GstarCAD FAQ

How to operate "timely backup system"?

Pull-down Menu: Tool>Option>Open and Save
In "File Safety Precautions" choose "Automatic Save" and set the time interval such as 5 minutes. When choosing the file style if you choose "Single DWG File Save" system will automatically save file to be .SV$. In fact .SV$ files are standard DWG files. .SV$ files can be opened after changing the suffix to be DWG. But the save time is slow and not suit for the auto save with short time interval. If you choose "Quick Multiple Files Save", system will automatically save file to be .dwh, the speed is very fast and suit for timely backup requirement. Suggest users not to choose "Save a Preview Image"because it affects the save speed. After finishing the above setting, system will make quick auto backup according requirement

What are the main advantages of GstarCAD?

Independent intellectual property
Reasonable price
Shortest time to learn how to use
Similar interface with AutoCAD
Compatible with AutoCAD

What are the system requirements for GstarCAD?

Microsoft Windows 2000, 2003, XP, Vista,Windows7 ;
Intel Pentium(or faster) Processor ;
Minimum 512M RAM (above 1G RAM recommended) ;
More 300 MB Hard Disk(above 1G recommended);
CD-ROM drive if installing from a CD;
Mouse or other coordinates input devices;
Output Devices (Printer or Plotter).

What's the difference between GstarCAD Standard and GstarCAD Professional?

GstarCAD Professional can create and edit 3D Solid however GstarCAD Standard can' t. GstarCAD Professional is recommended if you need 3D Solid design or open 3D Solid drawings; GstarCAD Standard is recommended if there is no 3D Solid,and 3D planes.

Does GstarCAD support DWG file format? Can be compatible with AutoCAD?

Yes to both questions. GstarCAD's native file format is DWG, so when you open an existing Autodesk AutoCAD file (2.5 to 2010), there's no file conversion and no data loss. GstarCAD also provides a full compatibility with AutoCAD command line,menu (.mnu) and script (.scr) files,hatches,fonts,Complex linetypes,multiline text,lightweight,polyline,draw commands,audit & recover as well as AutoLISP and ADS. That means you can get to work immediately using the AutoCAD files, commands and applications you rely on.

What's the difference between Trial Version and Authorized Version?

Trial Version has the same function as Authorized Version. The only difference is the trial using term. You have 30 days' full functional evaluation on our CAD software. After that, cannot save the file.

How Can I Get Help When I Need support?

We offer basic CAD Technical Support for FREE to all our customers. Questions may be emailed or faxed to our Technical Support center. We will respond to you in 24 working hours via email or MSN. Some local distributors may offer more value added CAD technical support and services.
Our website is www.staricad.com you can leave message
Our technical support e-mail is support@gstarcad.my

What services can be provided by GstarCAD ?

GstarCAD has a pursuit of excellent aftersale technical services to ensure the interest of our CAD customers. Sustained and effective technical service is available for customers after purchase to ensure the good functioning of the software. We provide you the following services:Lifecycle maintenance and upgrade: At present, If the dongle locks are damaged, feel free to contact us for replacing.You can visit Live Support and Online Training on www.staricad.com and MSN group for technique intercommunication.

Is the activation code of GreatStar series software valid all the time?

The activation code of GstarCAD is matched with your computer. You need not to re-import activation code when you reinstall GstarCAD if you do not change hardware or reinstall operating system, except the method of registering update version changes. If you just reinstall operating system, the previous number is still valid, re-import it after installation can make you through. If you change motherboard or hardware, the previous number is invalid, you have to get a new free activation code from GstarCAD.

What's the difference of installation between network version and stand-alone version of GstarCAD?

The installation program of network version and stand-alone version is completely the same, but to select stand-alone version or network version according to authorization methods on installing. If you install the stand-alone version when you use network lock, you can only use 30 days as installing the trial version. When you use stand-alone lock, it is not necessary to install lock drive if you use USB lock, but necessary if system (WIN98, etc.) can' t identify USB interface. Network lock is parallel lock or USB lock. Select network version when installing GstarCAD at customer end. If network lock installs normally, setting is not necessary at customer end. If there are two or more network locks in one network, it is better to setup the locks in different computer and then set the name and IP address of the computer onto which set the network lock at customers' end.

What are the authorization methods of GstarCAD?

There are two authorization methods: activation code and dongle. Dongle is divided into stand-alone version and network version. A stand-alone version belongs to a single customer. Network version should be set up on the server (any computer in network), but the number of users should limit within the authorized number by the network lock.

Why does the network version ask users to input serial number after installed, or else can't startup?

Some reasons for this situation are as follows:
When installing software, not select "Network" version;
Network locks and driver are not properly installed or activated;
You may specify the wrong name of network lock server and IP address;
If the server installs Windows XP sp2 or other firewall may also lead to the abnormity of network lock. Please close system firewall or open 6002 port.
You can inspect item to item.

