AVON, Conn., July 24 /PRNewswire/ -- DATACAD LLC has released DataCAD version 12, the latest edition of its professional-level, 2D/3D AEC CADD software for architectural design, photo-realistic rendering, and construction document creation. DataCAD 12 features hundreds of enhancements to boost design and drawing efficiency for architects, interior designers, landscape architects, exhibit designers, builders, contractors, criminal investigators, and graphic designers.

Commented Mark Madura: "DataCAD 12 features our customers' most-requested enhancements, underscoring DATACAD's dedication to customer service, continuous improvement, and delivery of high-quality architectural CADD products. Virtual Building-related tools have been the most-requested enhancements, and DataCAD 12 delivers with intelligent wall, door and window objects that can be manipulated graphically or via dialogs and display accordingly in 2D, 3D, or rendered views. These 'smart' entities offer many of the advantages of BIM without having to set up extensive project controls, or endure a steep learning curve that would impact an entire design team."

DataCAD 12's 'Smart' Entities Provide Flexible Visual Building Model

Smart entities allow designers to create 3D buildings with intelligent walls, doors, and windows using familiar methods in 2D or 3D. Smart entities can be edited using traditional tools (i.e., a wall object and a line can be trimmed using the same command) so customers do not have to change the way they work to make modifications.

Users can easily switch between 3D modeling and 2D drawing at any time during the design process without sacrificing accuracy, and both plan and model are updated simultaneously. DataCAD 12's smart walls clean up automatically, eliminating the need for manual trimming. Further, when a door or window is moved or deleted, the corresponding wall automatically heals itself.

Many DataCAD users cite the ability to crank out production drawings quickly and accurately as their main reason for choosing the program. DataCAD 12's smart entities work like familiar drafting tools in plan. However, when the user switches to a 3D view, doors and windows are automatically modeled complete with jambs, casings, and trim. When the model is displayed in the object viewer, it is complete with rendered materials. And, for users who still want to draft with lines and arcs, DataCAD's standard entities can co- exist with smart entities, allowing users to use whatever method they are most comfortable with.

Support for Large Projects

DataCAD 12 includes a new option to enable a double-precision display-list when working on projects that cover a large, real-world area such as airports, sporting complexes, and housing developments.

New File Import for SketchUp

Models created with Google's SketchUp can now be easily inserted or externally referenced in DataCAD 12. DataCAD will automatically extract materials and bitmap textures from the SketchUp file and embed them into the DataCAD drawing. SketchUp files can also be converted to o2c format for raytraced visualization.

Enhanced Text Handling and Visualization

DataCAD 12 offers new options for creating paragraph text within DataCAD drawings. The paragraph text entity supports TrueType and SHX formats and provides user-definable text boundaries and font formatting. DataCAD 12's paragraph text is roundtrip-compatible with AutoCAD's MText.

DataCAD's rendering has been improved to allow users to assign material definitions on a per-entity basis. Additionally, more than 200 seamless textures for real-world materials have been added to DataCAD 12. More than 200 'Ready2Render' 3D symbols are included, such as classic furniture, office furniture and partitions, and kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

For a complete overview of new features please visit http://www.datacad.com/demo .

Pricing and Availability

DataCAD 12 retails for $1,295.00 USD for the first license. Multi-seat license discounts are available. DATACAD LLC is offering a 10% discount to early adopters of DataCAD 12 if they purchased before September 30, 2007.

For upgrade pricing from earlier DataCAD versions, go to http://www.datacad.com/upgrade . All prices are good for United States distribution only. DataCAD products are available through authorized dealers worldwide or directly from DATACAD LLC. For the name of the dealer nearest you, please call (800) 394-2231 or (860) 677-4004 outside the U.S.

A free, 45-day trial version of DataCAD 12 is available for download at http://www.datacad.com/demo .

About DataCAD

Founded in 1996, DATACAD LLC is an independent, privately-held company that develops, markets and supports affordable, professional-level Windows(R)- based CADD solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors. The company's flagship product, DataCAD, is a professional-level AEC CADD program for architectural design, photo-realistic rendering, and construction document creation. Developed by architects and software engineers for architecture, DataCAD includes tools that make design and drafting easier. With over 250,000 installations worldwide, DataCAD is one of the most widely used and highly acclaimed AEC CADD packages available today.

DataCAD LLC is headquartered in Avon, Connecticut. For more information please visit www.datacad.com .

  FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

  Company Contact:  Mark F. Madura, DATACAD LLC
                    Tel. (860) 677-4004 x11 / E-mail: mark@datacad.com

  Press Contact:  Becky Stevens, Virtual Marketing
                  Tel. (713) 444-6860 / E-mail:
                  becky.stevens@virtualmarketing-pr.com 

Source: DATACAD LLC

CONTACT: Mark F. Madura of DATACAD LLC, +1-860-677-4004 Ext. 11,
mark@datacad.com; or Becky Stevens of Virtual Marketing for DATACAD LLC,
+1-713-444-6860, becky.stevens@virtualmarketing-pr.com

Web site: http://www.datacad.com/
http://www.datacad.com/demo
http://www.datacad.com/upgrade