AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CARLSON SOFTWARE

Please note: As of early 2025, neither That CAD Girl nor our sister company, Carlson CAD Solutions, are authorized dealers for Carlson Software.

Even though Carlson ended our dealership with only a few days notice, we’ve continued to support Carlson users with training, technical help and guidance on renewals and licensing. While we can no longer sell their products, we will continue to offer assistance to anyone using Carlson desktop software who needs help navigating their options.

Our whole-hearted commitment to being a trusted resource for all land development professionals includes recommending purchases of Carlson if and when we believe it’s a good fit even though we cannot facilitate the sale ourselves.

We’ll continue to offer advice, referrals and training wherever we can.

Scroll down to read more of the backstory and how we got here.

UPDATED 5/6/2025: I wish I had more to report, but I promised to keep you updated—and it’s been a while, so I owe you one!

We’re still hearing from past customers and new contacts almost daily—8 or 9 just this week—asking for advice, support and referrals related to Carlson desktop software. It’s been both humbling and eye-opening to see how many of you continue to reach out to us, even though we’re no longer authorized dealers for Carlson.

As Bruce Carlson once acknowledged, Carlson CAD Solutions and That CAD Girl were the only dealers who focused on sales and support of their desktop software. Now that we are no longer in that role, it is understandable that many of you are still looking for another dealer to fill that gap.

So, what’s changed between us and Carlson? Not much, really.

We’ve been informed by Carlson Software’s legal counsel that they do not believe they’ve acted improperly or interfered with our business relationships. While we may see things differently, we’re moving forward in good faith, we are assuming they do not intend to interfere in the future, and are continuing to reach out to other dealers to offer support and send along leads when possible.

Dealers we have reached out to over these many months have been willing to talk and are, obviously, interested in the opportunity to increase sales by collaborating with us. Unfortunately, they’ve decided not to move forward at this time—it’s understandable that they are cautious, likely due to uncertainty about how such a partnership might be perceived by Carlson.

We plan to keep trying – and hope we’ll soon come to an understanding and find ways to work together that will benefit everyone.

In the meantime, we’re still here, still offering support and training for Carlson desktop products, and we’re also working on some new partnerships we’ll be announcing soon. Keep an eye on our website for updates!

And as always—thank you for your trust, support and friendship over the years.

 – Jennifer


UPDATED 2/24/2025: Because we believe that Scott Griffin, and Carlson’s legal counsel, continue to unfairly characterize the details of the termination and its aftermath in emails TO US and with customers copied, I am linking to the email and termination letter here in the interest of full transparency.


UPDATED 2/9/2025: I am sincerely kicking myself for not doing this sooner but, if you’re reading this, I’d ask that you check out Dave Mollenberg and his team at Alpine Navigation in Grand Junction CO.

From their website:

Alpine Navigation offers service, sales and support for the Western Slope of Colorado and surrounding areas in the United States. We focus on the needs of the Heavy Construction, Mining, Aggregates, Agriculture, Public Works, Federal Lands, Energy, Ranching & Resort industries.

Until recently, Alpine Navigation was an authorized Carlson Software dealer specializing in sales of hardware and equipment. After Carlson CAD Solutions and That CAD Girl were terminated as dealers on 1/6, Alpine came to our rescue and helped our customers by following up on our leads and processing orders for Carlson desktop software and maintenance renewals.

Shockingly, Carlson terminated Alpine’s dealer contract only 2 weeks after, and because, we started working together. Their termination was effective immediately as of 1/22/2025.

So, please, if you are in Dave’s neighborhood… give him a ring and show him some love.


UPDATED 2/4/2025 We are incredibly grateful for the calls and emails of support we’ve received from our customers during this transition.

While we have been hesitant to post this, due to many requests, we are sharing the contact information for those at Carlson to whom you may wish to express your support of That CAD Girl and Carlson CAD Solutions, as well as your opinion on the termination of our Carlson dealer contract.

