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DraftSight Frequently Asked Questions

What is DraftSight?
DraftSight is a 2D CAD product to access existing DWG files and create new ones at a fraction of the cost of alternative
CAD products. DraftSight includes a familiar user interface that delivers a minimal learning curve allowing for an easy
transition from a current CAD application. The product is backed by a trusted, worldwide company and offers several
options for users to choose from.

What is the Professional Pack Offering for DraftSight?

The Professional Pack Offering for DraftSight is for small and medium size companies that need a professional-grade CAD
product with powerful, time-saving functionalities. DraftSight Professional includes industry standard content that can
be added to a document with ease and batch printing to print multiple files without opening them. Companies that have a
need to customize their CAD system using LISP will find significant value in DraftSight Professional. Features include:
All features in the free version of DraftSight for Windows, plus:
• Toolbox for DraftSight: A standards-based mechanical symbol library and mechanical annotation
add-on created to let users insert standard hardware; generate holes; create a Bill of Material and callouts for
holes; and add balloons, welding symbols and surface finish symbols.
• Design Library: The Design Library tab in DraftSight’s Task Pane provides a central location for user-defined
reusable elements such as blocks. These elements are added to the drawing file and contain all properties
associated with the content file such as Line Style and Layers. To use Design Library, simply drag and drop the
content from the pallet into the task pane.
• Drawing Compare: DrawCompare is used to graphically compare entities between two drawing documents. The
differences between the drawings are displayed in color codes.
• Batch Printing: Send a set of drawings and Sheets to printers in a batch job. Users can save batch print jobs to
Batch Print List (*.bpl) files for subsequent use.
Note: Users can only batch print Sheets with PageLayouts and Print Configurations associated to them,
either directly for the specific Sheets or by PageLayouts stored in other drawings/Print Configurations
stored in Print Configuration files. Also, within each PageLayout and Print Configuration used in batch
prints, users must specify a printer.
• Macro Recording: The quickest and easiest way to start programming with the DraftSight API is to record
a macro, which contains the DraftSight API calls that correspond to the actions performed interactively in
DraftSight.
• PDF Underlay: Attach pages of a PDF document to a drawing with the AttachPDF command. The command links
the specified file as a reference to the current drawing.
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• Layer Preview: Quickly preview the content of layers one by one or by a set of specified layers. The command
lets users examine which entities are on which layers and allows users to temporarily close the dialog box to
view the layer preview without the dialog box on top.
• Standard Compliant Drawings: Use the VerifyStandards command to check that the current drawing conforms
to industry, corporate, and custom standards. The command checks whether names and properties of Layers,
LineStyles, DimensionStyles, and TextStyles in the current drawing match those in associated standards files.
Users can replace nonstandard items to be compliant, flag them to be ignored, or leave them as they are.
• Mass Properties Calculations: Calculate and display the mass properties of Regions. This command reports the
included area, perimeter, and centroid of the specified Region. Information about the custom coordinate system
(CSS) for the Region is displayed (CCS name, CCS origin, and definition of the X-, Y-, and Z- axes of the CCS).
• Quick Group: Quickly create EntityGroups by using the right mouse button.
• iQuestions integration: Using the Community tab, log into the DraftSight online SwYm community to search and
ask questions in the iQuestions section.
• Search in Options: Simply type in the search box (from the Options menu) what you are looking for, and you will
be provided with the path to the location of the topic in the Options dialog.
• DraftSight APIs (application programming interface) and API updates. APIs allow end users to customize and
automate DraftSight. Companies that have automated, customized or integrated their current DWG-based CAD
system through LISP or other macros will find significant value in these APIs
• Product upgrades, new releases and services packs that become available during your entitlement period.
To learn more or to try DraftSight Professional Pack free for 30 days, visit DraftSight.com/BuyProfessional.

What is the Enterprise Pack Offering for DraftSight?

The Enterprise Pack Offering for DraftSight is for large organizations with many users or multiple sites that need a
professional-grade CAD product with technical support, and a network license to enable concurrent usage and help
manage mission critical CAD requirements and compliance across the organization. DraftSight Enterprise resolves
DWG file compatibility issues at a fraction of the cost and with its API’s, organizations can quickly create applications to
customize their experience. It includes:
All features in the free version of DraftSight for Windows, plus:
• Toolbox for DraftSight: A standards-based mechanical symbol library and mechanical annotation
add-on created to let users insert standard hardware; generate holes; create a Bill of Material and callouts for
holes; and add balloons, welding symbols and surface finish symbols.
• Design Library: The Design Library tab in DraftSight’s Task Pane provides a central location for user-defined
reusable elements such as blocks. These elements are added to the drawing file and contain all properties
associated with the content file such as Line Style and Layers. To use Design Library, simply drag and drop the
content from the pallet into the task pane.
• Drawing Compare: DrawCompare is used to graphically compare entities between two drawing documents. The
differences between the drawings are displayed in color codes.
• Batch Printing: Send a set of drawings and Sheets to printers in a batch job. Users can save batch print jobs to
Batch Print List (*.bpl) files for subsequent use.
Note: Users can only batch print Sheets with PageLayouts and Print Configurations associated to them,
either directly for the specific Sheets or by PageLayouts stored in other drawings/Print Configurations
 ™

