MacDraft Professional Erfahrungen

Great update, more modern features

Kommentare: I routinely import a scan of my designer's hand drawn floorplans and work with them in MacDraft. I can overlay the computer drawn plan and work with it very well.

Vorteile:

I have been using MacDraft for at least 20 years. Over that time, it has become a mature, useful tool for me. Although I have used Autocad before, I find MacDraft so much easier to use and 'Mac-like'. Not all the tools are intuitive, but easy enough to figure out with online help. With the new update to V7, the interface has been cleaned up significantly, and everything is easier to use. I now can do my work in less time, and achieve better looking results. I really appreciate that Microspot continues to update this great piece of software.

Nachteile:

Some of the tools look different than the last version, so there is a bit of a re-learning curve. That's not to say that once learned, the improvements are evident.

Very useful 2D CAD tool

Kommentare: Generally the graphic interface (UI) of this version is closer to the way other 2D CAD works and for my activity MacDraft 7.x it's ideal.

Vorteile:

The new 7.x version is certainly more user friendly than all previous versions. Better stability. Better speed. All the necessary tools are just a mouse click away.

Nachteile:

However I would like to underline two aspects that I would like to personally change: 1) It would be nice if the actually list of various fonts, showed their real graphic appearance, otherwise for the desired choice, I necessarily to scroll through and view them all and it is a waste of time. 2) For small projects where only one A4 sheet is enough, the one-page scroll on the 27 "screen is too reactive at the touch of the mouse; sometimes it comes out of the visible area and makes it take a little time to bring it back in the working position. Certainly this is useful with worksheets greater than A4 in the landscape version. It would be really useful if the user could activate or deactivate this function directly from the "Preferences" panel.

Home plan drawing

Kommentare: I have been a Mac Draft owner since its origin. Other soft ware has advanced much faster than. I regret that I haven't learned to use the CAD programs. It would be really nice to draw a floor plan and then be able to rotate it into a 3D drawing. I expected much more from this upgrade.

Vorteile:

The update makes the program commutable with the new Mac operating system and makes it possible to use older files. The tools are easy to identify and use.

Nachteile:

Very disappointed with the templates. I ordered the entire package with all templates. I expected the templates of architectural features that are used in the drawing of house plans that include plumbing fixtures such as sinks of different sizes, toilets, bath tubs, showers, and appliances. Electrical symbols that depict light fixtures, electrical out lets, bath fans, ceiling fans. Furniture images to depict bed sizes, sofa's, tables, chairs, TV's. Doors that shows the door swing. I would like to down load PDF drawings and then make changes. If that is possible I would like to know how to do this. I would really like to down load a photo of a house and then be able to draw over it to demonstrate alternatives to owners. I guess that I was hoping for more.

MDP 7 - Personal thoughts

Kommentare: I like the program. I want to use it seriously but unfortunately in its present iteration, I cannot.
As previously said, I have lots of experience in using lots of CAD software, I would like you to have a rethink of the workflow issues.
For reference, please take a look at http://www.ilexsoft.com/highdesign/
The workflow is pretty good but I do get a few issues using it on my macbook air.
It looks like they are developing it to be full blown BIM, which I don't need - hence the switch to MDP.
Simple, workflow efficient 2D cad with awesome output possibilities is what I need.

Vorteile:

On the whole, it is a good CAD tool with fairly good features which I really want to use as my primary CAD software solution. I like the fact that it can be easily used for 'graphics' and 'page layout' too. I can use it on my Macbook air.

