DraftSight

Model equipment (vessels, exchangers, pumps) from data sheets specifying dimensions and nozzle positions. Use standard templates for common types (horizontal drum, vertical column) and customize per project. Define nozzle connection types (flanged, welded) and orientations. Link to procurement data via tag numbers.

Create custom blocks using BLOCK command—include attributes for automated title blocks and parts lists. Store blocks in a shared .dwg library file accessible via Design Center. Use dynamic blocks with visibility states and stretch actions for parametric behavior without LISP programming.

Attach external DGN files as references for multi-discipline coordination. Set reference attachment as 'Live Nesting' to see nested references from attached files. Use logical names for reference paths to support relocatable project structures. Lock display of stable references to improve performance.

Organize multi-sheet projects using Sheet Set Manager. Define sheet templates with standard borders and link named views from model space. Use field codes in title blocks to auto-populate sheet numbers and revision dates. Publish entire sets to PDF or DWF in one operation for document control.

Use Bentley Navigator for clash detection between federated models. Import IFC/DGN references and run hard/soft clash rules. Set tolerances per element category. Generate clash reports in HTML/BCF format for coordination. Re-run detection after model updates—use 'Changed Elements Only' for incremental checking.

Use Luxion KeyShot integration or built-in Visualisation module for photorealistic rendering. Assign materials from the Bentley material library, set environment lighting (HDR), and configure camera settings. Use path animations for walkthroughs. Export rendered images for client presentations or planning submissions.

Create digital twins using Bentley iTwin platform—synchronize design models with IoT sensor data and reality meshes. Use iTwin Viewer for web-based stakeholder access. Connect SCADA/BMS data for real-time asset monitoring. Update the twin throughout the asset lifecycle from design through operations.

MicroStation CONNECT Edition uses the i-model hub for cloud collaboration and common environment management. Configure Workspaces and WorkSets for project standards. Deploy configuration variables via .cfg files for consistent team setups. Use the CONNECT Advisor for license management and software updates.

DraftSight reads and writes DWG/DXF natively, supporting formats from AutoCAD R12 through 2024. Set default save version in Options > File Locations to match collaborators. Use DWGCOMPARE to identify differences between file versions. Enable file locking for shared network drives to prevent concurrent edit conflicts.

Define blocks with BLOCK command, including attributes for automated data extraction. Organize blocks in template .dwg files accessible via the Design Library panel. Use WBLOCK to export blocks as standalone files. Create dynamic blocks with parameters (linear, rotation, flip) for configurable insertion behavior.

Apply 2D geometric constraints (horizontal, vertical, perpendicular, tangent) to sketch entities for parametric behavior. Use dimensional constraints for variable sizing. The Parameters Manager shows all active constraints—rename for clarity. Over-constrained geometry highlights in red for quick identification.

Package drawings with all dependencies (XREFs, fonts, plot styles, images) using eTransmit. Creates a ZIP archive with flattened paths for reliable external delivery. Include a transmittal report listing all files. Use 'Bind' option to embed XREFs for standalone files if recipients don't need reference editing.

DraftSight Mechanical Toolbox provides specialized tools: automatic BOM generation, balloon annotations, hole callouts, and surface finish symbols. Access mechanical standards libraries (ISO, ANSI) for proper symbology. Use smart fastener annotations that link to hardware specifications for manufacturing clarity.

Create 3D mesh objects using mesh primitives (box, cylinder, cone, sphere) and modify with face/edge/vertex editing. Use Smooth Mesh for organic forms and Convert to Solid for engineering operations. Set tessellation density before converting. Export meshes as STL for 3D printing directly from DraftSight.

DraftSight's Active Assist suggests relevant commands based on your current selection and context. Hover over elements to see applicable operations. Use the Command Window's auto-complete for quick command access. Customize suggestion priority in Options to match your workflow and suppress rarely-used commands.