DataCAD X3 introduces new scale-independent and view-dependent settings for text, arrows, and symbols so these items can update automatically whenever you need to change the scale of your drawing.

Contract documents come in many shapes and sizes. As a designer you need to present floor plans, elevations, and details for various purposes. The format, scale, and level of detail in your drawings needs to vary accordingly. Each time you change the scale of your drawing, elements such as text and arrows need to be resized so they are legible on paper. In other words, they always need to plot 1/8" high, regardless of plot scale. DataCAD X3 can do this for you automatically.

With DataCAD X3 you can also control the level of detail that appears in symbols when they are viewed or printed at various scales. You can even control which layers display in 2D and/or in 3D views. This allows you to place a single detail in your drawing that will display and print hatching at 3" scale, but not at 1/4" scale. A symbol of a chair can appear as a simple rectangle in plan and completely 3D in a perspective or rendered view. We've included more than 1,100 2D/3D symbols with DataCAD X3 and you can use your existing libraries to create your own.

We've eliminated the need for manual updates in other areas of DataCAD X3 as well. You can now link multi-scale plotting details to GoTo Views so the detail will update automatically whenever you update the corresponding GoTo View. XREF layers can be turned on or off based on GoTo Views. So you can use a single XREF in multiple views. You can lock the angle of text in symbols so it will still be readable after you rotate the symbol.

I’m confident new DataCAD X3 will provide a boost to your production drawing efficiency.

In addition, here are some of the DataCAD X3 new feature highlights…

An all-new, OpenGL®-based Sun Shader provides you with sun angles and shadows based on location, date, and time. A three-dimensional representation of the sun path from sunrise to sunset can also be displayed around your model for illustrative purposes. An animation toolbar allows you to see shadows cast from sunrise to sunset using a play/pause interface. You can also apply a color tint to shadows to differentiate before and after conditions. The current view can be saved to an image file in resolutions up to 4096 pixels or higher depending on your display adapter.


Sun Path and Trajectory


Shadow Study Results Dialog


Shadow Study Settings Dialog


Model Displayed in Sun Shader Window


Shadow Animation


Shadow Tint Illustrating June, September, and December Shadows

Choose Sun Shader from the View pull-down menu.

Check "Keep Layer Manger Open" in the Layer Manager Dialog.