GstarCAD 2026 Complete Features Guide

Contents

• #GstarCAD 2026 Content
• #1. Excellent Performance
  • #Operation Response Time Comparison
• #Operation Response Time Comparison (2)
• #2. Perfect Compatibility
  • # Data Format
• # Concise User Interface
• # Familiar Command
• # Customized Settings
  • # API and Add-ons
• #3. Flexible Licensing
  • #3.1. Licensing Policy
    • # Perpetual License
    • # Perpetual License with Subscription Plans
    • # Yearly Subscription
    • # GstarCAD Upgrades
  • #3.2. Licensing Options
    • # Stand-alone license
    • # Network license
• #4. Innovative Features
• #5. What's New in GstarCAD 2026
  • #5.1. Parametric Constraints (Phase 2) New
    • #5.1.1. Dimensional Constraints
    • #5.1.2. Parameters Manager
  • #5.2. DWG Compare New
  • #5.3. PLOT: "TIFF Version 6 (CCITT G4 2D Compression)" Plotter Support New
  • #5.4. Tool Palette: XTP File Import New
  • #5.5. Barcode: Code 39 Support New
  • #5.6. 3D Modeling Interface New
  • #5.7. GstarCAD × ARCHLine.XP Plugin New
  • #5.8. Center Mark & Centerline New
  • #5.9. Drawing Merge Innovative
  • #5.10. Engineering Projection Innovative
  • #5.11. Interface Reconstruction Improvement
    • #5.11.1. Technical System Reconstruction
• # Underlying Architecture Reconstruction
• # Configuration File Parsing Restructuring
• # System Resource Scheduling Optimization
  • #5.11.2. Visual System Reconstruction
• # New Icons
• # New Visual Effects
  • #5.11.3. Usability Optimization
  • #5.12. DIMCORD Improvement
  • #5.13. Batch Plot Improvement
  • #5.14. Data Extraction Improvement
  • #5.15. Batch Purge Improvement
  • #5.16. PDF Import Improvement

GstarCAD 2026 Content

GstarCAD 2026 Complete Guide Fresh Look, Smarter Design, Faster Speed Powered by Core

GstarCAD 2026 introduces a completely reconstructed interface, offering a sleek, modern look that enhances the user experience. Performance improvements boost efficiency across various tasks. Exciting new features include Dimensional Constraints , Parameters Manager , DWG Compare and more, unlocking powerful design capabilities. Innovative feature like Drawing Merge streamlines workflows, and Engineering Projection delivers precise bottom-view accuracy. Additionally, updates to DIMCORD , Batch Plot , Batch Purge , and PDF Import further enhance usability.

1. Excellent Performance

Performance is a core strength of GstarCAD. Whether you're working in 2D or 3D, it ensures a smooth, responsive experience that keeps pace with your ideas. Frequently used commands run noticeably faster than in other CAD software, such as MOVE, UNDO, REDO, MIRROR, COPYCLIP, and PASTECLIP. Large drawings open within seconds, and saving takes just a moment, enabling uninterrupted focus and productivity.

Operation Response Time Comparison

OPEN OPEN
MOVE MOVE
UNDO UNDO
REDO REDO
MIRROR MIRROR
ACAD 2026 GstarCAD 2026 ZCAD 2026 GstarCAD 2026
OPEN OPEN
MOVE MOVE
UNDO UNDO
REDO REDO
MIRROR MIRROR
BCAD 2025 GstarCAD 2026 DS 2025 GstarCAD 2026

Compared to the previous version, GstarCAD 2026 delivers a significant leap in overall performance, ensuring a faster, smoother, and more responsive design experience across the board:

• Drawing opening speed improved by over 40% on average

• Common operations improved by over 20%

Operation Response Time Comparison (2)

OPEN
MOVE
UNDO
REDO
MIRROR
GstarCAD 2025 GstarCAD 2026

In addition to these overall gains, key performance enhancements are listed below:

2. Perfect Compatibility

GstarCAD delivers high compatibility with ACAD and offers robust APIs for customization and automation. Seamless data format support, a familiar interface, consistent command structure, and user operation logic ensure a smooth transition from other platforms. At the same time, powerful development capabilities enable flexible adaptation to specific project needs.