stored in Print Configuration files. Also, within each PageLayout and Print Configuration used in batch
prints, users must specify a printer.
• Macro Recording: The quickest and easiest way to start programming with the DraftSight API is to record
a macro, which contains the DraftSight API calls that correspond to the actions performed interactively in
DraftSight.
• PDF Underlay: Attach pages of a PDF document to a drawing with the AttachPDF command. The command links
the specified file as a reference to the current drawing.
• Layer Preview: Quickly preview the content of layers one by one or by a set of specified layers. The command
lets users examine which entities are on which layers and allows users to temporarily close the dialog box to
view the layer preview without the dialog box on top.
• Standard Compliant Drawings: Use the VerifyStandards command to check that the current drawing conforms
to industry, corporate, and custom standards. The command checks whether names and properties of Layers,
LineStyles, DimensionStyles, and TextStyles in the current drawing match those in associated standards files.
Users can replace nonstandard items to be compliant, flag them to be ignored, or leave them as they are.
• Mass Properties Calculations: Calculate and display the mass properties of Regions. This command reports the
included area, perimeter, and centroid of the specified Region. Information about the custom coordinate system
(CSS) for the Region is displayed (CCS name, CCS origin, and definition of the X-, Y-, and Z- axes of the CCS).
• Quick Group: Quickly create EntityGroups by using the right mouse button.
• iQuestions integration: Using the Community tab, log into the DraftSight online SwYm community to search and
ask questions in the iQuestions section.
• Search in Options: Simply type in the search box (from the Options menu) what you are looking for, and you will
be provided with the path to the location of the topic in the Options dialog.
• DraftSight APIs (application programming interface) and API updates. APIs allow end users to customize and
automate DraftSight. Companies that have automated, customized or integrated their current DWG-based CAD
system through LISP or other macros will find significant value in these APIs
• Product upgrades, new releases and services packs that become available during your entitlement period.
• A comprehensive curriculum (for educators only).
• Telephone and email support.
• A network license to help deploy 2D CAD across the entire organization, eliminating headaches related to
license management and versioning data incompatibility.
• The Deployment Wizard: Enables large groups of users to install or upgrade DraftSight.
Request a Quote for the Enterprise Pack Offering for DraftSight Now at DraftSight.com/RAQ.
A minimum of 5 licenses is required to purchase.

Note: It is not possible to run virtual machines such as VMWare using the Dassault Systèmes License Server. To do this, the SolidWorks License
Manager must be used.

Why did Dassault Systèmes launch DraftSight?

The decision to launch DraftSight is based on a comprehensive series of customer interviews that showed an
overwhelming need for the ability to share DWG files.
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The online community created through DraftSight.com and the immediate availability of the DraftSight product represents
a natural next step in our efforts to drive user-based knowledge sharing and high-quality service that will provide real
value to our customers and all CAD users around the globe.

What is DraftSight used for?

DraftSight can be used to:
• Create 2D drawings
• Update and maintain .dwg and .dxf files
• Create PDF files
• Exchange files with companies who either provide or require data saved in either .dwg or
.dxf file formats.

How much does DraftSight cost?

There is a free version of DraftSight for students, hobbyists or other individuals that need a straight-forward 2D CAD
product that meets their needs. then move into existing text about prof and enterprise. To learn the price for the
Professional Pack for large organizations with many users or multiple sites offering for DraftSight, visit DraftSight.
com/BuyProfessional. Or, visit DraftSight.com/RAQ to request a quote for the Enterprise Pack offering for DraftSight.
DraftSight also offers a free*, standalone version that can be downloaded at DraftSight.com.

What is involved in downloading and activating DraftSight?

There is no information required to download and install DraftSight. However, the user will be asked to activate the
product and will need to provide a valid email address to do so. Users will also have to reactivate after six months and
thereafter at 12-month intervals. Users will need an Internet connection to download and activate.

