Fast Architectural Drawing: progeCAD's Free 'EasyArch'

progeCAD 2011 is a low-cost AutoCAD alternative which supports direct reading and writing of complex detail drawings in AutoCAD's '.dwg' file format. The latest progeCAD Professional 2011 release includes several significant features over previous versions. This article explores just one of these new features: progeCAD 2011 Professional's  new "EasyArch" add-on for 2D architectural on-the-fly drawing of walls, doors, stairs and more. EasyArch architectural objects are also parametric, allowing most parameters to be conveniently redefined via dialog boxes at a later time.

EasyArch offers the fast 2D creation of:

• Walls
• Doors
• Windows
• Glass Walls
• Staircases
• Basic Furnishings & More

EasyArch objects can be quickly drawn by selecting the desired item from the "EasyArch" pulldown menu in progeCAD, or enabling any of its several floating toolbars. Object preferences, including text and dimension preferences can also be changed:

The Draw Walls function allows you to specify the thickness (or width) of your wall disregarding the initial and final thickness as it seems to only change to equal each other. You can choose your justification of your drawing line of your wall bearing in mind the width of your wall and the sizing when it comes to the corner. At the corner, progeCAD automatically generates the next lines coming off the corner of the wall taking into account the width and justification of the drawing line. The command line features many helpful functions for your wall including:

• Arc (A): defines an arc for your wall with input angle.
• Closing (C): completes the wall automatically for you when progeCAD can recognize the opportunity to.
• Header (H): closes the last drawn length of wall much like a niche.
• Triangle (T): creates a triangular wall partition for you.

Windows and glass walls can be added as architectural blocks to and existing wall or even line with much ease. Available windows include generic windows, glass walls and French windows. The software asks for the:

• Width: how wide the window will be.
• Opening Frame Distance: where the frame is located in the wall.
• Height: of the window (3D only).
• Angle: Direction of window frame outwards.
• Windowsill projection: the measurement of definition of the windowsill.

EasyArch also offers a curved opening tool allowing the opening to be placed on a curved wall. Each available curved opening is the same as the generic ones available. EasyArch incorporates staircases into the list of available architectural blocks for customization and dimension editing. The available blocks of stairs include spiral-helical, corner step, flights and angle flight staircases. All required variables are asked for in the command line upon creation:

To download a free 30-day trial for progeCAD Professional including EasyArch, see the CADDIT webpage HERE. For a more complete overview of EasyArch for progeCAD 2011 Pro download this FREE PDF E-Book HERE. CADDIT is based in Sydney, Australia and has been supporting progeCAD users since 2007.

Four New CAD Solutions from CADDIT in 2009

2009 heralds the most interesting CAD CAM program portfolio ever serviced by CADDIT in Australia and New Zealand. Come see us regularly at http://www.caddit.net/ in 2009 for scheduled video presentations of the following four great new CAD software features:

1) VariCAD 3D parametrics. 2009 should see useful enhancements for Linux's favorite 3D industrial design CAD software program. Fully editable solid models make this light weight industrial design program the perfect low cost CAD for Linux. VariCAD is also offers native 3D CAD for Windows.

2) progeCAD 2009 reveals their best low cost AutoCAD design compatibility software yet. Additional to this products current support for AutoCAD-like commands, AutoLISP and native DWG file editing, progeCAD 2009 Professional designer software will offer advanced AutoCAD like features, such as DIESEL expressions and a greatly improved product registration process, for a far lower price than a single seat of AutoCAD LT (lite version). Additionally CADDIT will introduce three important new vertical applications for Australia and New Zealand:

1. progeARCH architectural design software for faster drawing of architectural floor plans, layouts and drawings.


2. progeEARTH civil 3D land survey software for advanced 3D Digital Terrain Modeling, road design, sewer design, parking layout and more.


3. QuoteCAD for fast project estimating, quoting and cost calculation using BOM (bill of materials) pricing based on the blocks used in a CAD drawing.
   

3) TransMagic delivers more CAD translation and collaboration resources for enterprise business with version 8. TransMagic products now offer robust visualization of JT files and full “read” and “write” support for exchanging JT files between any 3D CAD/CAM/CAE applications, including CATIA, NX, Pro/E, SolidWorks and Teamcenter. TransMagic already offers 3D file sharing and translation support for SolidWorks SLDPRT, CATIA V5 CATPRT, CATIA V4 .MODEL format, Unigraphics NX .PRT, STEP, IGES and more.

4) Mystery product. 2009 will see CADDIT launch a third level of CAD CAM solutions to Australia and New Zealand. Visit our site to see this additional line of CAD CAM soon.