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Hello All,
You will be pleased to hear that we are about to shake things up. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you anymore than this for now. However, I can say that a few big changes are on the way.
At PlusSpec, we take the time to listen to what our customers and prospective customers want. We value your feedback, and we would like to thank the PlusSpec and SketchUp communities for your ongoing support, ideas, and suggestions. Please keep them coming.
One of the main reasons we push subscription based licensing over a perpetual licensing option is that we are constantly releasing updates (and that is an understatement) - and we don't want our users to miss out on these new features, or have to constantly upgrade (as this will end up being significantly more expensive than the subscription based licence).
Regarding the questions and comments around the workflow: PlusSpec is not like other BIM software. It uses the best of free-form modelling (SketchUp) and the best of BIM & parametric modelling (PlusSpec). Once you understand that, you will realise that you have complete freedom. You can design and model how you like. PlusSpec has been made to be flexible around you and your workflow - no matter where you live in the world.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly on: drew@rubysketch.com
Regards,
Drew Povey
PlusSpec Product Manager -
Some sought after renderer engines are priced SAAS - at fair value of
$20/month = $240 / yr
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I have been sitting on the fence for the longest time, when it comes to upgrading my software and workflow. I'm using sketchup to design and export to Autocad Ltd for drafting. My biggest problem is the drafting side of my work. Transferring information from sketchup to Autocad and then making changes is slow. I really like the look of Plus Spec but will not use it with layout. As I feel it doesn't work as a pure drafting tool, rather a good presentation tool. Which would leave me getting a subscription for Autocad Lt or Archicad Start Edition (The 2 most used software options in New Zealand market) and a subscription to Plus Spec.
Below are local prices for subscriptions. As you can see Plus Spec has a higher subscription than Autodesks Revit Lt Suite. It may be a better solution as some have suggested. But if I go for Plus Spec, then Im still gonna need a drafting program. It seems reading all the forum post there are a few of us in the same boat
Autocad Lt + Revit lt Subscription $627 USD per year
Archicad Start Edition Subscription $1598 USD per year
PlusSpec $729 USD Subscription per yearQuestion
Plus Spec seems a great package IF you use layout. But as I see it, would lose half of its benefits when exporting to other drafting software. Is anyone using Plus Spec in an Architectural office along with Autocad / Revit and can suggest a good work flow? -
at holmes1977: which version of SketchUp Pro are you using?
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so why not give Layout 2016 a try? It has come a loooong way since it's initial introduction. Although, I admit, it probably needs more TLC.
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On complex stuff LO 2016 still struggles a lot.
DWG and DXF exports from LO are still frustrating.
And drafting inside LO still has to come a long way.
Having said that, I do all my stuff in LO because even so, it's much better working with LO+SU than anything else I've experienced.
Let's see how LO evolves... it's still the weak link in the chain, but it's not the missing link.
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Im an early adopter of Revit, and know it inside and out for residential and light commercial. Ive also been using SU since it was introduced. THE ONLY thing that has ever stopped me, and probably thousands of others from dropping Revit like a dirty shirt is its ability to produce CD's. For whatever reason, SU has neglected this most important aspect of its development, until recently, compaired to the major bims. CDs are THE finished product. THEY ARE THE PRODUCT. Unless I decide to go into the estimating business, without efficient Cd production, a free program isnt worth a darn to me, let alone a grand a year (lets be dead on honest about that too...sub models do not deliver fresh releases to we consumers, software compampanies do...what subscription based models do is deliver large quantities of dollars to developers) So i was very disapointed to read PS relys solely on LO. Integrate tools so we can document any section cut, level at my chosen elevation, or view, and then perhaps we'll have something to talk about.
Seriously,
Bill Cooper
(ps, if you are serious about going after the Revit uset base, and want help from the inside, give me a shout out)
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As I am about to seriously embark into programming my upcoming Wall Plugin I am curious to how PlusSpec has fared, given its licensing model and pricing. How many of the SU users on this thread have tried it and are now active users? Has PlusSpec garnered a significant following? Out of all the architectural plugins currently out there which ones are the most true to the SketchUp methodology.