Nachteile:

To be honest, I like the software but your workflow really does need addressing for me to use the software for serious architectural designs. As I have moved from seriously high end CAD programs and use it for small architectural projects as well as the possibility for using it in school for CAD/CAM and presentation. I sooo want to be able to use MDP for all architectural projects but in its present form (I know that you have added lots of features from the previous version), I just cannot use it due to workflow issues. When drawing architectural elements, something which should take just a couple of mouse clicks in other software programs, ends up taking significantly more in MDP. I have logged a lot of this in the forums - your response has been fairly quick but the solutions come across as a long winded 'work around' to achieve a relatively simple task. This is the reason why I am not currently using the program daily or weekly. I want to be able to offset angular lines in just a couple of click with specific dimensions, not just dragging them and relying on grid snaps. The solution given in the forums was painfully long - you could not afford to do it in practice. I want to have the ability to have full customisation of dimensions - leader lines and weights, arrow heads, scale/size of everything. Currently, the tool is too constrained. I want to be able to create symbols at various scales and drag and drop them into a drg and they will be the correct size. I can go on..

MDFT Pro 7 Upgrade for 10 year+ user...

Kommentare: Overall, I'm pleased with the new Version Pro 7 of MacDraft. It has been my drawing program of choice for more than 10 years and I look forward to getting further along in the new version to fully realize all the improvements. I trust my comments provide some useful feedback. As someone who really tried to learn autoCAD and failed miserably, I am SO GLAD to have your product in my tool bag.

Vorteile:

With the new version 7, I find I like how all the drawing tools are laid out in just a couple of windows so that they are readily available. It appears the new "titling" version is better but I'm still on the steep part of the learning curve getting used to the changes

Nachteile:

1) The new work flow to "Duplicate" a file and then "Save" seems counter intuitive to the former "Save As" function. Not quite sure what the thinking was there !?! 2) It appears that I cannot change the default font color. Titles I create start in sort of a TAN color and then I have to change it to black or whatever... 3) The "Enter" or "Return" button does not exit you out of the title creation phase. Rather it just gives you a carriage return in the title block. In order to get back to the cursor, I have to hit "ESC". Yikes ! ...shades of AutoCAD nightmares !!

Easy to use, versatile, stable, affordable 2-D CAD

Kommentare: I use scale drawings in my workshop, going to the print shop, getting building permits, and sharing with contractors. It's never let me down.

Vorteile:

I've been using MacDraft since the late 1980's. I've used it for everything from designing simple posters to very complex buildings costing 6 figures. Version 7 is a major upgrade with refinements of its interface and individual tools. I'm always nervous when software makes a big version change. The switch to version 7 has been smooth and free of anything but good surprises.

Nachteile:

Some keyboard shortcuts were changed between version 6 and 7. But I see the logic in the changes and I am adapting.

MacDraft is a Secret Shouldn't Be

Kommentare: I really like this application and have been with it for awhile. I like the combination of precision and intuitive.

Vorteile:

Very versatile. What I like best is that it uses standard Architectural scale but it is fairly intuitive. The Pro version lets you output to .dwg or .dwx files and that it very useful.

Nachteile:

Some of the tools and windows are a little wonky. Wish I could figure out how to change the font for a whole document. Opening .dwg files from another native application could be more accurate. The Zoom function should be more controllable. Wish .mcd was useable anywhere else. Having to translate and port things an extra layer of work.

Easy of use of MacDraft 7

Kommentare: The help line and over the phone knowledge of the tech support is second to none.
These guys are so helpful and nothing is a issue to them, the best software I have used for years,

Vorteile:

Very easy to get round the tool bar, lines- objects- the list goes on and on, so much easier than Autocad.

Nachteile:

Nothing brilliant software to use with know issues

You're largely on your own.

Kommentare: Drawing: Works fairly well, but you're on your own when you have questions.

Vorteile:

The fact that it is 2D and fairly simple

Nachteile:

There are few ways to get advice. There needs to be many more tutorials.

Best CAD software for Mac.. now with Many Improvements!

Kommentare: Basically, architect and artist are similar, when it comes to creating fantastic and beautiful concepts or design, they have to be in a good mood, and good mood can only be achieved if the environment or tools they're using convenience and comfortable. So does with this software, the nice and cartoonist like UI is great and eyes catching, not too complicated but it does a tons of stuff!

