Version 14 Getting Rave Reviews

At the 2008 International Builders Show, SoftPlan revealed Version 14 to eager folks curious to see what enhancements 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.

Show attendees were able to see how additional modules such as SoftView and SoftList had been streamlined to offer more functionality in Version 14. Plus they learned that renderings in SoftView are now more practical, as images can be enhanced with less effort using rendering modes that add artistic touches automatically. And they were thrilled that estimating in SoftList allowed a greater level of integration with the ability to synchronize pricing information from outside database sources. John Jones, of SoftPlan, says, “I have never seen such an enthusiastic response to an upgrade. Version 14 is a major hit with our SoftPlan users. They are finding that Version 14 is a more efficient and user-friendly program, with loads of new tools.

Since returning from the show, SoftPlan has shipped out a high volume of upgrade orders. SoftPlan users have been installing the new version and checking out the new features. The SoftPlan user group, SPLASH, has been very active with users discussing what their favorite Version 14 features are. Carole Chapman, of Chapman Building Design in Healdsburg, CA says, “Having been a SoftPlan devotee since Version 9, I have to comment about some of the really nice features of Version 14. My appreciation of Version 14 is in the more mundane day-to-day operation of the program such as the right click pop-up menu, the paste from Windows clipboard, having Auto Dimension and Extension Command in System Options, and having drawings available from the toolbar dropdown menu including multis.”

Some other “favorite” features from SoftPlan users include:
 

3DS File Import/Export Added to SoftView

 

This new Symbol Wizard command allows 3D symbols to be imported directly from SketchUp®.  3DS files, the native file format for 3D studio®, can also be imported directly by the Symbol Wizard.  The addition of .3DS and .KMZ to the existing .DXF and .DWG should make most 3D content available for import into SoftPlan.

   
 

Profiles Added to Beams Allowing for Creations of Shapes

 

Wall Materials can be defined with user defined Profiles.  The Profile shapes are stacked directly on top of each other when the wall is viewed in SoftView.  A Log wall is an example of a material that would be defined this way.

   
  Information Popup Added to the Right Mouse Button
 

Selecting the right mouse button presents a context appropriate menu. If there are multiple items near the cursor, a locate type menu appears. The menu selection then changes depending on the type of object under the cursor to display appropriate drawing actions.  If no object is under the cursor, a mode appropriate draw menu will appear. This feature greatly reduces the amount of mouse movement required when working in SoftPlan, enhancing the drawing speed.

   
  Enhanced Symbol Libraries
 

Several of the existing symbol libraries have been enhanced. The enhancements include the addition of hundreds of highly detailed textured 3D models.  The furniture libraries include new folders of armchairs, beds, chairs, sofas, stools, coffee tables, dining tables, and end tables. The vehicles folder includes European and American models for several cars of different size and color.  Additions to the decorative post library contain 20 highly detailed columns; Corinthian and Doric for example.
   
 

Ability to Lock Layers and Building Options
 

A Lock selection is available on both the Layer Setup and Building Options dialogs.  Items assigned to the Building Option or Layer cannot be erased or moved.
   
 

Dimension Numbers Are Automatically Placed to Avoid Other Items
 

When dimension strings are placed, the dimension numbers are automatically placed in such a way as to avoid other items that are already present on the drawing. 

   
 

Auto Extension & Dimension Command

 

The Auto Dimension and Extension Command has been added to System Options.  When selected, the dimension and extensions are placed on items such as walls and openings as they are drawn.
   
 

Display Print Pen Style
 

Display Print Pen Style option has been added to the Visible Items dialog.  When selected, the Print Pen thickness as set in Configure Print Pen Styles will display to the screen.
   
 

reView 3D Added

 

SoftPlan reView 3D allows users to send the 3D SoftView model to clients for viewing.  The free reView client viewer will allow full navigation, outside and inside, of the SoftView authored 3D model.  The clients will view the model in the mode that it was authored. For example, if a model was in sketched mode when it was authored, then it will appear sketched to the client.  Traditionally, client model viewing is accomplished via animation files that are time consuming to create, quite large in size, and limited in what they show. reView 3D provides a much more dynamic client experience.
   
 

Sketched Mode Added to SoftView
 

SoftView contains sketched mode. This presents the model in a less rigid way. Sketch emulates a hand sketched look and allows for the optional inclusion of textures and shadows to create varied appearance within the mode. 

   

All in all, Version 14 builds on SoftPlan’s strongest features to create a program that has both increased power for experienced users and enhanced accessibility for new users. Carole Chapman sums up her thoughts on Version 14 , “99% of the time I am thrilled with Version 14.  I would encourage anyone contemplating the upgrade to go for it.  I would recommend that those upgrading to Version 14 make sure that their computer equipment is up to the task.  It's important to understand that the software works best on the best 'tools of the trade." 

 
Click here for an extensive list of the other important features that have been included in the program.