DraftSight

No, 100% compatibility is conditional. While DraftSight uses the .DWG file format by default and will open and save .DWG or .DXF file formats from versions R2018 to R2000, there are limitations to the modification capabilities of external references and Dynamic Blocks.

No, the DraftSight interface has been designed with familiar tool icons, keyboard shortcuts and commands used in most CAD applications. Some training might be beneficial to learn the process differences and unique features, but the learning curve will be relatively short.

Yes, the DraftSight API supports LISP, Virtual LISP, C++, COM native C++, C#, JavaScript, Visual Basic (also called VB.NET), or VBA. Loading legacy programs from other CAD packages may require closer examination of Objects and Commands. Contact the GoEngineer technical team for assistance with implementation of legacy routines.

A node-locked or standalone license is installed and activated on a specific computer, usually for a dedicated power user. It may be installed on multiple machines, but must be manually deactivated before it can be activated on another machine.

A network license is installed and activated on a license server and contains a pool of seats that will be distributed on a "first come, first served" basis. This is valuable if there are multiple part-time or constant users and provides the flexibility of having the application installed on more computers than there are available seats.

Yes, once a Dynamic Block is inserted into the model space the elements, activities, and constraints can be used to apply changes to the size, orientation, or configuration of the block. The DraftSight equivalent is called a Custom Block, and it can be modified to perform in the same fashion.

DraftSight Premium and Enterprise Plus licenses have 3D tools built in, as well as 2D constraints for more sophisticated 2D designs.

DraftSight Premium and Enterprise Plus include robust tools for 3D modeling (extrude, revolve, loft, and sweep), which make it easy to create solids for simple layout and basic shapes. More complex parametric mechanical design can be performed more efficiently with SOLIDWORKS Design which is complimented by DraftSight's 2D detailing.

It has a familiar user interface, a short learning curve, and easily transitions files and workflow from your current legacy 2D data. In addition, DraftSight is a very cost-effective solution for the power it provides.

DraftSight is available in Professional, Premium, Enterprise, Enterprise Plus, and 3DEXPERIENCE DraftSight. Additionally, you can purchase DraftSight as either a term or perpetual license. This gives you the flexibility to license the software however you need.

Unlike many competitors, DraftSight offers Term Licensing (annual subscription) to customers who want lower upfront costs or Perpetual Licensing (one-time charge plus maintenance) for our customers looking for long-term asset ownership. To help with flexibility, there are Professional and Premium (node-locked), Enterprise and Enterprise Plus (distributed) levels available.

GoEngineer offers buying options that DraftSight direct online sales do not. If you buy from GoEngineer, you can access perpetual and network licensing options instead of just term licensing on individual computers. Also, GoEngineer customers get our award-winning support team of technical experts who can help with installation, training, and integration with other Dassault Systèmes products like SOLIDWORKS Design, SOLIDWORKS PDM, and the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform.

All licenses of DraftSight that are sold by GoEngineer come with our award-winning technical support. Contact GoEngineer directly to help.

DraftSight Enterprise and Enterprise Plus licenses can optionally float.

DraftSight is a standalone 2D CAD application. You do not need anything beyond your DraftSight license to get started.

Yes, if you already have network licensing for SOLIDWORKS, additional Enterprise or Enterprise Plus licenses may be added the SolidNetwork License server to consolidate your software administration.

AutoCAD provides export files (.xtp, .xpg) which are the same file type that DraftSight uses for importing Tool Palettes and Tool Palette Groups. AutoCAD also has a transfer package (.xml) that can be used by DraftSight to import system options, UI settings, and menu customization.

Yes, when SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard or Professional is installed, it provides an add-in for DraftSight. Once DraftSight is installed and the PDM add-in is activated, the PDM blueberry and interface will be available.

Learn what those requirements are here.

Draftsight supports both DWG and DXF and both of these formats are also compatible with SOLIDWORKS.

Get the most out of your DraftSight experience with this quick walkthrough of the GoEngineer Customer Portal. See exactly where to find your serial number, download the installer, open a tech support case, and access your included training. Watch the full video to follow each step and get DraftSight running smoothly in minutes.

DraftSight's performance on these legacy files will depend on the compatibility of the graphics driver, system memory, and hard drive performance. The consistency of the access to the external references may require evaluation by a GoEngineer application engineer.

While there is no guarantee that workflows between CAD applications will be identical, the Sheet Set Manager for DraftSight was implemented in 2021 for Premium and Enterprise Plus versions to organize drawing sheets and views in drawing sheet subsets and view classes. The workflow for the Sheet Set Manager may be found in the webinar Deep Dive on Sheet Set Manager.

Yes, by requesting GoEngineer API automation services, we can evaluate your needs, the scope of work and provide an estimate for our consulting. You can request API Automation services from our API Automation Services page.

DraftSight Custom Blocks were introduced in 2022 as a compatibility feature to AutoCAD Dynamic blocks. They use a different internal, rules-based engine and although they mimic the functionality of Dynamic Blocks with parameters, actions, constraints, and visibility states, they are not identical to the binary object in the AutoCAD file structure.

While files with dynamic blocks my be opened in DraftSight and preserve their automation capabilities, if they're converted to Custom Blocks, they'll no longer operate in AutoCAD. If they're saved to an older DWG format, they'll lose any associated behaviors and become "static".