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.

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...

Home plan drawing

Comments: I have been a Mac Draft owner since its origin. Other soft ware has advanced much faster than. I regret that I haven't learned to use the CAD programs. It would be really nice to draw a floor plan and then be able to rotate it into a 3D drawing. I expected much more from this upgrade.

Pros:

The update makes the program commutable with the new Mac operating system and makes it possible to use older files. The tools are easy to identify and use.

Cons:

Very disappointed with the templates. I ordered the entire package with all templates. I expected the templates of architectural features that are used in the drawing of house plans that include plumbing fixtures such as sinks of different sizes, toilets, bath tubs, showers, and appliances. Electrical symbols that depict light fixtures, electrical out lets, bath fans, ceiling fans. Furniture images to depict bed sizes, sofa's, tables, chairs, TV's. Doors that shows the door swing. I would like to down load PDF drawings and then make changes. If that is possible I would like to know how to do this. I would really like to down load a photo of a house and then be able to draw over it to demonstrate alternatives to owners. I guess that I was hoping for more.

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..

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.

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.

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.

You're largely on your own.

Comments: Drawing: Works fairly well, but you're on your own when you have questions.

Pros:

The fact that it is 2D and fairly simple

Cons:

There are few ways to get advice. There needs to be many more tutorials.

Alternatives Considered: AutoCAD

Reasons for Choosing MacDraft Professional: It kept getting very expensive to the point where I was no longer willing to pay for it, and I am not very interested in 3D drafting.

Switched From: Vectorworks Architect

Reasons for Switching to MacDraft Professional: Because of its simplicity, and I am only interested in 2D drafting.

Great intuitive 2D drafting software

Pros:

I was able to quickly learn the program and start using it for my projects.

Cons:

I would like the print function to be more flexible; often I want to print just a portion of a page on my at-home 8 1/2 x 11" printer, but there doesn't seem to be a way to hone in on a specific part of the layout for this.

Alternatives Considered: Chief Architect, AutoCAD LT and ARCHICAD

Reasons for Choosing MacDraft Professional: Sketchup wasn't accurate enough for construction documents.

Reasons for Switching to MacDraft Professional: Better features than AutoCAD LT, better pricing than Chief Architect.

Best CAD software for Mac.. now with Many Improvements!

Comments: Basically, architect and artist are similar, when it comes to creating fantastic and beautiful concepts or design, they have to be in a good mood, and good mood can only be achieved if the environment or tools they're using convenience and comfortable. So does with this software, the nice and cartoonist like UI is great and eyes catching, not too complicated but it does a tons of stuff!

Pros:

this app is not only the best CAD software for Mac, but it also let you do many and more things beyond conventional 2D drawing like creating realistic and more vibrant looking landscape design, adding colours to the classic 2D floor plans, create exploded axonometric drawing and details, town planning or a large scale project area and mapping, even creating illustration and comics! it's like you can working on the Architectural poster by adding digital drawing or analogy right after working on the plans in a glance.

Cons:

despite the software ability that let you create multiple different works, its amazing features and UI interface, the Macdraft is still limited to MacOS devices and unavailable for Windows, Operating system or other platform.. just like the Name after all ("MAC" draft). hopefully the developer will release and make this software available across multiple different operating system and platforms, especially if you have to work using different devices with different operating system.

Much Needed Revamp!

Comments: Absolutely love it. I don’t miss the previous versions at all. I have been using MacDraft since 2014, and this new version was definitely needed. Checked all the boxes!

Pros:

I am easily able to import and manipulate CAD files. Most of my clients work in CAD and it would be so frustrating with previous versions when the files wouldn’t open or wouldn’t be compatible. It also eliminated any issues exporting my MacDraft files to CAD. Also, having all the tools available is great! When they were on individual palettes, I would frequently “lose” the palette when I was working with multiple monitors.

Cons:

Not all items will import, and will just eliminate them from the drawings. There have been one or two instances when the file I was sent was using some feature in CAD that macDraft didn’t have and I was missing a large chunk of the drawing. Also, when I group items together to make one item, and then try to line it up with other items, it still recognizes each individual item instead of recognizing all items as one item. This can be frustrating because I have to make sure I select the exact part of the grouped items. This is minor but not an issue I had with previous versions.

MacDraft User

Comments: I use it as a tool for visualising and realising projects. So if I were designing a house I can see what it looks like and also work out some of the construction problems as well as making timber cutting lists

Pros:

New layout quite logical with one minor detail see below. I like the home library and again wouldn't it be good if when you drew a curved shaped lawn you could fill it in with a grass texture.

Cons:

I don't like the select arrow key being moved to the left hand side. Let’s say if you draw a rectangle and colour it in (working on the right side) you then have to go to the left side to the select button. Now this may seem a minor complaint and one I should get used to but I don’t and usually several times during a session I have to undo a lot of rectangles because of this. When the select key was on the right hand side it was second nature. Couldn’t you put another select button on the right hand side? And for goodness sake change the default "hide metric units" to "show metric units" It is a pain when using the measuring tool and it just shows a number. It could be anything The other thing is the angles. It makes sense to me to make it like a compass rose with North at the top ie 0 or 360 degrees and 180 degrees to the bottom.

Long-Term User

Pros:

I run a one-man woodshop. Design/build. Free-standing furniture, specialized cabinetwork, like library walls, off-the-wall woodworking projects. You never know what a client might want. No kitchen cabs, no re-modeling. I've been using MacDraft through many iterations, since late 1990. I've always appreciated its intuitive nature, much like Macintosh computers. (Although, Macs aren't quite as intuitive as they used to be, but there you are, what can be done, time marches on).

