CadStd CAD Software Review
Features:
CadStd has the ability to create home design, blueprint, and mechanical drawings.
1) Window’s XP and Vista are supported.
2) Has the ability to create arcs, linear dimensions, lines, poly lines, etc.
3) Tutorial and User Guide that are helpful and a technical support team that actually helps.
4) Create chamfer and fillets.
5) Search and replace text globally. Saving you time searching for the same text.
6) Isometric grid settings.
7) Print scaled down drawings on standard 8 ½ X 11 paper, and standard paper is always cheaper than buying specialized paper.
8 ) License never expires! Simply enter your username and password to upgrade to the latest version.
9) Kohler has a free symbol library that can be imported and works with Cad Std.
Con’s:
1) There is no uninstaller provided. I had to uninstall through Window’s Program manager.
2) Some have complained that the interface is complex. If you’re a beginner with no CAD experience and little basic computer knowledge then I could see that.
3) Some have complained of not much functionality, but the Lite version is free.
4) There are occasional global protection faults due to some bugs not worked out yet.
5) Some have complained that it doesn’t download or install properly and that sends them elsewhere. I downloaded it just fine, installed it fine, and designed with it fine.
Review:
I downloaded the Lite version and was able to create a basic layout of a 6′ x 12′ shed. Functionality is limited, but it’s a Lite version and it’s extremely affordable to purchase the pro version at less than forty dollars. The feel of it is the same as other CAD software. I can’t stress how limited the program is, but if you just looking for a basic drawing software to make some home design or blueprints, possibly a mechanical drawing, than this software can do it for you. Of course, you only have .DXF, .HPGL, .PDF, PostScript, and .SFG as export options, but Google SketchUp can import several of those and provide more functionality. Cad Std is a straight 2D design with your basic edit functions such as copy, move, undo (up to 250 levels with the pro version), mirror, rotate, array, layers, snap, join, etc. I’ve heard of people complaining that they hate it because it doesn’t do what they want when it comes to their graphics. It is NOT Photoshop folks, it is meant for home design. How does Cad Std compare to Auto CAD or Smart Draw? It doesn’t. How does Cad Std align to what they claim it to be? Perfectly! I would highly recommend Cad Std as a general purpose design software that is cheap and easy to use.