PowerCADD Forum

There are some times where AutoCAD is the software of choice so I am investing in AutoCAD Lt in addition to Vectorworks Architect 2023. I have used AutoCAD since Release 14 and Vectorworks since MiniCad so both are no problem for me. Vectorworks also reads both SketchUp and Revit files. I will evaluate the next version of PC/WT and decide if I will be using that also.

VW Architect is a great program. That is why I re-invested in it. I've had this program since 1996 when it was MiniCAD. Sketchup has become a subscription application, so I'll sign into it once I obtain my new desktop. I have tried in earnest to check out other programs. AutoCad posed scaling problems for me, despite my taking online courses to try to make it work. I'm especially not liking the way it handles text in dimensions. It's unintuitive as all heck. I tried MacDraft, RealCADD, and, lately, Morpholio Trace, which runs only on my iPad. Also, I still seek out a drawing program that is at least half as robust as PowerCADD, for my iPad. Each of the drawing programs I tried lacks something significant, as compared to even PowerCADD without WildTools. For my practice, AutoCAD is never a software of choice. I've thrived all these years, and prospered, without AutoCAD. Translators seemed to do the trick. For me, what works is PowerCADD, VectorWorks Architect, and, soon, the latest Sketchup.

I don't mind AC although its not my software of choice, all of the engineers use it so I just prepare base initial base drawings for them them then dfx into VWA. Autodesk recommends using dfx instead of dwg and I have had no translation problems. Over the years since Rel 14 I've learned quite a few tricks and shortcuts so AC it very usable for me. VWA 11 incorporated the viewport stuff like AC but I find AC's viewport/sheet implementation a bit easier to use but VW's offers more features.
I seldom use VWA viewports unless I have created a model, which I find cumbersome with renovation projects. I use multiple sheets / files and then combine into one pdf file using Preview.

I installed QCAD Professional as an alternative to AutoCAD Lt, it seems to be able to do most everything ACL does and should meet my needs for
a .dwg/ dfx open/use/save package. I will use this to mainly open AutoCAD files from engineers and to check VW translations into AutoCAD sent to engineers.

You can also try this:

Re: UPDATED DWG translator
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Post by rjpotter » Tue Nov 23, 2021 10:42 am

ODA File Converter is easy to use and saves DWGs etc to a format PCadd can open.

PC 9.1.11 includes ODA in the Utilities folder.

We usually select R12 Binary DXF for the output.

My 2023 Vectorworks architect has an excellent .dwg translator.
QCAD is only $40 and using it solves the translation issues, it does have many AutoCAD Lite features and can be used for initial floor plans to be sent to engineers for their use as backgrounds for their work.

johncruet48 wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 04, 2023 8:08 pm

I tried MacDraft, RealCADD, and, lately, Morpholio Trace, which runs only on my iPad.

Hi John, What was your result with RealCADD? The interface looks a lot like PowerCADD. The website looks suspiciously out of date (so I would be concerned it's not being developed any longer).

Sorry for my website, PeterKona.
I am the developer of RealCADD.

Downloading Autodesk AutoCAD LT today because I'm tired of waiting for Engineered Software to give updates.
They really don't treat their loyal customers very well.
Can't run on mac iOS Mavericks forever as other software begins to not work with such an old iOS.
Been using Powercadd for about 18-years now and hate to switch.

PeterKona wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 18, 2024 12:32 am

johncruet48 wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 04, 2023 8:08 pm

I tried MacDraft, RealCADD, and, lately, Morpholio Trace, which runs only on my iPad.

Hi John, What was your result with RealCADD? The interface looks a lot like PowerCADD. The website looks suspiciously out of date (so I would be concerned it's not being developed any longer).

Hi Peter- sorry it took so long to respond- like many sites, there are no notifications from this board regarding new posts.

I recall RealCADD simply did not have the functionality of PowerCADD. Many tools, such a door and window placement tools, simply do not exist. I wasn't even able to do a Duplicate Array.