FAQ
Faq category: Software Updates
[FAQ200] What you should know about purchasing Carlson Software
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About Carlson Software, the Company
About Carlson, the Software
Carlson programs work natively and produce DWG format files. There is NO need to convert, import or export – only Open and Save.
The programs are primarily delivered as “vertical” modules that can be installed and run on top of a generic-CAD platform.
Carlson’s desktop modules for land surveying, engineering and construction are built to run on top of the ITC’s IntelliCAD and Autodesk’s AutoCAD platforms. The modules include: Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Geology, Underground Mining, Surface Mining, Natural Regrade, Field, CADnet, GeoTech, Trench, Construction and Point Clouds.
Additionally, Survey and Takeoff are developed and run on top of an embedded AutoCAD (OEM).
You Have Options!
Purchase Carlson with the Platform that's Best for You
Carlson’s desktop programs can be installed as a standalone program on top of IntelliCAD or on top of your separately-purchased, full-AutoCAD-based program.
Each purchase includes a license of the latest version of IntelliCAD – it doesn’t have to be purchased separately.
Your separately-purchased, full-AutoCAD-based program can be AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map, Land Desktop, Civil 3D or other vertical – but does NOT include AutoCAD LT.
The following modules are available with IntelliCAD/for YOUR AutoCAD: Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Geology, Underground Mining, Surface Mining, Natural Regrade, Field, CADnet, GeoTech, Trench, Construction and Point Clouds
Carlson Survey and Takeoff can be purchased and installed standalone with embedded AutoCAD (also known as the OEM version).
Each purchase includes a license of the latest version of embedded AutoCAD (OEM) – it doesn’t have to be purchased separately.
Note that embedded AutoCAD (OEM) is more similar to AutoCAD LT than AutoCAD – so, experienced AutoCAD users may end up missing much of the functionality they are accustomed to.
The embedded AutoCAD (OEM) programs do not include IntelliCAD and do not require a separate purchase of AutoCAD.
Importantly, although both programs can be installed on the same computer, programs installed with the OEM platform will be completely separate from those installed with IntelliCAD/your AutoCAD. This means that you will not be able to work in a DWG file and simply switch between menus – you’ll have to close the drawing in one program in order to open it in the other.
Carlson's Versions vs AutoCAD's Versions
Carlson Software will run on earlier versions of AutoCAD; however, you cannot run a version of Carlson that is older than the AutoCAD. For instance, Carlson 2024 will run on AutoCAD 2018-2024 but Carlson 2022 will only run on AutoCAD 2018-2022.
Which Program or Modules Do I Need?
FAQ: I’m a land surveyor. What software do I need?
FAQ: I’m a civil engineer. What software do I need?
Programs with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)
FAQ: What features & menus are in Carlson Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)? (a running thread)
FAQ: What features & menus are in Carlson Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)? (a running thread)
Desktop Programs with IntelliCAD/for YOUR AutoCAD
FAQ: What features & menus are in the non-OEM Carlson Survey program? (a running thread)
FAQ: What features & menus are in Carlson Civil? (a running thread)
FAQ: What features & menus are in Carlson GIS? (a running thread)
FAQ: What features & menus are in Carlson Hydrology? (a running thread)
FAQ: What features & menus are in Carlson Point Cloud? (a running thread)
FAQ: What features & menus are in Carlson Construction? (a running thread)
FAQ: What features & menus are in Carlson CADNet? (a running thread)