What are the qualifications / minimum requirements for installing and running
DraftSight on Windows? Your system must conform to the following minimum requirements to successfully
install and run DraftSight for Windows:
• System Requirements (Minimum):
— 32bit version: Microsoft Windows XP (SP2) or Windows 7
— 64bit version: Microsoft Windows XP (SP2), Windows 7 or Windows 8
— Intel Pentium 4 processor (2 GHz or faster)
— 300 MB free hard disk space depending on accessory applications installed
— 2 GB RAM
— High Color (16 bit) graphics card
— XGA (1024 x 768) display
— Mouse
— An Internet connection for installation from download and for activation (optional)
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• System Requirements (Recommended):

— 32bit version: Microsoft Windows 7 32bit or 64bit
— 64bit version: Microsoft Windows 7 64bit, or Windows 8 64bit
— Intel Core™ 2 Duo, AMD Athlon™ X2 Dual-Core processor, or better
— 1 GB free hard disk space depending on accessory applications installed
— 4 GB RAM
— 3D Graphics accelerator card
— 22 inch display
— Wheel mouse
— An Internet connection for installation from download and for activation (optional)

What are the system requirements for DraftSight on a Mac? Your system must conform to the
following minimum requirements to successfully install and run DraftSight for Mac:
• System Requirements:
— Mac with Intel processor
— Mac OS X 64bit v10.6 (Snow Leopard) or v10.7 (Lion)
— 1GB of RAM (2GB recommended)
— 500 MB of available hard-disk space for installation
— 1024x768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit video card
— Mouse
— An Internet connection for installation from download and for activation (optional)
— DVD-ROM drive for installation from DVD (not required for installation from download)

What are the system requirements for DraftSight on Linux? Your system must conform to the
following minimum requirements to successfully install and run DraftSight for Linux:
• System Requirements:
— Ubuntu 9.10 Gnome, Fedora 11 Gnome, KDE, or higher versions (others in progress), 32bit
— 1 GHz x86 processor
— 1GB of RAM (2GB recommended)
— 1GB of available hard-disk space for installation
— 1024x768 display (1680x1050 or higher recommended) with True Color graphics card
— Mouse (Wheel mouse recommended)
— An Internet connection for installation from download (optional)
— DVD-ROM drive for installation from DVD (not required for installation from download)

How long does it take to download and install DraftSight?

Based on an advanced architecture, DraftSight has a small footprint and should take only a few minutes to download.
With just a couple of clicks, DraftSight can be installed and running within minutes after downloading.
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What does DraftSight offer if assistance or some type of support is needed?

DraftSight offers support and services for enterprises, educators and individual users.
Large organizations with many users and multiple sites can benefit from The Enterprise Pack Offering - a professional-
grade CAD product with technical support, and a network license to enable concurrent usage and help manage mission
critical CAD requirements and compliance across the organization. DraftSight Enterprise resolves DWG file compatibility
issues at a fraction of the cost and with its API’s, organizations can quickly create applications to customize their
experience. It includes:
All features in the free version of DraftSight for Windows, plus:
• Toolbox for DraftSight: A standards-based mechanical symbol library and mechanical annotation
add-on created to let users insert standard hardware; generate holes; create a Bill of Material and callouts for
holes; and add balloons, welding symbols and surface finish symbols.
• Design Library: The Design Library tab in DraftSight’s Task Pane provides a central location for user-defined
reusable elements such as blocks. These elements are added to the drawing file and contain all properties
associated with the content file such as Line Style and Layers. To use Design Library, simply drag and drop the
content from the pallet into the task pane.
• Drawing Compare: DrawCompare is used to graphically compare entities between two drawing documents. The
differences between the drawings are displayed in color codes.
• Batch Printing: Send a set of drawings and Sheets to printers in a batch job. Users can save batch print jobs to
Batch Print List (*.bpl) files for subsequent use.
Note: Users can only batch print Sheets with PageLayouts and Print Configurations associated to them,
either directly for the specific Sheets or by PageLayouts stored in other drawings/Print Configurations
stored in Print Configuration files. Also, within each PageLayout and Print Configuration used in batch
prints, users must specify a printer.
• Macro Recording: The quickest and easiest way to start programming with the DraftSight API is to record
a macro, which contains the DraftSight API calls that correspond to the actions performed interactively in
DraftSight.
• PDF Underlay: Attach pages of a PDF document to a drawing with the AttachPDF command. The command links
the specified file as a reference to the current drawing.
• Layer Preview: Quickly preview the content of layers one by one or by a set of specified layers. The command
lets users examine which entities are on which layers and allows users to temporarily close the dialog box to view
the layer preview without the dialog box on top.
• Standard Compliant Drawings: Use the VerifyStandards command to check that the current drawing conforms
to industry, corporate, and custom standards. The command checks whether names and properties of Layers,
LineStyles, DimensionStyles, and TextStyles in the current drawing match those in associated standards files.
Users can replace nonstandard items to be compliant, flag them to be ignored, or leave them as they are.
• Mass Properties Calculations: Calculate and display the mass properties of Regions. This command reports the
included area, perimeter, and centroid of the specified Region. Information about the custom coordinate system
(CSS) for the Region is displayed (CCS name, CCS origin, and definition of the X-, Y-, and Z- axes of the CCS).
• Quick Group: Quickly create EntityGroups by using the right mouse button.
• iQuestions integration: Using the Community tab, log into the DraftSight online SwYm community to search and
ask questions in the iQuestions section.
 ™

