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EazyDraw is a vector based drawing application for technical drawing, illustrations, and desk top publishing (DTP) with Apple's Macintosh OS X (Mac OS-X) operating system. It is an Illustration or drawing software application that offers vector-based graphics editing and creation capabilities for creating simple, non-photographic drawings, technical diagrams and illustrations such as logos, icons, buttons and stylized art.
A lot of features, can do things other drawing programs can't.
Cons
Overly complex for many situations. Unless you spend a LOT of time using this program and become totally familiar with all the windows and pallettes and settings, forget about doing something simple and quickly. There are also some glitches when printing. For instance, the program stubbornly continues to choose a printer I haven't used in months, even when that printer is not connected to my computer, and it will totally ignore your system default printer. It also produced system errors in my Xerox laser printer. At the end of print, it will ask to load paper, while there is plenty of paper in the tray. If I pull out the paper stack and re-insert, the printer will print another page, then the light to add paper goes on again. If I repeat, it will print another page. You can continue this for 10,000 pages if you like. To fix and cancel the trouble light, I have to quit the program. Then the printer is happy again. This stuff should have been fixed a long time ago.
Summary
For certain types of drawing work, this is fine. But bugs are the order of the day. If you don't believe that, then take a look at their upgrade history over all the releases over the past few years and look at the bugs they've fixed.
Does everything I want, and more
talmy
Pros
Features galore for just about every conceivable use or user
Flexible purchasing (30 day free trial, 9 month full license, permanent license, download or boxed)
Great tutorial designs for most all features, videos, thorough manual (PDF or printed).
Company is responsive to problems
Cons
Confusing interface, especially when getting started.
Occasionally non-responsive or awkward controls.
Summary
I've had a copy for over 5 years now. For me this is my "Mac Draw" replacement, although I've really come via Micrografx Designer on Windows. I use it for technical drawing, electrical schematics for illustrations, block diagrams. Just about every vector graphic need but flow charts for which I use OmniGraffle. It's worked beautifully with my other applications and has good import/export capabilities.
In reality, the program is probably worth 4 stars because of frustrating interface, but it does get the work done, which is more than I can say about everything else I've tried except for Adobe Illustrator. And AI is much more expensive and just as confusing to use.
Looking for a replacement for CANVAS ....
osos10
Pros
Looks as the right replacement ...
Cons
Odd pricing and versions policies ...
Summary
Now this program continue to puzzle me. Here is a new 4.1 version for the same $95 as the new 4 version at the App store. But at the App store the 3.7.5 is still offered for 1/3 of that price? Aside from non English languages support in version(s) 4, I see no difference between 4 and 3.7.5. I use graphic programs only occasionally, and once I master an application I don't like to waste time (and money) on a second one (I am still using CANVAS 9.0, which is obsolete on Lion). I hesitate to purchase and test Eazydraw because of the unclear and odd pricing policy.
Spectacular Application
MacRNF
Pros
The strength of this drawing program lies in its very powerful, but easy use of tools. Once the interface is learned, this application rapidly becomes the only vector-based drawing program you need.
Cons
The interface is unlike other applications. Preference panels are rather complex. Many cool methods exist, but they are are often difficult to find. Object selection via the cursor could be more accurate, particularly when using shift-click.
Summary
Bottom-line is that one of my colleagues bought a Mac after watching me use EazyDraw. A better recommendation can hardly be made.
For me, EazyDraw far outpaces illustrator or canvas in terms of speed, simplicity and control of elements. The preferences and number of ways to achieve your goals are tremendous, even if a bit complex. Layer controls are very intuitive, however, and facilitate easy construction of complex images that can readily be transferred to photoshop layer-by-layer if necessary. I used to use MacDraw and ClarisDraw, and sorely missed them when they disappeared from Apples horizon. EasyDraw takes those concepts to completely new levels and as far as I know is the only application capable of opening MacDraw and ClarisDraw files.
The developers continue to release upgrades on a regular basis, and are clearly dedicated to this application. If you want a powerful, yet easy drawing app, this is the one, and a at a very fair price.
Excellent produt for the price
stewimac
Pros
Converts McDraw Pro drawings.
Cons
Confusing setup menus.
Summary
The only dislike is the conversion of McDraw Pro drawings have many flaws in them.
Can't find group/ungroup function.
Gomes Frank B
Pros
Have not used it enough to give a rating either way.
Cons
The drop down menus seem very complicated. It would require the manual to be able to use the product. And it would take a very long learning curve.
Summary
I have thought of purchasing EasyDraw to take over the use of AppleWorks which Apple no longer supports. It's too bad the app is not more user friendly and simpler to use. If the creators of EasyDraw are thinking of replacing AW with their product, they should strive to make the app more AW-like. In the tool bar on the left, the text icon should be higher in the bar. Am having second thoughts about its purchase.
nice, the tools interface is a bit balky
MicroMechanix
Pros
better than stock paint program.
has great features if you know how to get to them.
Cons
bugs like when you group objects to rotate or flip they swap positions but do not flip as one.
Summary
needs a lot of work. has potential to be a great graphics engine.
just needs work on the intrerface.
Great for the price
chrismeador
Pros
I use this to make illustrations for math problems (which can sometimes get rather technical) and it is great! I don't have any experience with CAD or vector graphics programs, but the interface is so intuitive that I rarely have to consult the user's manual to figure things out. Also, it exports into many different file formats (including EPS) which is very convenient.
<p>
<p>This is a MUST TRY program for people who want to create vector graphics, technical drawings, or diagrams but don't want to shell out the big bucks for Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw.
Cons
I wish the program could export to SVG format. However, it is being actively developed so this feature may be coming in a future release.
Summary
Steady Improvements
ACBIV
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I've been using EazyDraw since January of 2004, and in my view it remains the best app for vector-based drawing in this price range. In early days, there were bugs and the developer always responded promptly to my reports. Though I continue to miss ClarisCAD and ClarisCAD II from years ago, EazyDraw certainly fulfills my requirements.
How do you like your bugs?
tahoerob
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />On the surface, EazyDraw looks great. But, wow, is it buggy! I bought the $20 trial license and am very glad I didn't pony up for the full license. I couldn't get the grid to work no matter how hard I tried. Objects didn't snap properly and there were always alignment problems. I had hoped to use EazyDraw for some basic floorplans, but it quickly proved too frustrating and buggy for such work, so I gave up on it.<p>If you need solid drawing functionality, check out Cenon. It's free, seems quite stable, and has allowed me to accomplish everything I wanted to do with EazyDraw.
