Drafting Software

Draw the big picture with the right software for drafting

Drafting software varies widely, depending on what services your company offers as well as what specific needs best suits your company. Your computer operating system also comes into play. You need software that works with your present system, or you will have to upgrade your entire system to fit the software. Make sure that the software is network ready for multiple sharing over departments and branches.

Many software systems will contain information that you do not need, so do not pay for options you won't use. Select a software system that will grow with your company. Alternatively, upgrading your present software with new functions may be the best option, if you have a system that is already working for you. Look for these features when choosing design drafting software:

1. Purchase the architecture drafting software that is right for your institution.

2. Work with commercial drafting software programs you already use.

3. Find help with architecture design software through customer service support.

 

Choose drafting software providers with programs you can use

Software programs come in all shapes and sizes. The features of the program often dictate the price for the software. Check the features of the software you are considering and purchase what your institution needs.
Try: Cadpro offers a complete drafting suite with architectural tools and advanced drafting tools. It comes network ready for your business needs. SmartDraw offers a free download of its facility planning software. Create your building plans and store layouts in minutes with this free software.

Select architectural design software that integrates with the system already in place

If your present software works well for you, consider upgrading it to add a few features that you need instead of replacing the entire system. There may be a small charge to upgrade, but this would be minimal compared to replacing the entire system. Find out if the new necessary features are available with your present software. Alternatively, choose a software program that adds these features but integrates with the program in place.
Try: Punch! Software offers two programs for the professional to take your project from just your idea to a marketable prototype ready for production. It integrates with 2D or 3D and is available for Windows of Mac. Artifice offers design software for professionals with a 3D modeling environment to simulate reality as closely as possible. The company offers a free trial lite version so you can test it before you buy.

Consider drafting software suppliers that have live customer support

The best software in the world is no good to you if you can't reach someone to answer questions when the need arises. Software has an online guide, but sometimes you need more than a guide when you run into a difficulty. Choose software systems with live customer support features to get the most out of program.
Try: Ashlar-Vellum offers 2D drafting and 3D modeling software with live customer support. Reach support by phone, email or through the website where they also offer a knowledge base with answers to questions already posed. MCS offers mechanical drafting software with live support. Call or email support with urgent or non-urgent questions.

 

• When you purchase your architectural and drafting software, you may want to consider having a professional install the software for you. Although there is a charge for this service, they will have you up and running quickly and will deal with any software installation issues so all you have to do is operate your system.

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