Expert’s Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
CorelCADis a new 2D/3D Computer - Aided - Design ( CAD ) app for Mac and Windows . While CorelCAD is a new Cartesian product for Corel and raw to the Mac , it is not a totally new software . CorelCAD is based onARES from Graebert , which has been around in one form or another since 2005 . For that reason , CorelCAD feels more refined , complete , and stable than you might expect for a version 1.0 debut .
As it stand , CorelCAD is a pretty complete program with most of the basic 2D feature you would expect , such as lines and shapes , layers , trim , joins , hachure , and more . Some functions work well in CorelCAD than in other Mac CAD software . For example , the trim tool is dissolute and easy to use in CorelCAD than it is inVectorWorks ( ) . But the program also features a fairly hearty suite of 3D tools including extrudes , boolean operations ( to add and deduct solid state to and from each other ) , revolves , sweep , and basic 3-D build to speed up moulding .
Compatible with DWG format
CorelCAD support the industry standard DWG file data formatting natively . This wee spell and exporting file to and from other CAD applications ( such as AutoCAD ) a child’s play . In fact , CorelCAD ’s intact interface is design to be familiar to AutoCAD ( ) users . This is both good and bad . It is good if you have any experience with AutoCAD — you may get up to speed in CorelCAD cursorily . It is bad because if you are not familiar with AutoCAD , you are pass to get some unMac - similar port issues .
For instance , when performing operations on objects ( CorelCAD calls them “ entities ” ) , you have to first choose the operation ( such as extrude , mirror , duplicate ) and then the object(s ) to utilise the mental process to . When draw line , for example , you have to employ the enter Florida key , the escape key fruit , or aright - click and choose “ enter ” to stop draw lines ( how about just have got a undivided line putz ? ) . And when drawing an object that extends past the bound of the current window , the window does not automatically scroll .
The user interface is not too cluttered for a CAD program . 3D molding with extrudes and orb is a snap .
The interface is not too cluttered for a CAD program. 3D modeling with extrudes and revolves is a snap.
There is also a command credit line interface in which you command the action of tools and the argument of objects while you are draw off . There are program line shortcuts you’re able to use in the dictation line ( once you memorise them ) such as “ ml ” for “ change coordinate system of rules ” . While this is not very Mac - like , I have to say that the means it integrates into the workflow while you are modeling is pretty efficient . With enough use and familiarity , CorelCAD would be fast to work in .
Customizeable workspace
CorelCAD ’s port is extremely customizable — you may make CorelCAD depend and move the mode you want it to and have it adjust to your work flow . you may pin down which carte items show up under what menus , set shiner action and button behaviors , and determine pallet locations and configurations , crosscut , and more . you’re able to also store your options into a act of drug user visibility .
The 2D and 3D tools and features in CorelCAD are fairly complete for typical mechanical mechanical drawing needs . But there are no specialized tools for architectural drafting , such as walls , cap , windows , and doors . CorelCAD is , at its core , a universal draftsmanship app program . This is reflect in the $ 699 cost , which is much less than most 2D/3D hound applications for the Mac . The programme ’s native DWG support and the PDF export features will be valuable in a typical collaboration environment involve architectural employment , but CorelCAD would benefit from the ability to import PDFs as well .
For graphical decorator and technical illustrator who might need a tool that is more precise than a distinctive drawing program , or involve 3D capabilities , CorelCAD should fit the bill . Some designer might already be conversant with other Corel products such as CorelDraw or CorelDesigner . However , while Corel offer up kick upstairs pricing from those Cartesian product ( $ 499 ) , they are Windows only and the useful feature article of being able to export to those applications is not include in the Mac version of CorelCAD .
Note the command line interface at the bottom of the screen.
Missing Mac features
There are a couple of features missing in the Mac version of CorelCAD that are present in the Windows version . One is a bully tool call VoiceNotes that allows you to attach spokesperson memoranda to object in your model . Also , there are only two minimal brain dysfunction - ons in the online CorelCAD Marketplace ; one of them is a Rending plug - in . But it be $ 249 per yr and is Windows - only . Corel is going to need to develop a Mac version of that plug - in and in my opinion , a different pricing model .
Lastly , CAD programs are typically not easy to ascertain . CorelCAD could benefit from some tutorials , either cede with the software disc , or usable on the website . As of this penning , there are none . So , your better stakes is research YouTube for exploiter - generated gratuity and tricks .
Note the command line port at the bottom of the screen .
Corel is marketing CorelCAD to technical designers who involve a CAD root for more precision and/or more powerful drafting tools . On its site , CorelCAD is listed under the Technical Illustration category . But , CorelCAD is really designed to be a simple and less expensive option to AutoCAD . In that , it succeeds tremendously . It cuts the cost of AutoCAD LT ( not available for the Mac ) nearly in one-half and provides 3D capacity not found in LT .
That order , While $ 699 is a very good Mary Leontyne Price for the features and puppet you get with CorelCAD , if you ca n’t spend that much , there ’s a similar app calledDraftSight , from Dassault Systemes , that is also uncommitted for the Mac . It has fewer features and let in only circumscribed three-D , but it is free .
Macworld’s buying advice
If you are looking for a full - featured 2D and 3D draftsmanship program , or if are already familiar with the typical AutoCAD interface , CorelCAD 1.0 is a bargain at $ 699 . If you come in from the Mac CAD creation , are not that feel with CAD , or the $ 1700 VectorWorks Fundamentals is too expensive , then CorelCAD might be a near choice ( particularly if your focus is not architectural ) . The only caveat is that you will not get submit functionality and you will have to get used to a few offbeat port normal .
[ Greg Miller is an architectural designer and an interactive software and World Wide Web developer specializing in unexampled medium for the architecture , engineering , grammatical construction , and publish markets . ]
