Function / Feature
|
General CAD
|
SoftPlan
|
| Text / Command Line. |
Some programs rely on keyboard commands to function.
Requiring you to remember many key entry commands. |
Not required as menus are used for item selection. User
defined keys can be assigned to functions. |
| X, Y & Z coordinates. |
Some programs require screen / global positioning for
calculations. |
Not required as objects have size & position
information. |
| Automatic Generation. |
Line draw programs rarely generate without expensive add
ons. |
Full automatic generation of elevations, cross sections,
material lists and 3D Images. |
| Layers and Building Options |
Only uses layers to hide / display items or groups of items. |
SoftPlan has layers that are compatible with line draw
programs but also has a more powerful Building Options tools that allow for better control over items or
groups. |
| Specific Modes. |
Generally uses layers to define modes if
available. |
Has pre defined drawing, floor, ceiling, roof, profile, site,
electrical and interior modes. View Modes. |
| Building Terminology. |
Often uses CAD terms rather than building
terminology. |
SoftPlan calls components by their correct building names,
eg. joists, walls, beams etc. |
| Ease of use. |
Complex commands combined with non-building
items. |
SoftPlan has the shortest learning curve in the
industry. |
| Training. |
Expensive training required, just to get a simple
drawing. |
Nearly all of our happy users have not required any training.
Some have never opened the manual. |
| Material List. |
Often complex and time consuming parameters need to be
assigned to non-building items. |
With SoftPlan's intelligent objects a material list is
generated in seconds. SoftPlan is supplied setup ready to produce a material list. |
| Manuals. |
Often brief, not supplied at all or print your own from the
CD. |
Fully printed, tutorial style detailed manuals. |
| User Support. |
Paid user support contracts or annual licence
fees. |
Support is FREE
for a long as you using the current version of SoftPlan, via phone, fax or e-mail. |
| 3D Renderings. |
Often an add on module or so difficult to use no one
does. |
SoftPlan generates full colour 3Dimensional images. with hundreds of textures as a by product of the
floor plan. |
| Communication tools |
Some programs do not communicate with non cad
users. |
SoftPlan can read and write DXF and DWG files. SoftPlan
reView produces PDF and reView files for use
with the FREE markup / viewer. |
| Specific drawing tools. |
Quite often only lines available, with offsets and fillets to
be saved as items that represent objects. |
Stairs, decking tools, Autoroof, flooring systems and speed note libraries to name a few of
the specific tools that make SoftPlan a "Program that will build your
business". |
| Ready for use. |
Many programs are supplied with Imperial measurements, no
drawing templates and require hours of work before commencing a drawing. |
SoftPlan is provided setup ready to use. Just install and draw. Sure you will want to
change settings, SoftPlan allows for complete customisation as you become familiar with the
software. |
| Drawing Methods. |
Exact dimensions required upon initial entry, this restricts
flexibility of design. |
SoftPlan allows you to sketch the floor plan, dimension and edit. Your sketch becomes the
final drawing, a true design tool. |
| Integrated stand alone. |
Some programs are piggy backed on to an engine, requiring
updating of both programs that are not always totally compatible. |
SoftPlan is a completely stand alone, integrated program. All
that is required is the operating system and SoftPlan. |
| Printing / Plotting. |
Some programs require external printing and plotting
programs. |
All printing or plotting is handled from within SoftPlan.
Printing to any scale on any size of paper. (paper size is governed by printer capabilities) with
complete control of pen thickness and colour. |
| Program Costs. |
Programs at the lower end of the scale maybe easy to use but
are not capable of producing detailed working drawings. Most of the programs in the upper end of
the price range will lack ease of use. |
SoftPlan however combines ease of use with the ability to
produce high quality detailed drawings, material lists and 3D renderings at a realistic
price.View SoftPlan Price List. |
