Carlson Software now includes a copy of the IntelliCAD engine with each copy of their software so that users with an AutoCAD-based program can install Carlson on top of both AutoCAD and IntelliCAD, compare, contrast and judge for themselves whether IntelliCAD is a good option for their office. You can read more about IntelliCAD here or click here to watch the most recent webinar showing the latest updates in IntelliCAD 7.1.

 

If I remember correctly, the IntelliCAD 6.4 platform originally shipped with Carlson 2009 and contained approximately 70% of the functionality of AutoCAD. Many of these holes were plugged with the current production release of IntelliCAD 6.6 (which originally shipped with Carlson 2010) but there have continued to be some performance issues for larger data sets.

The ITC has been hard at work on IntelliCAD 7 for many years – it is a total re-design of the program, has ObjectARX type abilities and will run faster.

IntelliCAD 7.1a was released by the ITC on 2/1/2012.

Starting with the 2011 release, Carlson’s desktop products include a copy of both IntelliCAD 6.6 and IntelliCAD 7.x (beta) for stand-alone functionality. Once IntelliCAD 7.x reaches a certain threshold with respect to productivity, Carlson will no longer include IntelliCAD 6.6 in its installation.

 

Command/Feature-wise, I typically get 3 complaints about IntelliCAD 6.6:

• The plot dialog is reminiscent of an older version of AutoCAD and does not remember settings,
• The Properties dialog does not dock and remain active while commands are active and
• Irregularly-shaped viewports are not supported (though rectangular ones are).

 

While IntelliCAD 7.x now has an updated plot dialog box with page setups, irregular viewports, a dockable Properties dialog and many other features missing in 6.6, Carlson still considers it to be “beta” as of late February 2012. However, I would also state that the performance quality of IntelliCAD 7.1 is growing by leaps and bounds between each testing version that’s released and that the production-ready release is not too far away.

For current AutoCAD users who dive into every new feature or push customization to its limits…
I doubt you’d be happy with IntelliCAD 6.6 at this time because some of those commands are missing or have legacy behavior. And, although it’s close (as of late Feb 2012), until Carlson deems IntelliCAD 7.x to be a production-ready version, it’s probably not going to be good alternative for you.

For current AutoCAD users not as invested in the bells and whistles…
IntelliCAD will probably be a fantastic, cost effective alternative to your AutoCAD.

The ideal situation(s) for IntelliCAD?

• Offices currently using AutoCAD LT as a “gap-filler” instead of more costly CAD licenses. Why? Because IntelliCAD supports
  LISP files, 3D data, XREFs, Images and several other AutoCAD functions that are not included in AutoCAD LT
• Survey/inspection field crews using an IntelliCAD version on laptops to be taken out of the office
• Offices needing a low-cost CAD option for project managers
• Offices needing short-term CAD licenses for summer interns

 

Click here for a 30-day trial of Carlson with IntelliCAD, contact us at 919.417.8351 or ContactUs@thatcadgirl.com.