Great product for interior design business

Love this product...have been using for about 10 years. Run it on my iMac and MacBook Air. Current 6.2 version is the best to date. I was trained on AutoCad back in school and before opening my own business, used AutoCad at the various firms I worked for. When I started my own business I needed a drawing program, but one that could easily work with an iMac. I was happy to find MacDraft. The transition between AutoCad and MacDraft was pretty seamless, there are differences between the two programs, but if you understand the basics of cad drawing, there should be no issues. I use MacDraft for everything design related...furniture plans, cabinetry elevations in bathrooms and kitchens, designing custom furniture, tile detail. Highly recommend this program. And customer service is great...always able to connect with someone who wants to help.

Pros

Price point, Easy to get started. Easy to use. Drawing line weights always look professional.

Cons

I miss some of the features that are on AutoCad. Dimensioning things can sometimes be a real task. Lining things up, copying small images...I do lots of tile design for bathrooms and kitchens, and getting real detailed and lining things up and be a challenge with this program. I've also found that if I've worked on a document over and over again, which some of my projects take months to create, the document seems to have weird layout issues. Shapes refuse to line up and when I copy and paste, things are completely out of whack. I've learned many things by trial and error on how to manipulate the program, but after all this time using this product, still catch myself trying to do auto cad shortcuts.

MacDraft Pro continues to improve and add features but is still as simple to use as ever

I've been using MacDraft since v. 1 in 1985. Back then it was as easy to use as Apple's MacDraw but could accurately maintain scaling when moving an image from one drawing to another with each drawing in a different scale. Now, with many more features and capabilities, Mac Draft 6.2 is still extremely easy to use. This new 6.2 release has a variety of GREAT new features but without a doubt, my favorite is the "page centering" feature. In the past when you opened a drawing and dragged out the size of the window you were using, it was almost always a two-step process: you placed the size of the window you wanted on your screen and then you'd move the image where you wanted it in that window which invariably was in the middle of the window. Now, from the first placement of the window to subsequent adjustments, your image is always in the center of the window regardless of whether you are resizing from the right or left side. This centering of your document also provides an extra benefit: the Dead Zone. Not as macabre as it sounds, the Dead Zone is simply a place off to the side of your document where you can place objects that you do not need in your image at the moment but do not wish to delete. So, whether it be furniture, straight lines, or sizing rectangles, simply move them off the document you are working on onto the gray "dead zone," and they will simply just "sit there" waiting to be used or not. And anything off the document will not print. So, such objects are "off" but not forgotten--just there when you need them. Other great new features are custom guides (dragged from the ruler) as well as Smart Snapping of objects where the top, center, and bottom of an object can snap to another object at the same points. The Welcome screen provides a variety of help features but if that's not enough, there is also a new Helper Palette that will provide basic instruction on any of the tools. Besides the Help provided in the Welcome window, there is also a "New" tab with both blank documents and many templates to help you get started in a variety of directions. And yes, there are all of your recent documents for you to continue to work with. Despite all of the many new features (I've only pointed out a few). The overall MacDraft application is still the same MacDraft that longtime users have enjoyed for years. Easy to use with powerful performance.

Pros

Ease of use and powerful capabilities

Cons

Occasional bugs that need to be addressed. (Not as if I've ever seen any software to be bug-free.)

The only drafting program I use for the last 35 years

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!!

ANDRE BERTRAND

Great functionality and support. Thanks to the support staff. IAs Interior Designer I use to insert a lot of photos from Photoshop into my MD drawings because as you khow Photoshop doesn't work at scale. I wish MD will able to open very heavy files like more than 1 G. The 6.2 version is great. And the zoom it's not sticky anymore ! Very important : The Special line tool perpendicular is perfect but the one starting at the center of an existing line or objet is not. The center line cannot be perpendicular even with the alt button. So after drawind the center line, one should go to check the angle with resize window. The center line must be automatily perpendicular like the othet one. Nothing more. The remaining tools are perfects.

