CNET Editors' review
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:
2.6 starsout of 46 votes
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Current version:
2.5 starsout of 20 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Free, easy install, easy to use, works great."
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
Autocad LT users will have only a small learning curve. Doublecad is actually easier to use than Autocad LT. One example: onscreen boxes for direct entry of line length and direction. Another: "Smart" dimensioning. I've only been using the application for a few days, so I suspect I'll find many other goodies. Oh, did I also mention that it is a completely free full-featured 2D CAD package?
Cons
I have only one small quibble. Some operations leave extraneous items in the drawing space. They're easy to remove with the redraw command (F5), but it is an annoying feature.
Summary
I am completely baffled by the 1 and 2 star reviews on the free version of Doublecad XT3 that complain about installation problems or that "it's not really free". I installed without problems on a modest computer running WIN 7 64 bit. Yes, you get a limited trial of the PRO version initially, but you don't have to use it. I suspect there is incompetence showing in some of these reviews.
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"This isn't freeware"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
didn't test it it as it wasn't freeware
Cons
This isn't freeware
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"Fails do do wall construction dimensions"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
The program presents 3d images of design concepts
Cons
Lack of detail for wood wall construction
Summary
Ok if you just want "picture" designs
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"Go to the Double Cad XT site to download"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
It seems good
Cons
big learning curve for me
Summary
When I down loaded from the CNET site I wasn't provided a number to get it to run. Ended up calling them. Then went to the DoubleCad XT site.
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"0000-0000-0000-0000 does not work for me"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
can't evaluate, no sn
Cons
no serial number
Summary
Who's smokin here? Did I download something different so the sn doesn't work?
Just found this and it works: Please use trial Serial Number: JS30-8254-6012-7788
Updated on Oct 21, 2011
Updated on Oct 21, 2011Just found this and it works: Please use trial Serial Number: JS30-8254-6012-7788 -
"Good but not free"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
I've used IMSI Turbo CAD and this seems to be a much improved version of that. The UI is really good once you are used to it.
Cons
The program is not FREE. It is a 15 day trial of the Double CAD XT Pro software, not the free trial of the Double CAD XT program. The IMSI/Design website seems to list both versions and "Free Trial".
Summary
I do suggest giving it a try, but understand that it is not free. The suggested retail price at the time of this writing was $695.
Use 0000-0000-0000-0000 as the key to install the program as someone mentions below. I'm guessing the other key belonged to someone before IMSI deactivated it. -
"Not a 'Bogus' or 'Scam' application as some claim."
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
Excellent for a 'free' / cutback version of the 'Pro' version (and the 'pro version would also appear to be good value, compared to the overpriced,and not very clever 'Autocad LT')
Cons
Sure you have to register - and they would like it if you bought the 'pro' version. But read all the small print if you wish.I don't think you're risking too much in giving an email address in return for a valuable piece of free software.
Summary
'Conspiracy theory' : Maybe all the 1 star complainers work for Autodesk and fear competition. I don't really believe this - anymore than I believe IMSI are out to scam us.
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"Ok, seams to work well, icons are a bit small"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
It works. It's free.
Cons
A bit different than AutoCad. Not as nice as DraftSight, (also free), but I am currently having problems printing out of Draft Sight.
Summary
Some users complained they could not install without a keycode. Use 0000-0000-0000-0000. Instals no problem.
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"No SN provided"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
never got to try it to find out.
Cons
The setup wizard required an SN for this "free download". Since I didn't have one I had I had to cancel the setup.
Summary
Bottom line is "nothing"
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"Serial Number is EASILY available from company website"
Version: DoubleCAD XT 3.1
Pros
This is a great program that does require registration with the company to get a serial number. The best way is to to go straight to the company website to make the download.
Cons
Yes, you have to jump thru like 1 1/2 hoops to download and register the program. For what you get, it is VERY worth it!!!!
Summary
Don't listen to the people who say "don't download, it won't work cause you need a serial number." Well yes, you need a serial number, just go to their website and get one!!! What's the big deal? Also, make sure you download the right version, as stated above. I think download.com has a download link to the PRO version, which does only run as a trial period. What you want to download is the DoubleCAD XT, not the DoubleCADXT PRO. What they do after install is give you a 30 day trial with the PRO, then after, you get to use the free version indefinitely. Just do your homework and figure it out, it is legit, and its a very powerful CAD program!!!!!
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