 Data Format

GstarCAD 2026 supports native DWG and DXF file formats, fully compatible with ACAD from version 2.5 to 2018. CAD drawings based on DWG/DXF can be opened, edited, and saved without loss, ensuring smooth bidirectional exchange with other CAD platforms.

In addition, GstarCAD 2026 supports a wide range of file formats and development interfaces, providing the flexibility to create and edit drawings in original, customized ways.

Here are the main file formats and development interfaces GstarCAD 2026 supports:

 Concise User Interface

GstarCAD 2026 offers a concise and user-friendly interface, providing both dark and light themes. More than 1500 newly designed icons display clearly at any scale, helping reduce eye strain and enhancing overall visual clarity.

Interface elements such as toolbars and the command bar can be displayed, rearranged, floated anywhere on the screen, or docked as needed. Workspace switching, interface layout customization, and status bar control are all supported. In addition, the layout, menus, and ribbon panels have been further refined in GstarCAD 2026 to deliver a smoother, more efficient design workflow.

 Familiar Command

GstarCAD adopts a familiar command structure and shortcut system, allowing immediate use without additional learning. Both new users and experienced CAD professionals can start working efficiently right away and take advantage of features designed to enhance productivity.

 Customized Settings

GstarCAD provides several methods to import customized settings such as CUI files, LISP programs, shortcut keys, blocks, DWT templates, tool palettes, plotters, and more from other CAD software. Within minutes, a familiar working environment can be recreated in GstarCAD, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.

 API and Add-ons

GstarCAD offers friendly development interfaces such as Python, GRX, .NET, VBA, Lisp, COM, etc. Nowadays, hundreds of professional applications and industrial solutions are running on GstarCAD.

For more information about applications/add-ons of GstarCAD, please refer to the link:

https://www.gstarcad.net/application/

3. Flexible Licensing

3.1. Licensing Policy

GstarCAD offers a flexible licensing policy with options to suit different needs. Both perpetual licenses and subscription plans are available, allowing full control over licensing preferences and upgrade timing.

 Perpetual License

A perpetual license allows lifetime use of the purchased version. There is no requirement to purchase upgrades or subscriptions—buy once, use forever.

 Perpetual License with Subscription Plans

The perpetual license can be paired with an annual subscription plan. As Gstarsoft releases a major version of GstarCAD each year, the subscription ensures access to the latest updates.

 Yearly Subscription

The yearly subscription provides a cost-effective way to access GstarCAD on a one-year basis, similar to ACAD.

 GstarCAD Upgrades

Existing licenses can be upgraded to newer versions of GstarCAD at any time by purchasing an upgrade. Major upgrades are released annually.

3.2. Licensing Options

GstarCAD not only provides a flexible licensing policy, but also provides flexible licensing Options. GstarCAD offers Stand-alone and

Network licenses, both are available with Soft key (serial number) and Dongle (USB-key).

 Stand-alone license

The software is constrained to a certain host. A license is needed for each computer on which the software will be installed.

 Network license

A pool of licenses is available on the server, for users of any computers on the network. You only need to have licenses for the maximum number of simultaneous users expected, not for each computer where the software will be installed.

A Network license allows a pool of licenses to be managed on a server and shared among multiple users within a local network. Licenses are allocated based on concurrent usage, so only the maximum number of simultaneous users needs to be licensed, not every computer.

4. Innovative Features

GstarCAD includes over 100 unique and innovative tools such as Area Table, Auto Layer, Viewport to Layout, and Autoxlstable. These tools are designed to significantly enhance drafting efficiency and streamline the design workflow.

5. What's New in GstarCAD 2026

5.1. Parametric Constraints (Phase 2) New

5.1.1. Dimensional Constraints

Introduced last year with Geometric Constraints, GstarCAD 2026 expands Parametric Constraints with Dimensional Constraints, which are used to control the size and proportions of a design, ensuring consistency in dimensions and shapes during editing. Includes:

7. types of dimensional constraints : Linear, Horizontal, Vertical, Aligned, Angular, Radius, and Diameter.

• 2 auxiliary functions : Form and Convert.

• （ 1 ） Linear: Constrains the horizontal or vertical distance between points.

• Access: Click Ribbon Parametric Dimensional or enter DCLINEAR command.

• Command Prompts:

• Select first constraint point or [Object(0)]: Specify the first point of the object to be constrained

• Select second constraint point: Specify the second point of the object to be constrained.

