DRAFT IT is a powerful and easy-to-use 2D CAD software for suitable for
all users, in the office or at home. You can create, print and save your own
drawings and designs.
The following is a list of frequently asked questions about DRAFT IT. At the end of each question the
applicable versions are displayed in brackets. (Click on a question to jump to
the answer.)
I haven’t received my activation code for the FREE version of DRAFT IT. (Versions: - FREE)
I have applied for an activation code but haven't received it yet. (Versions: - PLUS, PRO, Architectural)
I have purchased a version of DRAFT IT, how do I activate it? (Versions: - PLUS, PRO, Architectural)
Can I display lines (entities) with a thickness? (Versions: - PLUS, PRO, Architectural)
Can I Export an image (bitmap) of a drawing? (Versions: - PLUS, PRO, Architectural)
What is the easiest way to draw orthogonal walls? (Versions: - Architectural)
How can I position internal wall ends accurately? (Versions: - Architectural)
How can I create multi-storey elevations? (Versions: - Architectural)
Can I change the increment on the dynamic dimensions? (Versions: - ALL)
Why are the dimension text and arrow heads so small? (Versions: - ALL)
Every time I run DRAFT IT the request code changes. (Versions: - ALL)
I use Vista and the DRAFT IT snap symbols flicker. (Versions: - ALL)
How do I add Hatching or an Area Fill to an area? (Versions: - ALL)
How do I add Hatching or an Area Fill to a Circle? (Versions: - ALL)
Where do I enter the activation code? (Versions: - ALL)
I am having difficulty printing to scale. (Versions: - ALL)
I can’t find the XY and Snap buttons. (Versions: - ALL)
Where do I find the request code? (Versions: - ALL)
Can I change the unit settings? (Versions: - ALL)
I haven’t received my activation code for the FREE version of DRAFT IT. (Versions: - FREE)
You can only activate the FREE version once the 15 day trial has ended.The activation code for the FREE version of DRAFT IT is sent automatically by return email (to the email address entered on the form displayed when the program starts) as soon as you apply for it. If you have applied and not received the activation code yet, it may have been blocked by your spam filter, check your junk mail folder. See Activating the DRAFT IT FREE version for more information. Back to FAQ list
I have applied for an activation code but haven't received it yet. (Versions: - PLUS, PRO, Architectural)
Activation code requests are processed MANUALLY (typically only during UK office hours), please do not expect an automatic response. First thing to do is check your spam/junk mail folder, it could have been blocked. Any response will be sent to the email address supplied in the application form or web page, if there has been a significant delay then you may have made a typing error when entering your email address. You may consider using the 'Web Activation' method which is automatic. Back to FAQ list
I have purchased a version of DRAFT IT, how do I activate it? (Versions: - PLUS, PRO, Architectural)
If you have purchased a version of DRAFT IT then you will need to activate the trial version you have loaded. This can be done during the trial period or after it has ended. There are 2 methods of activation, automatic via the web and manual (requesting and then entering an activation code manually). See Using the 15 day trial version & Activation for more information. Back to FAQ list
Can I display lines (entities) with a thickness? (Versions: - PLUS, PRO, Architectural)
The ‘Pens’ feature is on the 'Settings’ tab of the 'Views & Settings' Ribbon and allows a thickness to be specified for each pen. Set the thickness required for each pen/colour and make sure the ‘show line thickness’ at the top of the dialog box is ‘ticked’. Back to FAQ list
Can I Export an image (bitmap) of a drawing? (Versions: - PLUS, PRO, Architectural)
Yes, select ‘Export’ from the ‘DRAFT IT’ button. Here you will see options for BMP, JPG, GIF or WMF, click on the type required and enter a filename.
An image file encompassing the extents of the drawing items will be created. Back to FAQ list
What is the easiest way to draw orthogonal walls? (Versions: - Architectural)
The quickest and easiest way to draw walls orthogonally is to use the
keyboard arrow keys. Simply place the first wall point and then hit the arrow
key corresponding to the direction you wish the wall to be drawn .e.g. ‘right’.
Then type the length of the wall into the distance box that appears and press
‘enter’. Back to FAQ list
How can I position internal wall ends accurately? (Versions: - Architectural)
You can easily position the ends of internal walls relative to the
end points of other walls. When prompted for a new wall point, move the cursor
over an existing wall point to measure from. When the snap symbol is displayed
(e.g. END) hit the ‘R’ key. You will see that XY input is invoked from this
point, now hit one of arrow keys e.g. ‘right’ to specify the direction of the
new wall point . Then type the length of the wall into the distance box that
appears and press ‘enter’.