Vorteile:

this app is not only the best CAD software for Mac, but it also let you do many and more things beyond conventional 2D drawing like creating realistic and more vibrant looking landscape design, adding colours to the classic 2D floor plans, create exploded axonometric drawing and details, town planning or a large scale project area and mapping, even creating illustration and comics! it's like you can working on the Architectural poster by adding digital drawing or analogy right after working on the plans in a glance.

Nachteile:

despite the software ability that let you create multiple different works, its amazing features and UI interface, the Macdraft is still limited to MacOS devices and unavailable for Windows, Operating system or other platform.. just like the Name after all ("MAC" draft). hopefully the developer will release and make this software available across multiple different operating system and platforms, especially if you have to work using different devices with different operating system.

Great product for interior design business

Kommentare: Love this product...have been using for about 10 years. Run it on my iMac and MacBook Air. Current 6.2 version is the best to date. I was trained on AutoCad back in school and before opening my own business, used AutoCad at the various firms I worked for. When I started my own business I needed a drawing program, but one that could easily work with an iMac. I was happy to find MacDraft. The transition between AutoCad and MacDraft was pretty seamless, there are differences between the two programs, but if you understand the basics of cad drawing, there should be no issues. I use MacDraft for everything design related...furniture plans, cabinetry elevations in bathrooms and kitchens, designing custom furniture, tile detail. Highly recommend this program. And customer service is great...always able to connect with someone who wants to help.

Vorteile:

Price point, Easy to get started. Easy to use. Drawing line weights always look professional.

Nachteile:

I miss some of the features that are on AutoCad. Dimensioning things can sometimes be a real task. Lining things up, copying small images...I do lots of tile design for bathrooms and kitchens, and getting real detailed and lining things up and be a challenge with this program. I've also found that if I've worked on a document over and over again, which some of my projects take months to create, the document seems to have weird layout issues. Shapes refuse to line up and when I copy and paste, things are completely out of whack. I've learned many things by trial and error on how to manipulate the program, but after all this time using this product, still catch myself trying to do auto cad shortcuts.

Old Hand

Kommentare: I have almost 200 houses in the design process at varying stages and without Macdraft I would be a million miles behind by now.

Vorteile:

It's ease of use, very much like using a drawing board select a pen draw a line with it, what can be easier, I design house and find the software suites me just fine, I have been using it since it first launched.

Nachteile:

The present Pro 7 issue is wonderful and most of the initial links have been sorted, I would dearly like to re arrange the side panels and custom them much lieke the top tool bar also make them adjustable in width as the Layer panel has very little room for labels and able to see the scale.

Henk 123

Kommentare: I use Macdraft for a combination of building layouts *architectural) and the design of building utitlities (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical etc.). It is a simple to use program.

Vorteile:

Simply to use after a period of training

Nachteile:

Missing the function : SAVE AS and the set up of a printer. In MacDraft Professional 6 it was more clear and better in relation with other computerprograms.

not that impressed

Kommentare: It does what I need it to do although can be frustrating at times, overall its ok for non professionals.

Vorteile:

In comparison with the previous version I had this one is a lot better, relatively easy to use but not without it's problems.

Nachteile:

The snap to option is very inaccurate, very rarely seems to hit the spot so that you have to zoom in to max to position a line in the correct intersection. The most frustrating aspect is when in zoom commend it will suddenly zoom in to the maximum into the top left hand corner so that you have then to zoom out to find out where it was that you were working.

Been using MacDraft for years! New update is great.

Kommentare: I render right into the specification detail that I create and I find that to reflect realistic visuals for client evaluation.

Vorteile:

The update is consistent with features of previous versions. I use it to draft details specifications and than render into those details, occasionally bringing over pdf and jpg , sizing them to drop in!elements from other apps.

Nachteile:

I am not sure that I like the layout sizing as compared with older versions. Maybe I am just not use comfortable with it and that will change as I go forward with projects.

