What is FREE DoubleCAD XT?

Something we think will shake up the status quo. DoubleCAD™ XT is an AutoCAD LT® work-alike. But free. It's also 5-Star Rated from the editors at CNET... and the #1 most downloaded free CAD at Download.com.

DoubleCAD XT:

• Is a full-powered 2D CAD application
• Works like AutoCAD LT
• Is .DWG compatible (.DWF, .DXF, and .SKP, too)
• Is free for personal and commercial use

Free DoubleCAD XT has so many new and innovative features, you might feel like it's an upgrade to AutoCAD LT... without the cost... including:

• Transparent and bitmap fills
• Draw order by layer
• Hide objects by layer
• Self-healing walls (ACA/ADT compatible)
• Self-aligning blocks
• Object snap prioritization
• Bezier curves
• Advanced polyline editing
• Automatic scaling of units between drawings
• Input multiple unit types on-the-fly
• Enhanced format painter
• Smart dimensions
• Open and Save As .DWG (AutoCAD Release 14 to 2009), .DWF, and .DXF
• Google™ SketchUp™ and SketchUp Pro compatibility
• ... and lots more

"Highly recommended," say the editors at CNET. Why pirate — when you can be legal — for free?

What is DoubleCAD XT Pro?

We hope you like free DoubleCAD™ XT so much that you'll take a look at DoubleCAD XT Pro. DoubleCAD XT Pro is the powerful upgrade to the CNET Editors’ Review highest 5-Star rated DoubleCAD XT. It's an AutoCAD LT® work-alike. But better. For about half the price. DoubleCAD XT Pro includes everything found in DoubleCAD XT... plus:

• Superior 2D drafting & detailing (create associative, 2D views or hatched sections, even from xrefs)
• Drawing compare
• Hatch pattern creator
• Geometric & dimensional constraints
• Range of intelligent architectural objects (windows, doors, roofs, slabs, stairs, and rails)
• Architectural sections/elevations (3D-to-2D documentation)
• Parametric Parts Manager
• Design Director (for advanced layer management and much more)
• Style Manager
• Nested Xrefs that can be clipped, bound, and more
• Embed images files in drawings
• Explode viewports to create flat 2D geometry, including hidden line views
• Trace image-to-vector tool
• Superior workflow with Google™ SketchUp™ and SketchUp Pro
• Open & save 30 file formats, including .DWG, .DXF, and .DWF formats from AutoCAD R14 to 2009. (Note, any importable file type can be used as an xref.)
• Batch file conversion
• Available SDK (Software Developers Kit)
• 12-months free premium customer support (phone, email, forum)
• ... and much more

We think a better AutoCAD LT... for a much better price ($695).

(You be the judge. Click here for a comparison between DoubleCAD XT Pro and AutoCAD LT.)

What do you mean by an AutoCAD LT work-alike?

Why re-learn what you already know? You shouldn't.

On the other hand, innovation is certainly a welcome thing.

Both DoubleCAD™ XT and XT Pro work like AutoCAD LT® — that is, you'll see a familiar menu bar, menu items, drawing tools, modify tools, command line, even a familiar intelligent cursor.

But, we feel we've intelligently improved upon AutoCAD LT... almost like it's an upgrade for AutoCAD LT.

For example, shouldn't walls self-heal? (As in, not having to clean up after a generic double-line tool?)

Or blocks self-align?
How about transparent and bitmap fills? Set draw order by layer? Hide objects by layer?
You know, things you've been asking for for a long time.

Turns out AutoCAD LT has a lot of things that can be improved upon.

And that's what we're trying to do with both DoubleCAD XT and XT Pro:

Start with what you know... and improve from there.

.DWG and other industry formats:  How compatible is compatible?

Very. We believe we have some of the best translators in the industry. And that includes our .DWG compatibility.

To put this in perspective: DoubleCAD™ XT Pro can import and edit corresponding architectural objects from AutoCAD® Architecture (ACA, formerly ADT). Even AutoCAD® and AutoCAD LT® can't do that.

But here is something better: A DoubleCAD .DWG file, containing ACA-compatible walls and self-aligning blocks, can be brought into AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT and designs retain their self-healing properties.

This intelligent behavior can save hours of adjustment and iteration within AutoCAD products. (Go figure that: maybe the best way to kick-start an AutoCAD project is with DoubleCAD. ;-) )

We also believe we communicate with the rest of the CAD world to a much higher degree than AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. In this regard, there is no comparison: DoubleCAD is clearly superior.

How does DoubleCAD XT and XT Pro compare to AutoCAD LT?

Our free DoubleCAD™ XT compares favorably to AutoCAD LT®. To many, it will even feel like an upgrade.

Our DoubleCAD XT Pro — in our opinion — flat out beats AutoCAD LT.

(We certainly invite you to judge for yourself. Click here for comparison between DoubleCAD XT, XT Pro, and AutoCAD LT.)

How does DoubleCAD compare to ITC-based products?

Surpasses in terms of reliability, robustness, and innovation.

