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.

I prefer DataCAD over other CAD programs because of the ease of using it, plus I believe I can draw faster with it as well. It is user friendly, and the tech support is also wonderful when I need it (which is rare).

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.