FAQ: What features & menus are in Carlson GeoTech? (a running thread)
FAQ: What features & menus are in Carlson Trench? (a running thread)
Carlson iCAD
Retail Pricing for Carlson Software vs That CAD Girl Pricing
| Program | Retail Price of Standalone (effective 10/16/2023) | Retail Price of Network | That CAD Girl Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select Suite - Pick 6 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet) | $ 4,950 | $ 5,445 | * See in store |
| Select Suite - Pick 5 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet) | $ 4,650 | $ 5,115 | * See in store |
| Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet) | $ 4,250 | $ 4,675 | * See in store |
| Select Suite - Pick 3 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet) | $ 3,850 | $ 4,235 | * See in store |
| Select Suite - Pick 2 (from Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Point Cloud Basic, CadNet) | $ 3,350 | $ 3,685 | * See in store |
| Survey | $ 2,150 | $ 2,365 | * See in store |
| Civil | $ 1,950 | $ 2,145 | * See in store |
| Hydrology | $ 1,550 | $ 1,705 | * See in store |
| GIS | $ 1,250 | $ 1,375 | * See in store |
| Takeoff Suite (Construction, CADNet, Trench, GeoTech) | $ 7,500 | $ 8,250 | * See in store |
| Construction | $ 3,950 | $ 4,345 | * See in store |
| CADNet | $ 1,750 | $ 1,925 | * See in store |
| Trench | $ 1,595 | $ 1,755.50 | * See in store |
| GeoTech | $ 1,595 | $ 1,755.50 | * See in store |
| Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM) | $ 9,000 | $ 9,900 | * See in store |
| Survey with embedded AutoCAD (OEM) | $ 3,250 | $ 3,575 | * See in store |
| Other Software or Hardware | *See in store |
Upgrading Carlson Software
Upgrades are managed through the Annual Maintenance Plan which, essentially. allows users to pre-pay for future upgrades. As long as your Maintenance is active at the time a new version is released, you are eligible for an automatic upgrade to the new version.
See additional information about Maintenance below…
Survey and Takeoff with embedded AutoCAD (OEM)
Maintenance is NOT available for these products so upgrades are only available after a new version has been released.
The cost to upgrade Carlson’s OEM products is subject to change each year and varies depending on the program and how many versions behind you are.
However, Carlson never charges more than 50% of the current retail price to upgrade any license to the latest and greatest version of the software.
You can click here to request Custom Pricing for your upgrade.
Carlson Software Annual Maintenance
Every new license of Carlson with IntelliCAD/for CAD includes 90 days of free Maintenance. This is Carlson’s way of ensuring that anyone who purchases a new license inside of that 90-day window can be assured of getting the free upgrade.
Renewing Maintenance Before it Expires
Renewing Maintenance is optional for users.
However, if you prefer to keep your software up-to-date when new versions are released, keeping the Maintenance plan active is the best way to do that.
If it is renewed prior to expiration, maintenance costs 10% of the retail price of the software.
Renewing Expired Maintenance
If your Maintenance has expired, you can pay the regular 10% Maintenance fee plus the expiration fee to activate your Maintenance for one-year. While Maintenance is active, you’ll be eligible for an immediate upgrade to the current version AND for automatic upgrades to any new versions released during the Maintenance year.
How Old is Too Old (to Renew)?
For licenses of Carlson with IntelliCAD/for CAD that are more than 4 years old, users can pay 50% of the retail price to activate Maintenance for 1-year.
While Maintenance is active, you’ll be eligible for an immediate upgrade to the current version AND for automatic upgrades to any new versions released during the Maintenance year.
See the tables below for sample pricing for Carlson Maintenance.
