Frequently Asked Questions

Draft It - Frequently Asked Questions

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.)

(VERSION 4 & 5) When I open a previously saved drawing nothing is displayed.(Versions:- ALL V4 & V5)

(VERSION 4 & 5) Nothing is displayed when I draw.(Versions:- ALL V4 & V5)

Can I import and export DWG and/or DXF files?(Versions: - PRO, Architectural)

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: - 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)

When I open a previously saved drawing nothing is displayed.?(Versions:- ALL V4 & V5)
Draft IT Version 4 uses DirectX as default for better/smoother graphics display, The reason for the lack of display is likely to be that the PC being used does not have the proper graphics drivers loaded. Ideally these should be updated to the correct/latest driver and the display will work as expected. However if this is not possible then on the Views and Settings Tab of the Ribbon, there is a button labelled Display, on the dialog box that appears you can select an alternate graphics driver for Draft IT, try all of the options to see which works with your setup. Open GL is probably the best option but GDI should work even without the correct Graphics drivers loaded, however it's not as fast.Back to FAQ list

Nothing is displayed when I draw.?(Versions:- ALL V4 & V5)
Draft IT Version 4 uses DirectX as default for better/smoother graphics display, The reason for the lack of display is likely to be that the PC being used does not have the proper graphics drivers loaded. Ideally these should be updated to the correct/latest driver and the display will work as expected. However if this is not possible then on the Views and Settings Tab of the Ribbon, there is a button labelled Display, on the dialog box that appears you can select an alternate graphics driver for Draft IT, try all of the options to see which works with your setup. Open GL is probably the best option but GDI should work even without the correct Graphics drivers loaded, however it's not as fast.Back to FAQ list

Can I import and export DWG and/or DXF files?? 
This feature is available in Draft it PRO and Draft it Architectural ONLY. This feature is not available in the PLUS and FREE versions. Supported formats are AutoCAD .DWG and .DXF (Data eXchange Format) up to and including the current version (2014). DRAFT IT analyses the file to determine the size (physical) of the data to be imported and displays the Page Setup dialog box with tools to alter the scale and origin point of the imported data. 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). 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: - 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.  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.  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