The number and complexity of CADD software programs available for microcomputers is increasing daily. The earliest programs were somewhat limited in their functions and flexibility, but recent releases have added advanced features such as 3-D viewing and database extraction.

Of course, the more sophisticated and complex the program, the higher the cost. Currently, programs are available from a low cost of around $500 to approximately $3,000. All of the programs come with documentation describing the program, its functions, capabilities, and limitations. Also included with the documentation are instructions about how to go about setting up and installing the program. However, most programs assume at least a moderate knowledge of microcomputers when actually installing the system.

As with anything new, a certain amount of training or learning time, prior to actual production, should be anticipated.

Listed below are several CADD programs that are currently available for use with microcomputers:

AUTOCAD
Autodesk, Inc.
Sausalito, Ca

Very powerful, full featured CADD program. Features 3-D views, data base extraction, dimensioning, unlimited layers, custom definable menus, and many others. This program has been the standard against which other CADD programs have been compared for several years.

CADIS
Cadgraph System, Inc.
San Francisco, Ca.

Inexpensive, general purpose, two dimensional CADD program. The system is menu driven and supports features such as: dimensioning, moving drawing entities between layers, symbol libraries, and unlimited screen zoom. Cadis is a straight forward, inexpensive, clean looking program.

Mega CADD
Mega Cadd, Inc.
Seattle, Wa.

MegaCADD shines in the area of perspective and isometric drawings. With this system you can: create multiple views on the same screen, do simultaneous plan and perspective views, do infinite pans, zooms and windows, as well as build component libraries. MegaCADD is not inexpensive, but if 3-D is what you need, this program deserves serious consideration.

Cadkey
Micro Control Systems, Inc.
Vernon, Ct.

3-D is also available on this powerful program for the microcomputer. microcomputer. Cadkey has a unique “Immediate Mode” command that allows you to suspend one operation in order to accomplish another without having to go back through several steps. In addition, Cadkey allows all menu, prompt, and status information to be stores as straight text files, so that creation of a customized system is possible.

Vision 2000
Zericon
San Francisco, Ca.

Vision 2000 is another inexpensive, but capable two-dimensional drafting system. The system is menu operated and there fore is easy to learn and use. A dimensioning module is included with the program at no additional cost. The program is capable of creating 256 overlays. Drawing entitles can be stored in symbol libraries and moved from one layer to another.

CADplan
Personal CAD Systems, Inc.
Los Gatos, Ca.

By using this program along with its data base extraction module, a designer can automatically create a bill of materials listing all elements used in the design. It is then possible to link this bill of materials to specification and vendor information and produce bids or proposals. In addition, this two-dimensional system offers creation of up to 65 layers at one time and a dimensioning module is available.

VersaCAD
T&W Systems, Inc.
Huntington Beach, Ca.

As one of the first companies to offer microcomputer based CADD, T & W Systems offer a wide variety of programs from very advanced to entry level. They also offer a wide variety of programs from very advanced to entry level. They also offer a CADD program that can be used with the Apple series of computers.

In A Vision
Micrografx, Inc.
Richardson, Tx.

This is the first CADD program to make use of Microsoft’s new “Windows” technology. In a Vision not only produces quality drawings for design work, but can be used to produce other graphic products such as charts, graphs, and organizational charts. It is a very colorful and easy product to use.

Anvil-1000MD
MCS
Irvine, CA

By combining the latest in hardware with a very advanced software program, the MCS people have introduced a truly exceptional CADD system. The system is menu driven, very fast, and capable of producing 32-color, two-dimensional drawings of exceptional detail. The “levels” feature allows interaction with all parts of the drawing at the same time and 1,024 levels can be used in a drawing.