Carlson Software Maintenance Fees – per Product
Carlson’s policy on Software Maintenance can be viewed by clicking here
| Program | Retail Price of Standalone (effective 10/16/2023) | Annual Maintenance for Standalone | Retail Price of Network | Annual Maintenance for Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select Suite Pick 6 | $ 4,950 | $ 495 | $ 5,445 | $ 544.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 5 | $ 4,650 | $ 465 | $ 5,115 | $ 511.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 4 | $ 4,250 | $ 425 | $ 4,675 | $ 467.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 3 | $ 3,850 | $ 385 | $ 4,235 | $ 423.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 2 | $ 3,350 | $ 335 | $ 3,685 | $ 368.50 |
| Civil Suite | $ 4,250 | $ 425 | $ 4,675 | $ 467.50 |
| Survey | $ 2,150 | $ 215 | $ 2,365 | $ 236.50 |
| Civil | $ 1,950 | $ 195 | $ 2,145 | $ 214.50 |
| Hydrology | $ 1,550 | $ 155 | $ 1,705 | $ 170.50 |
| GIS | $ 1,250 | $ 125 | $ 1,375 | $ 137.50 |
| Takeoff Suite | $ 7,500 | $ 750 | $ 8,250 | $ 825.00 |
| Construction | $ 3,950 | $ 395 | $ 4,345 | $ 434.50 |
| CADNet | $ 1,750 | $ 175 | $ 1,925 | $ 192.50 |
| Trench | $ 1,595 | $ 159.50 | $ 1,755 | $ 175.50 |
| GeoTech | $ 1,595 | $ 159.50 | $ 1,755 | $ 175.50 |
Carlson Software Maintenance & Expiration Fees
Carlson’s policy on Software Maintenance can be viewed by clicking here
| Maintenance Status | Annual Maintenance (Percentage of Retail) | Expiration Fee (Percentage of Retail) | Total Fee to Renew (Percentage of Retail) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 10% | 0 | 10% |
| Expired, up to 1 year | 10% | 10% | 20% |
| Expired, up to 2 years | 10% | 20% | 30% |
| Expired, up to 3 years | 10% | 30% | 40% |
| Expired, more than 3 years | 10% | 40% | 50% |
Sample Pricing for Active and Expired Maintenance Renewal Fees
Carlson’s policy on Software Maintenance can be viewed by clicking here
| Program | # of Years Expired | Retail Price | Total Fee (Percentage of Retail) | Total Fee to Upgrade and/or Renew Maintenance for 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Survey | Not expired, maintenance is current | $ 2,150 | 10% | $ 215.00 |
| Survey | Expired for less than 1 year | $ 2,150 | 20% | $ 430.00 |
| Networked Survey | Expired for less than 1 year | $ 2,365 | 20% | $ 473.00 |
| Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 | Not expired, maintenance is current | $ 4,250 | 10% | $ 425.00 |
| Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 | Expired for less than 1 year | $ 4,250 | 20% | $ 850.00 |
| Networked Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 | Expired for less than 1 year | $ 4,675 | 20% | $935.00 |
FAQ: What’s the difference between Carlson’s annual maintenance and an Autodesk subscription?
FAQ: What is Carlson Software’s Maintenance Plan? And why should you buy it through That CAD Girl?
FAQ: How is the price of Carlson maintenance calculated?
FAQ: I can’t seem to keep up with my Carlson maintenance – Can you help?
FAQ: I didn’t buy my software from you, but can you take care of my maintenance and upgrades?
Carlson Licensing
A purchase of Carlson Software grants a perpetual license to the owner. This means that, once purchased, you “own it” and never need to pay additional fees to use it.
Carlson allows users to “network” their licenses for an additional fee. The fee is 10% of the retail price of the software being networked.
When installing their desktop software, Carlson recognizes 5 different “Reasons for Installation”:
After installation and registration, Carlson provides a Registration Report that includes a “Change Key” and it’s a good idea to save the report and the change key.
And here’s a Pro-Tip for you! The Serial Number screen on your That CAD Girl Customer Portal has a “Customer Notes” section – that’s a great place to save your Change Key and other important information about each license!
FAQ: Does Carlson retire their products?
FAQ: What happens if I get a new computer and need to reinstall Carlson?
FAQ: Can I install my Carlson desktop software on two computers?
FAQ: Is it better to network Carlson than use standalone licenses?
FAQ: Does Carlson Software Still Offer Perpetual Licenses?
FAQ: How do I register my Carlson Software? And what are change keys?
System Requirements for Desktop Software
Technical Support & Training
You can see all the opportunities for training with That CAD Girl here and you can follow these links to see our FAQs about the training and technical support available from Carlson and That CAD Girl.
30-Day Trials
Once you decide to purchase, you won’t even need to uninstall. You can activate your software by simply updating your registration with your purchased serial number.
Why Buy from That CAD Girl?
Once you decide to purchase, you won’t even need to uninstall. You can activate your software by simply updating your registration with your purchased serial number.
[FAQ420] I’ve Installed My Carlson Software – Now What Do I Do?
