System requirements
- Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit
- AutoCAD that exposes the standard COM automation API. [Confirm exact list of supported AutoCAD releases — contact us if your version isn't covered.]
- BricsCAD / ZWCAD: both expose a similar COM API and are expected to work, but are not yet officially verified — see the FAQ.
- Internet access for license activation (occasional — the app keeps working offline for up to 14 days afterwards; see Licensing)
Install
- Get the installer from your trial / order confirmation email, or request a trial.
- Run the installer. The build is code-signed; Windows SmartScreen may still prompt the first time — click More info → Run anyway if needed.
- The installer adds a Start-menu shortcut and creates an app folder; no AutoCAD plugin or DLL is registered on your system.
First run
- Start AutoCAD first and open (or create) a drawing.
- Launch PlateDesignTools — a compact companion window opens beside AutoCAD.
- Click ⟳ in the top row. The connection dot turns green and shows the active drawing name and AutoCAD version. (If you started PlateDesignTools first, just click ⟳ after AutoCAD is up.)
- On first run the app shows an activation dialog — paste your license key from the order confirmation email and click Activate. One key activates one PC. See Licensing & trial for the full flow.
- Pick the active profile from the header combo, or open ⚙ → Settings… to create one that matches your shop's layer names and defaults — see Settings profiles.
- Try it: draw a circle in AutoCAD, then in Holes click Circle → Rectangle and answer the width/height prompt in AutoCAD's command line. The circle becomes a rectangle. From here, the Quick start walks through a realistic job.
Files the app creates
- Settings profiles:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\PlateDesignTools\profiles\ (one .json per profile).
- Rotating log:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\PlateDesignTools\logs\app.log — attach this if you report a problem. Recent entries are also visible live under ⚙ → Show log.
- Exported CSV / DXF files: your Downloads folder by default; set a fixed folder under Settings → Output.
Uninstall
Windows Settings → Apps → Installed apps → PlateDesignTools → Uninstall. Profiles and logs under %LOCALAPPDATA%\PlateDesignTools\ are left in place so a reinstall keeps your settings — delete that folder by hand if you want a clean wipe. If you also want to free the license seat, run ⚙ → License… → Deactivate this machine before uninstalling.
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