• Example: Select both endpoints of the horizontal/vertical line to add a linear constraint, and the horizontal/vertical distance between the endpoints of the object will be constrained.

（ 2 ） Horizontal: Constrains the X-distance between points on an object, or between points on different objects.

• Access: Click Ribbon Parametric Dimensional or enter DCHORIZONTAL command.

• Command Prompts:

• Select first constraint point or [Object(0)]: Specify the first point of the object to be constrained

• Select second constraint point: Specify the second point of the object to be constrained.

• Example: Select both endpoints of the horizontal line to add a horizontal constraint, and the horizontal distance between the endpoints of the object will be constrained.

• （ 3 ） Vertical: Constrains the Y-distance between points on an object, or between points on different objects.

• Access: Click Ribbon Parametric Dimensional or enter DCVERTICAL command.

• Command Prompts:

• Select first constraint point or [Object(0)]: Specify the first point of the object to be constrained

• Select second constraint point: Specify the second point of the object to be constrained.

• Example: Select both endpoints of the vertical line to add a vertical constraint, and the vertical distance between the endpoints of the object will be constrained.

（ 4 ） Aligned: Constrains the distance between two points on an object or between two points on different objects.

• Access: Click Ribbon Parametric Dimensional or enter DCALIGNED command.

• Command Prompt:

• Select first constraint point or [Object(0)/Point & line(P)/2Lines(2L)]: Specify the first point of the object to be constrained

• Select second constraint point: Specify the second point of the object to be constrained.

• Example: Select both endpoints of the line or two points on different objects to add an aligned constraint, and the distance between the two points will be constrained.

（ 5 ） Angular: Constrains the angle between line or polyline segments, the angle swept out by an arc or a polyline arc segment, or the angle between three points on objects.

• Access: Click Ribbon Parametric Dimensional or enter DCANGULAR command.

• Command Prompts:

• Select first line or arc or [3Point(3P)]: Specify the first line to be constrained

• Select second line: Specify the second line to be constrained.

• Example: Select two lines to add an angular constraint, and the angle between the two lines will be constrained.

• （ 6 ） Radius: Constrains the radius of a circle or an arc.

• Access: Click Ribbon Parametric Dimensional or enter DCRADIUS command.

• Command Prompts:

• Select arc or circle: Select the arc or circle to be constrained.

• Example: Select the circle to add a radius constraint, and the radius of the circle will be constrained.

• （ 7 ） Diameter: Constrains the diameter of a circle or an arc.

• Access: Click Ribbon Parametric Dimensional or enter DCDIAMETER command.

• Command Prompts:

• Select arc or circle: Select the arc or circle to be constrained.

• Example: Select the circle to add a diameter constraint, and the diameter of the circle will be constrained.

（ 8 ） Form: Specifies whether the created dimensional constraint is a dynamic constraint or an annotational constraint.

• Dynamic Constraints: By default, dimensional constraints are dynamic. They are ideal for normal parametric drawing and design tasks. Dynamic constraints have the following characteristics:

• Maintain the same size when zooming in/out

• Can easily be turned on/off globally in the drawing

• Display using a fixed, predefined dimension style

• Automatically place text information and provide triangular grip points, which can be used to modify the dimensional constraint values.

• Not displayed when the drawing is plotted

• Annotational Constraints: Annotational constraints are useful when you want dimensional constraints to have the following characteristics:

• Change size when zooming in or out

• Display independently with layers

• Using the current dimension style to display

• Provide grip points capabilities that are similar to those on dimensions

• Display when the drawing is plotted

• Access: Click Ribbon Parametric Dimensional Dynamic Constraint Mode / Annotational Constraint Mode or enter DCFORM command to select.

• Command Prompts:

• Enter constraint form[Annotational(A)/Dynamic(D)]: Apply annotational/dynamic constraints to objects.

• Example:

After plotting, you can use the Properties palette to convert annotational constraints back to dynamic constraints.

• （ 9 ） Convert: Convert dimensions to dimensional constraints.

• Access: Click Ribbon Parametric Dimensional or enter DCCONVERT command.

• Command Prompts:

• Select associative dimensions to convert: Select the associative dimensions to convert to dimensional constraints.

