MacDraft Professional Reviews

Great update, more modern features

Comments: I routinely import a scan of my designer's hand drawn floorplans and work with them in MacDraft. I can overlay the computer drawn plan and work with it very well.

Pros:

I have been using MacDraft for at least 20 years. Over that time, it has become a mature, useful tool for me. Although I have used Autocad before, I find MacDraft so much easier to use and 'Mac-like'. Not all the tools are intuitive, but easy enough to figure out with online help. With the new update to V7, the interface has been cleaned up significantly, and everything is easier to use. I now can do my work in less time, and achieve better looking results. I really appreciate that Microspot continues to update this great piece of software.

Cons:

Some of the tools look different than the last version, so there is a bit of a re-learning curve. That's not to say that once learned, the improvements are evident.

MDP 7 - Personal thoughts

Comments: I like the program. I want to use it seriously but unfortunately in its present iteration, I cannot.
As previously said, I have lots of experience in using lots of CAD software, I would like you to have a rethink of the workflow issues.
For reference, please take a look at http://www.ilexsoft.com/highdesign/
The workflow is pretty good but I do get a few issues using it on my macbook air.
It looks like they are developing it to be full blown BIM, which I don't need - hence the switch to MDP.
Simple, workflow efficient 2D cad with awesome output possibilities is what I need.

Pros:

On the whole, it is a good CAD tool with fairly good features which I really want to use as my primary CAD software solution. I like the fact that it can be easily used for 'graphics' and 'page layout' too. I can use it on my Macbook air.

Cons:

To be honest, I like the software but your workflow really does need addressing for me to use the software for serious architectural designs. As I have moved from seriously high end CAD programs and use it for small architectural projects as well as the possibility for using it in school for CAD/CAM and presentation. I sooo want to be able to use MDP for all architectural projects but in its present form (I know that you have added lots of features from the previous version), I just cannot use it due to workflow issues. When drawing architectural elements, something which should take just a couple of mouse clicks in other software programs, ends up taking significantly more in MDP. I have logged a lot of this in the forums - your response has been fairly quick but the solutions come across as a long winded 'work around' to achieve a relatively simple task. This is the reason why I am not currently using the program daily or weekly. I want to be able to offset angular lines in just a couple of click with specific dimensions, not just dragging them and relying on grid snaps. The solution given in the forums was painfully long - you could not afford to do it in practice. I want to have the ability to have full customisation of dimensions - leader lines and weights, arrow heads, scale/size of everything. Currently, the tool is too constrained. I want to be able to create symbols at various scales and drag and drop them into a drg and they will be the correct size. I can go on..

One issue

Comments: It’s easy to use and quick

Pros:

Very difficult to open DWG to the correct size from another user

Cons:

DWG issue

Very useful 2D CAD tool

Comments: Generally the graphic interface (UI) of this version is closer to the way other 2D CAD works and for my activity MacDraft 7.x it's ideal.

Pros:

The new 7.x version is certainly more user friendly than all previous versions. Better stability. Better speed. All the necessary tools are just a mouse click away.

Cons:

However I would like to underline two aspects that I would like to personally change: 1) It would be nice if the actually list of various fonts, showed their real graphic appearance, otherwise for the desired choice, I necessarily to scroll through and view them all and it is a waste of time. 2) For small projects where only one A4 sheet is enough, the one-page scroll on the 27 "screen is too reactive at the touch of the mouse; sometimes it comes out of the visible area and makes it take a little time to bring it back in the working position. Certainly this is useful with worksheets greater than A4 in the landscape version. It would be really useful if the user could activate or deactivate this function directly from the "Preferences" panel.

Alternatives Considered: QCAD

Reasons for Switching to MacDraft Professional: Perhaps because I have been using it for decades (about 34 years), but for me MacDraft is an App which I use like a pencil, without worry and waste time to understand how to use the various tools...

MDFT Pro 7 Upgrade for 10 year+ user...

Comments: Overall, I'm pleased with the new Version Pro 7 of MacDraft. It has been my drawing program of choice for more than 10 years and I look forward to getting further along in the new version to fully realize all the improvements. I trust my comments provide some useful feedback. As someone who really tried to learn autoCAD and failed miserably, I am SO GLAD to have your product in my tool bag.

Pros:

With the new version 7, I find I like how all the drawing tools are laid out in just a couple of windows so that they are readily available. It appears the new "titling" version is better but I'm still on the steep part of the learning curve getting used to the changes

Cons:

1) The new work flow to "Duplicate" a file and then "Save" seems counter intuitive to the former "Save As" function. Not quite sure what the thinking was there !?! 2) It appears that I cannot change the default font color. Titles I create start in sort of a TAN color and then I have to change it to black or whatever... 3) The "Enter" or "Return" button does not exit you out of the title creation phase. Rather it just gives you a carriage return in the title block. In order to get back to the cursor, I have to hit "ESC". Yikes ! ...shades of AutoCAD nightmares !!