DoubleCAD™ was created from our own award-winning CAD code and — with over two million seats sold worldwide — is reliable and robust. It is targeted at AutoCAD LT® but goes beyond AutoCAD LT in many ways.

IntelliCAD® Technology Consortium (ITC)-based products have had reliability and robustness issues over the years and, except for a few niche exceptions, haven't gained traction in the broader marketplace. ITC-based products target AutoCAD® and in general don't try to surpass or innovate.

What are the main differences between DoubleCAD XT and DoubleCAD XT Pro?

DoubleCAD™ XT is a full-powered 2D AutoCAD LT® work-alike and is free.

DoubleCAD XT Pro is also a full-powered 2D AutoCAD LT work-alike but has many more features (for both architectural and mechanical users), superior drafting & detailing capabilities (create associative, 2D views or hatched sections, even from xrefs), some incredibly useful facilities like drawing compare, hatch pattern creator, geometric and dimensional constraints, and explodeable viewports, a range of intelligent (parametric) architectural objects, one of the widest ranges of industry file filters, and 12-months free premium support (phone, email, forum). DoubleCAD XT Pro is $695.

(Click here for comparison between DoubleCAD XT and DoubleCAD XT Pro.)

Why choose DoubleCAD from IMSI/Design?

Because DoubleCAD™ works like AutoCAD LT® but will feel like an upgrade to AutoCAD LT.

Because DoubleCAD is compatible with .DWG and the rest of the CAD industry — you can safely use all of your working documents created with AutoCAD® or other popular CAD applications.

Because IMSI/Design has sold over two million CAD seats worldwide.

Because it's about time there was a real alternative to AutoCAD LT.

Why is DoubleCAD XT and XT Pro considered `the CAD of choice` for Google SketchUp users?

DoubleCAD™ XT and XT Pro go beyond compatibility with Google™ SketchUp™... they enhance workflow.

For example, DoubleCAD XT and XT Pro:

• Import all visible geometry, layers, and components
• Convert all SketchUp components to DoubleCAD blocks to optimize drawing performance
• Create a paper space from each SketchUp scene, thereby saving time by automatically creating viewports with the correct layer visibility and 2D or perspective view properties. These paper space views are also immediately ready for dimensioning and annotation
• And DoubleCAD XT Pro includes a robust .DAE (COLLADA) export capability with support for converting blocks, and even architectural objects, into instances that SketchUp converts into components. It’s absolutely the best way to get an AutoCAD Architecture model or DoubleCAD model with ACA-compatible architectural objects into SketchUp.
,

AutoCAD® and AutoCAD LT® don't come close.

Why is IMSI/Design doing this?

We're trying something different in the CAD world. As mentioned above, hopefully shake up the status quo.

We could use your help spreading the word... if you like our products, please let your CAD colleagues know about us!

DoubleCAD XT and XT Pro are alternatives to the $1,200 AutoCAD LT. Why didn`t IMSI/Design create a replacement for the $3,995 AutoCAD as well?

Whether you like or dislike Autodesk®, AutoCAD® is the standard.

As such, our goal is simply to be a better companion to AutoCAD than AutoCAD LT® is.

We've done this by creating one product that's dramatically better than AutoCAD LT (XT Pro)... and another that's dramatically less expensive (XT free).

Ready to move to 3D architectural design and drafting?

DoubleCAD™ XT Pro is... AutoCAD LT® isn`t. Today 90% of CAD is 2D. At some point, though, most modeling will be done in 3D.

When that point comes, all of the architectural objects in DoubleCAD XT Pro — such as walls, doors, windows, roofs, slabs, stairs, and rails — are already 3D, saving you an enormous amount of conversion time as compared to using AutoCAD LT.

DoubleCAD XT Pro v2 has added a third dimension to the architectural objects that you can create. In this way, not only can you quickly design a floorplan, but you may also immediately benefit from having 2D elevations and 3D ISO views necessary to complete your project documentation. This can save an enormous amount of time – even Autodesk® says so in reference to AutoCAD® Architecture.

Does DoubleCAD XT and XT Pro support plug-ins?

AutoCAD LT® doesn't support ARX plug-ins so neither does DoubleCAD™ XT or XT Pro.

However, unlike AutoCAD LT, you will see a whole world of plug-ins available for DoubleCAD. Many will be available from IMSI/Design... and now that DoubleCAD XT Pro has a Software Developers' Kit (SDK), anyone can develop custom routines, new tools, and even plug-in applications, too.

Does DoubleCAD XT and XT Pro support LISP or similar type routines?

AutoCAD LT® doesn't support LISP (or AutoLISP) so neither does DoubleCAD™ XT or XT Pro.

However, unlike AutoCAD LT, a scripting language is on our future roadmap. Please stay tuned!

When will there be International versions?

DoubleCAD XT Pro has been localized in German, Polish, and Czech. (Note, these are available from our international partners). Many more localizations are planned, please stay tuned.

(Click here to see our international partners.)

What is your DoubleCAD XT and XT Pro roadmap?

