DraftSight Changelog

What's new in DraftSight 2020

Oct 31, 2020

DraftSight® 2020 provides more powerful automations to increase your productivity, more comprehensive data migrations to reuse your AutoCAD® dynamic blocks, and more streamlined workflows to take full advantage of adjacent products in the Dassault Systèmes portfolio. It also features the first-ever commercial release for Mac.
Automatically dimension your drawings:
You can now dimension drawings automatically to save hours of time per drawing, improve consistency and reduce manual tedious tasks.
Automatically arrange dimensions on your drawing:
You can now arrange dimension spacing automatically in drawings by box-selecting target dimensions.
It can save hours of tedious adjustments and make your drawings look elegant and professional at several quick clicks.
Control dimension placements quickly with a Thumbwheel on the dimension palette:
After using the DraftSight Auto Arrange command, you can easily adjust the spacing of the dimensions using a thumbwheel.
This can either adjust specific dimensions to space in and out, or adjust a collection together in a uniform fashion.
Support AutoCAD Dynamic Blocks with the full configurability:
Now in DraftSight, you can easily click on the configuration handles on the imported AutoCAD Dynamic Blocks to switch between various sizes, directions, positions and shapes because DraftSight 2020 retains the full configurability from AutoCAD.
Reuse 2D content from the 3D Content Central directly from the DraftSight Task Pane:
You can now browse a 2D component from the 3D Content Central Task Pane directly inside your DraftSight 2002, simply drag and drop it as a block to your DraftSight design.
Change Arrow Head Styles easily:
You can now quickly change the dimension arrow head styles. Simply click on the grip to show the list of options, similar to the SOLIDWORKS drawing behavior you are familiar with.
Automatically adjust dimension witness lines while repositioning dimensions:
Now when you drag and drop a dimension to the other side of geometry, witness line gaps are now created consistently and the line overlaps are trimmed automatically.
The Export tab is now available on the command ribbon for easier access:
Export options were only accessible from the File dropdown menu previously.
Other:
The Attach related tools are now moved from the Import tab to a dedicated Attach Tab for easier access
The Add-ins tab is now renamed to Power Tools

New in DraftSight 2018 SP2 Beta (Apr 4, 2018)

1068235: Improves stability when modifying the active drafting styles for dimension to use ISO-25.
1067980: Corrects the Spanish translation on the Close button of “Rename” (Renombrar) window dialog by replacing the word Apretado with Cerrar.
1067979: Corrects the Spanish translation on the Close button of “Print Configuration Manager” window dialog by replacing the word Apretado with Cerrar.
1067978: Corrects the Spanish translation on the Close button of “Clean” (Limpiar) window dialog by replacing the word Apretado with Cerrar.
1067975: Corrects the Spanish translation on the Close button of “Batch Print” (Impresión de lote) window dialog by replacing the word Apretado with Cerrar.
1067972: Corrects the Spanish translation on the Close button of “About” (Acerca de) window dialog by replacing the word Apretado with Cerrar.
1067650: Fixes the issue when modifying the value of dimension split gap affecting and changing unexpectedly the Dim scale linear previously assigned.
1066252: Enhances to display properly the toolbox hexagon socket head hole shape in side view.
1060080: Corrects the Japanese translation for the word "Reassociate Dimensions" on the menu.
1060078: Corrects the Japanese translation for the word "Intersection" in the entity snap setting.
1060076: Corrects the Japanese translation for the word "View Tiles Manager" on the menu.
1060075: Corrects the Japanese translation for the word "Get Mass Properties" on the menu.
1060074: Corrects the Japanese translation for the word "Continue" on the dimension menu.
1058236: Corrects a problem when zooming out on certain blocks displaying some mysterious or extra lines.
1057823: Rectifies the redundant entries with name DELMIA getting added multiple times unexpectedly in the list of customized interface ribbon panel every time launching the software.
1051245: Improves the print quality and clarity (texts/sketch entities /lines) of certain .dwg files when print directly from DraftSight.
1046796: Corrects the behavior where add-ins toolbar is removed from Tool Matrix if disable and enable add-in.
1046753: Fixes the issue when printing to PDF there is no prompt or warning if the current PDF file is opened causing the new print won’t get generated.
1046430: Fixes the problem when editing PrintStyle table the print styles line color will be reset unexpectedly if switching to other styles.
585766: Adds the functionality that allows the display of plot styles while on sheet view.