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Installing and Registering
FAQ: How do I register my Carlson Software? And what are change keys?
FAQ: Can I install my Carlson desktop software on two computers?
FAQ: What happens if I get a new computer and need to reinstall Carlson?
FAQ: What happens if I get a new computer and need to reinstall Carlson?
Tracking my Licenses and Keeping Up to Date
FAQ: That CAD Girl Customer Portal
FAQ: My Maintenance is Current… Where’s My Upgrade?
FAQ: When I upgrade, do I immediately lose access to the older version of my software?
FAQ: I can’t seem to keep up with my Carlson maintenance – Can you help?
FAQ: Do I qualify for an automatic upgrade to the new version of Carlson?
Technical Support
FAQ: Where do I get support for Carlson Software and how much will it cost me?
FAQ: How can I be sure I’m running the latest build of my Carlson Software?
FAQ: How can I find out when new versions or builds of Carlson are released?
FAQ: Where do I find the build date or build number of my Carlson Software?
FAQ: I think I found a bug in my Carlson Software – how can I get it resolved?
FAQ: What is the latest and greatest version/build of my Carlson Software? (a running thread)
FAQ: What is “The Little CAD Engine That Could” Website?
Training
FAQ: What options do I have for training on CAD or Carlson Software?
FAQ: Am I eligible to attend your Carlson Software webinars for free?
FAQ: Before I buy, can I attend a webinar for free?
FAQ: Does That CAD Girl training qualify for PDH/CEU/continuing education credit?
[FAQ430] How do I register my Carlson Software? And what are change keys?
+Pro-Tip! The Serial Number screen on your That CAD Girl Customer Portal has a “Customer Notes” section – that’s a great place to save your Change Key and other important information about each license!
- Initial install or maintenance upgrade of Carlson
- Re-installation of Carlson
- Windows or AutoCAD Upgrade
- Home/Field use. See License Agreement.
- New Hardware (new hard drive, network card, new computer)
[FAQ432] Where do I find the build date or build number of my Carlson Software?
+The number shown here roughly corresponds to the date that the updated file was posted to Carlson’s downloads page using a YY/MM/DD format. You can reference this FAQ to determine the current build of the software you have installed.
[FAQ433] What is the latest and greatest version/build of my Carlson Software? (a running thread)
+FAQ: Where do I find the build date or build number of my Carlson Software?
Next, click to highlight your Serial Number and click Downloads to open the download screen specific to your product and version.
Carlson Survey/Civil/Mining/Takeoff for CAD
This can be installed on AutoCAD or with included Intellicad.
The following modules are included: Survey, Civil, Hydrology, GIS, Basic Mining, Geology, Underground Mining, Surface Mining, Natural Regrade, Field, CADnet, GeoTech, Trench, Construction and Point Clouds.
| Version | Build Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 10/14/2023 |
| 2023 | 9/26/2023 |
| 2022 | 10/11/2022 |
| 2021 | 3/16/2022 |
| 2020 | 9/2/2021 |
| 2019 | 12/20/2019 |
| 2018 | 5/20/2019 |
| 2017 | 11/15/2017 |
| 2016 | 6/29/2016 |
| 2015 | 7/28/2015 |
| 2014 | 8/11/2014 |
Carlson Survey with Embedded AutoCAD (OEM)
| Version | Build Date |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 11/14/2022 |
| 2022 | 7/22/2022 |
| 2021 | 2/14/2022 |
| 2020 | 6/23/2020 |
| 2019 | 6/28/2019 |
| 2018 | 9/27/2018 |
| 2017 | 6/22/2017 |
| 2016 | 6/15/2016 |
| 2015 | 5/8/2015 |
| 2014 | 7/14/2014 |
Carlson Takeoff with Embedded AutoCAD (OEM)