If the trial period is due, can users continue to try?

As long as you apply to GstarCAD for continuing to try and send us your serial number at the same time, we will return back an activation code to you and you can continue to try.

The encrypted lock cannot be setup on vista or Windows 7 system. Why?

Under the administrator privileges, plug into the lock then restart the computer. If your operating system is vista or Windows7 with 32 bits, the operation way is the same to in XP system, If your operating system is vista or Windows 7 with 64 bits, please contact with us.

What file formats can GstarCAD2010 import & export?

GstarCAD2010 can export: DWG, DWF,PDF,WMF,BMP,EMF,SVG file formats. You can also open and save DWG,DXF,JPEG,TIF,PNG,BMP,GIF file formats.

What is the meaning of "Quick Multiple Files Save"?

Quick Multiple Files Save is original save style which is created by GstarCAD. It is also called "Auto and timely backup system" This save style make it possible to record the use's drawing process and can restore the latest drawing when power failure or terminating program. Auto backup system use an original file format (suffix is dwh) which is a new vector drawing format created by GstarCAD. Compared with dwg file it creases the auto backup speed. For example: the backup speed is about 1 second if the file size is within 10M. this make timely backup system be at real time(such as: make a auto backup each 5 minutes)

There are so many bak files and they take up much space, can we control whether creating bak files?

You can control whether creating bak files using "makebak" command. Another method is that don't check "Create backup copy with each save" in Tools>Options>Open and Save dialog box.

The function of creating .bak file

Creating bak file is another file safety precaution which is different from automatic save. When you are saving a file, GstarCAD won't overlay the saved files last time, but change the saved file into another file with suffix "bak".
The aim to do this is to avoid loss of file after you made a mistaken save or didn't activate automatic save.
The reasons leading to mistaken save are power failure、system halted、mistaken files. Moreover, if you want to restore some files after you delete some files mistakenly, at this time you can use .bak files. You can delete the redundant .bak files if you have saved your files correctly. This operation has no effect on drawing. "Makebak" command can control whether creating bak file.

Whether can GstarCAD encrypt file when saving a file?

You can set password when you save a file in GstarCAD. The method is following:
In "Save Drawing As" dialog box, press "Tools" button then choose "security options". In "security options" dialog you can set password for your file.

How to accelerate operation?

Reduce the quantity of application programs running together with Windows, and the quantity of opening drawings in GstarCAD. Use "Purge" to erase useless drawing datum in DWG drawing. Reduce snap items or not snap if not necessary.

How should I do if the command line and status bar disappear?

You can control the visibility of status bar in view>display>status bar; Ctrl+9 controls the visibility of command line.

I am accustomed to making right mouse button as confirmation and repeat command, but now when I press right mouse button it alw .

In Tools>Options>User Preferences dialog box, cancel the ticking off about "shortcut menus in drawing area". You also can click "right-click customization" and set the function of right mouse button according your custom.

The pan function of middle mouse button doesn't work. Why?

Turn system variable "mbuttonpan"on .

The elements of the dimension are not formed into a single object, but separate objects. Why?

If you set the system variable "dim assoc" as 0, you will meet this situation. In GstarCAD2010, system variable "dim assoc" supports 0,1 and 2
0 : Create exploded dimensions. There is no association between the various elements of the dimension. The lines, arcs, arrowheads, and text of a dimension are drawn as separate objects.
1 : Create non-associative dimension objects. The elements of the dimension are formed into a single object. If one of the definition points of the dimension moves, the dimension is updated.
2 : Create associative dimension objects. The elements of the dimension are formed into a single object, and one or more definition points of the dimension are coupled with association points on geometric objects. If the association point on the geometric object moves, the dimension location, orientation, and value are updated.

I cannot select many objects at the same time. Why?

You cannot select many objects at the same time when system variable "pick add" is turned off. If you select a new object, previously selected objects will be canceled.
When system variable "pick add" is turned on you can select many objects at the same time. There are two ways to turn "pick add" on. One is to press button on property box another is to input "pick add" in command line then input "on"

Can GstarCAD create PDF?

You can create PDF file using "export" command. Another method is using PDF virtual printer.

Sometimes when users open a drawing but some entities don't display. Why?

If you uses standard version to open your drawing which contains some 3D entities such region,3D solid this condition will happen; If you use professional version such condition will disappear .

How can I do? If Z coordinate of certain lines is not 0 which will lead to abnormality of chamfer and trim?

You can change Z coordinate in Express Pop-menu in GstarCAD2010. You can select all objects and then change the Z coordinate to uniform value, such as 0. It is better to find out the reason why the Z coordinate is not 0 to avoid the same situation again.

How can I open dwh file?

