FAQ

Which AutoCAD versions are supported?

Any AutoCAD release that exposes the standard COM automation API is expected to work. We test against current AutoCAD releases on Windows 10 and 11. If your specific release is not listed in the installation requirements, contact us — most versions work without changes.

Does it work with BricsCAD or ZWCAD?

Both BricsCAD and ZWCAD expose a similar COM automation API, so PlateDesignTools is expected to work with them. Official verification is in progress. If you want to evaluate it on BricsCAD or ZWCAD, contact us for a trial and let us know which version you're using.

Does it change my drawing format or need a conversion?

No. PlateDesignTools drives your existing AutoCAD drawing over COM — there's no new file format, no migration, no plugin DLL registered into AutoCAD. It adds, edits and exports entities on layers that you configure through settings profiles.

Will it run on a locked-down / air-gapped network?

License activation needs occasional internet access to api.lemonsqueezy.com (our license provider). After activation, the app keeps working offline for up to 14 days before it needs to re-verify. For strictly air-gapped sites, an offline activation file can be arranged — contact us. The tool itself does not transmit any drawing data. See Licensing.

How big a drawing can it handle? Is it fast enough?

Operations scale roughly with the number of objects you act on. Hole conversion, Excel import and CSV export are linear and typically take seconds even on dense plates. The clearance check is the heaviest operation; arc and circle resolution under Settings → Clearance (DRC) controls the speed/accuracy tradeoff. You can cancel any running operation from the status strip.

Does it send my design data anywhere?

No design data leaves your machine. The only network traffic from PlateDesignTools is license activation and periodic re-verification, which goes to api.lemonsqueezy.com. Drawings, Excel selections, generated holes and exported CSV files all stay on your PC.

Can a team share settings?

Yes — settings profiles are plain JSON. Export a profile from one machine and import it on another (or commit it to your team's version control).

What about the Mask Check / Force Prediction tool?

That's a separate Younglim CNS tool today, not part of PlateDesignTools. We may integrate it as a future module — contact us if it's on your roadmap.

Do you offer an AutoCAD plugin (.NET) version?

Not currently — PlateDesignTools ships as a standalone companion app that drives AutoCAD over COM. A repackaged plugin build for the Autodesk App Store is possible in the future; contact us if it would change your decision to buy.

How do I get support?

Email [email protected] — we respond to every message. See Troubleshooting for the information to include.

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