New in DraftSight 2018 SP1 Beta (Jan 23, 2018)

Improvements:
1059878: DraftSight for Mac (beta) => Support new Mac OS High Sierra.
1057953: Fixes a script failing issue where the PrintOut Method (IPrintManager) throws up an exception.
1053377: Rectifies the error 404 page not found problem when clicking on the 'Renew DraftSight Professional...' command under the Help menu.
1049317: Removes irrelevant texts in Help documentation on Centerlines option 'Keep extension constant in Viewports' as such option is unavailable.
1047434: Creates a new icon for the 'Paste to Active Layer' command.
1044816: Fixes the issue where the Modify > Scale operation using the Points option no longer works.
1044738: Corrects the behavior when editing Note with In-Place Editor if deleting texts and hitting the Esc key the dialog box to save text changes did not show up.
1044505: Improves the Czech translation of some words in dialog boxes.
1041540: Fixes the issue where the LineStyle of the layer mapped to DraftSight entity type (Toolbox > Setting) is changed unexpectedly to another LineStyle after close and reopen the file.
1041102: Rectifies the PDF output with missing table when printing an inserted OLE object from Microsoft Excel using Print > PDF (Print/Plotter).
1036740: Adds ability to the command –REFERENCEs by allowing it to select references in drawing graphics area.
1035789: Fixes the problem where dimensions in copied sheets are linked to the original sheets causing if changing dimensions in original sheets it also reflected unexpectedly in copied sheets.
1033375: Corrects a problem where DraftSight Free version activation remains in loop after clicking 'Activate'.
1030307: Enhances robustness when creating circle with Tangent, Tangent, Tangent (_TTT) option.
1002542: Adds ability to pin an item to Recent Documents list.
987147: Improves result for command variable GETACTTAB.
961512: Fixes an 'Out of Memory error' on Mac OS X 10.11 (EI Captain) causing DraftSight to freeze up.
951450: Fixes a Mac OS X memory leak issue causing some machines to hang.
639641: Corrects the behavior of Modify > Split at point when repeated using Repeat SPLIT.

New in DraftSight 2018 SP0 Beta (Oct 16, 2017)

