Architectural Design Software for Professionals
  
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Make the Comparison

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.

As you can see SoftPlan has all the tools and features required to get the job done quickly and easily. From floor plans to automatic generation of elevations, sections, material lists and 3D images SoftPlan will handle the task.
Send for your FREE demonstration / Trial DVD today and get a feel for the CAD software that you should be using for all your residential and light commercial drafting needs.