| Version | Build Date |
|---|---|
| 2022/R12 | 12/1/2022 |
| 2022/R12 | 6/25/2022 |
| 2020/R11 | 3/10/2021 |
| 2018/R10 | 2/26/2019 |
| 2017/R9 | 7/3/2017 |
| 2016/R8 | 12/11/2015 |
| 2015/R7 | 9/26/2016 |
| 2014/R6 | 5/16/2013 |
SurvPC Data Collection Software
| Version | Build Date |
|---|---|
| 7.xx | 8/29/2023 |
| 6.00 | 7/10/2018 |
| 5.08 | 12/8/2017 |
| 5.06 | 8/1/2017 |
| 5.05 | 4/3/2017 |
| 5.04 | 12/12/2016 |
| 5.03 | 9/6/2016 |
| 5.02 | 7/25/2016 |
| 4.07 | 11/19/2015 |
| 4.06 | 7/23/2015 |
| 4.05 | 5/15/2015 |
| 4.03 | 12/17/2014 |
| 3.03 | 1/24/2014 |
SurvCE Data Collection Software
| Version | Build Date |
|---|---|
| 6.17 | 2/3/2023 |
| 6.16 | 8/16/2022 |
| 6.09 | 1/21/2021 |
| 6.08 | 9/29/2020 |
| 6.07 | 8/4/2020 |
| 6.03 | 5/3/2019 |
| 6.02 | 1/31/2019 |
| 6.00 | 7/10/2018 |
| 5.08 | 12/8/2017 |
| 5.06 | 8/1/2017 |
| 5.05 | 4/3/2017 |
| 5.03 | 9/6/2016 |
| 5.02 | 7/25/2016 |
| 4.07 | 11/19/2015 |
| 4.06 | 7/23/2015 |
| 4.05 | 5/15/2015 |
| 4.03 | 12/17/2014 |
| 3.03 | 1/24/2014 |
Precision 3D Software (Topo, Drill, Blast and Hydro)
| Version | Build Date |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 8/25/2023 |
| 2022 | 6/16/2023 |
| 2022 | 2/28/2023 |
| 2021 | 7/15/2021 |
| 2021 | 5/14/21 |
| 2020 | 12/11/2020 |
| 2019 | 8/13/2019 |
| 2018 | 1/9/2018 |
| 2017 | 11/19/2017 |
| 2016 | 6/6/2016 |
| 2015 | 6/10/2016 |
[FAQ434] How do I know if I’m running the latest build of my Carlson Software?
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FAQ: Where do I find the build date or build number of my Carlson Software?
FAQ: What is the latest and greatest version/build of my Carlson Software? (a running thread)
FAQ: How can I find out when new versions or builds of Carlson are released?
[FAQ435] How can I find out when new versions or builds of Carlson are released?
+You can also refer to the FAQ below for an active list of the most recent builds for most of the desktop and Carlson field software programs.
FAQ: What is the latest and greatest version/build of my Carlson Software? (a running thread)
FAQ: How do I know if I’m running the latest build of my Carlson Software?
FAQ: Where do I find the build date or build number of my Carlson Software?
[FAQ458] What is “The Little CAD Engine That Could” Website?
+Across all software platforms, the nature of bug fixes is that, when you fix one… you might create several more. And the new ones may be absolute show-stoppers that Murphy’s Law guarantees will happen on a weekend when projects need to be completed and no one is on-duty at Carlson to help.
Fear of that happening on a broad-scale is one reason that Carlson only posts a new Build, with updates to both the IntelliCAD and Carlson programs, every few months.
So, as a way to incorporate and test more often, Carlson’s development team has been posting interim TESTING Builds to a separate website – The Little CAD Engine That Could – for many years.
Users who are comfortable working in testing/beta releases of Carlson with IntelliCAD can find additional testing Builds at this website and, if you report a bug to Carlson Support, they may point you here as well.
Two of my favorite things about the posted Builds at The Little CAD Engine That Could are
1) there is a Comment section that allows the developers to describe the bugs that have been fixed in the Build and allows users to provide feedback and comments and
2) in addition to providing links to update to the newer testing Build, they also provide links to revert to previous Builds that may end up being more stable.
FAQ: How do I know if I’m running the latest build of my Carlson Software?