NEW COMMANDS:
Helix. Creates a 2D spiral or a 3D helix.
CurvedText. Places text along an arc. You can control the text direction and location, and modify the text format and style.
DGNAdjust. Adjusts the appearance of DGN Underlays against the graphics area background. You can adjust fade, contrast, and monochrome values.
Block commands. More tools for Blocks and BlockAttributes.
RedefineBasePoint (*). Sets a new base point for a Block.
RemoveAttribute. Explodes Blocks with BlockAttribute and keeps attribute
value as text.
Dimension Bounding Box commands. Lets you align dimensions of objects located within a Dimension Bounding Box along the box margins at defined offsets tlet them appear in a uniform arrangement.
DimBoundingBox. Creates a dimension bounding box that encloses selected entities talign dimensions.
DelDimBoundingBox. Deletes unused Dimension Bounding Boxes.
AppendToDimBoundingBox. Adds entities tan existing Dimension Bounding
Box and changes the extents of the bounding box.
RemoveFromDimBoundingBox. Removes entities from an existing Dimension
Bounding Box and changes the extents of the bounding box.
UpdateDimBoundingBox. Manually updates Dimension Bounding Boxes.
Options tcreate, delete, append to, and update are available on editing contextual menu.
NEW FEATURES:
Placing dimensions automatically with dimension widgets. Dimension widgets let you place dimensions automatically along Dimension Bounding Boxes (a) aligned with other dimensions, (b) spaced from the existing dimensions, and (c) spaced with the predefined offset distances.
Quick Input methods. Quick Input provides a command entry interface near the cursor, syou can keep focus on geometry. The main elements of Quick Input are the tooltips near the cursor, which act as inputs for coordinates, distances, and angles.
Entity highlighting (*). Colored highlighting replaces legacy dashed-style highlighting. Entities are highlighted when you move the cursor over them (preselection highlight) or when you select them (selection highlight).
Arrow key nudging entities. You can use the Shift + Arrow keys tmove selected entities according ta specified increment.
Clicking anywhere on a dimensions tre-position. Click anywhere on the dimension, then press and drag tre-position.
Hatch Layer (*). You can set a layer for hatches and gradient fills in the corresponding dialog box.
Copying entities tthe active layer. During the Copy command, a new option lets you copy selected entities tthe active layer instead of the source layer.
Pasting content from clipboard tthe active layer. During the Paste command, an option lets you copy content from the clipboard tthe active layer instead tthe source layer.
Tool tip display over the status bar button (*). Add the appropriate “F” hot key as a part of the tool tip when mouse hovers over.
Print configuration manager improvement (*). Allow disassociation the link between the sheet name and print configuration name.
SmartDimension improvements (not available in Beta version):
Ability tselect twentities (twcircles, twparallel lines, a line and a circle)
and add dimension between them.
Ability tselect an EntitySnap point (for example, Endpoint, or Midpoint)
when the cursor passes over a respective point.
G-code enhancements:
Rework the user interface tmake it consistent with the Task Pane UI in
DraftSight.
Optional comments at the top.
Line numbers option for beginning of each line. Relative coordinates.
Program append capability.
API:
New project templates. Now ships with Visual Studi2015 templates for C++, C# and VB.Net sthat add-in developers can create new projects in Visual Studi2015.
API enhancements. Following are some enhancements tthe API:
Provides an interface tcopy entities from one document tanother
document.
Expands the Ecport and Prnt interfaces by providing additional options (e.g,
papersize, printstyle table, etc..) texport (Printmanager and
DocumentExporter).
Provide new interfaces tadd, edit and remove layer states.
FILE FORMAT:
Release 2018 can read DXF/DWG files up to the latest version of this format (R2018), and can write (save) files up to R2013 only.

New in DraftSight 2017 SP3 Beta (Sep 5, 2017)

New in DraftSight 2017 SP2 Beta (May 3, 2017)

New features:
DGN Import: Directly import and convert DGN files into DraftSight for direct editing
Fixed issues:
1022768: Improves stability of DraftSight application at startup on PC equipped with ex. Intel HD Graphics 2000 when applying Windows 10 update KB4013429.
1018331: Rectifies the Spanish translation on the Close button of “Batch Print” (Impresión de lote) window dialog by replacing the word Apretado with Cerrar.
1018329: Rectifies the Spanish translation on the Close button of “Rename” (Renombrar) window dialog by replacing the word Apretado with Cerrar.
1018325: Rectifies the Spanish translation on the Close button of “About” (Acerca de) window dialog by replacing the word Apretado with Cerrar.
1018291: Rectifies the Spanish translation on the Close button of “Clean” (Limpiar) window dialog by replacing the word Apretado with Cerrar.
1018183: Rectifies the Spanish translation on the Close button of “Print Configuration Manager” window dialog by replacing the word Apretado with Cerrar.
1016421: Fixes the problem of unable to print OLE tables.
1014541: Fixes the issue where OLE objects in dwg file may get resized and shrunk in print output.
1014532: Corrects the unexpected “stretch error” when selecting the grip of a copied and pasted dimension.
1014377: Re-enables the selection of check boxes located at SMARTLEADER > Settings > Format Leaders > Annotations > Note options.
1013963: Suppresses in the free version of DraftSight the undesired startup warning in the command window showing: “An unsigned add-in, ExportTableAddin.dll, has been detected, and will not be loaded. Only signed and authenticated add-ins are permitted.”: 1010600: Improves stability of DraftSight when inserting BOM for Windows 7 32-bit OS.
1009777: Corrects the sheet views getting cutoff issue after upgrading from DraftSight 2016 to 2017.
994798: Fixes the re-assigned F4 shortcut key issue where it reverts back unexpectedly to “Recent Documents” every time when launching the application.
986216: Improves visual result when Trim entity using arc as cutting edge.
983317: Adds new capability using mouse double click to quickly edit the Toolbox content or generated entities.
859284: Supports selection using Ctrl and Shift keys to add or delete multiple sheets layout at a time.
659169: Provides access and control to fade referenced drawing with the new system variable “XDWGFADECTL”.
654840: Fixes the template startup switch or command line switch for opening templates (/T).
579391: Improves the behaviors of the HATCH command, Placement options for “Send to Back” or “Send Behind Boundary' to be more robust.

