In the fast-paced world of drafting and design, efficiency is key. If you're a DraftSight user looking to streamline your project documentation and layout management, the Sheet Set Manager is a game-changing feature you shouldn't overlook.
Whether you're working on large architectural plans, mechanical assemblies or electrical layouts, managing dozens—or even hundreds—of sheets manually can be time-consuming and error-prone. DraftSight’s Sheet Set Manager helps you organize, automate and publish drawing sheets with ease.
What Is the Sheet Set Manager?
The Sheet Set Manager (SSM) is a tool within DraftSight that allows users to manage a collection of drawings as a single project. It provides a centralized interface to:
Organize drawing sheets
Automate title blocks
Manage views and layouts
Batch publish to PDF or plot
Track project information
With the SSM, you no longer need to open drawings one by one to update sheet numbers, project details, or plot settings.
How to Set Up a Sheet Set in DraftSight
Launch Sheet Set Manager: Go to the Home tab or type SheetSet in the command line.
Create a New Sheet Set: Use the wizard to create a new .dst file and link existing drawings or generate new ones from templates.
Add Sheets: Import layouts from DWG files or create new sheets directly.
Set Up Fields: Use FIELD commands in title blocks and reference areas to auto-fill information from the Sheet Set.
Manage & Publish: Use the right-click menu to reorder sheets, update properties or batch plot the set.
Conclusion
If you’re not already using the Sheet Set Manager in DraftSight, now is the perfect time to integrate it into your workflow. It reduces repetition, enhances consistency and simplifies project management—especially as drawing sets grow in size and complexity.
By mastering the Sheet Set Manager, you’ll not only save hours of manual work but also increase the accuracy and professionalism of your deliverables.
Creating Custom Blocks (Dynamic) in CAD: A Step-by-Step Guide
Custom blocks (Known as Dynamic Blocks)are enhanced block definitions that allow for more flexible and interactive behaviour compared to standard blocks. Instead of creating multiple blocks for similar objects (like doors of different sizes or arrows pointing in different directions), you can use one Custom block with adjustable properties.
Custom blocks include Elements and Activities can allow users to:
Stretch parts of a block (e.g., stretch a table or wall).
Flip (mirror) elements with a flip action.
Pattern elements based on user input.
Rotate elements within the block.
Scale the block non-uniformly.
Move elements based on user input.
Visibility states: Switch between different views (e.g., open/closed door).
Creating Custom Block
In this custom block, we create circles of different radii with mirroring capability.
Step 1: Create Geometry
Draw the objects you want in your block. For example, a simple Circle.
Step 2: Define the Block
Select the circle and use the MakeBlock (MB) command.
Name the block (e.g., Circle)
Specify the base point (e.g., center of the circle), then click OK.
The geometry is now converted into a block.
Step 3: Open Block Editor
Double click the circle or use EditBlock (BE) command will open the block editor.
Step 4: Add Elements
Select the appropriate Element from the list. In this case, choose Mirror.
Select the base point and end point of the mirror axis, then specify the label location.
Step 5: Add Activities
From Activities, select Mirror option.
Then specify the element, followed by selecting the circle.
Step 6: Add Visibility Set
Visibility Set is added to switch between different views. Here, we can change the size of the circle.
From Element Sets, select Visibility Set and specify element position.
Select the circle and press Enter.
Open Visibility State, then rename and add new state as required.
From the Visibility State drop down, select a size and draw the new geometry.
Add that geometry to that specified size by selecting “Select entities” from Visibility state followed by selecting geometry.
Hide the previously drawn circle.
Repeat Step 5 for each additional size.
Step 6: Save and Use Custom Block
Save the block and use Test Block option to check it.
The test block will open on a new drawing page.
When you select the circle, the Visibility Set and Mirror (Small arrow on the circle) icons will appear.
By clicking these icons, you can change the size and location of the circle.
Summary
Custom blocks in CAD provide flexible, interactive features like stretching, mirroring, rotating, and visibility states, allowing a single block to represent multiple object variations. This reduces the need for creating separate blocks for similar items. Creating a custom block involves drawing the geometry, defining the block, adding elements and activities, and setting up visibility states. These settings enable users to adjust the block's size, orientation, or appearance dynamically. Once saved, the block can be tested and used with customizable options in a drawing.
DraftSight is a professional grade 2D and 3D CAD software developed by Dassault Systèmes. Designed for architects, engineers, and designers, it features a user-friendly interface and supports industry-standard file formats, making it a powerful tool for precision drawing and design.
What Is an Image Tracer?
Image Tracer is a built-in tool in DraftSight that converts raster images (JPG, PNG, BMP) into vector geometry. It automatically detects outlines in scanned images, logos, or sketches and traces them into editable CAD elements like lines, arcs, and polylines.
Key Benefits:
Converts non-CAD images into usable vector drawings
Eliminates the need for manual tracing
Saves time and improves accuracy
Ideal for logos, floor plans, mechanical drawings, and sketches
What If Image Tracer Isn’t Available?
