FAQ

Jump to:

• About CAD-Manufacturing Solutions (CMS)
• About CMS IntelliCAD
• Operating System
• System Requirements for CMS IntelliCAD 15.0
• CAD Platform
• How and Where to Purchase
• Upgrades to New Versions, Competitive Upgrades and Crossgrades
• License Types
• License Terms
• Editions
• Software Trials
• Support & Training Options

About CAD-Manufacturing Solutions (CMS)

CAD-Manufacturing Solutions Inc (CMS), based in Azle Texas, has over 30 years of experience in the CAD industry. Originally known for its proprietary ProCADD software, CMS now develops and markets CMS IntelliCAD, which is built on the powerful and customizable IntelliCAD Technology Consortium (ITC) platform.

The team behind CMS has been deeply involved in CAD software development for decades and continues to rely on CMS IntelliCAD internally, including at a partner corporation focused on advanced crane innovation and design.

Click here to learn more about CAD-Manufacturing Solutions (CMS)

About CMS IntelliCAD

CMS IntelliCAD is a DWG-native CAD application offering 2D drafting, 3D modeling and BIM capabilities. It includes AutoCAD-like menus, a ribbon interface, advanced rendering and custom development via LISP, VBA, .NET, IRX and SDS.

The software is designed to support users transitioning from AutoCAD or other IntelliCAD-based platforms and includes customizable workspaces, menus, toolbars and Command: line access.

All editions support CAD standards, external references (Xrefs), DGN underlays and interoperability with other CAD and GIS formats.

What’s new in 15.0? The current version, CMS IntelliCAD 15.0, adds Drawing Compare (preview), AI photorealistic rendering (you plug in your own Google Gemini API key), the “Lookout” PAN method, live FILLET and CHAMFER previews and the ability to compile protected LISP (.FAS and .VLX). Click here for What’s new in CMS IntelliCAD 15.0

Click here to learn more about CMS IntelliCAD

Click here for a comparison between CMS IntelliCAD and AutoCAD

Operating System

CMS IntelliCAD 15.0 runs on 64-bit Microsoft Windows. Windows 10 is the minimum supported version. There is no 32-bit version anymore.

There’s no macOS version. CMS says running it in a virtual 64-bit Windows machine on a Mac requires a USB dongle license.

System Requirements for CMS IntelliCAD 15.0

• Operating System: 64-bit Microsoft Windows 10 or newer, kept updated and supported by Microsoft
• Processor: Intel Core i5 or comparable (faster recommended). Multi-core processors are supported.
• System Memory: 3 GB free RAM minimum for a full installation; 8 GB recommended
• Hard Disk Space: 6.5 GB free disk space for a full installation
• Display and Graphics: 1024 x 768 resolution or higher; graphics driver must support OpenGL ES (or switch CMS IntelliCAD to OpenGL). A dedicated graphics card with its own memory is recommended.
• Input Devices: Keyboard and mouse or other pointing device

Click here to learn more about System Requirements for CMS IntelliCAD

CAD Platform

All CMS IntelliCAD editions (PE, PE Plus and Easy Run) are built on the IntelliCAD platform. Version 15.0 is based on the IntelliCAD 15.0 engine and opens and saves DWG files up through the current 2018 format (used by AutoCAD 2018 through 2026).

How and Where to Purchase

CMS IntelliCAD can be purchased directly from CMS or through an authorized CMS IntelliCAD dealer.

Pricing is subject to change without notice and varies depending on edition, license type and add-ons.

If you would like a referral from That CAD Girl to one of our trusted partners, please click here to Send Us a Message with your request.

Upgrades to New Versions, Competitive Upgrades and Crossgrades

CMS IntelliCAD offers upgrades from previous versions, crossgrades between editions and competitive upgrades for users of other CAD programs. A valid serial number is required for any upgrade or crossgrade.

Maintenance builds within the same version (for example, a new 15.0 build) are free for licensed users. CMS strongly recommends that users of older versions upgrade, since newer Windows 11 security rules can block older builds from launching.

License Types

• Standalone: one user on ONE computer, even if you’d never use two computers at the same time. Move it with Help > License Manager > Deactivate on the old computer, then activate on the new one. Transfers are unlimited when you deactivate first. The two-activations-per-year limit applies only when you activate without a prior deactivation; a paid Support Subscription covers those extras.
• USB dongle: the dongle is the license. Install on any 64-bit Windows computer and run it wherever the dongle is plugged in, with no activation or deactivation. CMS offers a free USB Dongle Maker for 15.0 PE Plus (it needs a PE Plus Activation Key that hasn’t been activated yet). Replacements for lost or damaged dongles are a paid item.
• It isn’t listed in the online store right now, so ask CMS or an authorized CMS IntelliCAD dealer if you need it.
• Network: PE Plus concurrent (floating) seats, sold in packs such as 3, 5 and 10 users. Users can borrow a seat for up to 30 days.
• Easy Run: PE only, streamed to your Windows computer using Turbo.net technology. One user, no License Manager activation and it updates itself.