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Dassault Making an Assault on AutoDesk?

vistasp — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:15:49 +0000

Dassault has released the beta of a free 2D drawing editor that works like AutoCAD. It’s based on ARES from Graebert and is currently available for Windows with Mac and Linux versions in the pipeline for later in the year. So far, all AutoCAD clones have remained marginal players so it is to be seen whether this one can hit its target.

Here is Dassault’s description:

DraftSight is a professional-grade, open 2D CAD product for users who want a better way to read, write and share DWG files. DraftSight is easy to use and is available for professional CAD users, students and educators to download and activate for free.*

Based on advanced architecture, DraftSight has a small footprint, should take less that a few minutes to download, and runs on multiple operating systems, including Windows XP®, Windows Vista® and Windows® 7.

Get the software from here. [~42 MB]

Props to :: Deelip.com and WorldCAD Access

GoTo :: Dassault Making an Assault on AutoDesk?

Discuss Designs Graphically over the Net

vistasp — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 03:25:11 +0000

This could be really useful to architects and has probably been created by a couple of them. Basically, you and any number of collaborators can visually “chat” over the net. It works in your browser and no signup is required for the free version. This short video explains it best:

Go to :: Woobius Eye

GoTo :: Discuss Designs Graphically over the Net

Virus Masquerading as Home Planning Software

vistasp — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:05:59 +0000

If you’ve received an email supposedly from IKEA telling you about a fantastic new and free Home Planning Software, please note that it is (surprise, surprise!) a virus. Ralph Grabowski of WorldCAD Access received just such a mail and has posted a screenshot. IKEA, meanwhile have clearly stated that this email is a fake and a scam. Given that it installs a trojan on your system, I’d say it’s far worse…

GoTo :: Virus Masquerading as Home Planning Software

Save Ink by Using EcoFont

vistasp — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:40:38 +0000

This isn’t something most people look into but a company called spranq in has created this font which saves ~20% of your ink. They recommend a laser printer for best results but, since I don’t have one, I tried it on my regular inkjet and didn’t find any degradation of quality upto 14pt at least. However, on screen as you can see in the attached image, it starts to get irritating. Ecofont is free although the developers do take donations.

Get it from :: Ecofont

GoTo :: Save Ink by Using EcoFont

Website Dedicated to Intellicad Users

vistasp — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:48:03 +0000

Trying to bring users of different flavours of IntelliCAD together to interact about all things IntelliCAD, Deelip Menezes has launched IntelliCAD.net. The intention is to:

Use the forums to ask and offer help.
Post on the IntelliCAD.net network blog.
Create or join groups of members.
Share photos and videos.
Post events such as user meetings, tradeshows, etc.

If you’re an IntelliCAD user, head over to IntelliCAD.net a.s.a.p.

GoTo :: Website Dedicated to Intellicad Users

Johanson Furniture Library

vistasp — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:33:05 +0000

I can’t say I like the look of this furniture myself but, if you’re aiming for a slightly retro look, these GDL objects might be just what the architect ordered.

Go to :: http://www.johansondesign.se/

GoTo :: Johanson Furniture Library

Download GDL Cookbook 4 [PDF]

vistasp — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:49:14 +0000

A couple of months ago, I was telling you about a free download of David Nicholson-Cole’s “GDL Cookbook 3″ and saying how I was looking forward to the updated version. Well it’s out and it’s a free download as well. You can get it either as a single concatenated file or as 48 individual chapters. Alongside, you can also get his brilliant “Introduction to Object Making”.

Go To :: ArchiCad East

GoTo :: Download GDL Cookbook 4 [PDF]

Free Beta of SpecifiCAD

vistasp — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:43:09 +0000

CADalytic Media has released a free beta of SpecifiCAD for ArchiCAD 10/11, AutoCAD, ADT, Revit and Sketchup. SpecifiCAD allows you to click on a building component within each of these programs and access its CAD details, 3D models, specifications and Green information using the Sweets Catalog network and the Sketchup 3D warehouse depositories.

Download SpecifiCAD from here

GoTo :: Free Beta of SpecifiCAD

Barebones ArchiCAD

vistasp — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:44:07 +0000

Graphiosoft are offering a stripped down version of ArchiCAD 11 for way below their normal price, the target market being small architectural firms. On the face of it, it’s a good move because small firms may be able to get by without features like teamwork, markup tools or even a printed manual. However, if you look at the comparison, there are way too many essentials that have been removed. I mean, how can you do without something as basic as rendering (lightworks & sketch rendering have been knocked out), profile manager for making custom wall/column shapes or the ability to open normal ArchiCAD files?

I think, if they tweak the feature set a bit, they might have a winner but in its present form, they’ll get little response.

ArchiCAD Start Edition 2008 v/s ArchiCAD 11

GoTo :: Barebones ArchiCAD

Download GDL Cookbook 3 [PDF]

vistasp — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 02:31:09 +0000

I could have sworn this page didn’t exist when I searched for such a download some months ago. I’d found some sites selling the book for a few bucks but now the author himself is giving it away.

“The GDL Cookbook 3 is out of print and I am unable to get Cookbook 4 out, so I am providing a free download for the PDF (no print, no edit) copy.”

It’s over 7 years old but still useful today and, hopefully, David Nicholson-Cole will be able to bring out the version 4 soon. I’m waiting to buy it.

Go to :: GDL Cookbook 3

GoTo :: Download GDL Cookbook 3 [PDF]