• Example:

Show/Hide (DCDISPLAY): Select objects to display or hide their associated dynamic constraints.

Show All: Display all dynamic constraints.

Hide All: Hide all dynamic constraints.

Constraint Settings (CONSTRAINTSETTINGS): Manage settings related to constraints

Parametric Constraint Related System Variables

5.1.2. Parameters Manager

Controls the associative parameters used in the drawing, including: creating, editing, and deleting dimensional variables, filtering variable display, sorting columns, defining parameter groups, searching parameters, and highlighting dimensional constraints, etc.

When accessed from the drawing area, the Parameters Manager palette displays all available associative variables (dimensional constraint variables and user-defined variables) in the drawing. You can create, edit, rename, group, and delete associative variables.

• Access: Click Ribbon Parametric Manage or enter PARAMETERS command.

• List of Options: The following options are displayed.

• Create a Dimensional Variable: Apply a dimensional constraint to an object in the drawing to create a dimensional variable. Dimensional variables are displayed under the Dimensional Constraint Parameters group header in the Parameters Manager panel.

User variables are custom variables that allow you to create and drive object relationships. These variables can include constants, or equations.

Click the Create a new user parameter icon on the Parameters Manager panel to create a user variable. Or you can also double-click an empty cell to create a user-defined variable.

User variables have the following characteristics:

• Default values are: Name = user1, Expression = 1, and value = 1.00.

• Names should be alphanumeric and cannot start with a number, contain spaces, or exceed 256 characters.

• Expression values should be within -1e100 to 1e100.

• Edit a Dimensional Variable: You can edit the dimensional variable name and expression. Steps:

• Double-click the name or expression box.

• Select the row and press F2. Press Tab to edit the contiguous columns.

• You cannot edit the Value column.

When renaming a dimensional variable, all instances of the variable will be updated in the drawing and in the Parameters Manager panel.

• Delete a Dimensional Variable: When deleting a dimension variable:

• The associated dimensional constraint in the drawing will be removed.

• The variables will retain the value calculated by the expression as a constant. This action is for variables referenced by other variables, and ensures that the geometry does not change.

• Filtering the Display of Variables: You can filter the display of variables to:

• Display All Parameters- Displays all associative variables with no filter applied.

• Display Parameters Used in Expressions - Displays all variables containing expressions to evaluate a value, and variables contained in expressions.

• Sorting a Column: Click a column header to sort the variables in ascending or descending order based on that column’s properties.

• When sorting by variable type, the Name column serves as the secondary sorting criterion.

• The sorting order is persistent and remains unchanged when adding variables or modifying names/expressions.

• Defining a Parameter Group: You can define parameter groups in the drawing editor:

• A parameter group is a collection of named parameters. It can include any subset of parameters defined in the current space or remain empty.

• Click the Filter icon to create a group, which will display a filter tree in the left vertical panel of, allowing you to show, hide, or expand group filters. Drag and drop parameters from the grid into the parameter group.

• The Invert Filter check box displays all the parameters which do not belong in the group.

Filtering options for the display of variables:

• All: Displays all associative variables with no filter applied.

• All Used in Expressions : Displays all variables that contain expressions to evaluate a value, and variables contained in expressions.

• Custom group filter : Displays all parameters added in the defined parameter group.

• Searching a Parameter: You can search for parameters by name using the search boxw.

• Highlighting Dimensional Constraints: When selecting a dimensional constraint in Parameters Manager, the associated object will be highlighted in the drawing.

If the parameter is a hidden dynamic constraint, selecting the cell will temporarily display and highlight the dynamic constraint.

• Shortcut Menu Options

5.2. DWG Compare New

The DWG Compare feature allows you to visually compare a specified drawing with your current drawing, highlighting the differences using revision clouds. This is especially useful for reviewing different versions of a drawing.

Enter COMPARE command or go to Ribbon GstarCAD 365

Efficiency Tools DWG Compare to activate this feature. Once a comparison file is selected, the DWG Compare toolbar appears, docked at the top of the drawing area.

The toolbar displays settings and commands when comparing a drawing with your current drawing.

• Settings Panel: The settings panel lets you control which types of drawing differences are visible, such as objects, hatches, and text, as well as the use of revision clouds and display colors. You can pin this panel for quick access if you're frequently adjusting settings. To enhance visual clarity, especially for color-blind users, friendly color schemes are available.

