Leica released Version 6.0 of the 3D Disto software for Windows as a paid upgrade from Version 5. If your customers are asking about upgrading, the two headline features are layer functionality and CAD tools arcs. This article explains what changed, who should upgrade, and what's required to do so.
This is the primary reason most customers upgrade. Layers allow you to organize measured points and CAD elements into separate, named groups — similar to how layers work in AutoCAD or other CAD software. This makes complex jobs significantly easier to manage, especially when measuring multiple rooms, wall systems, or construction phases in a single project file.
You can control which layers are visible at any time, assign measurements to specific layers as you work, and export layer-structured DXF files that carry that organization into your CAD software downstream.
Leica has also published a dedicated guide for this feature: Working with Layer Templates (available on the Leica 3D Disto support page).
Version 6 added arc creation to the CAD tools toolset. Previously, the software was limited to straight-line geometry. With arc support, you can now accurately capture and represent curved walls, curved facades, circular columns, and other rounded features — and export them as true arc objects in DXF format rather than approximated line segments.
The core measurement workflow — connecting to the instrument, setting up a coordinate system, capturing points, and exporting DXF/DWG — is unchanged between v5 and v6. Customers familiar with v5 will feel at home immediately; v6 is an additive update, not a redesign.
No. This is an important point for customers to understand before they try. Version 6 requires a Customer Care Package (CCP) that specifically covers v6. If a customer's CCP was purchased when they were on v5, installing the v6 installer will return a license error and require them to purchase an updated CCP before proceeding.
In short: upgrading to v6 = purchasing a new CCP. Direct customers to our CCP purchase page:
https://advanceddimensions.com/products/3d-disto-customer-care-package
Once they've purchased, provide us their unit serial number and we'll deliver a valid v6 license key within 24 hours.
Open the 3D Disto software on the Windows tablet. The version number is displayed in the title bar or under Help > About. Version 5 will show a 5.x.x.x build number; Version 6 will show 6.0.0.9 or similar.