SolidWorks 2010 DraftSight - Free 2D CAD Software

DraftSight - Free 2D CAD Software

DraftSight is a professional-grade, open 2D CAD product for users who want a better way to read, write and share DWG files. DraftSight is easy to use and is available for professional CAD users, students and educators to download and activate for free.*

Based on advanced architecture, DraftSight has a small footprint, should take less than a few minutes to download, and runs on multiple operating systems, including Windows XP®, Windows Vista® and    Windows® 7.

What is DraftSight?

DraftSight is a free, professional-grade 2D CAD product centered upon an open business model and available for download at DraftSight.com

• DraftSight provides users with a better way to read, write and share DWG files.  
• Based on an advanced architecture, DraftSight generally takes a few minutes to download and runs on multiple operating systems, including Microsoft® Windows XP®, Windows Vista® and Windows® 7 (Mac OS and Linux support will be available later this year).  
• DraftSight is available for all users, including CAD professionals, students and educators.  
• In addition to the product, accessible through DraftSight.com, users can access an open online community that provides all computer-aided design (CAD) users access to new services and products and the ability to unlock valuable data stored in billions of DWG files.  

Why did Dassault Systèmes launch DraftSight?  

The decision to create the DraftSight community and the product is based on a comprehensive series of customer interviews that showed  anoverwhelming need for the ability to share DWG files.  The community created through DraftSight.com, and the immediate availability of DraftSight, the 2D CAD system, 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?

•  The standalone, single-user version of DraftSight is free* to download at DraftSight.com
• What is involved in downloading and activating DraftSight?  
• There is no information required to download and install DraftSight.  When a user saves or prints a document for the first time, they will be asked to activate the product within 30 days using a valid email address and reactivate after six months and thereafter at 12-month intervals.  Users will need an Internet connection to download and activate.

Who is eligible to download DraftSight?

•   Anyone can download DraftSight.  The product was developed with professional CAD users, students, and educators in mind.   

What operating systems does DraftSight currently run on? 

• Microsoft® Windows XP®, Windows Vista®, and Windows® 7 (MAC and Linux operating systems are planned for later this year).

What are the qualifications / minimum requirements for installing and running DraftSight

• Your system must conform to the following minimum requirements to successfully install and run DraftSight:
• Microsoft Windows Vista® (Enterprise, Business, Ultimate, Home Premium), Microsoft Windows XP® Professional or Home Edition operating systems, Microsoft Windows® 7
• Intel® Pentium® 4 processor or AMD Athlon® dual-core processor, 3.0 GHz or greater 
• 1 GB RAM
• 150 MB free disk space for installation
• 1,024 x 768 VGA display with true color 
• High color (16 bit) Graphics Card
• Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 7.0 web browser or later 
• Internet connection for activation and services offered within the DraftSight Community

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.
• What does DraftSight offer if support is needed? 
• DraftSight offers online Community Support.  By signing up for access to the DraftSight community (accessible from DraftSight.com) users will get immediate, open access to:
• Engaging online training videos 
• Easy-to-follow tutorials and curriculum
• Online discussions with the DraftSight community (iQuestions area)
• In addition users can purchase the DraftSight Premium Service package, which is a bundle of services that makes it easier for companies with multiple users (five or more) to install DraftSight and get the most out of the product and service.  This package includes:
• Telephone support  (Toll free number for the U.S. and Canada, a fee-based international number and a fee UK-based number, Monday – Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM UTC.)    
• Network licensing 
• API support - LISP
• Email support
• Remote desktop sharing
• Web support
• Services offered within online Community Support

How can users get more information about the DraftSight Premium Service package?

• For more information, please call 877-360-DRAFT (877-360-3723) or email premium@DraftSight.com.

What does DraftSight offer for the education market?

• Campus/site network licensing programs will be available later this year for purchase for both secondary and post-secondary schools and includes:  
• Telephone support  (Toll free number for the U.S. and Canada, a fee-based international number and a fee UK-based number, Monday – Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM UTC.)    
• Curriculum materials
• The ability to reuse current curriculums with minimal updates
• Student licenses - free* to download for home and/or dorm use

For students, DraftSight offers:

• The free* product to download from home and/or in the dorm
• Community Support that includes access to online training videos, tutorials, curriculum  and much more
• Free access to upgrades
• The ability to participate in online discussions with the DraftSight community (iQuestions area)

Are there localized versions of DraftSight?   

• Yes, DraftSight is currently available in the following languages:
• English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Czech, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, and Russian.
• 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 May 2010 DraftSight can read .dwg and .dxf file versions as early as 2.5 and can save to any version from R12 to R2007-2010.

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.
• Are there any training materials available for DraftSight?     
• Yes. By signing up for Community Support, users will get immediate, open access to an abundance of training materials including:Engaging online training videos 
• Easy-to-follow tutorials
• Curriculum
• Collaborative Discussion Forums (iQuestions area)
• Standalone License.  Activation required.

DraftSight and the DraftSight logos are trademarks of Dassault Systèmes in the US and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2010 Dassault Systèmes.