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IMSI/Design's DoubleCAD XT is a compact CAD utility for Google SketchUp. Based on the developer's professional CAD product, DoubleCAD XT is similar to other slimmed-down CAD packages, but it offers more than most of them, for less: it's free.
DoubleCAD XT's interface will be familiar to many, even those with no CAD experience, since CAD tools generally look and function much like photo editors and other typical graphics utilities, and DoubleCAD XT is based on pro software. It's well designed, as you'd expect from design software. It's easy to use if you have CAD experience but easy to figure out if you don't. For a free tool, it offers basics and extras too numerous to list entirely, but a few are: Enhanced .SPK compatibility with SketchUp, layers, a 3D-to-2D flattener, a brush editor, and automatic scaling. DoubleCAD XT is a great choice as a .DWG viewer for those with older AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT versions that can't read the latest formats. It's also handy for those who need to import or otherwise view and utilize CAD images for other purposes, such as presentations or digital publishing.
DoubleCAD XT is certified for both Windows XP and Vista, but not yet in Windows 7. It downloads as a Zip file, but at nearly 58MB, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It also requires you to enter the provided serial number--not too many hoops to jump through for such fine free tools. Highly recommended.
Publisher's Description
From IMSI/Design:
DoubleCAD XT is a free full featured 2.5D CAD application that has the power to handle all design and detailing needs. It is free to use for personal, educational, or commercial use without restriction or limitation (Yes, you read that right!). With its unmatched support for many industry standard design formats including Google SketchUp and AutoCAD, DoubleCAD XT v3.1 assures great interoperability with the applications you use to help optimize project workflow. Based on IMSI/Design's award-winning CAD code with over two million copies sold worldwide, DoubleCAD XT works like AutoCAD LT but goes beyond in a number of important areas, including innovative features like: Self-healing, ACA-compatible walls; Self-aligning blocks; Transparent fills; Draw order by layer; Bezier curves; Flatten 3D to 2D views; Advanced polyline editing; Automatic scaling of units between drawings; Input multiple unit types on-the-fly; Object snap prioritization; Brush editor; Smart dimensions; split objects, Import xrefs.
DoubleCAD XT is also an excellent multi-format Drawing Viewer capable of not only simple viewing, but full editing and markup like no other free CAD based application available today. In addition to viewing and editing capabilities, DoubleCAD XT also makes a great file converter that can import and export files to DWG, SKP, DXF, DWF, PLT, WMF to name a few. Regardless of what CAD applications you are currently using, DoubleCAD XT makes a perfect companion and even better replacement that will quickly become one of your favorite tools to help increase your competitive advantage. Please use trial Serial Number: JS30-8254-6012-7788
What's new in this version: Version 3.1 supports the latest industry file formats including SketchUp SKP version 8 and AutoCAD DWG version 2011. New features include a new purge tool and layer manager. Enhancements include improved stability, performance, and usability optimization.
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All versions:
2.7 starsout of 59 votes
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Current version:
2.6 starsout of 33 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Excellent free CAD program."
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
Free. Powerful. Comprehensive. On line tutorials.
Cons
High learning curve if you are not familiar w/CAD.
Summary
Those expensive CAD programs better be afraid..... very afraid. This is an excellent CAD program that does everything I need it to do and I didn't have to take out a second mortgage to buy it!!!!
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"Can not install as it is asking for a SN"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
Can't tell as I could not go through installation.
Cons
Can't tell as I could not go through installation.
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"Will not install without a Serial Number!"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
Dont know if there are any and dont care now!
Cons
Honestly... supposed to be free - asks for serial number on install ... wont install without it ... no instruction on how to find this number or click here to get serial... nothing. Crappy waste of download time!
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"Not as intuitive as Auto-cad"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
- It is free and that speaks a lot when you do not want to drop hundreds of dollars for Auto-Cad products.
- It does have many functions like AutoCad but that does not save it from its biggest con for me.Cons
- It is not as easy to use as Auto-Cad. I can say this because i have used Auto-Cad as just a casual student in an Engineering Academy in high school.
