Free 2D Design Tool (Solid Edge 2D)

UGS is offering a free 2D drafting tool. This free tool offers a way to to transition from 2D AutoCAD (which has a recuring cost) to the free SolidEdge 2D drafting tool. This not only saves companies from the cost of AutoCAD but also opens up the available products in Solid Edge. When the company is ready you can upgrade from SolidEdge 2D to 3D. It has the same interface with additional capabilities to make the transistion to 3D. If you out grow SolidEdge 3D you can upgrade to NX. NX and Solid edge can read each others file types, so there is no need to translate data. Preserve your investment in user training in the interface when you upgrade to SolidEdge 3D. It is truly a remarkable approach they are doing. I just wish you could download the software without providing all the information. There should be a mechanism in the product to request upgrade, then get the companies information.

From UGS’s web site

Solid Edge 2D drafting demonstrates UGS’ commitment to helping companies control costs. Whether you are using 2D company-wide or for specific 2D design processes, you will benefit from Solid Edge 2D Drafting. Solid Edge 2D Drafting capitalizes on 10 years of production-proven capabilities developed for Solid Edge, and offers excellent drawing layout, diagramming, annotation and dimensioning controls that automatically comply with a wide range of drafting standards – including ISO, ANSI, BSI, DIN, JIS and UNI. And it is absolutely FREE to download and use.
Solid Edge 2D Drafting includes a wealth of tools designed to ease the transition of 2D AutoCAD users updating to Solid Edge, including import wizards, WYSIWYG of imported files (matching of AutoCAD fonts and color schemes) and many other capabilities that make it a compelling application for AutoCAD 2D users looking for more value and productivity from their 2D CAD seats.

Go to Solid Edge Free 2D Drafting for more information.