Abstract
DATACAD LLC specializes in the development of affordable, professional-level Windows-based CADD solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors. DataCAD is one of the few applications available today that is ready for architectural-specific tasks out-of-the-box. Originally developed more than 18 years ago, DataCAD is one of the stalwarts of the architectural CADD industry.
Full Review
One of the first things that I appreciated was when I used the
option to just install the files needed to update to Dcad 10. I didn't
have to go back and edit all the files I had customized! I was up and
running as soon as the program was installed!!
One caution is your paths on version 10. Since pathing is so critical to DataCAD in some aspects (maintaining the same printer & pens across the network; XREF paths; etc.) I never
recommend that you install to another directory. In fact I highly
recommend installing over your existing copy of DCAD (with appropriate
backups as noted below), and ONLY to a directory called DCADWIN. The
name of the directory is only important in that you DON'T use a number,
like DCADWIN9 or DCADWIN-X, etc. If you do, then your paths will be
screwed up every time you install a new version of DataCAD. And if one
machine on the network has a directory called DCADWIN9 and another has
DCADWINX, then you won't maintain identical PEN and printer settings in
the .DC5 files.
Now on with the the many features...
Adobe Acrobat (PDF) output so that you can email your customer a drawing. They can view it as part of their email message (view only).
Compatibility:
DataCAD 10 is backward compatible with DataCAD 4 through 9 drawing files.
As soon as you upgrade to DataCAD 10 you can take advantage of key features such as a new Layer Manager with support for long layer names, 2D/3D TrueType Fonts, Solid, Pattern, and Bitmap Fills, Bitmap Import, built-in o2c Player, direct support for eZ meeting, enhanced OpenGL shader with shadow casting, and improved DXF/DWG support. You'll have everything you need for production drawing, visualization, and sharing 2D/3D designs via the internet.
If you're upgrading from a version of DataCAD prior to DataCAD 9, you'll also benefit from new features such as unlimited Undo/Redo, External File Referencing (XREFs), Multiple Document Interface, Cut/Copy and Paste, Batch Plotting, HyperView Linking, WYSIWYG Print Preview, Adobe Acrobat (PDF) output, and view sensitive toolbars.
Professional Design and Drafting
DataCAD is a complete architectural CADD solution. From the beginning, it has been developed by architects for architecture. It's robust feature set includes 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and photorealistic rendering and animation. In one package you'll find automatic door and window insertion, associative dimensioning and hatching, automated 3D framing, more than 1,600 architectural symbols, 23 standard and hand lettered fonts, .DXF/.DWG translators, and more. Yet, with all this, it’s affordable. No matter what kind of design work you do, you’ll find DataCAD easy to use, with none of the awkwardness you may have seen in traditional CADD programs.
For the Architect . . .
DataCAD allows you to professionally draft, edit, and prepare precision construction documents.
More than just a drafting tool, DataCAD includes automated 3D modeling, and photorealistic rendering tools that put you ahead of the competition. You control the lighting, cast shadows, and apply texture maps to create compelling, 24-bit color images of your latest design. Visualizing a project in advance allows you and your client to save time and money by agreeing on changes earlier in the design process.
For the Contractor . . .
Load DataCAD on your portable computer and take it right to your building site. It has special features for builders and contractors to help you increase productivity and improve quality. For example, DataCAD’s built-in FrameIt utility automates 3D framing for floors, walls and roofs. You actually see the software "walk-around" building walls, and locating stair, door, window, and skylight openings.
Once the job is done, you can output a file containing the bill of materials including a complete list of "board feet" for framing members. Add our optional DataCAD Estimator job costing program and create a comprehensive estimate including overhead and profit almost effortlessly.
Features Summary:
"Heads Up" Interface incorporates on-screen menus, customizable toolbars and keyboard shortcuts; does not require additional overlay or digitizer.
Icon toolbar makes all drawing and editing features available with a click of the mouse.
3D Framing tool automatically models floor, wall, and roof framing members. Exports material totals to a printer or DataCAD Estimator (sold separately).
Multiline Walls creates custom 2, 3, or 4 line wall types with automatic cleanup. Custom wall styles can be saved/loaded for future use.
Hidden Line Removal hides background geometry in wire-frame models to display accurate 3D vector line drawings.
3D modeling applications include automatic walls, doors, windows, stairs, roofs and structural framing.
ViewMaster creates "walk-through" view sequences.
Associative Dimensioning recalculates as you make changes. Switch between architectural, engineering, and metric scales on the fly.
Associative Hatching updates pattern, scale, and size; over 40 customizable patterns are included.
Text tool imports and exports ASCII .txt files. Provides 26 fonts, including six hand-lettered fonts.
DXF/DWG support reads and writes AutoCAD® rel. 12 DXF® /DWG® files.
Symbol Library with over 1,600 2D and 3D architectural symbols.
Quick Shader instantly shades models on screen in 256 colors.
Multi-scale Plotting allows you to plot several different scaled details of a drawing on the same sheet of paper. Supports an unlimited number of details and up to 256 sheets per drawing.
Visual Reality 2.0® a 32-bit software suite designed to offer an easy to use but extremely powerful 3D environment in which full color still images and animations can be created..
DCAL© (DataCAD Applications Language) lets you develop custom add-on programs for DataCAD.
DataCAD Estimator (sold separately) integrates directly with the drawing database to produce bills of materials and cost estimates quickly.
One issue is no manuals, but previous version manuals should still apply. Plus go to www.amazon.com and search on dataCAD and you will find all the books you need if you are are brand new datacad user.
Nexus Software Survey
Installation 92.7% Usability 91.9% Functionality 94.2% Support 98.3% Recommend 96.2%
System Requirements
Hardware: Intel® Pentium® or AMD-based PC with 450MHz or higher processor Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® 2000, Me, 98, or NT® 4.0 RAM: 128MB RAM or higher Other: Free disk space 200MB or more, VGA display, 1024x786 or higher, Mouse or other pointing device, CD-ROM drive.
(Caution! Caution! Caution! As with any CAD/CAM software program you should always opt for the best system possible with the most ram, fastest disk and fast, fast, fast video cards. Many reviews of CAD/CAM software cite sysetm crashes as a frequent problem, but you then learn they are trying to run CAD/CAM system intensive software on the manufacturer's minimum system requirements or less.)
Price - $995, but can purchase on the Internet for about $775.
Manufacturer or Publisher Contacts
DATACAD LLC
20 Tower Lane
Avon, CT 06001
info@datacad.com
(860) 677-4004 Main
Related Links - www.datacad.com, www.amazon.com (for manuals), Screen Shots
Reviewer:
Jennifer Peak
Jennifer is a writer living in Bangor, ME. Jennifer graduated with an engineering degree from Georgia Tech and works part time as a communications consultant for the US Navy. She lives with her husband, twin boys and two dogs. Jennifer is working on her first novel.
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