3DS DraftSight:

• works well on Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora), Mac and Windows.
• is natively compatible with AutoCAD DWG/DXF formats through R2018 (used by AutoCAD 2019).
• works remotely using X11-Forwarding or VNC/RDP.
• is free but not libre
• has been growing and well supported since DraftSight’s initial 2011 release

Install

1. on Ubuntu:

   apt install gdebi
   

2. Download DraftSight for Linux

3. In Terminal:

   gdebi draftSight.deb
   

4. Complete registration with email address (maybe a throwaway email address).

Hi-DPI

If you have a high resolution screen and the GUI icons look too small, try Tools → Options → System Options → Display → Screen Options → Use Large Icons.

Notes

Usually DraftSight “just works” on Linux.

DraftSight won’t start

Try command

/opt/dassault-systemes/DraftSight/Linux/DraftSight

see if the splash screen AND the second window requesting your registration pops up.

The registration window can be hidden under other app windows you have open. {: .alert-box}

Add DraftSight icon

If the Ubuntu desktop icon doesn’t show up for DraftSight, create ~/.local/share/applications/draftsight.desktop containing:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=DraftSight
Comment=Editing CAD images
GenericName=DraftSight
Exec="/opt/dassault-systemes/DraftSight/Linux/DraftSight"
Path=/opt/dassault-systemes/DraftSight/Linux
Type=Application
Terminal=false
Icon=dassault-systemes.draftsight
MimeType=image/vnd.dwg;image/vnd.dwt;image/vnd.dxf;application-vnd.dassault-systemes.draftsight-dwg;application-vnd.dassault-systemes.draftsight-dwt;application-vnd.dassault-systemes.draftsight-dxf
Categories=Application;Graphics;2DGraphics;RasterGraphics;