Email: [email protected] AND [email protected]

Phone: 606-564-5028


ORIGINAL POST CONTINUES BELOW

One Door Closes and Others Open

On Saturday, December 28, I received an email and letter advising me that Carlson Software was terminating the dealership agreements for both Carlson CAD Solutions and That CAD Girl, without cause, effective Monday, January 6, 2025.

This decision came without any warning or explanation and took us completely by surprise.

In order to comply with their decision, we’ve removed all options to purchase Carlson products from Carlson CAD Solutions and paused software-related payments in our online portal.

Our Top Priority: You, Our Customers
Right now, our focus is on supporting our customers across the US. We put the highest value on the relationships we have built on trust and respect over the last 17+ years as Carlson Software dealers.

Carlson CAD Solutions and That CAD Girl will continue to be a resource for sales advice, tech support and training for Carlson’s Desktop Software!

With regard to sales of new licenses, maintenance and upgrades – we are working to connect with other Carlson dealers so that, if desired, our customers will have a closer, local option in addition to the support we’ll offer. The holiday timing hasn’t made it easy, but we’re doing everything we can to make this as smooth as possible.

To Carlson Dealers:
If you’re interested in helping our past customers in your region and haven’t heard from us yet, please call me directly at 254-417-8351.

To Our Customers:
If you’ve been working with Claire, Jenny, Joni or me on pricing, proposals, upgrades, maintenance renewals, tech support or anything else, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can email us, call our main line at 804-227-5766 or call my cell directly at 254-417-8351. We’ll do everything we can to help with any outstanding issues.

What’s Next?
That CAD Girl Webinar Series & Customer Portal: These services aren’t going anywhere! In fact, we’re shifting our focus back to what we love most—sharing our expertise in CAD and Carlson Desktop Software while providing the very best training and customer service available.

We’re working on adding more and better webinar content featuring some exciting new presenters. As a thank-you for sticking with us, and for a limited time, we’re offering one year of free access to our Webinar Series and that will also include access to your Customer Portal for self-service management of your Carlson serial numbers and maintenance reports.

We’ll keep you updated on new offerings through our newsletter, CarlsonCADSolutions.com and here on ThatCADGirl.com.

What Hasn’t Changed?
Our commitment to YOU—helping you buy what you need and use what you buy.

This is a big change, but we’re looking forward to what’s ahead and can’t wait to share the next chapter with you. Thank you for all your support—we owe the last 17 years of success to you!


Carlson Software 2023 Year End Specials


Carlson Software is offering another great selection of Year End Specials!

Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)

Select Suite Pick 2

Select Suite Pick 4

Civil Suite

Photo Capture and Point Cloud Advanced

A BIG discount to upgrade your Point Cloud Basic to Point Cloud Advanced!

 

And then, even MORE discounts through That CAD Girl!

We’re including FREE Maintenance with almost all Carlson Software modules and suites plus you’ll receive FREE training with every new purchase!

What else? All software purchases through That CAD Girl are eligible for 1 FREE registration to our Virtual Workshop, to one of our Virtual Classroom training events and a year’s access to our live, interactive webinar training sessions.

Purchases of Carlson Takeoff Suite and Takeoff OEM includes a FREE registration to our 2+ day Fast Track with Carlson Takeoff training in January 2024. We aren’t just interested in selling you the software – we want you to use it and love it!Carlson has recently announced their year-end pricing for desktop software and they will run from Wednesday 11/1 thru Friday 12/29/2023!

This year’s specials include Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM), Select Suite Pick 2, Select Suite Pick 4, Civil Suite and a steep discount to upgrade your Point Cloud Basic to Point Cloud Advanced!

Not sure what you need? Click here for our FAQ:P3D? or Point Cloud? then Point Cloud Basic? or Point Cloud Advanced? 

 

 

In addition to the specials being offered directly from Carlson, That CAD Girl has additional discounts and pricing for Carlson Takeoff SuiteTakeoff OEM and Point Cloud Advanced. You can find the end-of-year specials listed here and you can also check out our Active Coupon Codes for additional discounts.

