DataCAD is a professional-level A/E/C CADD software for architectural design, animation, photo-realistic rendering and construction document creation.

Developed by architects and software engineers for architecture, DataCAD includes tools that make design and drafting easier, such as automatic door and window insertion, associative dimensioning and hatching, automated 3D framing and OpenDWG-based DXF/DWG translators. DataCAD is listed as the second most-widely used software by registered architects according to the most recent American Institute of Architects (AIA) firm survey.

FOR THE ARCHITECT . . .
DataCAD allows you to 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 laptop 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 framing utility automates 3D framing for floors, walls and roofs. You actually see the software "walk around" building walls, and locate 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. With DataCAD Estimator (sold separately), you can create a comprehensive estimate, including overhead and profit, almost effortlessly.

Here are some key features of "DataCAD":

· Heads-Up" Interface incorporates on-screen menus, customizable toolbars and programmable keyboard shortcuts; does not require additional overlay or digitizer.
· Multiple Document Interface (MDI) allows you to open an unlimited number of drawings and cut-and-paste between them.
· Digital Terrain Modeler (DTM) creates complex 3D site models using contours or point data provided by your surveyor.
· Multi-Line Walls creates custom 2-, 3-, or 4-line wall types with automatic cleanup. Custom wall styles can be saved and loaded for future use.
· Hidden Line Removal hides background geometry in wire frame models to display accurate, 3D, vector line drawings.
· OpenGL Shader with 7 definable light sources, instantly shades models on screen.
· Object Viewer provides dynamic 3D viewing and shading of your model.
· Bitmap Import allows you to insert images within your drawing for tracing.
· Associative Dimensioning dynamically recalculates as you make changes. Switch between architectural, engineering, and metric scales on the fly.
· Associative Hatching updates pattern, scale, and size; over 40 patterns are included, with many others available.
· Solid Color Fills for shading of walls and facility use diagrams.
· TrueType Fonts support provides access to thousands of available Windows-based fonts.
· DXF/DWG Translator supports AutoCAD R12 through R2005 DXF/DWG files.
· XREF (External Reference Files) allows you to insert one drawing into another and work simultaneously with other designers.
· XClipping (XREF Clipping) allows you to create custom viewports for masking out portions of reference files.
· Symbol Library with over 3,000 2D and 3D architectural symbols.
· Layer Manager makes it easy to arrange, sort, and manage your drawing layers.
· Multi-Scale Plotting allows you to plot several differently scaled details of a drawing on the same sheet of paper. Supports an unlimited number of details and up to 256 sheets per drawing.
· Batch Plotting prints multiple drawings you select in an unattended mode.
· DCAL (DataCAD Applications Language) is used to develop custom add-on programs for DataCAD.

Requirements:

· Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon processor
· 512MB for use Windows 2000 or XP, 1GB for use on Vista
· 500MB free disk space recommended for a complete installation of DataCAD 12
· 200MB free disk space recommended for a complete installation of DataCAD 11
· CD-ROM drive for software installation
· SVGA (800x600) monitor and display adapter capable of 16-bit color
· Microsoft-compatible mouse (3-button mouse recommended)

Limitations:

· 45 days trial

What's New in This Release: [ read full changelog ]

· Smart" Entities: DataCAD 12 provides new "smart" wall, door, and window entities that contain routines and parameters that define their behaviour and interaction with other smart entities. When you draw two walls in a prior version of DataCAD, they don't know anything about each other until you explicitly tell the program to clean them together. In DataCAD 12, walls of the same type automatically clean to each other without you having to perform additional cleanup routines.
· The same automation applies to doors and windows as well. When you add a door or window to a wall, the wall automatically cuts itself to accommodate the opening. Further, when you move, copy, or delete a door or window, the wall automatically heals itself. These "smarts" eliminate most of the cleanup steps you had to perform in prior versions.
· A smart entity also knows what it is supposed to look like when viewed in plan or perspective. In plan, a door looks just like the 2D doors you are familiar with. H...