FAQ: How can I find out when new versions or builds of Carlson are released?
FAQ: What is the latest and greatest version/build of my Carlson Software? (a running thread)
FAQ: Where do I find the build date or build number of my Carlson Software?
[FAQ027] Are there any problems running Carlson on Windows 10?
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Carlson Software running on Windows 10 seems to present just a couple of issues: registration and graphics card/performance. If you encounter any issues you may also want to check in here to see if you can narrow down the problem: KB 1078: Troubleshooting Guide.
Registration:
When Windows 10 originally came out, Carlson 2015 and earlier versions would not install and Carlson had to change the program to make it work, so Carlson 2016 was the first one supported on Windows 10. Microsoft may have changed Windows 10 since then and it’s possible that these versions will install today.
If you ARE able to install these versions, Carlson will able to help with the registration; however, every time Windows 10 has major update, Carlson products prior to the 2017 release will likely lose their registration and will have to be re-registered because Windows changes the signature that was used for the initial registration. Carlson has re-worked this mechanism to avoid the problem in later releases.
Graphics Cards and Performance Issues:
Carlson KB1108: Slow entities creation and modification on Windows 10
Carlson KB1123: Changing graphics card settings to use your dedicated GPU on a Windows computer
Carlson KB1131: NVidia video card: visual artifacts, pixelized lines, wrong text display
Only one that seems to show up every once in awhile… But it’s Microsoft’s fault!!
Windows 10 does updates – automatic updates – a lot. And, sometimes these updates can mess with your Carlson license registration. Carlson has free technical support so you can always call 606.564.5028 or email them at support@carlsonsw.com during regular business hours but, if this happens on a weekend, their support staff is probably out enjoying Kentucky bourbon. Or something.
So, when Murphy’s Law strikes, you can refer to this Knowledge Base article on Carlson’s website: Carlson KB 995: Windows 10 effect on previously registered software.
[FAQ453] How is the price of Carlson maintenance calculated?
+However, if Maintenance is not renewed prior to expiration, a 1-year Maintenance Plan costs 20% of software list price and increases by 10% per year after the expiration date.
But, regardless of how many years you’ve fallen behind, Carlson will never charge more than 50% of the current retail price of the software in order to bring your license up to the current version.
If your license is not currently on maintenance, you can pay the maintenance fee plus an expiration fee which will both upgrade you to the current version of the program AND include any upgrades that are released within the maintenance year.
Carlson’s policy on Software Maintenance can be viewed by clicking here.
That CAD Girl tries to keep a copy of your most current Maintenance Report uploaded and available to you on your That CAD Girl Customer Portal.
Click here to request pricing for your Maintenance Renewals or Upgrades – if you upload a current Maintenance or Upgrade Report you received from Carlson, you may receive discounted renewal or upgrade pricing!
FAQ: I can’t seem to keep up with my Carlson maintenance – Can you help?
FAQ: What is Carlson Software Maintenance? And why should I buy it from That CAD Girl?