• Difference: You can use the light bulb icons to manage the visibility of the objects in the comparison result. You can also click the color swatches to customize colors. Additionally, Draw Order determines which objects are rendered on top when they overlap.

• Revision Cloud Settings: When comparing drawings, differences between the current and reference files are visually enclosed using revision clouds. These clouds automatically group nearby changes into sets, referred to as change sets. The system determines change sets based on the spatial proximity of the changes. You can customize the appearance of revision clouds through the Cloud Display option, which lets you adjust their color.

• Rectangular: Draws a single rectangular boundary around each change set.

• Polygonal: Generates polygonal revision clouds by merging rectangles around each difference to show the changes.

• Size: Defines the offset distance from a change set to the rectangle used for creating each revision cloud.

• Filters: Provides a way to exclude text or hatch objects from the comparison result.

• Toggle Comparison: Toggles the display of the comparison result in the current drawing.

• Previous or Next: Zooms into each successive change set in the current drawing.

• Import Objects: Starts the COMPAREIMPORT command. When you select objects at the prompt, only those objects that are not already in your current drawing are selectable. This provides a reliable way of limiting the objects being imported to the objects that are unique to the comparison drawing.

• Export Snapshot: Starts the COMPAREEXPORT command. Exports the comparison results into a new drawing file, called a snapshot drawing. The DWG Compare Snapshot toolbar displays whenever you open a snapshot drawing.

This toolbar is similar to the DWG Compare toolbar, providing a Settings panel and the Previous and Next controls.

• Exit Comparison: Starts the COMPARECLOSE command, which exits the comparison in the current drawing.

5.3. PLOT: "TIFF Version 6 (CCITT G4 2D Compression)" Plotter Support New

A new custom plot driver, TIFF Version 6 (CCITT G4 2D Compression), is now supported. This driver outputs in black and white only, and is designed to significantly reduce file size while maintaining the accuracy of lines, text, dimensions, and other drawing elements.

5.4. Tool Palette: XTP File Import New

In the right-click menu of Tool Palettes, open Customize Palettes…, a new "Import XTP" option has been added. Selecting this option opens a file dialog where you can choose an XTP file to import. The feature accurately imports text, separators, and blocks.

5.5. Barcode: Code 39 Support New

The Code 39 barcode is widely used across various industries and offers the following advantages:

1. Low cost and high ease of use, suitable for basic engineering identification needs.

2. Great industry compatibility, especially suitable for traditional industrial environments.

3. Alphanumeric support, offering more flexibility than numeric-only barcodes.

5.6. 3D Modeling Interface New

In addition to the existing Classic and 2D Drafting interfaces, a new "3D Modeling" workspace has been added.

The "3D Modeling" workspace includes only toolbars, menus, and palettes related to 3D tools. Interface items unrelated to 3D are hidden, maximizing the workspace available for modeling tasks.

5.7. GstarCAD × ARCHLine.XP Plugin New

ARCHLine.XP is a versatile, professional BIM application that provides 2D floor plans, 3D modeling, technical documentation and photorealistic rendering capabilities for architectural and interior design needs.

Integrated with ARCHLine.XP, this plugin enables direct transfer of drawings in DWG or IFC format between GstarCAD and ARCHLine.XP, eliminating tedious import/export steps and offering an effortless CAD-to-BIM workflow.

• Export Panel

• Drawing button: Automatically exports the DWG drawing currently opened in GstarCAD, and then automatically imports and opens it in ARCHLine.XP

• Selection button: Automatically exports the selected objects in GstarCAD, and then automatically imports and opens them in ARCHLine.X

• Import Panel

• Drawing: Automatically exports the DWG drawing currently opened in ARCHLine.XP, and then automatically imports and opens it in GstarCAD.

• IFC: Automatically exports the IFC model currently opened in ARCHLine.XP (including BIM properties and structure), and then automatically imports and opens it in GstarCAD.

• Selection: Automatically exports the selected objects in ARCHLine.XP, and then automatically imports and opens them in GstarCAD

• Contact Panel

• ARCHLine.XP button: Opens the ARCHLine.XP official website for product info and support.

