SoftPlan Newsletter

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It’s been awhile since our last e-newsletter was sent and we thank you for rejoining us to catch up on the latest news from SoftPlan. To say the least, at SoftPlan we have been very busy for the past several months launching our latest upgrade, Version 14. We are very proud and excited to introduce this version to our current user base and potential new customers. Read below to find out more about Version 14 and other SoftPlan news…

Version 14 Getting Rave Reviews

At the 2008 International Builders Show, SoftPlan revealed Version 14 to eager folks curious to see what new features had been added to the program. Over the course of the four-day trade show, Version 14 was met with a very enthusiastic and positive response as SoftPlan users and prospective customers were able to see first-hand the new features and tools. (Complete Story)

Rugroden Drafting & Design: Finalist in 2008 U.S. Small Business Excellence Award

Dell and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) recently announced the 10 U.S. finalists for the Fifth Annual Dell/NFIB Small Business Excellence Award. The award honors small innovative companies that use technology to better serve their customers' experience. (Complete Story)

NAHB Myth Buster Resources Give You the Power to Change Perceptions

If there’s one thing we have learned during the past year, it’s that the media will jump onto just about every bandwagon that rolls past. If starts or other housing indicators are down nationally, it’s a safe bet that the local news media will assume they are also down locally. Unfortunately, the resulting coverage doesn’t reflect local market conditions, and tends to be alarmist and misleading. (Complete Story)

New Southern Home Designed Using SoftPlan

The 2007 New Southern Home was designed using SoftPlan by Chris Gooden of Gooden Design in Orlando, FL. The 10,200 sq ft showcase home features design, luxury, and technology for southern cottage style living. (Complete Story)

Featured SoftPlan Home Plan - SoftPlan homeplans, Inc. provides a variety of quality designs in SoftPlan format. For this newsletter, we’re featuring a design by Joe Ahmann. Plan ADI5514SP is 7 bed, 4.75 bath, 5514 sq. ft. complete plan. (Click here to view floorplan)

Bob Richtsmeier - SoftPlan extends it sympathy to the Richtsmeier family in the recent passing of Bob Richtsmeier due to a tough battle with cancer. (Complete Story)


Block Move - When performing a Block Move, selecting the 'Select Move Point' option from the status bar allows for accurate placement of the selected items relative to another point on the drawing. Use snap mode (F-11) to add further accuracy when using the move point feature.

Version 14 Tool You May Have Missed - Version 14 has so many new tools that we are starting to believe that many great features are getting lost due to the sheer volume of changes. One of these is the ability to import .PDF files from any source. This is a great tool when you need to add a quick detail from a manufacturer's web site or some calculations from an engineer.

To Import a .PDF file into SoftPlan Version 14:

1. Open the .PDF file with the Adobe Reader
2. Select Edit > Copy File to Clipboard
3. Open the SoftPlan Drawing
4. Select Edit > Paste from Windows Clipboard > Image
5. Trace a box to indicate the size and position for the .PDF

Question: I loaded my new Version 14 and I am unable to get my 3D images to look like the Sketched and Illustrated modes in the sales literature. (Click here for answer)

Return Your Old Keys - If you still have the old black keys from Versions 5-10, it is probably time to return them. From time to time, you may receive a message asking you to place the old key in your computer to open up a particular drawing or detail. If you return the old key to SoftPlan, your newer key will be upgraded and the message will no longer appear. Click here for more details.

SPLASH Seminar – A Version 14 workshop will be presented by Tom Roman (architect) and Randy Cohn (designer) at the Harveys Resort and Casino at Lake Tahoe, NV. Instructors for the workshop will be Dean Eckman (rendering instructor) and Robert Wagner (Sketch-up instructor). Dates of the workshop are August 25-29, 2008 and admission for the 5-day workshop (which includes daily lunch buffet) is $695. This seminar is intended for intermediate to advanced SoftPlan users on Version 14. To attend contact Randy Cohn at rpcdesign@aol.com. There is limited space so act fast. Hotel rooms are available at $99/night through a room block. You will need to bring your own laptop.

Note: This seminar is not sponsored by SoftPlan Systems, Inc.

A Note of Thanks - "This afternoon I spoke directly with Tech Support because of the “activation date” problem with V13 vs. V14. Once again, you folks have taken care of an issue in what can only be considered a blindingly fast manner. I have dealt with tech support people at a fairly large number of companies over the last 25 years and I must say that your team is, hands down, the best of the best."

Many thanks,
Phil Brown
Archadeck of Central Connecticut

Calling All Former AutoCAD® Users - SoftPlan is looking for former AutoCAD® users. Tell us your story about how you made the switch to SoftPlan. In our last e-newsletter, we made this request but lost some of your testimonials in an email glitch. Please consider sharing your testimonials with us again by contacting Rachel Clark at rclark@softplan.com or call 1-800-248-0164.

Authorized Training

Check out the summer schedule for 2008. SoftPlan Authorized Training will visit cities such as Seattle, Indianapolis, Charlotte, and Nashville. For the complete schedule, click here.

Interactive Training DVD - The Introductory, Intermediate, and SoftView interactive training CD-ROMS are updated for interactive lessons to be taught in Version 14. The CDs have also been condensed to DVD format.

Trade Shows

Atlanta, GA : Southern Building Show - Jun . 12 - 13 (Booth # 925 )

Kansas City, MO : SkillsUSA Techspo - Jun . 24 - 26 (Booth # 521)

San Fransico, CA : PCBC - Jun. 25 - 27 (Booth # 2125)

Phoenix, AZ : Arizona Home & Building Expo - Aug. 15 - 17 (Booth # 923)

SoftPlan users, click here for the latest survey question!


If You Upgraded to Version 13 After November 1 – For SoftPlan users who were on Version 12 and upgraded to Version 13 after November 1, 2007, we are offering the opportunity to upgrade to Version 14 for the difference in cost of Version 13 to Version 14 which is $300. And SoftPlan users who were on Version 10 or 11 who upgraded to Version 13 after November 1, 2007, may upgrade to Version 14 for the difference in cost which is $400. This offer is only good in the US and Canada until July 1, 2008. To order call 1-800-248-0164 and ask to speak with an upgrade specialist.

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Do you have any SoftPlan related news? If so, we would love to hear from you. Please send your news to rclark@softplan.com.

8118 Isabella Lane Brentwood, TN 37027 Phone Sales: 800.248.0164
Fax Sales: 615.370.1204 Email: sales@softplan.com Web: www.softplan.com