| Maintenance Status | Annual Maintenance (Percentage of Retail) | Expiration Fee (Percentage of Retail) | Total Fee to Renew (Percentage of Retail) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 10% | 0 | 10% |
| Expired, up to 1 year | 10% | 10% | 20% |
| Expired, up to 2 years | 10% | 20% | 30% |
| Expired, up to 3 years | 10% | 30% | 40% |
| Expired, more than 3 years | 10% | 40% | 50% |
| Program | Retail Price of Standalone (effective 10/16/2023) | Annual Maintenance for Standalone | Retail Price of Network | Annual Maintenance for Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Select Suite Pick 6 | $ 4,950 | $ 495 | $ 5,445 | $ 544.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 5 | $ 4,650 | $ 465 | $ 5,115 | $ 511.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 4 | $ 4,250 | $ 425 | $ 4,675 | $ 467.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 3 | $ 3,850 | $ 385 | $ 4,235 | $ 423.50 |
| Select Suite Pick 2 | $ 3,350 | $ 335 | $ 3,685 | $ 368.50 |
| Civil Suite | $ 4,250 | $ 425 | $ 4,675 | $ 467.50 |
| Survey | $ 2,150 | $ 215 | $ 2,365 | $ 236.50 |
| Civil | $ 1,950 | $ 195 | $ 2,145 | $ 214.50 |
| Hydrology | $ 1,550 | $ 155 | $ 1,705 | $ 170.50 |
| GIS | $ 1,250 | $ 125 | $ 1,375 | $ 137.50 |
| Takeoff Suite | $ 7,500 | $ 750 | $ 8,250 | $ 825.00 |
| Construction | $ 3,950 | $ 395 | $ 4,345 | $ 434.50 |
| CADNet | $ 1,750 | $ 175 | $ 1,925 | $ 192.50 |
| Trench | $ 1,595 | $ 159.50 | $ 1,755 | $ 175.50 |
| GeoTech | $ 1,595 | $ 159.50 | $ 1,755 | $ 175.50 |
Sample Upgrade & Maintenance Renewal Pricing
| Program | # of Years Expired | Retail Price | Total Fee (Percentage of Retail) | Total Fee to Upgrade and/or Renew Maintenance for 1 Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Survey | Not expired, maintenance is current | $ 2,150 | 10% | $ 215.00 |
| Survey | Expired for less than 1 year | $ 2,150 | 20% | $ 430.00 |
| Networked Survey | Expired for less than 1 year | $ 2,365 | 20% | $ 473.00 |
| Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 | Not expired, maintenance is current | $ 4,250 | 10% | $ 425.00 |
| Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 | Expired for less than 1 year | $ 4,250 | 20% | $ 850.00 |
| Networked Civil Suite or Select Suite Pick 4 | Expired for less than 1 year | $ 4,675 | 20% | $935.00 |
[FAQ470] Maintenance for my SurvCE & SurvPC – Since when?
+If you purchased maintenance during that time feel free to send me a message and I’ll see if you’re eligible for an automatic upgrade.
[FAQ431] What are the improvements to Carlson over previous versions? (a running thread)
+
Carlson released the 2020 version of their desktop products on October 1, 2019. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Carlson 2020 products.
Carlson released the 2018 version of their desktop products on August 31, 2017. Click here to download a PDF of improvements in Carlson 2018 products.
[FAQ267] Does Carlson retire their products?
+[FAQ251] What’s the difference between Carlson’s annual maintenance and an Autodesk subscription?
+The main difference between Carlson’s maintenance plan and Autodesk’s subscription is that Carlson’s tech support is not tied to maintenance at all while Autodesk tech support is only available for no additional fee to those who are current on subscription.
Also, in the past few years, there have been so many changes to Autodesk’s Subscription policies that it’s practically impossible to keep up and know exactly what you’re getting for that big price tag.
Regardless of whether you’re current on maintenance, whether you’ve let it lapse, whether you’re using today’s version of the software or whether you’re using a version that’s 10 years old, tech support is free from Carlson.
You can view the Carlson Software Maintenance Policy here
[FAQ455] I can’t seem to keep up with my Carlson maintenance – Can you help?
+Carlson generates and sends renewal notices automatically but they are only sent to you and the Carlson reseller located nearest to you geographically.
Because the notices don’t always make it to you, That CAD Girl does our best to stay on top of those and get them posted to your That CAD Girl Customer Portal for your reference. We use the information on these report to (try to) keep up with your renewal dates and send our own reminders and follow up notices.
If you’ve recently received a Maintenance Renewal or OEM Upgrade notice from Carlson Software, you can follow this link to Request a Custom Proposal from That CAD Girl. Sending us that report helps us help you, so we sometimes offer additional discounts when you send us your report!
FAQ: What is Carlson Software Maintenance? And why should I buy it from That CAD Girl?
[FAQ454] I didn’t buy my software from you, but can you take care of my maintenance and upgrades?
+If you’ve recently received a Maintenance Renewal or OEM Upgrade notice from Carlson Software, you can follow this link to Request a Custom Proposal from That CAD Girl. Sending us that report helps us help you, so we’re offering additional discounts if you do that.