Before tools like Image Tracer, converting raster images to vector drawings was a manual and time-consuming process:
Insert the Image: Import the raster image into DraftSight as a reference.
Scale and Position: Resize and move the image to fit your intended design area.
Manual Tracing: Use Line, Polyline, Arc, and Spline tools to trace over the image.
Layering and Cleanup: Work on dedicated layers for organization and delete or hide the original image afterward.
Precision Techniques: Use object snaps (OSNAP), grids, and guides for accurate tracing.
This method, while effective, required patience and a good eye for detail.
How to Use Image Tracer in DraftSight
Using Image Tracer is straightforward and is supported across all DraftSight variants:
Step 1: Insert the Image
Navigate to the Insert tab → Click Attach Image
Choose a raster file (JPG, PNG, BMP), place it in the workspace, and scale it as needed
Step 2: Launch Image Tracer and Configure Settings
Go to the Image Tracer tab or the Home tab and select Image Tracer
A settings window will appear
Choose the Image Type: Logo, Sketch, Mechanical, or Floor Plan
Adjust parameters like Detail Level, Threshold, and Noise Reduction
Preview the trace before applying
Step 3: Apply and Edit the Trace
Click Apply or OK to generate vector geometry
Edit the resulting lines, arcs, or polylines as needed
Delete or hide the original raster image to clean up the drawing
Summary
Image Tracer in DraftSight is a powerful feature that streamlines the conversion of raster images into precise vector geometry. By automating the tracing process, it saves time, improves accuracy, and makes it easier to incorporate sketches, logos, and scanned documents into professional CAD workflows.
Drafter allows rapid creation of 2D Drawings from 3D models. Whenever you modify your 3D model, your drawings update instantly. With Drafter's comprehensive, production-quality, 2D detailing capabilities, designers can easily annotate drawings and with data saved to the cloud, can share drawings in real-time.
With Drafter you can:
Quickly generate drawings from your 3D parts and assemblies
Easily apply dimensions, annotations and section views to your drawings
Instantly update your 2D drawings to reflect any changes on your 3D models
Open the Drawings App: Navigate to the 3DEXPERIENCE Dashboards. In the dashboard, look for the 3DEXPERIENCE Drawings App
Open the Drafter and install the Drawings.
Note: Install the Drawings App
Step 2: Import a 3D Model
Importing 3D Model: If you already have a 3D model in formats such as SOLIDWORKS or other compatible formats, you can upload it directly into the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
Step 3: Generate 2D Drawing
Select the 3D Model: Once your model is uploaded, navigate to the Drawings App and select the model you want to generate a 2D drawing for. After that, you will immediately see the drawings' default views.
Step 4: Add Dimensions, Annotations, and SymbolsAdd Dimensions: Use the tools in the app to add precise dimensions to the drawing. The system allows you to dimension various elements like lengths, angles, diameters, and radii.
Annotations and Callouts: Add any necessary annotations such as material specifications, part numbers, surface finishes, and any custom text or instructions for manufacturing.
GD&T Symbols: If needed, you can include Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) symbols to indicate specific tolerances or constraints for the part.
Step 5: Customize Drawing Templates and Title Blocks
Title Block: You can customize the title block with information like the part name, project, and revision details.
Templates: Choose or create custom drawing templates to maintain consistency with your company's standards.You can modify drawing sheets, paper sizes, and layout preferences.
Step 6: Update and Modify Drawings Automatically
Model Updates: If any changes are made to the 3D model, the 2D drawing will automatically update to reflect those changes.
No Manual Redrawing: You don't have to manually adjust your 2D drawing whenever the 3D model changes, as the app maintains the connection between them.
Advantages:
Time saving: Drawing creation is automated based on the 3D model, which reduces manual work.
Consistency: The app ensures that your 2D drawings are always aligned with the 3D model, minimizing discrepancies.
Real-Time Collaboration: Teams can work together, share feedback, and maintain version control in a unified system.
DraftSight is a powerful software solution that offers immense value to drafters and engineers engaged in editing and creating DWG and DXF files. Specifically, DraftSight's Professional through Enterprise Plus editions feature a specialized set of tools known as the DraftSight Mechanical Toolbox.
This toolbox is meticulously designed to cater to the needs of mechanical drafters by providing essential functionalities such as standardized holes, fasteners, tables, and annotations. These tools are integral for completing detailed mechanical drawings efficiently and accurately, streamlining the design process and ensuring adherence to industry standards.
Whether it's detailing parts, assembling components, or generating precise dimensions, the DraftSight Mechanical Toolbox empowers users to achieve high-quality results in mechanical engineering tasks within a user-friendly CAD environment.
Adding the Mechanical Toolbox in DraftSight either through the Tools menu in the Workspace or by using the Command Line with the command ADDINS, which opens the same window. This gives you flexibility in accessing and using the toolbox's tools for mechanical drafting tasks.
