DoubleCAD XT, free commercial use 2D detailing app.

wmanning · 7 Feb 2009, 21:36

Dazza, glad you're stoked! It's nice to get the positive feedback after almost a year in the labs...

Your problem is a bit of a mystery to me. If both machines are similar specs, my guesses would be that one has had different updates, a different configuration, or is competing with a different set of open applications. You might want to check for a video driver update.

I'll ask some of the guys at work that know the app better than me... Mauritz, our CTO sometimes visits SCF, he might have a good suggestion.

dazza · 7 Feb 2009, 21:57

Thanks, I really appreciate it.
I have been using DCAD all evening (Sat evening and working - ) and the only problem I have come across so far is the frustration of panning as mentioned.
I have checked and my drivers are all up to date and I've only had DCAD open. I also want to clarify, both machines have the mentioned problems panning when I run DCAD!?!

OH, a quick question, is it possible to import ACAD plotstyle .ctb files directly into DCAD? I know I could always set up my own styles from scratch again but was just hoping that there would be an import to bypass that.

I'll just add that the more I "play" around with DCAD the more cool little features I'm coming across that really rock.

wmanning · 8 Feb 2009, 16:13

Dazza, that isn't a good a Saturday night at all! But I can relate. Regarding the panning I'm still waiting to hear from colleagues. Regarding plot styles, I think we're somewhat weak there, but here I have to confess my ignorance. I'm not the expert on this product that my colleagues are. I'll pass ono your question, or try forums.doublecad.com.

@ Malaise and PeterCharles, I apologize for delays. I thought I'd sent you codes but hadn't seen the message in my sent box. I saw you're up and running Peter, so Malaise, if you still didn't get anything email me at wmanning @ imsidesign.com

-- William

tomasz · 8 Feb 2009, 19:39

William,

Thank you for the software. I appreciate a genuine approach to an user since an installation started. It is quite unusual that program informs that will create temp files or that allows users to specify different folders locations. It can look complicated for a simple user, but this 'transparency' it was a good sign for me.

The interface looks clean and I have loaded a big SU model, to see if it will kill the DoubleCad XT Free. It didn't!

I am also happy that you are really interested what our feedback is. I think this kind of approach is what we enjoyed when '@Last' was owning the SketchUp.

Keep up good work! Will do some more tests - have to find really heavy model

Tomasz

Dave R · 9 Feb 2009, 00:59

William, thank you for this, I think. I signed up for the download 45 minutes or so ago. Hopefully the expected e-mail will come soon.

Regards,

Dave

wmanning · 9 Feb 2009, 02:10

Dave if you can't find the email in your spam filter than it's been intercepted somewhere along the way... The email is automated, so should be sent in "nanoseconds" -- then again it is a Windows server... Let me know if you can't find it and I'll try to get it pushed to you again (or you could try again with a different email).

-- William

Dave R · 9 Feb 2009, 02:28

Thanks. That's where it went. Downloading now.

Cheers,

Dave

mauritzbotha · 9 Feb 2009, 19:17

@unknownuser said:

Thanks, I really appreciate it.
I have been using DCAD all evening (Sat evening and working - ) and the only problem I have come across so far is the frustration of panning as mentioned.
I have checked and my drivers are all up to date and I've only had DCAD open. I also want to clarify, both machines have the mentioned problems panning when I run DCAD!?!

OH, a quick question, is it possible to import ACAD plotstyle .ctb files directly into DCAD? I know I could always set up my own styles from scratch again but was just hoping that there would be an import to bypass that.

I'll just add that the more I "play" around with DCAD the more cool little features I'm coming across that really rock.

Hi Dazza

We are addressing the panning issue to improve the general performance. We have seen similar issues on other similarly equipped machines where the one works fine, the other is slower.
Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

As far as .ctb support - this is not one of our strengths, we do support importing of stb styles.