5.8. Center Mark & Centerline New

Center Mark and Centerline features enhance drawing efficiency by allowing quick placement of center marks on circles, arcs, and polyline arcs, as well as automatic creation of centerlines between the apparent midpoints of two lines or polylines. Layer and linetype management is automated based on the defined settings, ensuring consistency and saving time.

5.9. Drawing Merge Innovative

Drawing Merge searches frames of selected drawings and merge them into one drawing. You can enter AUTOMERGE

command or go to Ribbon Express Drawing Drawing Merge to activate this feature.

After inserting drawings, this feature analyzes and splits drawings as needed before merging them via external references.

Users can configure settings such as the maximum columns, horizontal and vertical interval, alignment method, and whether to delete the split files at the current drawing's location. Additionally, users can view entity data from the drawings through "File Properties" and export the list of drawings to a .lst file.

5.10. Engineering Projection Innovative

The ENGINEERINGVIEWMODE system variable controls the display of the bottom view. When set to 0, the bottom view follows the current display method, which is consistent with ACAD. When set to 1, the bottom view is adjusted to correctly reflect the engineering projection, ensuring a more accurate representation.

5.11. Interface Reconstruction Improvement

The interface reconstruction is based on the WPF framework and integrates various proprietary technologies. By approaching from both technical and visual perspectives, we have completely rewritten the underlying architecture to create a new interface.

5.11.1. Technical System Reconstruction

We have adopted a new WPF technology architecture, and added secondary development data interfaces to eliminate data transmission bottlenecks. Additionally, the interface library is now compatible with ACAD’s interface library, enabling zero-cost migration of industry software developed on .NET.

 Underlying Architecture Reconstruction

We have moved away from traditional MFC technology and fully embraced WPF to revamp the interface’s underlying architecture. With WPF’s powerful graphics rendering capabilities, the interface is now more visually refined, seamlessly adapting to different screen resolutions for a clearer and more detailed display. At the same time, GstarCAD’s overall smoothness and responsiveness have been significantly enhanced, providing a more fluid and intuitive user experience.

• Secondary Development Interface Restructuring

To address common pain points in secondary development, we’ve built a new set of secondary development interfaces with over 7,000 additions. Leveraging .NET technology, these interfaces enable zero-cost migration and seamless integration with our new interface architecture, making functional expansion and personalized customization effortless, fueling innovation and energizing our product ecosystem.

 Configuration File Parsing Restructuring

Our interface configuration file parsing library has been completely restructured, boosting read/write efficiency greatly. The new parsing library not only delivers exceptional performance but also exposes related secondary development interfaces, allowing developers to easily read and modify configuration files, therefore quickly adapt to changing business needs and support flexible configuration and efficient operations.

 System Resource Scheduling Optimization

We have developed industry-leading compute resource scheduling technology that makes system resource management smarter and more efficient. With precise management and optimization of compute resources, GstarCAD maintains smooth, stable operation even during multitasking and complex scene transitions, significantly reducing lag and frame drops. This ensures a seamless user experience under demanding conditions and achieves a perfect balance between performance and usability.

5.11.2. Visual System Reconstruction

Building on the capabilities enabled by our technology system restructuring, we have developed a brand-new visual system and set of guidelines to enhance design efficiency. This creates a workspace that is layered, aesthetically pleasing, and practical, bringing to life a vibrant and technology-driven style.

 New Icons

We’ve reworked over 1,500 icons from the ground up—refining their proportions, creating more intuitive forms, and establishing a vibrant yet comfortable color palette. All icons are now in scalable vector format, ensuring they remain sharp and smooth at any size. The overall visual style feels more natural, polished, and alive.

• New Themes

To reduce visual fatigue from dense information, we redesigned the theme color system and now offer both dark and light modes—with more themes coming soon for even greater personalization. How to switch:

• Go to Ribbon Appearance Theme and choose between “Dark” or “Light”.

• Enter OPTIONS in the command line, then go to Options Display Appearance Theme, and select a theme.

• Enter COLORTHEME in the command line and select "0" (dark, default) or "1" (light)

 New Visual Effects

To create a softer and more immersive interface, we introduced rounded corners, shadows, and subtle enhancements across the UI. These refinements bring more depth and realism to the workspace.

5.11.3. Usability Optimization

We’ve also made over 10 additional improvements to enhance your overall experience.

• Application Menu

• New: Top-level buttons are now clickable, leading directly to commands and dialogs, e.g. "Plot" and "Send".