We have big plans for DoubleCAD™ XT and XT Pro. Some items under consideration include:

• 3D
• Scripting support
• Plug-in functionality extensions
• More International versions
• Continued .DWG support
• Continued killer integration with Google™ SketchUp™

But, we would love to know what your priorities are.

Please drop us a line with what is important to you DoubleCADroadmap@DoubleCAD.com... Or visit the user forums at http://forums.doublecad.com. If we're going to shake up the CAD world, we can use your help. We would love to know what your priorities are.

Wasn`t DoubleCAD XT called A/CAD LT at one point?

Yes.

Our product is now being called DoubleCAD™ (for "Drafting & Detailing"). We thought we could use A/CAD because it was the expiring mark (through acquisition) of another CAD company and our registration was next in line. Autodesk® once had the mark but actually abandoned it in 1992 according to USPTO records. Regardless of current status, Autodesk said they would oppose in our particular case.

From the makers of the award-winning TurboCAD, right?

IMSI/Design® is a leader in CAD and has been for decades. An award-winning CAD application with over two million copies sold worldwide, TurboCAD® is the #1 CAD in retail. We bring a deep understanding of CAD, customers, and workflow into everything we do.

What are the main differences between DoubleCAD and TurboCAD?

DoubleCAD™ XT and XT Pro are industrial-strength 2D CAD applications aimed squarely at corporate AutoCAD® shops. They have an industry-standard AutoCAD-like user interface, including familiar command line, intelligent cursor, menu items and structure, icons, and so on. DoubleCAD is sold direct and through corporate resellers.

TurboCAD® is an industrial-strength 2D/3D CAD application targeted at small CAD shops and "prosumers." It has an easy, graphical user interface with plenty of power for even the most demanding design jobs. TurboCAD is sold direct and through traditional retail outlets.

What are the system requirements for DoubleCAD XT and XT Pro?

Minimum

• Pentium IV Processor
• Microsoft® Windows® XP: 512 MB RAM. Microsoft Windows Vista & Windows 7: 1 GB RAM
• Super VGA display (1024 x768) and High-Color (16-bit) graphics card
• DVD-ROM drive
• XT: 80 MB of free hard disk space (64 MB of swap space); XT Pro: 300 MB of free hard disk space (64 MB of swap space)

Additionally recommended

• >2 GHz Processor
• >2 GB RAM
• 3D Graphics accelerator card
• Wheel mouse
• Internet connection (and Microsoft Internet Explorer™, or similar browser required for Internet registration)

Why require activation for a free product?

A couple of reasons. From a support perspective, there are times when we need to reach our customers — for example, when an important update or patch is available.

Activation also gives us generally better metrics than are otherwise available.

From a protection perspective, we have a responsibility to protect customers — there are unscrupulous people that take capable free products and resell them and that's something that's obviously damaging to all.

There are business reasons too: we want to give away something great... so you'll eventually move to something even better from us. We can't really do that unless we can get out the message. (But don’t worry, we won’t spam you, just a few emails from time to time unless you opt out.)

How do I turn off the small print attribution (small watermark)?

By default, DoubleCAD™ XT prints a small, 8-point product attribution in the upper left corner of a printed page. We purposely made it very small — and placed it out of the way — so it wouldn't get in the way. We know there are times, however, when you may need to remove it. In these cases, simply go to the FILE menu, choose PAGE SETUP, and uncheck the SMALL WATERMARK option at the bottom of the dialog. The small product attribution will not print until you recheck this box. Since DoubleCAD XT is free, we appreciate you printing this small product attribution whenever you can.

I am having installation problems

Ouch! Many applications have installation problems due to either errant flagging by security software (note that we're working with as many vendors as we can but new vendors — and new vendor updates — are constantly coming onto the market) or to particular Windows® administrator, permission, or authorization settings.

You can look on our free forum for help if you are so inclined. (Click here.)

Or, probably easiest, simply call our free, toll-free installation support line:

Monday-Friday: 8am to 5pm (Pacific Time) 1.800.833.8082 [press 2] (1.415.483.8000)

(Click here for more information on Service & Support.)

Can I install just DoubleCAD XT and not the DoubleCAD XT Pro bonus view?

Yes. But, we really appreciate you taking a look at the more advanced features of DoubleCAD™ XT Pro. You are under no obligation to buy... but we hope you will find something useful since sales of DoubleCAD XT Pro go to support free DoubleCAD XT development. We sincerely hope taking a look at XT Pro is a small price to pay for something as robust and capable as free DoubleCAD XT.

Where can I purchase printed documentation for DoubleCAD XT and XT Pro?

Click to purchase printed documentation for DoubleCAD XT or XT Pro:

Support & Training?

For DoubleCAD™ XT PRO, we offer 12 months of free premium telephone, email, and forum support.

(Compare that to AutoCAD LT® where you have to pay for an annual subscription even before you are eligible to purchase phone support.)

For the free DoubleCAD XT, we offer free installation support, free forum support, and pay per incident support.

(Click here for more information on Service & Support.) (Click here for more information on Training)

What can I do to help?

We're trying to shake up the status quo... and could use your help to spread the word... so if you like our products, please let your CAD colleagues know about us. Thank you!