DATACAD LLC Releases DataCAD® 8.05.01 for Windows® 95/98/NT®

Enhancement release offers more options for visualization, interface and output

Avon, CT - September 14, 1998 - DATACAD LLC has released DataCAD version 8.05.01, an update of its widely used 32-bit computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) program for 2D/3D architectural applications. This enhancement release gives users improved visualization capabilities and new options for customizing the user interface and hardcopy output. DataCAD 8 customers can download the version 8.05.01 update free from the DATACAD web site at http://www.datacad.com.

"The new features we have added to DataCAD 8 within the past few months are a direct response to customer feedback from Internet list servers such as datacad-dbug@world.std.com," stated Mark Madura, President of DATACAD. "DataCAD 8 is the first Windows version, and many veteran DataCAD for DOS users voiced their concerns that the new GUI (Graphical User Interface) consumes too much of the drawing area, a problem with many Windows-based CADD programs. Similarly, many of the manufacturers-supplied Windows printer drivers don't offer enough options for customizing the way CADD drawings are printed. We've addressed both of these concerns in DataCAD 8.05.01, plus we've enhanced one of the most frequently used features - the QuickShader, used for fast visualization of 3D models. Responding quickly to customer requests enables DATACAD to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction."

Customizable User Interface
Now users can easily customize the DataCAD user interface directly from within the application's Interface Settings dialog. Font name, style, and point size for the menu window and message window can be set independently. Power users who are familiar with the program options can reduce the point size to maximize the drawing area, and new users can increase the point size for greater readability. In addition, the user can customize the drawing background color, toggle the icon toolbar on and off, and set the menu window to the left or right of the drawing window.

New Printer Menu Options
CADD users require specific options for controlling the way lines are displayed and printed. Now DataCAD users can map drawing line color to printed line width, density, and color directly from DataCAD using the new Pen Table dialog and augment the printer manufacturer's supplied options. For example, all red lines in a drawing can be set to plot 0.35mm wide, in 50% black. Up to 255 line colors can be mapped to one of 15 pens in the Pen Table, allowing the user to establish the most appropriate settings for architectural drawings.

Improved Visualization
DataCAD 8.05.01 offers visualization enhancements. An enhanced QuickShader now provides lighting intensity controls and background color settings. In addition, menu button highlighting, and a line type/hatch pattern preview window have been added. For compatibility with other Microsoft Office applications, the DataCAD Drawing Window can now be saved as a bitmap (.BMP) image for use in sales presentations, proposals and technical 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. According to the 1997 AIA firm survey, DataCAD is the second most widely used CADD software among American Institute of Architects (AIA) member firms.