Changing the default program for opening DWG files to DraftSight can streamline your workflow and enhance your productivity. DraftSight is a robust alternative to other CAD software, and making it the default program can save you time. Here is a detailed guide on how to accomplish this.
Determine Your Current Default Application
Before setting DraftSight as your default application, it might be helpful to check which program is currently associated with DWG files. You can do this by right-clicking any DWG file and selecting "Properties." The information displayed under "Opens with" will indicate the current default application.
Steps to Set DraftSight as the Default Program
Access a DWG File:
- Locate any DWG file on your computer. This could be any AutoCAD drawing file you have saved.
Right-Click the DWG File:
- Right-click the selected DWG file to open the context menu.
Select ‘Open With’:
- From the menu, hover over the option labeled "Open With." A submenu will appear with options for opening the file.
Choose ‘Choose Another App’:
- From the submenu, click on "Choose another app." This will bring up a new window showing a list of available applications capable of opening DWG files.
Find DraftSight in the List:
- Scroll through the list to find DraftSight. If it appears, select it. If not, scroll down and click on “More apps” to expand the list and look for it.
Set as Default:
- When you have located DraftSight, you will see a checkbox at the bottom of the window that says “Always use this app to open .dwg files.” Make sure to check this box before proceeding.
- Finalize Your Selection:
- Click “OK” to confirm your choice. DraftSight will now be set as the default application for all DWG files on your system.
Alternative Method Using Settings
If you prefer using the Settings menu in Windows, you can follow these steps:
Open Windows Settings:
- Click on the Start menu and select the gear icon to open Settings.
Navigate to ‘Apps’:
- In the Settings window, click on the "Apps" option.
Select ‘Default Apps’:
- On the left sidebar, click on “Default apps.” This section allows you to set defaults for various file types.
Scroll to ‘Choose default apps by file type’:
- Scroll down and find the option that says “Choose default apps by file type.”
Locate the DWG File Extension:
- In the list of file types, find the DWG extension. If DraftSight is not currently set as the default, you will see an option to change it.
Change the Default to DraftSight:
- Click on the current default app next to the DWG extension. A list will appear, allowing you to select DraftSight. If it does not appear, click on “Look for another app on this PC” and navigate to the installation folder of DraftSight to select the appropriate executable.
- Confirm Your Selection:
- After selecting DraftSight, the changes will take effect immediately, and DWG files will now open with DraftSight by default.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I set DraftSight as the default program for other file types?
Yes, you can set DraftSight as the default program for other file types that it supports. Simply follow the same process of changing the default program for each specific file type through the properties or the Settings menu.
2. What if DraftSight doesn’t appear in the list of applications?
If DraftSight does not appear in the list of applications, ensure that it is installed correctly. You can also use the “Look for another app on this PC” option to navigate to the installation directory of DraftSight and manually select the program.
3. Will changing the default program affect other users on my computer?
Changing the default program for file types will only affect your user account. Other users on the same computer can set their own default applications independently without any interference.