Use hopen command or use GstarCAD backup file manager to open, the dwh file will be saved as dwg file after you open it.

How to create group and explode group in GstarCAD?

You can use command group and group explode to create group and explode group. You also can use toolbar shortcut button.

How to add hatch patterns?

Hatch patterns of GstarCAD are saved in GstarCAD Professional\Patterns. You can directly paste the edited or copied hatch definitions into icad.pat files, or save one or more hatch patterns as independent *.pat files and put it under the "Patterns" catalog. It is suggested not to paste whole acad.pat into icad.pat. The new version CAD software has stored plenty of hatch patterns. Please pay attention when you save a file as independent *.pat file, the name of the file should be the same as the hatch name defined in the file.

How to display line width in view?

Line width can be displayed by pressing the button "LWT" in Status Bar.

How to customize aliases?

Select "Tools/Customize/Edit Program Parameter" in pop-menu, Open dialog box and you can select command in the list, then input an alias to add alias.

How to customize selection of the size of pick box and snap aperture?

Select "Tools/Option" or input "Config" or "Op" in command line to open "Configuration" dialogue box, in "drafting"and "selection"option card you can set the size of pick box and snap aperture.

How to customize the color and size of crosshair?

Select "Tools/Options" in pop-menu or input "config" or “Op” in command line, open "Configuration" dialogue box, click "Display" option card, in which you can set crosshair color and size.

When drawing circle or arc, why is polygon instead of circle or arc?

It is because the "display resolution" is too low, you can set the value in Tools>Options>Display. You also can use system variable "viewres" to control the display resolution.

Why are the formats of the same dimension style different?

The program allows dimension entities of the same dimension style to have different special parameters, that is, dimensions of the same style may have some different parameters.

Why attribute text cannot be displayed in attribute block?

The main reason is system variable "attmode" value is 0. Input "attmode" in command line then change the parameter from 0 to 1. The function of system variable "attmode":
Turn the display of attributes on or off (visible or invisible), or maintains their active assigned state.
Range: 0 (All attributes invisible), 1 (Normal-based on setting as defined for the individual attribute), 2 (All attributes visible)
Default: 1

How to add text style files?

Copy font files to corresponding catalog GstarCAD Professional\Fonts. Please don't copy the whole font file of other software to GstarCAD randomly; it is better only to copy useful font files.

Why is the text size in GstarCAD different from that in AutoCAD?

The font files between the CAD software may be different. If font files are the same completely, then the text size should be the same. Even if font files of the same name between the different CAD software may be not the same completely. You can testify if they are the same files according to byte quantity and creating date.

Why the command line is disordered?

Open the control panel of Windows, select "Regional and language options" then select your required language.

The font is displayed? Why?

The font file that displays the character doesn't exist. You can change it into other font file or copy this font file to font library.

How to install print driver in GstarCAD?

Choose "add plotter" in printer or plotter list. You can setup system print driver or Icad08 built-in print driver according your requirement. Our software supports HP ,OCE,Canon currently. If you have no suited print driver please install system print driver. If you have suited print driver we suggest you to choose built-in print driver because it make you needn't install driver; accelerate print speed ,compress the size of PLT file; enhance print precision; more convenient on paper setup.

Why doesn't some content in the drawing print out?

You can set some layers as "Not Plot" in layer manager, the set layers cannot be printed out. If similar situation appeared, please check if the layer was set as "Not Plot"

Why sometimes print preview cannot be seen?

The reason usually is related with scale. As long as you set the right scale it will work well.

I’m a developer. Can I develop my own applications based on GstarCAD? Can I run it directly under GstarCAD?

Yes, GstarCAD supports AutoLisp,Vlisp,ADS (SDS),VBA,ARX for your own applications. If your Lisp,ADS,VBA,ARX applications are based on IntelliCAD or AutoCAD, most of the applications can be migrated to GstarCAD directly with just a little or no modification.

How to load LISP application in GstarCAD?

Execute "appload" command then add lisp file to start group list, you also can add related sentence in "icadautoload.lsp".

What's the function of design center in GstarCAD?

In the design center of GstarCAD you can display layers,block,text style,dimension style of the opened drawing, you also can modify,delete related parameter such as text style. Furthermore in GstarCAD design center you can copy blocks,text style,dimension style between different drawings, you also can browse and insert raster image files.

Does GstarCAD have some Express tools like AutoCAD?

Yes, GstarCAD has more than 100 functions in Express Tools which are similar to AutoCAD, and some of them are GstarCAD unique features such as drawing compare,GstarCAD tools. All of them help engineers work more efficiently.

Does GstarCAD offer localization version?

Yes. There are more than 60,000 customers in about 60 different countries, in order to help users design with GstarCAD more conveniently, we are preparing for more and more local versions. It contains English, Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Russia, and so on. You can download it in the website if this local version has been released.