Install Draftsight 2018 CAD on Linux

Since 2011, 3DS DraftSight has been excellent free, though not libre, AutoCAD 2D-compatible CAD available for Linux, Mac and Windows.

Draftsight is natively compatible with AutoCAD DWG/DXF formats through R2018. DraftSight also works remotely using X11-Forwarding or VNC/RDP.

Install

1. Download Draftsight for Linux
2. In Terminal:

   gdebi draftSight.deb
   

3. 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 Ubuntu, Fedora, SUSE 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 (Linux)
Comment=Edit DWG/DXF files
GenericName=DraftSight
Exec="/opt/dassault-systemes/DraftSight/Linux/DraftSight"
Path=/opt/dassault-systemes/DraftSight/Linux

Type=Application
Terminal=false
Icon=dassault-systemes.draftsight

Categories=Application;Graphics;