Back to FAQ list
How can I create multi-storey elevations? (Versions: - Architectural)
It is possible to produce multi-storey elevations simply by creating
an elevation of each floor plan and stacking the individual elevations. You may
wish to specify the same reference point on each plan allowing the elevations to
be stacked as they are generated. Alternatively they can be created and
‘assembled’ using the ‘Move’ function.
Back to FAQ list
Can I change the increment on the dynamic dimensions? (Versions: - ALL)
Yes, the increment of the dynamic placement dimensions can be
modified as required. Select the ‘Units’ button from the ‘‘Views & Settings’
ribbon. The third field in the top section of the dialog allows the increment of
linear dimensions to be specified. The second field in the bottom section of the
dialog allows the increment of angular dimensions to be specified.
Back to FAQ list
Why are the dimension text and arrow heads so small? (Versions: - ALL)
The parameters which control the sizes of text and dimensions in
DRAFT IT are ‘real’ 1:1 sizes, so if the drawing scale is changed to 1:50 and
then text height needs to be updated accordingly. i.e. if you want the text to
be 3mm high when the drawing is printed to scale then text should be placed on
the drawing with a height of 150mm. A similar factor should be applied to all of
the controlling text/dimension parameters. i.e. if the dimension line gap needs
to be 2mm it should be set as 100mm.
Back to FAQ list
Every time I run DRAFT IT the request code changes. (Versions: - ALL)
If the request code changes each time you start DRAFT IT, then you
did not have a sufficient level of access rights in your windows settings when
the program was installed. Remove DRAFT IT, increase the level of access rights
and then re-install.
Back to FAQ list
I use Vista and the DRAFT IT snap symbols flicker. (Versions: - ALL)
Right click on the DRAFT IT program icon and select 'Properties'. In
the dialog box click the 'Compatibility' tab and switch ON the 'Disable visual
themes' option, then click OK. Run DRAFT IT again, if the problem is not
resolved right click on the DRAFT IT program icon and select 'Properties' again.
This time also switch ON 'Disable desktop composition' on the 'Compatibility'
tab. Back to FAQ list
How do I add Hatching or an Area Fill to an area? (Versions: - ALL)
To use ‘Area Fill’ or ‘Hatching’ you must draw a closed ‘Polyline’
around the shape to be filled or hatched. Once drawn, select the polyline and
the ‘Area Fill’ and ‘Hatch’ buttons will become active.
Back to FAQ list
How do I add Hatching or an Area Fill to a Circle? (Versions: - ALL)
Hatching circles in versions up to 3.0.6 requires the circle to be
broken into two arcs. Use the ‘Break’ command to split the circle at any point
on the circumference (not the start/end point). Use the ‘build Polyline command
to make a new polyline from the two resulting arcs. Select this new polyline and
the ‘Area Fill’ and ‘Hatch’ buttons will become active.
Back to FAQ list
Where do I enter the activation code? (Versions: - ALL)
In the PLUS, PRO & ARCHITECTURAL Click on the 'Activate Software
(Requires Order Ref & Email Address)' button, then select the option to 'Enter
Activation Code' The activation code box is displayed directly below the box
where you enter the request code. In the free version a form is automatically
displayed when the trial version expires, this contains the request code. See
Using the 15 day trial version & Activation for more information.
Back to FAQ list
I am having difficulty printing to scale. (Versions: - ALL)
Firstly make sure your printer settings match your Draft IT page
setup (sheet size, orientation). To do this go to the 'Views & Settings' ribbon
and click on the 'Page' button. Make a note of the scale. Now click on the DRAFT
IT button and move to the 'Print' command, and on the fly-out menu click on
'Print Options'. You need to make sure that 'Actual Scale' is selected and that
the scale matches the scale in the 'Page' setup you have just checked.
Back to FAQ list
I can’t find the XY and Snap buttons. (Versions: - ALL)
These buttons only appear when the command selected requires two or
more points to be defined. I.e. Line, Circle, Polyline, Move. Snaps are
automatically available for selection of the first point, once you have selected
this point the XY and Snap buttons above the command window to the right of the
drawing tabs. Back to FAQ list
Where do I find the request code? (Versions: - ALL)
In the PLUS, PRO & ARCHITECTURAL Click on the 'Activate Software
(Requires Order Ref & Email Address)' button, then select the option to 'Enter
Activation Code' The request code is displayed directly above the box where you
enter the activation code. In the free version a form is automatically displayed
when the trial version expires, this contains the request code. See Using the 15
day trial version & Activation for more information.
Back to FAQ list
Can I change the unit settings? (Versions: - ALL)
Yes, the units can be set as either: - Metric (MM, CM or M) or
imperial (Decimal inches, Fractional inches, Decimal Feet/inches, Fractional
Feet/inches). Go to the ‘Views & Settings’ ribbon and select the ‘Units’ button.
The top field in the dialog box contains all of the above options. Back to FAQ list