If you’re a CAD nerd like most of us here, you’ve probably heard about a new project from Dassault Systemes called DraftSight. If you have a life, let me break it down for you.
There are literally billions of 2D files out there and DraftSight was developed in response to comprehensive customer interviews that showed an overwhelming need for the ability to share DWG files.
There are two elements to the DraftSight project – the first is the DraftSight product, which is a free (yes, you read that correctly), professional-grade, version-independent 2D CAD product available for download at DraftSight.com. DraftSight is based on an advanced architecture, has a small footprint (only 50MB) and generally takes only a few minutes to download and install at DraftSight.com. It runs on multiple operating systems including 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. 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.
The 2nd piece of the DraftSight project is the DraftSight 3D SWYM community, which is an open, online community accessible through DraftSight.com that provides all CAD users with access to new services and products. By joining the DraftSight community, users will get immediate, open access to an abundance of online learning resourcesincluding training videos, tutorials, webinars, and online discussions. Also, in Q4, DraftSight 3D SWYM community members will have the opportunity to participate in DraftSight’s transparent, user-driven product development process. With Idea Share users can share ideas for future enhancements and vote on those that are most important to them. Those ideas with the most votes will be considered for future versions of DraftSight.
Through the global community experience, DraftSight users can choose from a variety of support options, including Community Support (free) and fee-based, Value-Added Support packages that offer telephone, email and remote desktop support (Value-Added package will be available later this year). Plus, DraftSight includes a Premium Support package, which is a bundle of services that makes it easier for companies with multiple users to install DraftSight and get the most out of the product and service. This package includes support, network licensing, API support – LISP, telephone and email support, and more.
If you have the need to create and edit 2D design files but don’t want to maintain your current 2D software or be locked to a specific version, you’ll definitely want to take a look at DraftSight.
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