progeCAD 2018 Update Free for Existing Users

progeCAD 8.0.8.26 has been released on CADDIT.net, with free upgrade entitlement for all existing progeCAD 2018 users. progeCAD is an affordable general-purpose CAD drawing package with similar commands and workflow to AutoCAD, native DWG file read/write and extensive publishing/translation features. Advanced progeCAD features include full 3D rendering, extensive symbols library and Express Tools similar to those offered in AutoCAD. Using progeCAD, designers can seamlessly communicate with an AutoCAD environment. progeCAD updates 8.0.6 and  8.0.8 improves performance and addresses a number of reported issues. These improvements include several significant improvement for users with high-DPI displays:

• Official support for Windows 10 FALL CREATORS update
• Improved quality for icon transparency
• Better UI experience for custom control with high DPI
• Added DPI Aware settings in options dialog
• Improved drag of blocks on x86 version with DRAGDETAIL > 0 
• Added check to avoid crash while closing, when IRX applications uses point monitoring
• Added Layer support in PUBLISH PDF (batch printing)
• Added detection and correction of possible PDF/JPG printers activation issues after OS update
• Fixed crash when TABLE command is called multiple times 
• Changed the file name of the ones saved during emergency save when crash occurred
• Added opening of .SV$ files during drawing recovery
• Fixed height of command list items in 4k high DPI monitor
• Fixed height of items in layer toolbar combo box in 4k high DPI monitor
• Fixed height of items in toolbar combo box in 4k high DPI monitor
• Improved stability when using grips on dynamic blocks

progeCAD 2018 release is now quite well tested for supporting a variety of environments, and is still available for free trial download in either 32-bit or 64-bit versions. progeCAD's flexibility makes it practical as a low-cost design solution for a variety of Australian and overseas industries including architecture, landscaping, land survey and GIS, mining, advertizing and signage design, fabrication, spa and pool design, kitchen and bath, cabinetry and many others.

 

  

Users of previous progeCAD versions are strongly encouraged to consider upgrade to 2018, for better compatibility with AutoCAD as well as the ongoing updates for Microsoft Windows. A full price list for all upgrade options, including multiple stand-alone, USB and floating network licenses, can be found on the CADDIT website here (link). A fully enabled 30-day trial can also be downloaded. Additional questions about progeCAD features or upgrade options can be sent directly to CADDIT Australia via the Contact Us page. 

progeCAD 3D Performance on Windows 10, 7 and 8

As of progeCAD 2016.0.8 progeCAD now supports native installation on Windows 10. Today we compared progeCAD 3D Orbit render performance on a selection of hardware and operating systems including Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 - with laptop hardware provided from Microsoft, Asus and HP to the following varied graphics specifications:

• System 1 - Windows 7, Asus i3 2.3 GHz 4G RAM, Graphics ATI 7470M RADEON
• System 2 - Windows 8.1, HP 2.2 GHz 16G RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M
• System 3 - Windows 10 upgraded, Microsoft Surface Pro 3 i7 with Intel 5000 HD

progeCAD on various ATI, NVIDIA and INTEL HD graphics

Our Parramatta test focused on 3D shading and full rendering support. Although more focused on high performance 2D plan view design and detailing, progeCAD does offer several drawing and rendering tools for 3D presentation. One tool set is the full boolean direct solid modelling using the ACIS kernel compatible with AutoCAD. Another tool is the AutoCAD-compatible SHADEMODE command. Using SHADEMODE, we can change from 3D wireframe views of mesh and solid models to easy-shaded which we can "orbit" (or spin around) in real-time via the SHIFT+Middle-Mouse-Button combination. We used this mode for benchmarking our hardware FPS (frames per second) with the help of the FRAPS utility, as shown below:

 

 

First, our IIS model was loaded SHADEMODE was then set to REALISTIC. Next we started RTROT from the command line. This was because we needed to set a different centre or rotation (by first hitting the "S" key while within RTROT) or else our model quickly rotated right off of the screen (this was because of the coordinates used to produce the drawing).

 

The results were actually satisfactory for both the Microsoft Surface using INTEL 5000 graphics (very decent for on-board INTEL graphics) and the NVIDIA GPU running on the HP Envy Series. FPS ranged between 20-30 FPS (24 FPS is standard digital video speed) and our model rotated very naturally. We could not say the same for the ATI graphics on the i3 ASUS. Although still useable, the ISS model flashed between frames on our ASUS-ATI and FRAPS never reported an FPS exceeding 9 frames a second. Performance was noticeable lower than on the other two systems. Movement was "jerky" and poor quality using the ATI RADEON, despite the actually higher CPU clock speed of 2.3 GHz.

 

In conclusion, hardware does matter. We remind users that progeCAD uses OPENGL hardware acceleration when available. Either NVIDIA or better-quality INTEL graphics prove to supply this. Also i7 CPU seems to help, especially in file loading and other command response times. We were not surprised by these results, as the performance was similar with other OPENGL-based CAD software that we work with here. Should progeCAD users upgrade to Windows 10? ONLY IF THEY HAVE THE LATEST VERSION OF PROGECAD 2016. For more information about OS and hardware compatibility for this low cost AutoCAD alternative or upgrading, contact CADDIT Australia at this link.

 

 



Affordable AutoCAD Upgarde Alternative for Windows 10

Sydney, Australia  08 September 2015 - CADDIT announces the release of progeCAD 16.0.8.17 for Windows 7, 8 and now Windows 10. progeCAD has long been regarded as the leading fully-compatible alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD software in Australia. This latest upgrade is available free of charge to all existing progeCAD 2016 registered users and may be downloaded as a full trial version from CADDIT.net. A significant new feature of the new progeCAD 2016 update is full support for Microsoft Windows 10 operating system as demonstrated on this Surface Pro 3:

progeCAD 2016 running on Windows 10 / Surface Pro 3

Users of previous versions of progeCAD, AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT and similar software products are encouraged to download the free progeCAD trial version, which will run full-feature and obligation free for 30 days from CADDIT Australia. progeCAD includes critical features like AutoCAD-like drawing commands for DWG file reading and writing, PDF printing and conversion back to CAD, iCADlib block library, dynamic block and cursor and fast OpenGL graphics engine. Collectively packaged at a price still under AUD$600 with USB and floating network license options, progeCAD 2016 delivers unprecedented value. These features have all been now tested and upgraded to work with Windows 10.

Previous versions of various CAD programs may not be compatible with Windows 10. Users are encouraged to take this opportunity to take advantage of the affordable pricing when considering their upgrade options. For further information about how progeCAD, contact CADDIT in Parramatta.