What else? All software purchases through That CAD Girl are eligible for half-price registration to our Virtual Workshop and a year’s access to our live, interactive webinar training sessions.

Purchases of Carlson Takeoff Suite and Takeoff OEM will also give you a free registration to our 2-day Fast Track with Carlson Takeoff training in January 2023. We aren’t just interested in selling you the software – we want you to use it and love it!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can find our Picks and Clicks videos plus several “Product Overview” recordings that demonstrate features in different programs.

 

Carlson has recently announced their year-end pricing for desktop software and they will run from Wednesday 11/1 thru Friday 12/29/2023!

This year’s specials include Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM), Select Suite Pick 2, Select Suite Pick 4, Civil Suite and a steep discount to upgrade your Point Cloud Basic to Point Cloud Advanced!

Not sure what you need? Click here for our FAQ:P3D? or Point Cloud? then Point Cloud Basic? or Point Cloud Advanced? 

 

 

In addition to the specials being offered directly from Carlson, That CAD Girl has additional discounts and pricing for Carlson Takeoff SuiteTakeoff OEM and Point Cloud Advanced. You can find the end-of-year specials listed here and you can also check out our Active Coupon Codes for additional discounts.

What else? All software purchases through That CAD Girl are eligible for half-price registration to our Virtual Workshop and a year’s access to our live, interactive webinar training sessions.

Purchases of Carlson Takeoff Suite and Takeoff OEM will also give you a free registration to our 2-day Fast Track with Carlson Takeoff training in January 2023. We aren’t just interested in selling you the software – we want you to use it and love it!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can find our Picks and Clicks videos plus several “Product Overview” recordings that demonstrate features in different programs.

 


Carlson Software 2022 Year End Specials

Carlson has recently announced their year-end pricing for desktop software. This year’s specials include Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM), Select Suite Pick 2, Select Suite Pick 4, Civil Suite and a steep discount to upgrade your Point Cloud Basic to Point Cloud Advanced! Not sure what you need? Click here for our FAQ:P3D? or Point Cloud? then Point Cloud Basic? or Point Cloud Advanced? 

In addition to the specials being offered directly from Carlson, That CAD Girl has additional discounts and pricing for Carlson Takeoff SuiteTakeoff OEM and Point Cloud Advanced. You can find the end-of-year specials listed here and you can also check out our Active Coupon Codes for additional discounts.

What else? All software purchases through That CAD Girl are eligible for half-price registration to our Virtual Workshop and a year’s access to our live, interactive webinar training sessions.

Purchases of Carlson Takeoff Suite and Takeoff OEM will also give you a free registration to our 2-day Fast Track with Carlson Takeoff training in January 2023. We aren’t just interested in selling you the software – we want you to use it and love it!

Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel where you can find our Picks and Clicks videos plus several “Product Overview” recordings that demonstrate features in different programs.

 


Carlson Tip of the Day… Wiped Out Property Corner Symbols

I get this question quite a lot and thought it would be a good topic for Tips of the day…

Problem: Lines or polylines of a boundary show up inside your open property corner symbols. See the image below for an example:

Property Corner Symbols without AutoCAD Wipeout

 

The additional problem is that, if you trim the lines inside the symbols to make it look cleaner, you’re actually modifying the length of property lines so the distances from corner-to-corner are no longer accurate.

Here’s an alternative: You can download a modified set of Carlson’s point symbols that include a “wipeout” entity that hides the lines behind/underneath the open symbols instead of trimming them and changing the length of the lines. Using the new set of symbols, the same property lines and symbols look like those in the image below (notice that the distances of linework are unchanged):

Property Corner Symbols with AutoCAD Wipeout

 

How to do this?

Here is the knowledge base article on Carlson’s website that includes a ZIP file with the new symbol DWG files and instructions on where the files must be saved.

 


Carlson 2015 Has Been Released!

Carlson posted the 2015 versions of their for CAD (IntelliCAD or AutoCAD 2004-2015) on Tuesday afternoon… you can Download Carlson 2015 products with IntelliCAD here. The 2015 versions of embedded AutoCAD products (Survey and Takeoff OEM) will be released later this summer.

