DraftSight Enterprise Installation Guide

DraftSight is a feature-rich 2D and 3D CAD solution for architects, engineers and construction service providers, as well as professional CAD users, designers, educators and hobbyists.  There are various levels of DraftSight licenses available.  For companies with multiple users, DraftSight Enterprise provides network-based licensing for shared use. The following post provides you with a DraftSight Enterprise Installation Guide.

Two installations are required for Draftsight Enterprise:

1. Install a License Manager application on a server to host the floating licenses
2. Install the Draftsight application on client machines which connect to the server and obtain a license

Access SOLIDWORKS Software

SOLIDWORKS software is available to SOLIDWORKS Subscription Service customers and can be downloaded from the SOLIDWORKS website.

1. Go to https://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/downloads.htm
2. If you are visiting the downloads page for the first time you will need to pick log in

Log in to access SOLIDWORKS software

1. On the 3DEXPERIENCE ID login page (DSXClient) enter your email address and password and pick the log in button.  If you do not have a 3DEXPERIENCE ID pick the Create your 3DEXPERIENCE ID link and use your email address to create an account.
2. When you have successfully logged into the DSXClient you will be returned to the downloads page on the SOLIDWORKS website.

3DEXPERIENCE ID 3DPassport Login

PROBLEMS? If you are having difficulties accessing the SOLIDWORKS Downloads or problems creating your 3DEXPERIENCE ID then please contact the TriMech / Javelin Tech Support team for assistance.

SolidNetWork License Manager Setup

There are two methods to host the DraftSight network licenses on a server: SolidNetWork License Manager (SNL) or Dassault Systèmes License Server (DSLS).  SOLIDWORKS network licensing makes use of the SolidNetWork License Manager to host licenses on a server.  This can be combined with DraftSight Enterprise licenses.  In general SNL is easier to install and maintain vs the DSLS method.

NOTE: This article will only cover the SNL method

New Install

If the SolidNetWork License Manager is not currently used for SOLIDWORKS licenses, the License Manager will need to be installed on a server.  Click to download the SolidNetWork License Manager.  Log in with your 3DEXPERIENCE ID.  If you do not have a 3DEXPERIENCE ID, using your email address, create an account.  If you have difficulties accessing the SOLIDWORKS Downloads using your 3DEXPERIENCE ID, contact TriMech Support for assistance.

From the Downloads and Updates section, choose the latest version available.  The License Manager is backwards compatible so clients using a previous version can still obtain licenses.

SOLIDWORKS Products – Choose latest version available

On your server, run the downloaded EXE file and choose Install Server Components > Install SolidNetWork License Manager.

SOLIDWORKS SolidNetWork License Manager Installation

Follow the prompts to add your 24-digit Draftsight Enterprise serial number (beginning with 0010 or 9010).  The next window provides information about the server.  By default communication is through TCP port 25734 though this can be changed if needed.  If firewalls are present, enable the checkbox and this will also use TCP port 25735 for communication.  Ensure all firewalls allow inbound and outbound traffic through TCP ports 25734 and 25735 on both the client and server machines.

License Server Information and Firewall

Once installed, launch the SolidNetWork License Manager and follow the prompts to complete the activation.  Automatic activation is preferred, though Manual activation is available if the server does not have internet access.

DraftSight Enterprise Successful Activation

Modify existing installation of SolidNetWork License Manager

If your server already has the SolidNetWork License Manager installed for SOLIDWORKS product licenses, you can simply modify the existing installation to add the DraftSight serial number.  Add a COMMA between multiple serial numbers.

Windows Control Panel Programs and Features

Modify SolidNetWork License Manager Installation

SolidNetWork License Manager Additional Serial Numbers

IMPORTANT: Once the installation has been modified with the new DraftSight serial number, the License Manager must be reactivated to obtain the licenses.  See our blog article Re-activating the SolidNetWork License Manager after purchasing additional licenses.

License Usage

After successful activation, the SolidNetWork License Manager will have visibility of available licenses under the License Usage tab.

SolidNetWork License Manager License Usage

DraftSight Enterprise Client Setup

The Draftsight installation files for client machines can be downloaded at draftsight.com/download.  The installation files are the same regardless of license type.

Draftsight Client Download

Run the installer on each client machine.  The first page will allow you to select the license type.  Select SolidNetWork License (SNL).

DraftSight Installation License Type

The next page will require the port and server name that hosts the SolidNetWork License Manager.  By default the port is 25734.  Enter your own server computer name.

DraftSight Installation Server Location

Finally accept the license agreement and begin the installation.  Once complete, opening DraftSight will look to the server for an available license.  The client machines will also have a SolidNetWork License Manager Client application installed where users can access the License Usage tab to see the number of available licenses on the server.

NOTE: In the event that a user is unable to connect to the server and receives an error that no licenses exist, some troubleshooting steps are available in our article SOLIDWORKS SolidNetWork License Manager Troubleshooting.