New in DraftSight 2017 SP1 Beta (Feb 27, 2017)

New in DraftSight 2017 SP0 Beta (Nov 22, 2016)

NEW COMMANDS (ALL VERSIONS):
ChangeSpace. Transfers entities from Model workspace tSheet workspace and vice versa.
Additional Pattern commands:
CircularPattern. Creates copies of specified entities in a circular pattern (command window variant of the Pattern command, Circular option).
LinearPattern. Creates copies of specified entities in a linear matrix (command window variant of the Pattern command, Linear option).
NEW FEATURES (ALL VERSIONS):
Auto-Hiding of palettes. Hides palettes automatically whenever you move the pointer away from the palette. Palettes expand when you move the pointer to the title bar of a collapsed palette.
Print dialog box improvements. The Print dialog box has been redesigned to improve usability. The print preview updates dynamically when you change print settings and shows an optimized preview image before you print.
Dialog Box layout improvements. Redesigned and rearranged dialog boxes for clarity.
PolyLine editing improvements. The following options are new to the EditPolyLine command:
Taper. Tapers the width of the PolyLine from the start point to the end point.
Reverse. Reverses the direction of the PolyLine.
Add vertex to midpoint. Inserts an additional vertex at the midpoint of the next segment.
Convert to arc / Convert to line. Converts the next PolyLine segment tan arc if it is a linear segment or ta line if it is a curved segment.
NEW COMMANDS (PROFESSIONAL & ENTERPRISE VERSIONS ONLY):
Split Dimension. Splits dimension and extension lines of Dimension entities where they intersect
other entities. You can also join split dimension and extension lines.
EditXBlockAttribute. Modifies the BlockAttribute values and properties of inserted Blocks. Property changes include Layer, TextStyle, and other settings.
ImportDGN. Inserts content from DGN files (DesiGN files) as Blocks into drawings.
Centerline. Creates Centerlines between pairs of Lines, Arcs, and PolyLine segments. You can set the extension for Centerlines to exceed the entities which define the contour. The specific LineStyle for Centerlines is assigned automatically.
Patterns along a path:
Pattern command, Path option. Creates copies of specified entities along a path. The path can be a Line, PolyLine, Arc, Circle, Ellipse, or Spline. Alignment options control the resulting pattern appearance.
PathPattern. Command window variant of the Pattern command, Path option.
DGN Underlay commands:
AttachDGN. Attaches a Design Model of a DGN file ta drawing.
LayersDGN. Controls the layer visibility of a DGN Underlay.
ClipDGN. Clips a DGN Underlay at a specified boundary.
DetachDGN. Detaches DGN Underlays that were attached to the current drawing.
DGNUnderlayOptions. Sets EntitySnap access tDGN Underlay entities and controls the frame visibility of DGN Underlays.
The names of the PDF Underlays that you attach ta drawing are listed in the References palette. Use this palette to manage PDF Underlays.
Auto-Completion commands:
AutoCompleteOptions. Sets options to apply auto-completion of command names and command variable names as you type them. It also displays a suggestion list with command and variable names which contains the sub-string that you enter.
-AutoCompleteOptions. Command window variant of the AutoCompleteOptions command.
NEW FEATURES (PROFESSIONAL & ENTERPRISE VERSIONS ONLY):
Heads-up Display toolbar. Appears when you select entities and lets you zoom to the specified entities, change the Layer, LineStyle, and LineWidth, dimension entities, or create a Block from the entities.
Dimension snap offset distances. Places dimension lines at specified distances from measured linear entities and between successive dimension lines. Places leader lines at specified angles for radius and diameter dimensions.
Import Part Contour (DELMIA tDraftSight). Imports part contour profile from the DELMIA generated .xml files intDraftSight .dwg for verification and editing purposes, then re-save it manually as a .dxf for CNC machines.
Export Tables tExcel. Provides ability to export the standard tables, Toolbox Bill of Materials and Revision Tables t.xlsx spreadsheet.
NEW TOOLBOX FEATURES (PROFESSIONAL & ENTERPRISE VERSIONS ONLY):
Predefined layer support. Maps predefined layers to basic entity types or tToolbox parts, symbols, and tables. Applies the layer definitions when you create the entities or insert the items.
JIS hardware. Several JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) hardware types are new tToolbox.
NEW API (PROFESSIONAL & ENTERPRISE VERSIONS ONLY):
Ribbon Interface API. Lets 3rd party add-in developers to add their custom user interface to the ribbon through which users can interact with those add-ins.

