We have been using the PC version of AutoCAD for about 10 years for all of our
photomask designs (as well as mechanical, illustrations, etc.) for the about 10
years. It has more features than we usually need but by the same token requires
no special programs for drawing circles, etc. and interfaces with a variety of
printers/plotters including Postscript. If you enjoy programming, AutoLISP in
AutoCAD gives you control of all the drawing and editing commands.

We convert AutoCAD's DXF files to GDSII format using third party software
(Artwork Conversion Software, Inc.) although our commercial maskmaker will
accept DXF files directly.

Brent Burns 
Manager - Integrated Micro Sensors Lab
Northrop Grumman ESID
Hawthorne, CA