Alternatives Considered: AutoCAD

Reasons for Switching to MacDraft Professional: I initially looked at AutoCAD several years ago because of the prevalence of that product in the construction and design industries. However, most of what I do does not require that sophistication - Boxes, Lines, Titles, color. No 3D. Having always been a Mac User - MacDraft has been the one program that fits best with the way my brain works and how I want to express my ideas.

MacDraft is a Secret Shouldn't Be

Comments: I really like this application and have been with it for awhile. I like the combination of precision and intuitive.

Pros:

Very versatile. What I like best is that it uses standard Architectural scale but it is fairly intuitive. The Pro version lets you output to .dwg or .dwx files and that it very useful.

Cons:

Some of the tools and windows are a little wonky. Wish I could figure out how to change the font for a whole document. Opening .dwg files from another native application could be more accurate. The Zoom function should be more controllable. Wish .mcd was useable anywhere else. Having to translate and port things an extra layer of work.

Alternatives Considered: AutoCAD Architecture and Vectorworks Landmark

Reasons for Switching to MacDraft Professional: Price and learning curve. AutoCAD still over my head. Vectorworks too expensive. I have no training in digital design and taught myself MacDraft. It was the first design software I used and got used to it.

Easy to use, versatile, stable, affordable 2-D CAD

Comments: I use scale drawings in my workshop, going to the print shop, getting building permits, and sharing with contractors. It's never let me down.

Pros:

I've been using MacDraft since the late 1980's. I've used it for everything from designing simple posters to very complex buildings costing 6 figures. Version 7 is a major upgrade with refinements of its interface and individual tools. I'm always nervous when software makes a big version change. The switch to version 7 has been smooth and free of anything but good surprises.

Cons:

Some keyboard shortcuts were changed between version 6 and 7. But I see the logic in the changes and I am adapting.

Easy of use of MacDraft 7

Comments: The help line and over the phone knowledge of the tech support is second to none.
These guys are so helpful and nothing is a issue to them, the best software I have used for years,

Pros:

Very easy to get round the tool bar, lines- objects- the list goes on and on, so much easier than Autocad.

Cons:

Nothing brilliant software to use with know issues

Macdraft review

Comments: Spending less time designing

Pros:

Not that hard to use Easy to install Has a decent selection of tools to choose from. While drawing

Cons:

Needs dynamic zoom in and out Adjust position of object clicked on and have to put it back in place Has issue with selecting object at times Also likes to crash while drawing

Alternatives Considered: AutoCAD

Reasons for Switching to MacDraft Professional: Cheaper and runs with Mac

Unhappy with the last update

Pros:

See my explanation below, please. I'm NOT happy with this newest release

Cons:

The previous version I had purchased LOTS of templates along with the app. When I updated the app ONLY to the newest version, none of my previous templates are usable and support never replied to my request for help.

MacDraft Experience

Comments: Overall I feel this is the best software for my application as a small construction company.

Pros:

I love the fact that I can quickly make a small drawing to get dimensions on an ongoing project and I can create professional drawings for clients for both giving them a visual and for submitting for permits.

Cons:

As a limited user, I often have to look up how to do some of the more complex moves to achieve the drawing I’m trying to do.

Great product!

Comments: Love working in and with MacDraft. Has been a pleasure building with it!

Pros:

The software allowed us the flexibility to use it at our discretion. Giving us freedom to update and revert as needed.

Cons:

The zoom feature is the only issue. I wish it would allow the user to flow in and out with ease using the Magic Mouse or trackpad options.

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

Comments: 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.)

Elegant improvements

Comments: As a professional, I have been using MacDraft from its earliest stages – I’m 70 years old, and I think I started using it when I was in my 30s. It was most helpful then - now, it’s core to my own envisioning of work before us. In any case, the elegance of this latest version fits so intuitively within my “builders mind”. The tool pallets are now organized as a surround to each drawing itself. And they have so much breath and depth of function! The overall result is effortless manipulation of the development of the project itself. MacDraft 7 Professional has been honed to a razor sharp edge, making it so very clean & precise in the visualizing of an emerging design! Part and parcel to all of this is the availability of the team that has developed MacDraft Professional 7 to its current excellence, for and continues to interact so willingly with those of us who use it. Congratulations on a great outcome!

Pros:

Each drawing carries ALL drawing tools-And these tools represent the full array needed to fully imagine something under design.