When the Toolbox is enabled, all tools are accessible via the Mechanical pull-down menu, the Mechanical ribbon tab, or the Mechanical toolbar, depending on the Workspace configuration.
Using the Toolbox starts with accessing the Standards command, which serves as the initial step in utilizing its functionalities. Within the Toolbox, there are six fundamental standards provided. To begin, users activate the specific standard that aligns with their requirements. For more tailored needs, custom standards can be generated by duplicating a basic standard. Then modifying parameters related to holes, hardware specifications, and thread data. This flexibility allows drafters and engineers to adapt the Toolbox to suit specific project demands, ensuring precision and efficiency in mechanical drafting tasks.
STANDARD HOLES:
The Standard Holes function particularly caught my attention. It addresses the challenge of recalling specific hole sizes required for different applications. To use it, begin by choosing the hole category, such as Counterbore or Countersink. Then, select the settings for the standard, fastener type, size, and scale as needed. For custom applications, all properties are adjustable. Allowing for precise customization of hole dimensions and specifications to meet project requirements effectively. This feature not only streamlines the design process but also enhances accuracy and consistency in mechanical drafting tasks.
Placing a hole is straightforward with DraftSight. Simply click once to specify the center location and a second time to set the angle. Clicking once to specify the center location and again to set the angle creates a block containing attributes and layer data, all easily modifiable as needed. This method ensures efficient placement and customization of holes within designs, enhancing the precision and flexibility of mechanical drafting tasks.
Hole Callouts:
After incorporating various sizes of holes, the next step in the process involves adding Hole Callout annotations to the drawing. Callouts are easily placed with a simple click-and-place operation, ensuring a highly efficient workflow. With just a few mouse clicks, the callouts can be quickly and accurately completed. Enhancing the clarity and completeness of the mechanical design documentation.
Hole Tables:
As the number of holes increases, adding more hole callouts can clutter the drawing. A clear and organized method to manage and document these holes is by adding a Hole Table. This table neatly labels and lists the locations and parameters of each hole. Providing a structured overview that enhances the clarity and organization of the mechanical design.
DraftSight Mechanical Toolbox
DraftSight Mechanical Toolbox offers a comprehensive solution for enhancing mechanical drafting capabilities. From simplifying the placement of standard holes to efficiently annotating drawings with callouts and organized hole tables. The Toolbox streamlines the entire drafting process. Exploring these tools can significantly enhance productivity and precision in creating detailed mechanical designs.
Draftsight, while hearing this word, you may have questions such as what is Draftsight software? what it will do? what its cost? how to use it? any cost benefit for buying this software to me?
Let we see...
Draftsight is a 2D and 3D Cad software for engineers, architects, cad designers, Professional cad users.
Let us see a short introduction of Draftsight, its capabilities & Its benefits in this blog.
DraftSight empowers users to perform 2D design and annotation, along with 3D modeling.
Draftsight will let you do all the operations you are doing in present 2D software without missing the legacy. From the file extension to user interface you can feel the same feel which you felt in present 2D software.
Yes, Draftsight is works with DWG/DXF format. So reuse of legacy data is ease. User interface also same, as a familiar user one will take short time to adopt with Draftsight. In other words, you will take minimal learning curve to adopt here
Some of commands you can work with Draftsight are below:
Layer Management
Blocks
Mechanical Tool Box
Ballooning and BOM
1.Layer Management
You can Use the Layer command to create new Layers, set the active Layer, and specify Layer properties and behaviour.
You can create a new Layer any time. To improve efficiency, plan your layers in advance
2.Blocks
The original sentence is already in active voice. "A Block" is the subject, "is" is the verb, and "a collection of entities bound together as a single entity" is the object. After you create a Block, you can insert it whenever you need it in a drawing.
The Make Block command only recognizes the Block within the current drawing. The Export Drawing command lets you write a Block to an external drawing file for use in any drawing.
3. Mechanical Tool Box
DraftSight contains robust mechanical tools and symbols that will help you standardize your mechanical drafting practices and speed up your time to market. The Mechanical Toolbox allows you to choose which industry-standard you want to use or create your own custom standard.
4. Ballooning and BOM
Ballooning system will let you give Properties of the physical entity present. The BOM automatically populates with the properties with a single click.
Power Tools available :
Image Tracer
Drawing Compare
Image Tracer
The Image Tracer tool lets you convert raster images in .bmp, .png, and .jpg formats to vector format. The images can be architectural plans, floor plans, logos, and curved images.
2. Drawing Compare
Compare drawing revisions to quickly identify and track changes. Draw Compare lets you visually compare drawings by highlighting added or removed entities in your chosen color
Yes, it’s the time to expose the commercial benefit of Draftsight over existing 2D cad software’s.
Draftsight is having Perpetual cum network license type. Yes, we are providing lifetime license with best in price - No need for yearly renewal.
Also we are providing Tech support for your license.
You can claim tax depreciation on your Draftsight purchase.
API and LISP Programs also available in Draftsight for customization.
