Ray Howard is a municipal design engineer who serves on the board of directors and manages operations at a leading CAD software distributor in the United States. With over 27 years of experience in municipal engineering design and mapping, he has developed a deep understanding of CAD systems and their practical applications. In 2001, Ray earned his CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications, as well as Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) status. His expertise lies in CAD/IT product management and workflow optimization. As a certified Autodesk technician and coach, he has also been involved in training for Microsoft IT courses and providing technical support to government agencies and SMEs in Georgia.
Before I began my evaluation of CAD+ 2012, I admitted that I was once a CAD purist. As a senior CAD manager in the municipal sector, I have always had strong opinions about CAD tools, from core programs to third-party add-ons, function modules, custom LISP, and VBA scripts. I typically choose one or two CAD products to ensure projects stay on time and within budget.
However, I gradually realized that all software, including CAD and BIM, has its own limitations. But these limitations are manageable if controlled properly. Through my professional consulting work, I’ve noticed that the best CAD solutions vary depending on the customer, the project, the budget, and even the CAD manager’s preferences.
In today's CAD and BIM landscape, relying on just one product is no longer sufficient. Even industry giants are now integrating multiple CAD and BIM solutions to meet diverse customer demands.
This month, I remained true to my belief: I only talk about what I know. However, this month I had the opportunity to evaluate the latest offering from Zhongwang Software — Zhongwang CAD+. While many may not be familiar with it yet, I encourage you to give it a try, even if you're the company's CAD leader.
Zhongwang CAD+ offers a rich set of features and a user interface that feels very familiar, making the transition from existing CAD software smooth and straightforward. The software comes in both Standard and Professional versions, similar to how AutoCAD offers LT and full versions. However, unlike AutoCAD LT, which reduces functionality, the Standard version of Zhongwang CAD+ is fully featured and includes everything you'd expect from a high-end CAD tool.
The system requirements for Zhongwang CAD+ are relatively low, ensuring compatibility with older systems. This makes it accessible for users with limited hardware resources.
One of the standout features of Zhongwang CAD+ is its improved user interface, featuring a ribbon layout and tool palette that resemble those of AutoCAD. It supports DWG files natively and is compatible with AutoCAD R14, as well as DXF format up to R12. It also includes a powerful AutoLISP environment, which is crucial for automation and customization.
I tested the file comparison feature, which allows users to identify changes between two drawings, track who made them, and when. This is especially useful when managing drawings without a robust file management system.
Another notable feature is the Gesture Wizard, which lets users invoke commands by dragging the mouse in specific patterns. It takes some time to get used to, but it significantly enhances productivity.
Zhongwang CAD+ also supports external references, extension tools, and raster images such as BMP, JPG, and TIFF. While it doesn’t support the SID format commonly used in GIS, most users don't require it.
Overall, Zhongwang CAD+ offers a compelling combination of ease of use, rich functionality, and affordability. It challenges the notion that only mainstream CAD software can deliver quality results. If you're looking for a cost-effective solution, I highly recommend giving Zhongwang CAD+ a try. You can download the 30-day trial version from the official website.
I’m impressed by the software’s intuitive design and performance. Zhongwang has been in the market for years and has built a large user base. With continuous improvements and new features, Zhongwang CAD+ is proving itself as a reliable and future-ready CAD solution.
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