A lot of power for the price. The program is easy to learn and to teach. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

1. Would prefer more flexibility in managing symbol attributes. I use them to create schedules, master note lists, etc. I would appreciate a straightforward way to do that within the program (I currently go through Excel, using cut and paste) and I would like to be able to update the attributes of all of the symbols in a file at the same time.

2. Because Auto Cad is the industry norm, most new employees have no experience in the software and have to be trained. By no means a deal breaker, but sometimes inconvenient.

3. The Auto Cad interchange could be smoother, but it is adequate. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The simplicity of use is fantastic and the fact that the same functions are in the same spot for at least my last 15 years of using the product. You can customize tool bars as you like bu the main menus are tried and true. You can choose to use shortcut keys, menus or toolbar icons interchangeably and the result is the same...it all about what works for you. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

There is definitely a small learning curve if you are change over from AutoDesk products. And while you can xref to excel documents and the like. The control of the output from these are still limited. COPY AND PASTE is the only reliable way to get the information into the correct appearance from a spread sheet. But this is still relatively easy. BIM is still very limited. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

It's all good!

I am an annual subscriber, that means that I get upgrades automatically, not having to wait a year or two for a new release. Customer support is included for subscribers. Yesterday I had a small problem moving from one computer to another. I had an answer to my email in less than an hour, problem solved, Next day I received another email from tech support, just checking to find if I was able to do what I wanted. You will never, ever find that kind of support from any other Cad software.

P.S. There is a monthly news letter "DataCad Cheap Tricks" that also needs a plug here with my recommendation.

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I am the real "One Man Dog and Pony Show" I just wish that I had more time to use DataCad.

I use it for Architectural, Mechanical and Engineering.

As a subcontractor, I find it most useful in lay out where I an often able to find and correct problems of those more Professionally Certified than I. I am not an Architect, Engineer, Lawyer nor Surgeon but can do it all in a pinch.

It is most useful for Construction Documents, however I also use it for Civil and 3d ( My version ).

If you are looking for a Cad software program, this is "The Cat's Meow".

Oh, I was supposed to tell you what I do not like about Datacad, The only complaint that I can think of is that it is NOT available for the LINUX operating system. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

DataCAD is the easiest to use and consistently impresses my OtherCAD users. The version 17 that I bought a few months ago really took the bugs out of translating to and from dwg files. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Difficult interface with SketchUp. I'd like to see some YouTube videos for how to do some of the more difficult things. DataCAD has shifted to a lot of 3D features that, as an old school drafter, I will probably never use. The only downside is that I've not been able to find a list of architectural firms using DataCAD for searching for a new job or for future-selling my firm. I had an interview last year to work for another firm but I did not know the software they used so that was a huge detriment. I offered to learn their software but ultimately decided to keep my business and enjoy being self-employed. Since showing DataCAD to my engineers, they quit OtherCAD and bought their own version of DataCAD! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Originally developed by architects, it's been a cost-effective solution for my 2D CAD design for almost 30 years! You upgrade when you want to. Being a small company, the customer support (although not often needed) is also cost-effective, prompt and personal. DataCAD interfaces easily with AutoCAD and DWG files. We have never had a complaint when our exported DWG files are opened in AutoCAD. The GoTo views function is my favorite over AutoCAD and it's paper space/model space concept which has been confusing! It's residential templates/symbols are very comprehensive - more so than those even in Revit. And many have 3D characteristics. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

The 3d part is clumsy for me although I know that some advanced users figure it out. It's interface with SketchUp seems to be improving. I wish that more people used DataCAD in order to be able to attract more project help. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

I was first introduced to DataCAD v4 back in 1991 at a time when AutoCAD was seen as the 'industry standard'. Looking back, I can genuinely claim DataCAD has provided all the necessary tools and features to help us maintain a competitive edge over other practices using higher cost software such as Revit, AutoCAD, Archicad and the like. It really is an all-rounder and has proven to be reliable, flexible, feature-packed and easy to use, allowing my office to deliver everything from quick 3D sketch proposals, developed concepts, presentation-quality drawings, standard 2D documentation drawings or hybrid BIM documentation, 2D, 2.5D and 3D modelling and visualization with the added advantage of being customizable in 2D, 3D and parametrics.