Want to go back to 6.0

Vorteile:

It solved a lot of drawing issues that had surfaced for me in the last several iterations of 6

Nachteile:

White on black format. Palette function and organization. No Save-As function. Frame adjustment bars hard to use.

It has replaced 4 software design software programs and is my "Go To"!

Kommentare: It is clearly worth the money. I have used and upgraded the program since the first version and expect to use it until and even after I retire from my company.

Vorteile:

It has a quick "snap to" for faster rendering of design projects. Also, it has the depth to do it all.

Nachteile:

The changes have not always been intuitive and the menu for help does not often respond to my questions.

It's different but not that much better than version 6.2

Kommentare: I was a long time user of version 6.2 and came to use key strokes to navigate through the various tools and functions. I find there are less opportunities to use key strokes rather than mouse clicks, which slows me down.

Vorteile:

It seems more stable than previous versions. I was constantly saving my work in version 6.2 out of fear that the app would crash. The interface is better is some places than v 6.2 but not in all cases.

Nachteile:

I liked the ability to have my alignment panel, layer panel and advanced tool panel as floating panels in v 6.2. I don't see a way to do that, which forces me to click the desired panel at the right, which is cumbersome to me. I would like to be able to hit the enter key to return to the arrow tool. The letter keystones do not alway work as they should, which I find very annoying.

A well easy drawing draft

Kommentare: It's easier than previous versions, mixing patterns and colors, and the alignment lines give more speed to build a complex form.

Vorteile:

Easy to switch layers, Easy to make drawings comprehensive for every customers of mine Easy to change when a modification needs.

Nachteile:

It is sometimes difficult to twist dwg and mcdraft drawings together,

Simple but powerful!

Kommentare: I've been using MacDraft since the very first version which ran on a Mac 512 if I remember correctly. My how things have changed. I use this program almost daily in my business and it easily does 90% of what I need. It would be nice to have a couple of additional features like trim two curves, and trim a curve into a line, but all in all it is a very useful, simple to use tool that makes my life easier, without the huge learning curve of some of the other drafting programs. Having said that, it is not a replacement for those other programs, just another tool in the box.

Vorteile:

Ease of use, intuitive interface.

Nachteile:

Feature limitations

World's Oldest MacDraft User

Kommentare: I've been using MacDraft forever - and use it exclusively for programming, planning, and early conceptual design. I don't use any other drawing or drafting software - which isn't necessary for my position as a principal and owner of my firm. There's no better software for creating effective "bubble diagrams", and easily evolving those diagrams into initial plans. It's terrific to use in real time with clients to manipulate the plan. I then use MacDraft to work with staff created CAD drawings to develop the projects. I really need no other "CAD" software for the work I do.

Vorteile:

Read Review

Very Good Value and Functions

Kommentare: Overall an excellent tool which I use extensively nearly every day as a Theatre Lighting Designer. I appreciate the simplicity.

Vorteile:

simplicity

Nachteile:

still some bugs. The app crashes regularly. I have made my own macro which auto saves my files every 5 minutes because the app crashes so often. There are bugs in text handling. Sometimes when I highlight text it dissappears and cannot be read. There is a memory problem whereby if I try to copy a group of object only the top object is duplicated.

User issue

Kommentare: So far a pleasure.

Vorteile:

Very easy and practical. Only use 50% of its ability.

Nachteile:

I upgraded from a very old obsolete version that I was used to. So there’s a learning curve for me. More or a user issue not a software issue.

Been using MacDraft since version 1 and still super happy with it :)

Vorteile:

I like that it is simple and doesn't require know and full blown CAD program. But If you need to go full blown CAD you can!

Nachteile:

Is it does not let you know if you have a DWG or DXF it can not open only because you don't have enough memory available since they are too big or heavy?

No reviews

Kommentare: Ok

Vorteile:

Layers and ease of use, but limited in terms of scales

Nachteile:

Limited clip art, limited tuition nerds more focus on ease of access to information on help