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DesignSpark Mechanical Support FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be online constantly to use DesignSpark Mechanical?

Yes, it is a requirement of using the software that the user is a DesignSpark member and that the software knows the subscription level of the user to provide the correct functionality for their subscription

Therefore on starting the software and for the periodic license checks it is required that the software be online 

Where can I get support with DesignSpark Mechanical?

You can seek help with using the software through:

Can I use a 3D SpaceMouse with DSM?

Yes, you can use a SpaceMouse from 3DConnexion as well as a regular scroll wheel mouse. Make sure to have the latest drivers installed from the manufacturer: http://www.3dconnexion.com/service/drivers.html

Can I run DesignSpark Mechanical on a virtual machine?

In the past, DesignSpark Mechanical users reported successfully operating the software on VMware Workstation 7.x and Player 3.x, Oracle Virtual Box 4.3* and higher. The guest operating system needs to match the DesignSpark Mechanical system requirements.

*You will need to enable the '3D driver' in Virtual Box: https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch04.html#guestadd-3d

You may also be able to run DesignSpark Mechanical on a Mac OSX device through hardware virtualization tools or emulation: https://www.parallels.com/uk/products/desktop/

Where can I obtain the End User Licence Agreement (EULA) for DesignSpark Mechanical?

Here is a copy of the EULA: Download Here

How do I install DesignSpark Mechanical on to a network drive (LAN)?

To minimize security risks, network attached storage (NAS) devices within business environments allow limited write access to 3rd party programs/software.

DesignSpark Mechanical (DSM) can be installed onto local storage with at least 3GB of free space. To proceed, you will need to set the correct paths within the Windows environment variables (user):

VARIABLE

VALUE

APPDATA

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\

LOCALAPPDATA

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\

TEMP

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Temp

TMP

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Temp

You can create new variables for the above if not already present.

Make sure none of the above point to network locations starting with '\\' before starting to install DSM.

Which file formats can I import and export from DesignSpark Mechanical?

The file formats available vary by the DesignSpark plan/tier you have subscribed to:

Explorer tier:

  • Import: RSDOC, RSDOCX, DSPCB IDF, TXT (Point Curve text files), Images (JPG, BMP, PNG)
  • Export: RSDOCX, STL, OBJ, 3D PDF (facets only)

Creator tier:

  • Import: RSDOC, RSDOCX, DSPCB IDF, OBJ, SKP, DXF, DWG, STEP, IGES, STL, TXT (Point Curve text file), JPG, BMP, PNG (all common Raster image formats), AVI, WMV, MKV (all common video formats supported)
  • Export: RSDOCX, AMF, DXF, DWG, STEP, IGES, GLB (GLTF), OBJ, VDB (OpenVDB), 3D PDF (facets only), SKP, STL, XAML, JPG, PNG

Engineer tier:

  • Import: RSDOC, RSDOCX, DSPCB IDF, OBJ, SKP, DXF, DWG, STEP, IGES, STL, TXT (Point Curve text file), JPG, BMP, PNG (all common Raster image formats), AVI, WMV, MKV (all common video formats supported)
  • Export: RSDOCX, AMF, DXF, DWG, STEP, IGES, GLB (GLTF), OBJ, VDB (OpenVDB), 3D PDF (facets only), SKP, STL, XAML, JPG, PNG
Is the RSDOC format backwards compatible with previous DesignSpark Mechanical versions?

Yes, the RSDOC format is backwards compatible meaning new versions can open designs created with legacy versions of the software.

How do I perform a 'complete' uninstall of DesignSpark Mechanical (DSM)?

A 'complete' uninstall means removing all DesignSpark Mechanical activation data from your computer. This may be helpful if you are facing a serious issue with operating the software or due to a recent hardware change.

The steps are:

Go to 'Programs and features' on your computer and then manually uninstall DesignSpark Mechanical from there.

Next, search for 'regedit' to open the Windows registry. From here, navigate to the directory HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\ and delete the 'SpaceClaim' entry.

Alternatively, run this from the Windows command terminal (open it as admin):

reg delete "HKCU\SOFTWARE\SpaceClaim" /f

Delete this folder: C:\Users\"Your Windows Username"\AppData\Local\SpaceClaim

Handling errors while uninstalling:

Running this Microsoft trouble-shooter to fix most uninstall error codes: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/fix-problems-that-block-programs-from-being-installed-or-removed-cca7d1b6-65a9-3d98-426b-e9f927e1eb4d 

If #1 does not resolve the issue you may have a damaged installation of DSM; use the CCleaner application to fully remove the program and re-install using the latest version on the DesignSpark website.

I have purchased one of/both DesignSpark Mechanical Add-On modules, can I still use these outside of the DesignSpark Subscription Packages?

Yes, current users who have purchased DesignSpark Mechanical Add-On modules, can continue using these without a DesignSpark Subscription Packages.

I have purchased one of/both DesignSpark Mechanical Add-On modules, can I use these with the latest free of DesignSpark Mechanical (Version 6)

No, users who have previously bought DesignSpark Mechanical Add-On module, can only use these with DesignSpark Mechanical Version 5

I have purchased one of/both DesignSpark Mechanical Add-On modules, can I still subscribe to one of the DesignSpark Subscriptions?

Yes

When will legacy versions of the DesignSpark Software be switched off? (DSM and DSPCB)

If you are a user of DesignSpark Mechanical versions 5 and below or DesignSpark PCB versions 10 and below, these versions will be switched off on 31st May 2023. Please migrate to one of the DesignSpark plans before end May 2023. DesignSpark Explorer is free, but you can now upgrade to one of our paid plans to enable more features and design resources. Your current design files can be opened in the latest version available within the plans.