Summary
When comparing Double CAD to Auto CAD as a casual use who just draws plans for, lets say a bike project, it is NOT easy to use. The lack of an automatic ortho tool when trying to draw a 90,180,270 degree line is frustrating. Now i know you toggle into Ortho by pressing shift, but when you have to press down on shift while typing in a value for the length of a line it gets frustating. Also the lack of easy snap options makes it hard to get work done quikly; Plus the snap options are not well designed. I also find it hard to input values for shapes and lines.
[and No... TAB (enter value) does not work like autocad....it is kinda of sketchy when you use it]
Now I am just pointing out three things that are important to me as a casual user(good designed snap tools/options; good Ortho design; and some easy to use User interface for accrate designing).
If it can fix that up then....well Auto-Cad will be just a waste of some hundreds of dollars. But what can you expect from Freeware? -
"Have you noticed how strident the defenders are?"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
This review grouping is a battle between the pros and the cons. But why are the "pro" defenders so adamant about the program? What have they to gain? I too have experienced problems with the program. And do you notice the defenders of the program use generalities most of the time. Is it because they work for IMSI?
Cons
I have never seen such a battle. It is in human nature to criticize, so I can understand the "con" people, but it is VERY unusual to see so MANY people trumpet the cause of IMSI. Why would normal people feel compelled to promote a company they don't know personally? What have they got to gain?
Summary
The intensity of the "pro" defender people is a BIG concern for me. I do not want to infect my computer. I will leave this program alone.
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"Might be nice if it could be activated"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
none I can think of
Cons
Downloads fine, installs fine and then asks for an activation pass-code, which is not supplied. However I am sure that DoubleCad will supply the pass-code, if I can get anyone to respond at CNET, Double_Cad or anywhere else without first giving my credid card numbers and/or bank account numbers.
Summary
Scam.
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"Great free CAD program"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
Very feature full CAD package especially considering the XT version is free (the installer installs both the Pro version and XT version, the Pro version is a trial, you can uninstall it). Don't listen to the idiots that don't know a software serial number from an icon, the software installs and works fine (I install on Windows Vista 32 bit and on a Windows 7 64 bit machine).
Cons
Has a few bugs, particularly a tendency to change the size of a call out style dimension line. AutoCAD compatibility leaves a bit to be desired. I have 8 AutoCAD files as part of my project and DoubleCAD was able to open, edit and save only about half of them without mangling the contents.
Summary
As far as what's available out there for free CAD software this one appears to be the best. Has some quirks (particularly AutoCAD DWG compatibility), but the only better alternative appears to be AutoCAD LT ($$$). If you just want a CAD (DWG) viewer, you are better off with AutoDesk's TrueView free application, but you can't edit with that one.
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"Resolute in its refusal to work."
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
Not one, as the thing refuses to turn on. The setup program works, it accepts the serial numbers and activation codes, and then does nothing. No amount of encouragement will persuade this program to start. It won't load from the desktop icon, or from the start menu, or even directly from the .exe file. Nothing. Zilch. Nada.
Cons
This software refuse to work, and IMSI refuses to respond to any form of communication. They won't answer emails. They won't answer telephone calls. That leaves the 'Community Forum' which tells me an error has occurred and goes on, "Sorry Guest, you are banned from using this forum! This ban is not set to expire." I take this to mean they don't want my business.
Summary
Go elsewhere.
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"Great Program"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
It is very capable even in the free version.
Cons
None so far.
Summary
Who the heck said here that this program is not free? Completely wrong. It is the Pro version that is not free. When you install it you have the option to also try the Pro version features for 30 days. After that the Pro features are disabled and you are left with the regular free version features and this is just fine.
I've installed it in my Vista 64 bit machine with no problems whatsoever. To the user of that particular post up there, IT IS NOT THE SERIAL NUMBER OF YOUR COMPUTER! It is the serial number provided by IMSI. I went and downloaded it from IMSI and they provided working serial numbers in an e-mail and that worked just fine. Yes the program is free and it works just fine. -
"Will not install"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
Looks like wha I want to try
Cons
Will not accept HP serial number on computer label, thus will not install
Summary
Will not accept HP serial number on computer label, thus will not install
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