It grounds your site plan in reality without needing to import heavy, unscaled JPEGs manually. You get georeferenced context that stays accurate.

Best for: Site planning, civil engineering, and landscape architecture.

2/ Interoperability & Export Tools

DraftSight is great for documentation, but getting that data out to clients or other 3D software can be friction-heavy. ProtoTech Solutions is the leader here.

3D PDF Exporter (ProtoTech)

Exports your DraftSight 3D models into an interactive PDF file that anyone can rotate and view without CAD software.

Why it matters: Clients do not have DraftSight. They have Adobe Reader. This allows you to send a 3D concept that they can actually interact with, rather than just static screenshots.

Best for: Client approvals and sharing mechanical parts or assembly concepts with non-technical stakeholders.

GLTF Exporter

Exports lightweight 3D geometry for use in web viewers, AR applications, or modern rendering engines.

Why it matters: DWG is heavy and proprietary. GLTF is the "JPEG of 3D." If you need to move a model into a web presentation or a real-time engine, this plugin strips away the CAD overhead.

Best for: Digital twins, web presentations, and moving assets into AR/VR pipelines.

3/ Automation (The "Hidden" Plugin Ecosystem)

The most powerful "plugins" for DraftSight aren't apps you buy—they are scripts you load. DraftSight supports AutoLISP, meaning decades of existing automation scripts work natively.

Custom LISP Routines (e.g., from Lee Mac or CADTutor)

Small code snippets that automate repetitive tasks like "numbering steps," "calculating total area of selected polylines," or "batch layer changes."

Why it matters: You can download a free .lsp file that turns a 30-minute task into a 3-second command. It is the highest ROI "extension" you can use.

Best for: repetitive drafting tasks, batch processing, and data extraction.

Sheet Set Manager (Built-in Extension)

While technically a feature, it functions as an overlay to manage hundreds of drawing sheets across multiple DWG files.

Why it matters: It automates the updating of callouts, page numbers, and printing sets. Without it, you are manually opening 50 files to change a date.

Best for: Large architectural drawing sets and construction documentation.

4/ Industry-Specific Modules

If you are doing specialized work, the general drafting tools will slow you down.

G-Electrical

A dedicated plugin for 2D electrical schematics, including symbol libraries and automatic bill of materials (BOM) generation.

Why it matters: Drawing a circuit with standard lines and blocks is slow. G-Electrical understands that a "switch" is a component, not just geometry, allowing for intelligent updates and lists.

Best for: Electrical engineers and MEP designers.

3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace Make

An integration that connects your design directly to on-demand manufacturing services (CNC, 3D printing).

Why it matters: It removes the email chain between "design" and "prototype." You can get quotes and check manufacturability directly from the interface.

Best for: Product designers and mechanical engineers needing rapid prototyping.

5/ Team Coordination

SOLIDWORKS PDM Integration

Connects DraftSight to the SOLIDWORKS Product Data Management vault.

Why it matters: It prevents the "FinalFinalv3.dwg" disaster. It manages check-ins, check-outs, and version history so a team can work without overwriting each other.

Best for: Mid-to-large engineering teams working on shared projects.

Choosing what fits your work

DraftSight is lean by design. Do not overload it with plugins you rarely use.

• If you do renovations: Get the PDF Import tool working perfectly.

• If you do site work: Set up OnlineMaps.

• If you are slow at drafting: Stop looking for apps and start looking for LISP routines.

Start with the friction point that costs you the most time every week.

Bonus: Speed up rendering without leaving your workflow

DraftSight is built for precision, not photo-realism. If you need to show a client what the design looks like, you don't need a complex rendering plugin.

Rendair handles visualization instantly. You can upload your 2D plans, elevations, or basic 3D wireframes, and generate high-quality renders in seconds.

• No plugin installation required.

• Works with your existing PDFs or screenshots.

• Keeps your CAD files light.

Start creating – try it free