BTW, check out our South African representative's web site http://www.doublecad.co.za

Mauritz

dazza · 10 Feb 2009, 05:31

Hey Mauritz, good to see you around again!
Thanks for looking into the problems and for giving me the heads up for the SA based site.
Please keep us informed about any improvements you guys come up with re the panning and .ctb as well as other major issues which arise.
Cheers for now

MALAISE · 12 Feb 2009, 06:47

Hi Wmanning

I don't know if you received my post, but thank you, all work fine now

MALAISE

utiler · 31 Mar 2009, 06:46

That would be right; I leave this place for a few weeks and you give me this!!!!! I need to keep an eye on this Freeware forum.....
I have struggled with another full BIM program for nearly 3 years and it seems all it takes is for DoubleCAD XT to come along to satisfy my workflow....

Having a play now. If all is good, I will look seriously at the PRO version....

Thanks in advance, William

pilou · 31 Mar 2009, 07:51

Someone can say if the export dxf from DoubleCadXT after an import of an Skp file stay a 3D file?
And what is the best DXF format?

wmanning · 31 Mar 2009, 16:58

Hi Frenchy,

The DXF does stay a 3D file. The best version to save may have a lot to do with how well the other application opens the DXF. So depending on where you want to open the file later either the DXF 2009 or DXF 2000 may be better. A lot of users have been using DXF 2000 to take the file into Blender for example, and many use Blender to export to other formats like .3ds, .obj, etc.

With our Pro version there are many, many other formats supported, but if you use it only to translate, then the DoubleCAD XT - DXF 2000 - Blender is a good free route to take.

-- William

pilou · 31 Mar 2009, 17:04

Many thx, for Blender that will be perfect!

linea · 31 Mar 2009, 17:49

I used Doublecad all day at work today, worked perfectly, the only thing I couldn't work out is how to scale a hatch. BUT when I came to save as a dwg, DoubleCAD just hung and I lost about half a days work. Really annoying but I can't say that AutoCAD never crashed. I will persevere with DoubleCAD, the interface is lovely.

cadward · 31 Mar 2009, 17:53

This all sounds good....but in the comparison chart the price for a seat of AutoCad LT is listed as $1200.00...while the price of DoubleCAD XT is listed at 695.00. You can purchase a seat of AutoCad lt 2009 for $559.00...check amazon.com. Bashing AutoDesk and Microsoft have become popular...They produce tools...if you don't like them.....don't buy them....use the one that produces the results you require...
I'm just saying that if you are comparing prices.....how bout a little honesty. If DoubleCad XT catches on....I am sure there prices will rise too (just like AutoDesk)

all that being said....I have been using AutoCad since version 10...and intend on looking at DoubleCad too. Finding new tools is always interesting.

Buy the tool that suits you and allows you to be as creative as you wish to be.

Bep · 31 Mar 2009, 18:17

@linea said:

I used Doublecad all day at work today, worked perfectly, the only thing I couldn't work out is how to scale a hatch. BUT when I came to save as a dwg, DoubleCAD just hung and I lost about half a days work. Really annoying but I can't say that AutoCAD never crashed. I will persevere with DoubleCAD, the interface is lovely.

Select the Hatch ,select propertys and adjust the scale.

Bep

remus · 31 Mar 2009, 18:28

Cadward, doublecad xt is free, the pro version does cost, though, and is probably the one your thinking of.

From the sounds of it the free version is pretty capable, so quite comparable with acad.

wmanning · 31 Mar 2009, 18:48

@linea said:

...BUT when I came to save as a dwg, DoubleCAD just hung and I lost about half a days work...

Linea, this is terrible. There's a good chance that you didn't lose the work though. There are two elements. By default the system does a backup every 10 minutes, and separately, when the system has a crash in instances where we can there is also a separate autosave.

To find where your backups are located, open DoubleCAD and in the menu select Options - File Locations. Click on Backups and click on the Modify button to see the full path to the directory. Do the same for AutoSave Files. Then either use the File - Open to look for the files there, or use Windows Explorer to find any backup files. You may also want to check the folder of your primary drawing files and look for the file with *.bak extension.

You can use the Options - General to set the frequency of backups as well. The default is every 10 minutes (done in background so you may not have noticed).

-- William

wmanning · 31 Mar 2009, 18:52

Cadward, Remus is right in that DoubleCAD XT is free. The Pro version is $695, but in light of AutoCAD LT 2010 being released we thought we would take price out of the equation for upgraders. Through the May 23rd, 2009 (60 days) we are matching the LT 2010 upgrade price of $575, but we're making that price available to anyone.