I've talked to many users of Revit and Chief Architect and their biggest complaint seemed to be the clunkiness of these software offerings compared with SketchUp. Can a BIM software be as comprehensive as Revit or CA and still maintain all of the things we like about SketchUp.
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Hi guys, PlusSpec lite was confidential, I am not sure how JQL knew about it, however, it is true and it is very comprehensive. We will share more with you as soon as possible.
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Actually medeek, I never tried pluspec. I follow it from time to time but i dont feel it delivers the freedom of design that sketchup gives us and not a cost effective solution.
For me, whats needed in sketchup is not a BIM solution as in modeling, SU is easy to model with, but an integrated aolution for detailing and docimenting your model.
Your plugins seem to be impressive at modsling complex stuff, but to be honest I'm an architec for almost 15 years, working for others and now for myself, and I never designed something like what I see in Pluspec output or your own plugins.
I agree with Bill Cooper statement, what we need is help documenting our models specially on details which for me are suficient in 2d.
The beat architectural plugin for sketchup (actually the one that made me use sketchup for arch projects) is SectionCutFace from TIG.
That is ehat allows me to detail a SU model in a 2D section.
It's the classical 2D drafting within our belove 3d base model.
Anything that would facilitate that workflow is more than welcome.
And Im not talking about Skalp as it's results depend on the detail of the model. What I'm talking about is using 2D to add up to 1:1 scale detaila ro the model.
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Hello All, my name is Drew Povey and I'm from RubySketch (makers of PlusSpec & BIMBits).
We are super excited to announce the release of PlusSpec Lite.
Since we first launched PlusSpec Pro, we have had tens of thousands of requests for a version that suited Homeowners, Renovators & Hobbyists, Mums & Dads and Architectural Enthusiasts.
PlusSpec Lite is perfect for SketchUp users who simply want to model faster and smarter.
You donât just draw lines or shapes with PlusSpec. With PlusSpec, you draw with Virtual Building tools. Just select the building component that you want to use from the menu, and BAM! Everything will be drawn for you.Automatically generate walls with structure, one-click roofs (pitched, skillion/shed, and flat roofs), flooring (slabs and joists), dynamic windows and doors that cut through your walls automatically - and so much more.
And it only costs $10 USD p/m.
We're also happy to Introduce our NEW PDF importer (full document sets) for both PC & Mac.
Check PlusSpec Lite out HERE
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Nice work, Drew. Well done to all you guys for identifying this market; I think you'll find it BIG!!
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Thanks fellers, yep PlusSpec lite pre-release is now out. I am pretty happy with it but hey it's not me I that lite needs to keep happy here. It is you!
If you need to know more check out the webpage above in Drews link, there is a heap of info.Tip there will be some changes after 6th of November so you really need to get it before then.
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Hello All,
We wanted to announce that the Pre-Release (early-bird) period is coming to an end on November 6th!
To celebrate, weâre also giving away 3 PlusSpec Pro licenses (valued at $773 USD each)! So, sign up to Lite before the 6th to be in the chance to win.
Everyone who joins before November 6th will earn the title of âGrandfatherâ - because we love rewarding trendsetters, and people who love to give new technology a shot right off the bat.
What does Grandfather mean? It means that you will never pay more than the Pre-Release price (if there ever is a price change. And no, there isnât one planned). It also means that you will be entitled to promoâs, beta-release trials, upgrade discounts and more!
So, if youâre interested in PlusSpec Lite, but have been hesitating (or just waiting) - now is the time to sign up.
Click HERE to get started. Itâs only $10, and is a no lock-in contract. Donât miss out!
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I donât want to sound too cheesy (bit late?), but donât forget that our Pre-Release period will close on November 6th.
Sign up to PlusSpec Lite before this date and be in the chance to win a 12 month PlusSpec Pro license! Also, youâll earn the title âGrandfatherâ, which gives you a bunch of ongoing benefits.
For $10, you can try Lite for yourself. If you love it, brilliant! If you donât, just cancel. Either way, youâll know - and youâll be in the chance to win the Pro version, valued at $773 USD.
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