FAQ: What is Carlson Software Maintenance? And why should I buy it from That CAD Girl?
[FAQ203] I’m not in your state/region/country – can I buy my software from you?
+And sometimes I’m able to give discounts or access to my monthly webinars for new customers so give me a call, send me an email or follow this link and click on Request a Custom Proposal to see what is available!
[FAQ451] Do I qualify for an automatic upgrade to the new version of Carlson?
+With every new license of Carlson that includes IntelliCAD or runs on top of your AutoCAD, Carlson includes 90 days of free Maintenance at no charge. This is Carlson’s way of guaranteeing that, if a new version of the software is released within 90 days of purchase, you will automatically be upgraded.
Also, you have the option of purchasing Maintenance for any of the desktop software with IntelliCAD or for your AutoCAD.
Bottom line: If your Maintenance is current when a new version is released, you’re eligible for an automatic upgrade to the new version.
Follow this link then click on Request a Custom Proposal to get pricing for upgrades or maintenance renewal or even just to request a report of your current licensing.
[FAQ456] I think I found a bug in my Carlson Software – how can I get it resolved?
+If you encounter a bug in the program, you’ll first want to check for updates to see if you’re running the latest build of your program. If not, the latest build might resolve the issue.
There is a link to Check for Updates in your Windows Carlson Software program folder as shown below:
Rather than use the Check for Updates link, you can follow these FAQs to see if the build you currently have installed is the same as the one posted on Carlson’s Software Downloads page.
Once you’ve confirmed you’re running the latest build, you have several ways to submit a request for tech support.
After they have verified it’s a repeatable error/bug, Carlson may handle it a couple of ways. If it’s a stop-work situation for you in the latest version, Carlson will work to correct it and send you updated program files with instruction on how and where to copy them. Anyone else who stumbles upon the same issue will get the same files sent to them.
Your bug fix will be incorporated into the next build of the program when it’s posted to Carlson’s website.
[FAQ450] My Maintenance is Current… Where’s My Upgrade?
+With the building out of your That CAD Girl Customer Portal, we are doing our best to have all the information you need about your serial numbers easily accessible and available to you.
As soon as possible after a new release, we will post your new, upgraded serial number(s) to your Customer Portal and will upload a new maintenance report showing your new serial number(s). However, if you get to this before we do… you can use the Carlson Software Serial Number Upgrade Lookup site to get your new serial number as soon as it’s released.
You will need the items listed below. Your serial number and Carlson Customer ID can be found on your That CAD Girl Customer Portal:
- Your current serial number
- Your Carlson Customer ID
- Phone Number
- Email Address
[FAQ230] Does Carlson Software Still Offer Perpetual Licenses?
+The change from a perpetual license model (you purchase once and continue to use it forever) to a subscription license model (you pay by the month or by the year for access) in our little CAD corner of the world has sparked a lot of questions, debate and heartburn.
In 2015 Autodesk announced they would be shifting toward a subscription model of delivery for their AutoCAD-based products. Although some Autodesk accounts and products were grandfathered in, any new purchases of AutoCAD are now available by subscription only. And, the kicker, you stop paying, you can’t access the software or your data.
Carlson Software remains committed to the perpetual license model where you, the user, never have to worry about losing access to your software or data. Carlson’s desktop software includes a license of IntelliCAD so, if you ever stop paying for your AutoCAD, Carlson with IntelliCAD can give you another option to open your DWG files. If you want to ensure you have “perpetual” access to all your other data such as points, surfaces, road designs and more – make sure you archive your project data to Land XML files so that it can be retrieved with other land development, survey, civil and construction software programs.
See also: How can I access and use my old Civil 3d, Land Desktop, Eagle Point or Terra Model data?
See also: Get a Perpetual License with Carlson or download PDF
See also: Robert Green’s CAD Manager’s Newsletter #350 Autodesk Goes Subscription-Only in 2016 or download PDF
See also: Autodesk Courtesy Notice: End of Perpetual Licenses Sales, including individual products and suites