New in DraftSight 2016 SP2 Beta (Jul 9, 2016)

Fixed issues:
Implements CONVERTPOLYLINE command.
Fixes the incorrect display and overlapping values when editing entries for the Bills of Materials. Improves the display of tab stops in the Note Formatting Ruler.
Corrects the misplacement of restore, maximize, close buttons with ribbon minimized and restarting the application.
Improves the random disappearance issue of mouse cursor in the graphics area on the sheet view tab. Improves the visibility issue of some Block Attributes fields not showing up in the Properties palette. Improves the Print Style name in the STB to be displayed correctly in the "underscore" and "space". Corrects the installation dialog truncated text issue in the German version of DraftSight.
Updates ribbon by removing some icons with unrecognized commands.
Improves stability when creating single viewport in the drawing by disallowing zero viewport height. Supports ModifyProperties command option name with underscore (_).
Gesture command: Fixes the translation issue at the radial button showing the wrong number of mouse gestures in the German version of DraftSight.
Gesture command: Fixes the unrecognized command when typing “Gesten” in the German version of DraftSight.
Refines some Help Documentation translations in the German version of DraftSight. Corrects some Help Documentation grammatical errors in the German version of DraftSight.
Fixes the Function Clean () throwing exception when creating more than five sheets with function CreateSheetByTemplate().
Replaces the German word “Leertaste” with “Bereich” within the Layer States Manager dialog box in the German version of DraftSight.
Fixes the “GleichartigeAuswählen” command (SelectMatching) in the German version of DraftSight. Improves the Help Documentation translations of Annotative Scaling feature in the German version of DraftSight.
Fixes the "ElementeIsolierungAufheben" command (IsolateEntities) in the German version of DraftSight.
Fixes the "ElementeVerbergen" command (HideEntities) in the German version of DraftSight. Improves stability when editing referenced image.
Corrects the double letter keyboard shortcuts not working properly issue.
Fixes the 'Error occurred during the saving' issue when saving some drawing files to older versions format (ex. R2000-2009).

New in DraftSight 2016 SP1 Beta (May 14, 2016)