Cons:

Honestly, my only pet peeve regarding MacDraft is this, (very small): When you're drawing a series of very long, thin rectangles; say a series of mullions in glass cabinet doors, routinely one or two of them will be visually miss-matched in width, even though the software assures me that all the widths are the same.

Replacing the Old with the New

Comments: All in all, I'm ecstatic with Microspot MacDraft, 6.2 and 7, as I am now using modern equipment and technology with the ease of my old, trusted program from way back when - all at an affordable price. AND, when I had questions, I was able to write to England, and invariably the next morning a reply would be waiting for me. AND, when my backup thumb-drive for 7 didn't arrive via international mail after several weeks, they sent me another, which contains both versions 6.2 and 7. Fantastic software and customer service, would highly recommend!

Pros:

I originally bought "MacDraft" back in 1996, and installed it on a Macintosh Performa CD. Many years passed, and I used it to design several houses and projects, and became quite proficient with the software, even though I was limited by the hardware involved - small screen, ancient printer , no ability to email, no ability to download to thumb drives - until finally this year, I could no longer find ink for my printer. So, I searched the Internet, and found this program to be affordable, modern, and with nearly the identical menus, tools, and libraries. Now I use it on my IMac, and a Brother Pro Series printer. Fantastic!

Cons:

I was initially sent MacDraft Professional 6.2, until the MacDraft Professional 7 release. I actually thought 6.2 was intuitively easier. With the release of 7, some of the tools have been switched to the right side, where before everything was on the left - I don't like the back and forth with the mouse that 7 requires. Also, 6.2 had a light background, whereas the background on 7 is black, which to me makes it a bit more difficult to find the tools I want.

Henk 123

Comments: I use Macdraft for a combination of building layouts *architectural) and the design of building utitlities (HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical etc.). It is a simple to use program.

Pros:

Simply to use after a period of training

Cons:

Missing the function : SAVE AS and the set up of a printer. In MacDraft Professional 6 it was more clear and better in relation with other computerprograms.

not that impressed

Comments: It does what I need it to do although can be frustrating at times, overall its ok for non professionals.

Pros:

In comparison with the previous version I had this one is a lot better, relatively easy to use but not without it's problems.

Cons:

The snap to option is very inaccurate, very rarely seems to hit the spot so that you have to zoom in to max to position a line in the correct intersection. The most frustrating aspect is when in zoom commend it will suddenly zoom in to the maximum into the top left hand corner so that you have then to zoom out to find out where it was that you were working.

Been using MacDraft for years! New update is great.

Comments: 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.

Pat's review

Comments: I am an archaeologist working in Ontario Canada. I use your product to map clusters of artifacts across fields and in 1 by 1 m grid across archaeological sites. The maps show artifact distribution across the site both vertically and horizontally, plan view of features and their profiles, use it with Google to show methodology and potential on air photographs and developers maps.

Pros:

It is very intuitive. If I can figure it out anyone can.

Cons:

I would really like if it was easier to piece plot single artifacts using a single datum and a distance measurement and angle. And it would be great if the north was at the top of the drawing.

MacDraft as a tool for designers

Comments: I have designed specialty electric-mechanical cable, the kind used in well logging or oceanographical applications that need strength as well as power delivery and telemetry in a small package. Lay-out and cross section are very important and MacDraft has been instrumental in producing these items quickly and accurately.

Pros:

The product has certainly changed since I first started using it some 30 years ago. It is more accurate than the earlier versions and has many more options. Since all of my designs are basically 2-dimensional, this is a very good product to use.

Cons:

With all the options and features that are available, use of the program on a 15" portable computer is a bit difficult. You really need a fair amount of screen real estate to be able to work quickly and efficiently.

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.

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.

Really like the upgrade to 7

Comments: Excellent. I've had a few questions with the software and support has always been fast and friendly.
If I was younger or smarter, I'd be drawing in 3D but for what I do, 2D is perfect and Macdraft does that with ease.

Pros:

I find Macdraft fast and simple to use. The upgrade has made a big difference. It's cleaner and feels more Professional.

Cons:

I'd like to be able to set line weight preferences for dimension tools. This may exist in the program already, but I'm yet to find it. Could be user error!

Fantastic!

Comments: 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.

Casual User

Comments: Generally positive

Pros:

Simplicity. Also, the user interface is good, but I would like to have some control over the arrangement. For, example I don’t find the libraries helpful and would like to remove that portion of the menu.

Cons:

Would like more sophisticated snaps, e.g., snap to middle of line, intersections, etc. Also, I can’t seem to edit fill patterns, gradients, and colors as indicated by the users’ guide.

Good only if you keep up.

Comments: MacDraft allowed me to work with clients by showing them what they knew they needed, but could not visualize until I drafted it for them. By listening to them, and then adapting their ideas and needs to pixels, I could draft their ideas in a meaningful way. MacDraft allowed me to do this quickly. I got a lot of signed contracts due to MacDrafts usability back when I knew the earlier program.

Pros:

MacDraft has served me well over almost my entire construction career. It was intuitive and fairly easy to use in the earlier iterations. I made a lot of business happen because I could produce designs fairly quickly on MacDraft.

Cons:

When MacDraft would no longer work on a newer version of MacOS, I was forced to upgrade. Not good for me. I suppose I was a "bad boy!" for not upgrading very often (that is the business model, right?), but I was way, way, way behind on the changes to the program. I do not know if I can ever catch up. I used to be able to draw amazing things - now I do not know where to go. This is probably my fault because MacDraft is for people that keep up. MacDraft is not very explanatory from within itself in a pedagogical way.