How to Reset DraftSight Settings to Resolve Unexpected Behavior
This technical guide provides step-by-step procedures for resetting DraftSight user and system settings to help resolve unexpected launching, stability, and system-related behavior. It also outlines recommended OpenGL and graphics configuration to address common display and performance issues.
DraftSight does not have a repair option like SOLIDWORKS or some other software, so resetting the user and system settings folders is the equivalent troubleshooting step for DraftSight.
Launching, Closing, and System Behavior
If DraftSight experiences unexpected behavior launching, closes without warning, or has other system related behavior, resetting the user and/or full system settings often resolves it.
Reset User Settings
- Close DraftSight and rename the folder listed below. The system will recognize the missing folder and create a new default folder the next time DraftSight is launched. You can simply copy/type %appdata% in File Explorer or navigate to it directly.
Note ‘AppData’ is a hidden folder by default. Within Windows File Explorer, select the View tab and then from the Show/Hide menu, turn on Hidden Items.
C:\Users\[username]\AppData\roaming\draftsight to draftsight_OLD
- Launch DraftSight to test the behavior. The system will generate fresh user settings for the logged in Windows user.
Reset System Settings
If resetting the user settings does not resolve the behavior, the next step is resetting the full DraftSight system settings.
- Close DraftSight and rename the folder listed below. The system will recognize the missing folder and create a new default folder the next time DraftSight is launched. You can simply copy/type %appdata% in File Explorer or navigate to it directly.
Note ‘AppData’ is a hidden folder by default. Within Windows File Explorer, select the View tab and then from the Show/Hide menu, turn on Hidden Items.
Note: Your machine may have more than one similarly named folder. The folder you are renaming has a space in the name Dassault Systemes (not DassaultSystems).
C:\Users\[username]\AppData\roaming\ Dassault Systemes to Dassault Systemes_OLD
- Launch DraftSight to test the behavior. The system will generate fresh system settings for the logged in Windows user.
Clean Reinstall of DraftSight
If resetting the user and system settings does not resolve launching, closing, or system related behavior, then the next step is to perform a clean reinstall of DraftSight.
Graphics Display Behavior
If DraftSight experiences unexpected graphics display behavior, then changing the graphics profile may resolve the behavior.
- Jumbled or overlapping text
- Sketch artifacts
- Flickering
- Missing entities
- Black graphics areas
- Display corruption
NOTE: The available options may be different depending on the software version.
DraftSight 2025 and Previous Versions
DraftSight 2025 and previous versions include both modern and legacy OpenGL rendering profiles for graphics compatibility troubleshooting.
- OpenGL Core is the default and recommended option for modern and supported workstation graphics cards.
- OpenGL Compatibility uses legacy OpenGL rendering that may resolve graphics behavior on older hardware, unsupported graphics cards, or systems with OpenGL driver compatibility issues.
- ANGLE Options translate OpenGL rendering through Direct3D and may help resolve graphics driver or display compatibility issues.
- ANGLE Options > Software mode uses CPU rendering and should only be used for troubleshooting because performance may be significantly reduced.
- GDI mode is a legacy compatibility option intended only for severe graphics troubleshooting scenarios where the other modes did not resolve the behavior.
- Launch DraftSight
- Enter OPENGLPROFILE into the command line and press Enter.
- Review the available Profile options and test each rendering mode sequentially, starting with OpenGL Core, OpenGL Compatibility, followed by ANGLE Options (Direct3D 11, Direct 9, or Software), and finally GDI.
Restart DraftSight after each profile change and test the graphics behavior before proceeding to the next option.
If DraftSight is still experiencing unexpected graphics display behavior, verify your machine meets the minimum DraftSight system requirements, specifically the Video Card section under Hardware.
DraftSight 2026 and Newer Versions
DraftSight 2026 introduced updates to the graphics rendering engine. The legacy OpenGL Compatibility profile used in previous DraftSight versions was removed and replaced with a simplified graphics architecture focused on modern OpenGL rendering and ANGLE fallback rendering options.
- OpenGL Core is the default and recommended option for modern and supported workstation graphics cards.
- ANGLE > Direct3D 11 is typically the best fallback option for graphics driver or display compatibility issues.
- ANGLE > Software mode uses CPU rendering and should only be used for troubleshooting because performance may be significantly reduced.
- GDI mode is a legacy compatibility option intended only for severe graphics troubleshooting scenarios where the other modes did not resolve the behavior.
- Launch DraftSight
- Enter OPENGLPROFILE into the command line and press Enter.
- Review the available Profile options and test each rendering mode sequentially, starting with OpenGL Core, then ANGLE Options (Direct3D 11 or Software), and finally GDI.
Restart DraftSight after each profile change and test the graphics behavior before proceeding to the next option.
If DraftSight is still experiencing unexpected graphics display behavior, verify your machine meets the minimum DraftSight system requirements, specifically the Video Card section under Hardware.
Technical Support
Get help from our team by Calling us at 800-364-1652. You can also get assistance by clicking the Technical Support button or the Email Our Experts button below.