• Improved: Updated the main menu button design for better display.

• Improved: Recent Documents now display icons and names, with support for up to 50 entries.

• Improved: Further refined KeyTip clarity and usability.

• Ribbon

• New: Support pinning expanded panels to keep all tools visible.

• New: Adding Visibility Control options on Ribbon

In both 2D Drafting and 3D Modeling workspaces, users can now right-click anywhere in the Ribbon area to access a new Visibility Control menu. This feature allows users to customize which tabs and panels are displayed, improving workspace flexibility and efficiency.

• Tab Visibility: By default, most commonly used tabs are visible and checked. The "3D Tools" and "Render" tabs are unchecked by default.

Standard version users can still access the 3D Tools and Render tabs, but certain core features are restricted. When attempting to use a restricted feature, a command line message will display a notification

(e.g., “This feature is not supported in the current version”).

• Panel Visibility: Users can also control the visibility of individual panels within a tab. For example, in the “Home” tab, panels like Draw, Modify, and Layers can be toggled on or off individually for a customized layout.

• New: Adding Text Editor tab on Ribbon

In the 2D Drafting and 3D Modeling workspaces, when users enter MTEXT command, the Text Editor tab will now appear on the Ribbon.

GstarCAD has long included a floating "Text Format" toolbar. With this update, the text editing tools are now integrated into the Ribbon, providing users with a more streamlined and accessible editing experience.

• Improved: Updated the Appearance menu visuals and content; supports switching between light/dark modes.

• Improved: Better display logic for disabled menu, when dialogs are open, text and icons now appear grayed to clearly indicate they are unavailable.

• Improved: Redesigned the Plot Preview panel into a toolbar-style layout.

• Improved: Further refined KeyTip clarity and usability.

• Status Bar

• Improved: Selected style of quick-access tools

• Improved: Further refined KeyTip clarity and usability.

5.12. DIMCORD Improvement

DIMCORD command has been improved based on user feedback. Key updates include:

• Using leaders instead of lines, when ungrouped, moving the text block will also move the leader line, allowing for more flexible placement of the dimension text, as shown below:

• Support adjustments for Scale and Text Height in the “Parameters” dialog box. These settings also remember the last used values, making repeated operations more efficient. The interface is shown below:

• New options for Group and Auto Switch.

• When Group is checked, the generated coordinate dimensions will be grouped. If unchecked, they will be created as separate objects.

• When Auto Switch is checked, GstarCAD automatically adjusts the direction of the text and leader line if they intersect, improving readability.

5.13. Batch Plot Improvement

Supports a new sequential preview feature.

After clicking Check and Adjust button, you can manually click on any drawing frame record to start the preview. Once in preview mode, pressing the spacebar will cycle to the next drawing frame record. The currently previewed frame will also be highlighted on the drawing, helping you easily confirm which frame is being reviewed.

When the last frame has been previewed, pressing the spacebar again will exit the sequential preview mode and return to the Check and Adjust dialog box.

5.14. Data Extraction Improvement

Now supports saving data extraction settings in a GXE file. The GXE file can be used as a template to perform the same type of data extraction across different drawings. You can also edit the GXE file—for example, by adding or removing drawings and objects, or by selecting different properties to extract. Tables that reference the same GXE file will reflect any changes when updated.

5.15. Batch Purge Improvement

The Batch Purge feature now supports cleaning up registered applications, zero-length geometries, empty text objects, and orphaned drawing data.

5.16. PDF Import Improvement

To deliver a smoother and more reliable user experience, the PDF import engine has been fully upgraded to the modern and actively maintained PDFium library, replacing the outdated engine that was no longer supported.

What’s Improved:

• Sharper Image Rendering: Improved handling of raster images, with better support for transparency, enhanced clarity, and more accurate color representation.

• Smarter Text Recognition: Text import now uses MText entities. The recognition logic has been optimized to treat text on the same line as a single MText entity, making it easier to edit. Additionally, a width factor is now applied based on the first character during import, ensuring consistent text appearance.

• Clean Text Decoding: Solved issues with character encoding that previously caused garbled text.

• Better Hatch Rendering: Enhanced display of filled areas for improved visual consistency.

• Faster Performance: Enjoy noticeably faster PDF processing times, especially with large files.