Cons:

Because of its radical reworking, the learning curve to become fluent in MacDraft Professional 7 required a substantial investment of energy - energy that was completely restored & rewarded by the new plateau this program has achieved.

Deceptively Powerful, Easy to Use CAD

Pros:

I'm biased because I have been using MacDraft continuously for thirty years, but I believe it is very usable and full-featured for its modest price. The latest version has made substantial improvements to the interface, incorporating clever ways to make commands accessible while still leaving plenty of real estate on the screen for designing. With a little practice, an amateur like me can create very precise drawings and designs, and do so rapidly. Printouts are clean and accurate.

Cons:

The latest release (7.0) is a little buggy . I expect that the issues, which are minor annoyances rather than major flaws, will be resolved in the next version; but it is a shame they were not addressed before launch. The interface is not very customizable, so there is no way to hide or move features that I seldom use. But you can't have everything.

Old Hand

Comments: I have almost 200 houses in the design process at varying stages and without Macdraft I would be a million miles behind by now.

Pros:

It's ease of use, very much like using a drawing board select a pen draw a line with it, what can be easier, I design house and find the software suites me just fine, I have been using it since it first launched.

Cons:

The present Pro 7 issue is wonderful and most of the initial links have been sorted, I would dearly like to re arrange the side panels and custom them much lieke the top tool bar also make them adjustable in width as the Layer panel has very little room for labels and able to see the scale.

Versatile Drafting Program

Comments: This program has created a streamlined way to design and communicate the plans to the clients.

Pros:

This drafting program is very easy to use and can be used across many spectrums of the drawing and design industry. I use this product for cabinet drawings, home layouts, site layouts, and project elevation drawings.

Cons:

There is a limited ability to provide styling to enhance the drawings. The symbol library is pretty simple and not very updated.

The only drafting program I use for the last 35 years

Comments: 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!!

Want to go back to 6.0

Pros:

It solved a lot of drawing issues that had surfaced for me in the last several iterations of 6

Cons:

White on black format. Palette function and organization. No Save-As function. Frame adjustment bars hard to use.

Do not buy

Comments: Horrible.

Pros:

Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Zero. Naught. Cero.

Cons:

Expensive and still did not provide for basic elevations. I downloaded and found lack of functions. They would not refund and advised I had to upgrade further to get elevation function. I found a $50 product that did everything I wanted and just had to eat the $500 I spent with these folks.

MacDraft Professional 7

Comments: I am very please with the new make-over and feel peace of mind knowing that this platform will continue beyond the next OS redesign plus the ability to open and continue to use files that were created several version ago.

Pros:

Very pleased with the overall redesign of all features and the fact that it is now 64bit compliant which is important for continuing to utilize this program with future rewrites of OS X. The ease of creating templates surpasses the older version and is easy to implement.

Cons:

As a long time user of MacDraft, just like the redesign of any good software, I had a bit of a learning curve to adjust over to the new design - always takes some effort to unlearn habits. It would be nice to have a "Save As" function for creating and modifying similar drawings.

It use to be much better

Comments: Not happy moving onto another software.

Pros:

When my company first started using the software it was great! Highly recommend it. Did everything top CAD software can do. But the past couple of years I have seen a few bugs that leaves my team frustrated.

Cons:

There are a few bugs that will not go away. Customer service did not help.

Great product for the price

Comments: Mostly positive. Many great improvements in the new version making it much less tedious to create accurate drawings.

Pros:

Mostly intuitive and simple to use. Clean new design is so much nicer and more user friendly. I especially like the snapping feature in the latest version. It makes it so much easier to align objects. The cost is is low. I have used Mac Draft for years and feel it has been a great asset to use in my custom cabinetry business.

Cons:

Two things I like least: 1. I’ve always wished they would improve the zoom functionality. A scroll wheel zoom would be so much faster. MD’s latest version still only uses zoom presets. The whole zoom thing just needs to be a lot more fluid to glance around quickly. I would love to see that changed. 2. The measure tool. Please make it one function for any direction. Choosing between horizontal/ vertical/ diagonal is really clunky.

Full featured and easy to master the basics

Comments: As easy to use as MacDraw and earlier versions of MacDraft but many, many more features.

Pros:

I am retired. Before I retired I frequently used MacDraw and a much earlier version of MacDraft to make simple dimensioned sketches for product inspection instructions. I was looking for a similar basic application to use for home projects, such as providing information for prospective home improvement contractors to bid on. I found that MacDraft Professional 7, although it was more expensive than what I had in mind, was so full-featured that it was worth the money. I haven't used all the features but what I have are familiar and easy to use.

Cons:

The user manual MDFT7-050319PB has quite a few errors and typos. I haven't checked recently to see if it has been updated.

Great Mac solution for CAD

Comments: 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.