DWGEditor? 2D Editor? DraftSight? Are you confused?

Let’s start with the basics.

What is DWGeditor?
DWGeditor has been around for about 6 years. DWGeditor functionality enables you to edit and create native DWG files in a familiar user interface, so that you don’t have to maintain a seat of AutoCAD when choosing to use SolidWorks as your primary 3D design software tool.

DWGeditor uses native DWG files. It is compatible with AutoCAD file versions 2.5 to the latest release. DWGeditor has a familiar user interface for AutoCAD users. It is provided and maintained as part of SolidWorks design software. SolidWorks customers receive 3 licenses of DWGeditor for every license of SolidWorks on subscription support.

What is 2D Editor?
Starting with SolidWorks 2010 SP3, DWGeditor has been re-packaged and is now titled SolidWorks 2D Editor.

FAQ’s

Question
Will DWGeditor still be available for download?
Answer
No. When SolidWorks 2010 SP3 is released the DWGeditor 2010 download will be replaced with 2D Editor 2010 and will only be available to subscription customers. DWGeditor 2009 and 2008 have already been pulled from the download sites.

Question
Are there any differences between 2D Editor 2010 and DWGeditor 2010
Answer
Other than the inclusion of some bug fixes, there is no difference in the functionality.

Question
How do Customers upgrade their DWGedtior 2010 to 2D Editor 2010?
Answer
Customers will have to download the 2D Editor installation package from the customer portal. The 2D Editor 2010 installer will detect and automatically replace DWGeditor.

Question
Will customers be required to uninstall DWGeditor and replace it with 2Deditor?
Answer
No. Updating to 2D Editor is not mandatory. Customers can continue using DWGeditor for as long as they wish.

Then what is DraftSight?
DraftSight is a free, professional-grade 2D CAD product centered upon an open business model. Currently in public beta 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.

The decision to create the DraftSight community and the product is based on a comprehensive series of customer interviews that showed an overwhelming 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.

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.

FAQ’s

Question
How long does it take to download and install DraftSight?
Answer
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.

Question
What does DraftSight offer if support is needed?
Answer
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)

For additional information and to download DraftSight go to:
http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/draftsight-overview/#vid1