We often get complemented on the quality or legibility of our drawings compared to our competition who use the CAD/BIM software mentioned above. DataCAD supports a full suite of customizable attributes so you can really create whatever you want to allow the printed drawing to resemble a variety of architectural styles to suit. Most BIM software produces 'flat' looking drawings with little line-type definition and in today's competitive market you need your work to stand out against the rest. DataCAD is also one of the original members of the OpenDWG Alliance so it always includes the latest import/export translators for various CAD and 3D modelling packages making it a good choice when exporting to rendering software.

There's no 'perfect' software and there are features in some other packages not found in DataCAD just as it has features not included in other software. There's also a lot of hype over full BIM applications and the hype often overlooks the fact that you either have to purchase a number of objects/symbols or spend a large amount of time creating them to build your own object libraries so that the software can work the way it's marketed. What we like about DataCAD is that it offers a variety of methods to do a task or project without the need to purchase a large symbol/object library (it comes with thousands of objects) or spend time creating your own library just to be able to start. It's easy to learn allowing us to employ new staff based on qualities other than what CAD skills they have - over the years we've employed staff trained in AutoCAD, Revit, Microstation, Archicad and each has expressed their preference for DataCAD for the reasons noted above.

Two last points I think are worth mentioning- DataCAD is more than just a CAD/BIM software, it's enjoyable and somewhat addictive to use. I think when you enjoy doing something you get more back. The other point is that the people behind the software at DataCAD are very hands on and communicative/supportive and listen to what the end users want. This provides quick turnarounds with software updates (new features + bug fixes) and allows users a say in how the product is developed and what new features are implemented.

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We know things are cheaper in the US than here in Australia, but the low purchase cost of DataCAD has probably reduced its capacity to openly market itself as a viable contender. It's one of the most under-estimated CAD/BIM software on the market.

When DataCAD first came out it was well ahead of the competition for 3D modelling. More of the competition has caught up and adding new/additional features in this area, particularly with the smart parametrics, would be welcomed.

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DataCad is (10) Times more of a user friendly software for Architectural Construction Documents than any other software, including Autodesk Products. I still use AutoCAD, but only because I'm required to. When not required - I always go to DataCad Software.

Reasons Being:

Less keystrokes required to accomplish the same commands in most other Software CAD Programs.

Insertion of Windows and Doors are just plain genius in DataCad compared to other software.

Laying out Walls Commands are created with the Designer.

End result is exactly what I hoped for on all projects.

DataCad is an affordable, user friendly and extensive software with the Architect/Designer/Draftsman in mind. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Still waiting on 3D aspects of CAD Software to become client affordable to create final construction documents on all projects. No matter the design. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

DataCAD is a professional-level AEC CADD program for architectural designs, photorealistic renderings, animations, and construction document creation. Developed by architects and software engineers for architecture, DataCAD includes tools that make designing easier, such as automatic door and window insertion, associative dimensioning, automated 3D framing, and DXF/DWG translators for importing files. This software allows you to draft, edit, and prepare precise construction documents. More than just a drafting tool, DataCAD includes automated 3D modeling and photorealistic rendering tools that put it ahead of the competition. You control lighting, shadows, and apply texture maps to create convincing colorful images of your latest 24-bit project. Visualizing a project in advance allows you and your client to save time and money by agreeing on changes early in the design process. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

There is nothing I don't like, I use 90% Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Datacad has allowed me to produce GLOBAL Award Winning projects for well over 20 years.

A loyal core GLOBAL user base of other satisfied users help each other 24/7 should challenges arise on any subject. Owners and Sr. Management of Datacad LLC are constantly available to ipmliment suggested enhancements from users. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

There is very little to dislike with the exception of FULL BIM capabilities,which I do not use anyway.

Datacad continues to be a VERY Powerful program for the AEC Community and new capibillities are being explored constantly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Building design is a breeze with DataCAD. It is constantly improving and is extremely user friendly. Printing and batch plotting are simple to set up and execute. Extensive symbol files and hatch patterns are all included with the program. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

It's not easy to find things that I dislike about DaraCAD. I will say that setting up multi scale plots is complicated so I rarely use the feature, but it is available nonetheless. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.