RESOLVED ISSUES:
Adds the ability to open different drawing files in the same session of DraftSight or to launch them in separate sessions.
Corrects the wrong wording issue in German help documentation (Was: AnUrsprungspositionEinfügen => Now: ANQUELLPOSITIONEINFÜGEN).
Fixes the DraftSight Free version customized installation location path failure problem.
Improves the Find and Replace command behavior after consecutive times of text replacement.
Improves the text note masking background behavior and consistency when viewing and printing.
Removes the repeating Qt5Core.dll warning dialog box when opening a drawing file.
Improves stability of DraftSight when applying customized command in Classic Default and Ribbon workspaces.
Fixes the duplicated entries issue for customized command in Ribbon workspace on each restart.
Corrects the auto-loading of LISP files not working problem.
NEW COMMANDS:
DrawingTabs. Shows drawing tabs at the top of the drawing window area.
HideDrawingTabs. Hides drawing tabs at the top of the drawing window area.
LayerState. Saves, restores, and manages configurations of layer properties and states.
HideEntities. Hides selected entities.
IsolateEntities. Isolates selected entities by hiding all other entities.
UnisolateEntities. Shows entities that were hidden with the IsolateEntities or HideEntities commands.
SelectMatching. Selects drawing entities of the same type and with shared properties for subsequent commands.
New commands for Annotation Scaling:
AnnEntityScale. Adds and removes annotation scales for specified annotative entities (dialog box variant).
AnnEntityScale. Adds and removes annotation scales for specified annotative entities (command window variant). AnnEntityScaleAdd. Updates annotative entities tsupport the drawing's active annotation scale.
AnnEntityScaleRemove. Updates annotative entities tremove the drawing's active annotation scale from the entities' annotation scales.
AnnReset. Resets all scale representations of specified annotative entities ttheir original positions.
AnnUpdate. Updates existing annotative entities tmatch updated TextStyle or DimensionStyle settings.
NEW FEATURES:
Quick Access Toolbar and Ribbon Customization. Creates and modifies quick access toolbars, ribbon tabs and panels.
Properties palette. Supports collapsing and expanding of property groups.
Multiline BlockAttributes are supported by the MakeBlockAttribute, EditBlockAttribute, and EditAnnotation commands. The Multiline BlockAttribute Formatting pop-up toolbar helps you edit and format multiline BlockAttributes.
Ribbon Based User Interface provides the following UI elements:
Application Button / Application Menu
Quick Access Toolbar
Ribbon Tabs

New in DraftSight 2016 SP0 Beta (Feb 15, 2016)

New in DraftSight V1R5.2 Beta (Jul 16, 2014)

New in DraftSight V1R5.0 Beta (Feb 19, 2014)

The free version of DraftSight now includes:
Search in Options: With this new feature, simply type in the search box what you are looking for in the Options menu, and you will be provided with the path to the location of the topic in the Options dialog.
iQuestions Integration: Using the Community tab, log into the DraftSight SwYm community to search and ask questions in the iQuestions section of the community.
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. It is recommended to run the Clean command to purge unused objects before running the VerifyStandards command.
Quick Group: Use the QuickGroup command to quickly create EntityGroups.
Mouse Gesture: Now supporting Mouse Gestures for Mac and Linux.
Improved Performance: Improved Pan and Zoom performance.
The Professional Pack and Enterprise Pack Offerings for DraftSight now include the following additional enhancements:
PDF Underlay: Use the AttachPDF command to attach pages of a PDF document to a drawing. The command links the specified file as a reference to the current drawing
Batch Printing: Use the BatchPrint command to 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.
Mass Properties Calculations. Use the GetMassProperties command to calculate and display the mass properties of Regions. The command reports the included area, perimeter, and centroid of the specified Region. Additionally, 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).
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 corresponds to the actions performed interactively in DraftSight.
Toolbox Enhancements:
Revision Table: A document revision can be added step by step in an alphabetic or numeric sequence and can be attached to a revision symbol.
Enhance Toolbox to support 3 more hole categories. These hole categories are: Hole (Simple), Tap and Slot.
Enhance Toolbox commands with additional option keywords. These additional keywords are all creation methods currently available for a selected hardware or hole type. A creation method can still be changed in hardware or hole dialog and is applied initially for the block insertion as default keyword. In addition creation methods can be also switched continuously via keywords. No need to go return to dialog or to rerun command.
Add new balloon shapes: Triangle, Hexagon, Box, Diamond, Pentagon, Flag (Five Sided), Flag (Triangle), Underline, Square, Square (Circle) and Inspection. Enhance Toolbox to support editing of Bill of Materials.
Operating Systems:
Now supporting Mac 10.9 (Maverics).