DRAFTSIGHT WHAT’s NEW 2026?

DraftSight offers a powerful collection of performance boosts, productivity tools, and workflow enhancements designed to make every day drafting faster and smoother. From speed improvements and smarter interface elements to advanced customization options and automation features, these additions aim to elevate the user experience for both casual designers and high-demand professionals

Performance

  • Sheet switching is significantly faster: 66% faster to sheets and 78% faster back to the model.
  • Navigation performance improves with up to 55% faster zoom and 38% faster pan.
  • File opening times are reduced by about 10%, minimizing delays and boosting productivity.

Start Page Tab (DraftSight Premium Only)

DraftSight Start Page Tab

The Start Page tab streamlines DraftSight by centralizing key actions like starting new drawings, resuming recent projects, and accessing learning resources. It also provides quick workspace customization and easy tracking of recent work for smoother, uninterrupted productivity. To open it, type STARTMODE in the command window.


Ribbon Optimization

DraftSight’s updated ribbon layout reduces clutter and spreads commands across more tabs for easier access. The Home tab focuses on frequently used tools, while the Start tab lets you choose the workspace you prefer. The Drafting and Annotation workspace adds flexible panels for showing, hiding, and grouping entities, along with dedicated Import and Export tabs for smoother workflows.


Powertools Ribbon Tab (DraftSight Premium Only)

The Powertools ribbon tab adds features that streamline workflows by improving

  • Viewport layout management
  • Dimension Style - import/export
  • Creation of professional text labels
  • Enhances block scaling
  • Defining draw order by color.

These tools offer greater flexibility and automation for increased efficiency.


Contextual Ribbon for Gradients and Patterns

DraftSight’s contextual ribbon adds dedicated tabs for the HATCH and PATTERN commands, reducing time spent searching for tools. These tabs provide quick access to gradient fills, text formatting, and pattern design for faster, more polished results.

To open them, type HATCH or PATTERN in the command window.


ViewTiles Controls



You can access ViewTile controls in the upper-left corner of each viewport to quickly adjust views, visual styles, and display options. These controls let you modify settings without navigating menus or toolbars, simply by clicking within the bracketed areas. They streamline workflows by allowing fast switches between 2D/3D views or applying different styles directly within the drawing.

Floating Document Windows (DraftSight Premium Only)


Floating document windows in DraftSight let you open drawings in separate windows outside the main application for flexible, side-by-side viewing.

You can create one by dragging a document tab out of the main window, allowing independent resizing, zooming, and navigation.

This setup improves productivity by enabling easier comparisons, copying, pasting, and multitasking across multiple monitors.

ECW Images


DraftSight supports the Hexagon Enhanced Compression Wavelet (.ECW) format, which is designed for highly efficient compression. This makes ECW ideal for large images like aerial or satellite photos, keeping file sizes manageable. The format can also include embedded map projection data, making it valuable for GIS and remote-sensing applications.

CCS Icon Customization 

The CCS icon shows the current coordinate system orientation, and you can customize it to match your project needs. Using the UCSICON command opens the CCS Icon Properties dialog, where you can adjust its view, size, and color with a dynamic preview. DraftSight saves these settings across sessions, allowing consistent customization each time you work.


Color Books (DraftSight Premium Only)

DraftSight supports custom color palettes (.acb files), giving access to standardized colors for precise, professional use. These palettes help maintain branding, industry compliance, and consistent material representation. They include exact shades from systems like Pantone® and RAL™, ensuring accuracy and uniformity across designs.

To use color books:

Do one of the following:

• On the ribbon, click Home > Properties > Color.

• On the menu, click Format > Line Color.

• Enter LINECOLOR in the command window.


PCX Print Configuration Files (DraftSight Premium Only)

DraftSight supports. PCX print configuration files, offering functionality similar to. PC3 files in other CAD programs. You can import. PC3 files or create new. PCX configurations to store reusable print settings. This ensures consistent output across print jobs and improves workflow efficiency through standardized configurations.



Managing Missing External References

DraftSight streamlines handling missing external references through tools in the References palette. When a referenced file is moved or renamed, you can update its path once. If matching files are detected, DraftSight can automatically apply the same updated path to other missing references.

To manage missing external references:

Do one of the following:

• On the ribbon, click Insert > Palettes > References Manager.

• On the menu, click Tools > References Manager.

• Enter XREF in the command window.


Insert Formula Column in Data Extraction

The DATAEXTRACTION command lets you generate. CSV output with readable column headers for easy sharing or integration with other applications. Its wizard includes an Insert Formula Column option, allowing you to add custom fields using mathematical expressions. This enables refined, calculation-ready data exports without needing external processing.






Diesel Expressions

The FIELD command supports Diesel Expressions, allowing dynamic text that updates automatically based on drawing properties or user inputs. You can build custom fields that combine text, perform calculations, or apply conditional logic without external scripts. This enhances automation and flexibility when managing text data in your drawings.

Diesel ExpressionsDiesel Expressions


RENAME Command

The RENAME command now supports wildcard characters, allowing you to quickly locate groups of named elements. You can filter matching items directly within the RENAME dialog box. This makes bulk renaming faster and more efficient.



Copying with SCALE Command

The SCALE command now includes a Copy option, letting you create scaled duplicates while keeping the original entities intact. This streamlines the workflow, eliminating the need to use COPY before scaling. To use it, select Home > Modify > Scale on the ribbon, Modify> Scale on the menu, or enter SCALE in the command window.


MTEXT Command



MTEXT entities allow you to create and edit multiple columns using the in-place text editor, with equal widths and adjustable gutters. You can also modify column height using grips for precise control. Columns help organize complex notes or documentation, making text easier to read and optimizing space within drawings.

These enhancements continue to push DraftSight forward as a faster, smarter and more capable design platform. Whether you're managing complex drawings, customizing your workspace, or automating repetitive tasks, these updates complex drawings, customizing your workspace, or automating repetitive tasks, these updates help you to work efficiently and with greater control.


Contact Us: Have questions or need assistance? Feel free to reach out!

Phone: +91 94454 24704
Email: mktg@egs.co.in



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