Exporting Ribbon Customizations Draftsight

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

01-01-2025

6

0

Share

DraftSight, a popular CAD software, allows for significant customization of its ribbon interface. This can greatly enhance workflow efficiency by placing frequently used tools within easy reach. However, sharing these customized ribbon settings across multiple installations or with colleagues can be a challenge. This guide explains how to export your DraftSight ribbon customizations, ensuring consistency and collaboration.

Understanding DraftSight's Customization File

DraftSight stores its ribbon customization data within a specific configuration file. This file is not readily accessible through the user interface, requiring a slightly more technical approach to export. Understanding the location of this file is crucial for successful export.

Locating the Configuration File

The exact path to the configuration file varies depending on your operating system and the installation location of DraftSight. Generally, it resides within the user's application data folder. You'll need to navigate your file explorer to find this hidden folder.

• Windows: The path typically looks something like this: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Dassault Systemes\DraftSight\20XX\en-US\DSRibbon.xml (where 20XX represents the DraftSight version year, and 'en-US' might change based on your language settings).
• macOS: The path will be in your user's Library folder. The exact path structure might require some searching within the DraftSight application support folder.
• Linux: The location will depend on your specific Linux distribution and the installation path chosen during installation. Consult your DraftSight installation documentation for the most precise location.

Exporting the Ribbon Customization File

Once you've located the DSRibbon.xml file, exporting it is a straightforward process. Simply copy the file to a new location – this could be a network share for team collaboration, a USB drive for portability, or a cloud storage service for backups.

Important Considerations:

• Version Compatibility: Keep in mind that ribbon customizations are often version-specific. A DSRibbon.xml file exported from DraftSight 2023 may not be fully compatible with DraftSight 2022 or earlier versions.
• Backup: Before making significant changes to your ribbon customization, it's strongly recommended to create a backup copy of the original DSRibbon.xml file. This safeguards against accidental data loss or incompatibility issues.
• Team Collaboration: When sharing customizations with colleagues, be sure to communicate clearly which DraftSight version the customization file is designed for.

Importing Ribbon Customizations

To import your exported ribbon customizations, simply copy the DSRibbon.xml file into the corresponding DraftSight configuration folder on the target machine. Once this is done, restarting DraftSight will apply the customizations. Refer to the sections above if you require assistance locating the correct folder.

Successfully exporting and importing your DraftSight ribbon customizations streamlines your workflow and promotes consistent settings across multiple installations. Remember to always back up your original configuration files before making changes, ensuring a smooth and efficient CAD experience.