DATACAD LLC ships DataCAD^® 7.50

New features accelerate routine architectural design and drafting operations

Avon, CT 06001 -- August 27, 1997 -- DATACAD LLC announced today that it is shipping DataCAD 7.50, an upgrade release of the DataCAD architectural computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software used by over 180,000 professional architects, interior designers, builders and remodelers worldwide. This 2D/3D architectural design and drafting program provides a variety of productivity-boosting features including pocket and overhead door styles, new door and window controls, cavity wall cuts, multi-view windows, layer management tools and more.

"DataCAD 7.50 is a direct response to our user wishlist survey initiated earlier this year," stated Mark Madura, president and CEO of DATACAD LLC. "Our primary focus is to provide customer-driven product enhancements to satisfy the needs of our extensive user base and meet the demand for advanced, production-oriented technology for the architectural marketplace."

Production-oriented tools for architectural design
This version extends DataCAD’s robust design capabilities by offering advanced door and window controls. The user can now specify: 1) windows and doors by their rough openings, 2) the depth of a door jamb, 3) the thickness of all doors, including bi-folding and sliding, 4) the opening width of sliding and pocket doors 5) the door swing as an arc, straight line, or none at all. The color of the door swing can also be changed to contrast with the door for printing or plotting. The product also introduces new pocket and overhead (garage) door styles and cavity wall cuts detailing two wall layers separated by an air chamber.

New features for color customization and layer management
DataCAD users can now control the display of the computer screen’s 256 colors. Each RGB value can be modified to accommodate a user’s preference and visually fine-tuned in real-time. The color adjustments remain in effect during the worksession and can be saved permanently. Custom RGB files can be used in conjunction with QuickShade to provide an extensive range of color palettes for architectural rendering.

Layer management tools include a new Match function which allows the DataCAD user to visually select architectural elements, such as doors and windows, instead of memorizing layer names. This feature is especially useful for the development of extensive, multi-layer architectural designs. The Layer Search status can now be checked visually via the new ON/OFF toggle permanently displayed in the status area of the main screen.

Enhancements for better usability and visualization
DataCAD 7.50 also incorporates task-oriented features such as the new Change/Undo function, which reverses the last operation in the worksession. The new Multi-View Windows can be quickly initiated via the keyboard (CTRL-W) or the menu. For each window, a user assigns or saves views and updates the window to reflect any editing. The QuickShade function can also be used to shade any selected view.

For lengthy file lists, menu scrolling can be performed by simply pressing the PgUp or PgDn key.

Other enhancements include an online calculator and fully updated online documentation. For convenience, DATACAD LLC’s Technical Bulletin series detailing Tech Tips and step-by-step procedures has also been added to the online documentation.

About DATACAD LLC
DATACAD LLC is an independent, privately held company that provides robust computer-aided design and drafting solutions to architecture, building, engineering, and construction firms. With over 180,000 installations worldwide, DATACAD LLC’s award-winning DataCAD architectural design products are some of the most popular, cost-effective CADD products available.