If your maintenance contract is current or you have purchased 2014 products within the past 90 days, you’re automatically eligible for an upgrade to 2015. Click here to look up your 2015 serial number using your 2014 serial number.

Click here to review the list of all improvements

Click here to read about updates in Carlson Survey 2015

Click here to read about updates in Carlson Civil and Carlson Hydrology 2015

Click here to read about updates in Carlson Takeoff Suite 2015 – including Construction, CADNet, Trench and GeoTech

There are price increases with 2015 products. Click one of these links if you would like to Request a Demonstration or Request a Custom Proposal to upgrade to 2015 or purchase new software.

Please follow this link to see if you’re eligible for our monthly webinars including CAD and Carlson Tips & Tricks, Intro to Survey and GIS and What’s New in Carlson 2015.

 


Carlson 2013 Has Been Released

Carlson released the 2013 version of their desktop products today. This includes: Civil Suite, Civil, Survey, Hydrology, GIS, Takeoff, Construction, Point Cloud, Geology, Surface/Underground Mining and Natural Regrade.

The 2013 embedded-AutoCAD versions of Takeoff and Survey have not yet been released.

Unlike previous versions of Carlson that support running on top of IntelliCAD or AutoCAD products 2000-2012, Carlson 2013 can only be run on IntelliCAD or AutoCAD products 2004-2013. This includes AutoCAD, Map, Land Desktop and Civil 3d. Also, anyone using the FREE IntelliCAD that comes with Carlson is eligible for a FREE GIS Starter Kit from Esri which includes ArcMap.

You can download Carlson 2013 here.

If you are using 2012 and are current on your annual maintenance contract, you can click here to look up your new 2013 serial number online. You will need to enter your contact information and your 2012 serial number in order to generate the 2013 serial number. You can find your serial number by opening Carlson Software and going to Help > About Carlson Software > Change Registration.

If you have trouble finding your serial number or would like to know the cost to upgrade to 2013, please email me with your request.

Click here for the full list of improvements to Carlson 2013

Click here for improvements to the General commands in 2013

Click here for the additional data file & conversion support in Carlson 2013

Click here for improvements to Survey commands in 2013

Click here for improvements to Civil commands in 2013

Click here for improvements to Hydrology commands in 2013

Click here for improvements to GIS commands in 2013

Click here for improvements to Takeoff commands in 2013

Click here for improvements to Point Cloud commands in 2013

Click here for improvements to Geology commands in 2013

Click here for improvements to Surface/Underground Mining commands in 2013

Click here for improvements to Natural Regrade commands in 2013


New Carlson Build – 120219

Carlson released a new build of their desktop software earlier this week. This includes updates to the IntelliCAD/for AutoCAD versions of Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Basic Mining, Geology, Underground Mining, Surface Mining, Natural Regrade, Field, Takeoff, Construction and Point Clouds.

To confirm your current build number, go to Help > About Carlson. You’ll see the build number on the top line of the text box.

You can download the latest full version or updates to your current installation here.

If you would like to try out any of the Carlson Software products for 30-days, email me here.

For those anxious to try out the very latest and greatest updates in the testing versions of IntelliCAD 7.1, you can also send me an email to gain access to a new blog, “The Little CAD Engine That Could”, administered by Leonid Entov of Carlson Software.

Participation in the testing and access to the blog is by invitation only, so email me and I’ll pass along your request.


Carlson 2012 Updates

You can download the most recent updates to Carlson’s 2012 desktop software HERE


Carlson Software Manuals

Looking for Carlson Software manuals? Prior to the 2010 release, Carlson included printed manuals with your purchase and, in addition, the manuals have always been available to print for yourself from the Help files.

With the 2010 release, Carlson “opened” a storefront on the self-publishing site called Lulu.com. You can order 2009 and 2010 Carlson Software manuals here http://stores.lulu.com/carlsonsw.

Originally posted on Carlson Connection by Jennifer Dibona