• Search in Options: Simply type in the search box (from the Options menu) what you are looking for, and you will
be provided with the path to the location of the topic in the Options dialog.
• DraftSight APIs (application programming interface) and API updates. APIs allow end users to customize and
automate DraftSight. Companies that have automated, customized or integrated their current DWG-based CAD
system through LISP or other macros will find significant value in these APIs
• Product upgrades, new releases and services packs that become available during your entitlement period.
• A comprehensive curriculum (for educators only).
• Telephone and email support.
• A network license to help deploy 2D CAD across the entire organization, eliminating headaches related to
license management and versioning data incompatibility.
• The Deployment Wizard: Enables large groups of users to install or upgrade DraftSight.
Get a Quote for the Enterprise Pack Offering for DraftSight Now at DraftSight.com/RAQ.

A minimum of five licenses is required to purchase the Enterprise Pack Offering for DraftSight. For more information
users can send an email to: enterprise@DraftSight.com or visit DraftSight.com.
The affordable Enterprise Pack Offering for DraftSight for educational institutions includes the same elements noted
above, plus a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on the fundamentals of DraftSight. The guide is a 10-Chapter, 260-
page training manual that includes more than 80 practice problems and seed files. Each chapter has a review section and
an exam section.
This service is offered in a Classroom Pack (45 licenses) and a Campus Pack (200 licenses). For more information users
can send an email to: DraftSight.Education@3ds.com or visit DraftSight.com.

Support for DraftSight Professional users

Prosumer offers installation, activation and configuration support. Includes telephone and email support, access to online
community support and learning resources, and the free, professional-grade version of DraftSight V1R5.0 for Windows.
Prosumer is renewable for 3 or 12 months. Users can purchase this service online at the 3DS store. Please be advised
that this service is currently not available in all countries.

What does DraftSight offer for students and educational institutions?

DraftSight Free is for students that need a straight-forward 2D CAD product that meets their needs. In addition to the free
version for students, educators can invest in the DraftSight Enterprise is a professional-grade CAD product with technical
support, and a network license. DraftSight Enterprise resolves DWG file compatibility issues at a fraction of the cost.
This offering includes telephone and email support during your entitlement period, a network license, a comprehensive
curriculum, and additional unique features that can help organizations get the most out of DraftSight. Request a quote
now at DraftSight.com/RAQ.

Is DraftSight available in different languages?

Yes, DraftSight is currently available in the following languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Czech,
French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Turkish and Russian.
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Can users use their existing support files with DraftSight?

Yes, users do not have to start from scratch if they have pre-existing support files such as template files (.dwt) or menu
files (.cui, .mnu, .mns.). DraftSight can use these and other support files.

What file formats can DraftSight export to?

DraftSight can export to several different raster formats, including PDF, PNG, TIF, SAT and STL.

What file formats can DraftSight open and save?

In addition to the .dwg file format, DraftSight can also read and save .dxf files. Like many other products, DraftSight
utilizes libraries from the Open Design Alliance (ODA) for its DWG file format support.

DWG and DXF files are versioned, which versions can DraftSight
read and write?
Via the ODA libraries noted above as of October 2011, DraftSight can read .dwg and .dxf file versions as early as 2.5 and
can save to any version from R12 to 2010.

If I am familiar with other 2D CAD applications, will DraftSight be

easy to adopt?
Yes. Driven by customer feedback, we developed a product that is easy to use allowing experienced 2D CAD users to get
up to speed quickly with minimal training requirements.
Whether you’re an experienced drafter or just getting started, DraftSight includes online learning resources that will help
you every step of the way. Plus, we have a free Getting Started Guide that has more than 180 pages of fundamental skills
necessary for the efficient use of DraftSight.

Are there any learning resources available for DraftSight?

Yes. By joining the DraftSight community (log in required) via DraftSight.com, users will get immediate, open access to an
abundance of learning resources including:
• Engaging online training videos
• Easy-to-follow tutorials
• Curriculum
• Collaborative Discussion Forums (iQuestions area)

There is also a DraftSight Getting Started Guide and multiple eBooks with tips, tricks, and videos.

*Standalone license. Activation required.

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DraftSight and the DraftSight logos are registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes in the US and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
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