Pros

Easy Drawing
Easy and practicals Tools

Cons

May be more easier compatibilidad with :
Transforming MD files in Autocad in DWG.
Transforming MD files in JPEG images like is doing in PDF

Mac's best weapon

I have used Macdraft for quite some years now and have found it easy to use at a base level if you are just starting and as a perfect tool to show in detail all your projects as you get more confident. I use it for architectural work and have chatted to the company about software and my ideas and they have always been able to help. I doubt if I will change now. As it is a review you will note that it is lacking five stars in the features and functionality bit. That is because when you save under a PDF as many of us have to in order to communicate some of our drawings that way. The renditions as it is made compatable are sometimes not as good as they could be. But it is a small thing but it would make a big improvement.

Pros

ease of use

Cons

PDF quallity

Exceptional Software!

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.

Been using MacDraft for years! New update is great.

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.

Excellent 2D Drawing

I've been using MacDraft for years, in its various iterations, primarily to produce blocking diagrams for theatrical performances. The latest version is even more powerful than the earlier ones. Sure, there's a bit of a learning curve, and I know I'm not using even half the power of the app, but it's versatility has won me over. There are plenty of other drawing applications available, but for the combination of features I want, plus a relatively low price, MacDraft takes the cake!

Pros

Ease of use combined with power.

Cons

I can't find any way to set up various preset groups (e.g., line weight x, line color y, line style z), so I have to select each one individually

Very Good Value and Functions

Overall an excellent tool which I use extensively nearly every day as a Theatre Lighting Designer. I appreciate the simplicity.

Pros

simplicity

Cons

still some bugs. The app crashes regularly. I have made my own macro which auto saves my files every 5 minutes because the app crashes so often. There are bugs in text handling. Sometimes when I highlight text it dissappears and cannot be read. There is a memory problem whereby if I try to copy a group of object only the top object is duplicated.

Simple but powerful!

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

Great Mac solution for CAD

I have been using MacDraft for the past 5 years or so and it offers everything I need from a CAD program. The only criticism I have is that sometimes the files will crash and corrupt themselves. So if you didn't save it or don't have a backup, you are SOL. This has happened a handful of times to me and is excruciatingly frustrating when it does.

Pros

It offers everything I need from CAD. But I don't use too many complicated features

Cons

It will sometimes corrupt a file and I can no longer open or use the file.

World's Oldest MacDraft User

I've been using MacDraft forever - and use it exclusively for programming, planning, and early conceptual design. I don't use any other drawing or drafting software - which isn't necessary for my position as a principal and owner of my firm. There's no better software for creating effective "bubble diagrams", and easily evolving those diagrams into initial plans. It's terrific to use in real time with clients to manipulate the plan. I then use MacDraft to work with staff created CAD drawings to develop the projects. I really need no other "CAD" software for the work I do.

Pros

Read Review

Fantastic!

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.

Highly Recommended

I have been using MacDraft from it's creation and find the new release of v6.2 to be in line with my expectations. The upgrade path was absolutely seamless! A 2D software that I highly recommend.

Pros

Very intuitive and easy to use.

Been using MacDraft since version 1 and still super happy with it :)

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?

Support is great

I love the program but have always had problems with updated. Support has been very good. It has all of the features I need to do engineering drawings. Converting DWG drawings from a PC using Autocad hybrid orgs well except the test scatters. I have been using drawing over 15 year old that have been available throughout program updates.

Pros

Good engineering features

Cons

Updates create problems with existing drawings

MacDraft works!

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

Compatibility with Autocad

Although, I am very happy with the product, my Clients who work with Autocad, often cannot open my drawings md.60 that I saved under dwg or dxf Do you have a solution ?

Pros

Very simple

Cons

Compatibility with Autocad

Been using MacDraft since the beginning.

I'm a general building contractor with a background in architecture. I do design build work and MacDraft has been there all the way. I've been very happy and the application gets better and better as now it is compatible with many forms of CAD.

Pros

ease of use

Cons

needs to up date to a more mature look and editable pallets.

Old Dog New Tricks

I think I have been using MacDraft since its startup. This is good for experience but bad for learning new ways. I am now starting anew and reading the manual from the beginning. Especially the use of shortcut keys, library inserts and datum point alignments. Great program ~ as always.

Pros

It will grow with me as I learn more and more how to use it efficiently. The sky seems to be the limit.

Cons

It is confirming what I already know, it is time for a new computer. But maybe that is a Pros thing.