Quick draw: the latest design software packages make drafting quick and easy

Building Products, Nov-Dec, 2002

Upperspace. DesignCAD 3D Max version 12, which provides complete 2-D drafting and 3-D modeling capability, has improved customization tools. New features also include an aerial view, a layer toolbar, and a parallelogram drawing tool. Users now have the ability to print layers in any order and can rotate a view around the center of the screen or around the origin. In addition, DesignCAD now supports up to 1,000 layers instead of the previous 256-layer limit. 800-233-3223. www.upperspace.com. Circle 180.

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Graphisoft. The new ArchiCAD 7.0 adds functionality for workflow management, design development, and construction documentation, while leaving the software's uncluttered and intuitive interface intact, the firm says. The new ProjectXchange toolset offers project publisher, reviewer, and markup features; also new are the corner window, skylight, and truss maker tools. 800-344-3468. www.graphisoft.com. Circle 181.

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Related Software

Realworld Imagery. The company's photorealistic "clip art" libraries for architects and builders feature images of building materials, trees, shrubs, people, and vehicles that can be imported into CAD graphics programs. The images help create a more realistic rendering scene, the company says, and saves designers time and money. 702-733-7517. www.realworldimagery.com. Circle 186.

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SoftPlan Systems. The SoftTalk voice-recognition module is the only CAD program that allows the user to activate menu items verbally, the company says. Builders can "talk" the project through from concept to completed drawing, dramatically speeding up drawing time, the company says. It is for use only with the SoftPlan Architectural Design Software. 800-248-0164. www.softplan.com. Circle 187.

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DESIGN SOFTWARE

SoftPlan Systems. SoftPlan Architectural Design Software 11.2.2 provides complete working drawings, 3-D renderings, an accurate materials list, and cost estimate reports. Because it's an object-oriented program, it allows users to draw with fully assembled items such as walls, windows, and beams. Once the plans are complete, the software automatically creates elevations, cross sections, roof framing, and wall framing. 800-248-0164. www.softplan.com. Circle 182.

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Abracadata. Premier Architect allows users to design rooms or entire homes in three dimensions, then take a virtual walk-through. Features include "smart" walls that automatically update themselves when doors and windows are placed, automatic roof generation, and a 3-D terrain tool. Users will be able to place lights in 2-D/3-D space and set their properties (brightness, color, location, elevation) with an adjustable slider. 800-451-4871. www.abracadata.com. Circle 183.

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Nemetschek. Vectorworks Architect CAD software integrates all project information into one file so that all views are updated when a change is made, reducing risk of errors. The software includes precise 2-D drafting, solar animation, a framing suite, and HVAC design tools. With its intuitive interface and an exclusive SmartCursor, users can create precise 2-D designs. 888-646-4223. www.nemetschek.net. Circle 184.

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IMSI. TurboCAD 8 offers more than 50 new features that make the design process more efficient while delivering specific enhancements for mechanical and architectural design, the company says. The new Design Director allows users to organize, access, and explore design alternatives and the new Section tool "slices" single or multiple 3-D objects to create 2-D cross sections and 3-D sections. 415-257-3000. www. imsisoft.com. Circle 185.

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SitePlanner. SitePlanner 3.0 is the industry's first automated site design tool for the desktop, the company says. The software's easy-to-use interface doesn't require computer experience; the user can edit the plan easily by adding, deleting, moving, or resizing roads, entrances, intersections, lakes, lots, and non-developed areas. After any change, SitePlanner allows you to instantly visualize the effect of the change. The software continuously calculates and displays site statistics numerically and graphically. 877-748-3756. www.siteplanner.com. Circle 188.

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Advanced Relational Technology (ART). Chief Architect 8.0 now includes new features and many enhanced capabilities, according to the company. The upgrade features increased symbol content, expanded manufacturer-specific libraries, and a checklist of ICBO International Residential Codes. The new Import Drawing Wizard allows users to automatically import drawing files from other CAD programs. 800-482-4433. www.chiefarchitect.com. Circle 180.

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Autodesk. Autodesk VIZ 4 3-D modeling, rendering, and animation software features new, easy-to-implement lighting simulation capabilities directly within the application, allowing designers to generate richer images, the company says. With physically based lighting, designers can position lighting fixtures as they would in the real world. It also offers enhanced file-linking capabilities. 800-964-6432. www.autodesk.com. Circle 190.