MacDraft Professional Software

MacDraft is a decent CAD program for Macs. It's not as powerful as other CAD programs, but that does make it easier to learn and use.

Pros

The best things about the MacDraft Professional software is that it's easy to use and works on a Mac.

Cons

It doesn't have all of the features of more advanced programs (which, consequently, makes MacDraft easy to use) and it tends to be a bit buggy.

Great architectural drawings

Pros

Easy to use, it is simple and you dont need full blown CAD program. An economic option for architectural drawings

Cons

When you insert a lot of items from the library it gets very slow. Cant open if you dont have enough memory available

It makes my job easier because of my ability to complete basic CAD drawings quickly and easily.

Pros

The ease of use. There's a small learning curve but it's very intuitive. Serves my purposes very well and is much less expensive than most 2D CAD apps.

Cons

Sometimes I find when objects are aligned on the screen, they are not aligned when printed. This could be an issue with my printer driver. This is a minor issue that does not occur often.

Pros

I like that it is simple and doesn't require know and full blown CAD program. But If you need to go full blown CAD you can!

Cons

Is it does not let you know if you have a DWG or DXF it can not open only because you don't have enough memory available since they are too big or heavy?

Helps my work

Pros

Its affordability and simple basic tools without over complication. Ease of use, and clear layout, No gimmicks and just a professional package

Cons

Design of buttons and general interface a little clumsy. Can be a little crowded out there. Allow more flexibility for individual styles.

I render right into the specification detail that I create and I find that to reflect realistic visuals for client evaluation.

Pros

The update is consistent with features of previous versions. I use it to draft details specifications and than render into those details, occasionally bringing over pdf and jpg , sizing them to drop in!elements from other apps.

Cons

I am not sure that I like the layout sizing as compared with older versions. Maybe I am just not use comfortable with it and that will change as I go forward with projects.

Pros

Having a library of trees and other items to choose from. Also being able to create our own items to store in that library that are specific to our company.

Cons

When you insert too many items from the library, the speed gets very slow. We ended up modifying our own similar items so that it wouldn't bog down as much.

hassle free and fast tool for visualisation of ideas, concepts and layouts

Pros

economic solution for simple architectural drawings and scetches, logical tool selection and easy to use

Cons

Hope for continuous improvements, timely update information, extension towards 3D and ArchiCad combattibility

1. I run my company on it ( dydesign.com)
2. My customers love my speed and presentation.

Pros

1. Use of color on architectural/ presentation/ design - is the best.
(I am famous for my colored plans)
2. Speed and easy to change your mine using "command z".
3. Graphic Design, and Architecture on the same format.
4. Communicating with other programs is possible.

Cons

1. Since I started using it ( 35 years ago) its crashing. (6.2 when you try to duplicate)
2. Some CAD is not compatible. (the ones with 3D component )
3. You cant vectorize fonts.
4. You cant arch text.
5. You cant create shadows like in "ILLUSTRATOR"
6. Library should be bigger .
7. BIG PROBLEM WITH PRINTING.
I have to convert to jpg before printing -PAIN IN THE NECK!!

For the cost, I can draw up my design ideas with relative ease and accuracy. I was able to get up and going really quickly without struggling to figure out how to use it.

Pros

Basically, easy to use. Intuitive like most Mac software. Works well for my home projects but I'm not sure how useful for a business, unless basic remodeling. I like the software for my home projects.

Cons

I think there are more functions then are easily identified, or my expectations are too high. I do find myself a little frustrated in sizing objects. I used to be able to enter exact sizes, but can't to find that function.

Pros

I like that you can have a bunch of drawings up a.t the same time, it makes it easy to correlate everything.

Cons

It doesn't have autosave, some times it will it just goes crazy, and crash es
Other than that it's , no pen input and it would be nice to have a paint layer feature.

Easy of use

Pros

Macdraft is so much easier to learn and use than AutoCad. In my work I do mostly wiring diagrams, but the occasional plan and elevation view drawings to scale. Macdraft is always my go-to tool!

Cons

The only thing I've had difficulty with is that unlike other CAD software such as AutoCad where you are drawing to full size in virtual space and the software is always scaling to fit the paper size you select, Macdraft requires you to make that choice when you start the drawing. This is really only an issue when I need to send my drawings back and forth with an architect that is using AutoCad. Also, depending on the scale you choose, then smallest unit of measurement selectable seems to change. In software that draws full size in virtual space, this does not happen.

I discovered macdraft pro in 2005 when looking for a mac based design program for my construction business. This was pre Sketchup. The software has come a long way since 2005 and continues to get better with every update. It's not as robust as Autocad, but it more then meets my needs. A lot of value for the money and a great alternative to Auto cad for mac users.

I have been using MacDraft for many years. I started using it because I needed a drawing program that gave me much more precision. MacDraft was IT! It was also easy to use with lots of easy to use features and quite robust. I could not have accomplished my work without MacDraft.

I've been using MacDraft since the very first version which ran on a Mac 512 if I remember correctly. My how things have changed. I use this program almost daily in my business and it easily does 90% of what I need. It would be nice to have a couple of additional features like trim two curves, and trim a curve into a line, but all in all it is a very useful, simple to use tool that makes my life easier, without the huge learning curve of some of the other drafting programs. Having said that, it is not a replacement for those other programs, just another tool in the box.

Pros

Ease of use, intuitive interface.

Cons

Feature limitations

We use MacDraft for mechanical and electrical drawings. It is very intuitive for both early users and old hands. DXF export is successful for transferring files to a shop that does laser-cut stainless panels, and to several others who do fabricated tanks for us. It works as expected.

Pros

It's the best Mac drafting solution we've found. We'd be lost without it.

Cons

It's not a 3D program, but that also means it's easier to use

I have been a MacDraft user since version 1.0. I am a casual user, and I maintain my license because it is affordable and easy to use. I have used it professionally in the past for space planning, but now I use it primarily for home projects. I am happy to be able to use a piece of software that dates directly back to my early uses of Macintosh computers. Thank you!

I have used mac draft for over 25 years and have seen continuos improvements over the years to make it easier to use and a better program. I recommend this program.

I am not a CADD trained person or have much experience in using it. But I knew I needed to find a replacement for the Mac-based CADD program I was using. It was too unstable and difficult to use. I found MacDraft Pro and based on reviews I had read, downloaded the trial version. Right away, I was off to a great start. It is very easy to use, seems very stable so far and I am really enjoying using it. They also have a great online manual to help you through whatever it is you are trying to accomplish. Looking forward to more projects to try it on. The sales team was super supportive and helpful. They are even developing an engineering library more suited to our needs! So far, its been a super program for us.

Pros

program is easy to use, seems pretty intuitive for a non-CADD trained person. The online manual very helpful and detailed.

Cons

haven't found anything yet

Advice to Others

no

I am an Architect and Designer, I've been using this software for more than 10 years, and I can do from a Simple Drawing to a complete Architectural Drawings, easy to use and Autocad compatible.

Pros

Easy to use
Libraries have lots of materials to choose from

Cons

I cannot modify on an Autocad document/file.

Advice to Others

Can you add more restaurant equipments and ADA toilets, lavatories, grab bars to the library