Install DraftSight 2018 CAD on Linux

3DS DraftSight:

• works well on Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora), Mac and Windows.
• is natively compatible with AutoCAD DWG/DXF formats through R2018 (used by AutoCAD 2019).
• works remotely using X11-Forwarding or VNC/RDP.
• is free but not libre
• has been growing and well supported since DraftSight’s initial 2011 release

Install

1. on Ubuntu:

   apt install gdebi
   

2. Download DraftSight for Linux
3. In Terminal:

   gdebi draftSight.deb
   

4. Complete registration with email address (maybe a throwaway email address).

Hi-DPI

If you have a high resolution screen and the GUI icons look too small, try Tools → Options → System Options → Display → Screen Options → Use Large Icons.

Notes

Usually DraftSight “just works” on Linux.

DraftSight won’t start

Try command

/opt/dassault-systemes/DraftSight/Linux/DraftSight

see if the splash screen AND the second window requesting your registration pops up.

The registration window can be hidden under other app windows you have open.

Add DraftSight icon

If the Ubuntu desktop icon doesn’t show up for DraftSight, create ~/.local/share/applications/draftsight.desktop containing:

[Desktop Entry]
Name=DraftSight
Comment=Editing CAD images
GenericName=DraftSight
Exec="/opt/dassault-systemes/DraftSight/Linux/DraftSight"
Path=/opt/dassault-systemes/DraftSight/Linux
Type=Application
Terminal=false
Icon=dassault-systemes.draftsight
MimeType=image/vnd.dwg;image/vnd.dwt;image/vnd.dxf;application-vnd.dassault-systemes.draftsight-dwg;application-vnd.dassault-systemes.draftsight-dwt;application-vnd.dassault-systemes.draftsight-dxf
Categories=Application;Graphics;2DGraphics;RasterGraphics;