Ray Howard is a municipal design engineer who serves on the board of directors and manages a leading CAD software distributor in the United States. With over 27 years of experience in the municipal engineering design and mapping industry, he has earned several certifications, including CompTIA A+ and Network+, as well as Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). He specializes in CAD/IT product management and workflow improvement. As an Autodesk-certified technician and coach, Ray has been involved in training for Microsoft's IT and CompTIA courses, offering direct support to government agencies and SMEs in Georgia.
Before I began my review of CAD+ 2012, I admitted that I was once a CAD supremacist. As a senior CAD manager in the municipal sector, I've always had strong opinions about CAD, from core programs to third-party tools, function modules, custom LISP, and VBA scripts. I typically selected one or two CAD products to ensure projects were completed on time and within budget.
However, over time, I realized that all software, including CAD and BIM, has its limitations—but these can be managed if they're under control. Through my consulting work, I found that the best CAD solutions vary depending on the customer, the project, the budget, and even the CAD manager themselves.
This made me realize that relying on just one CAD product isn't enough anymore. Even the top CAD companies today are integrating more solutions to meet the growing demand for diverse tools.
This month, I've held onto a belief: I only talk about what I know. But this month, I had the chance to evaluate Zhongwang CAD+, the latest product from Zhongwang Software (see Figure 1). While many may not have heard of it yet, I encourage you to try it—even if you're the CAD leader of your company.
Zhongwang CAD+ offers a range of features that rival some of the top CAD software. The user interface is very familiar, making it easy to use and comfortable for anyone transitioning from other platforms. I immediately installed and tested the software, and I was impressed with how smooth the process was.
The software comes in a standard version and a professional version, similar to AutoCAD's LT and full versions. However, unlike AutoCAD LT, which reduces functionality, the standard edition of Zhongwang CAD+ is feature-rich and includes everything you'd expect from a high-end CAD solution. I created a comparison chart (Figure 2) to show how it stacks up against AutoCAD LT.
**System Configuration Requirements**
Zhongwang provides minimum system requirements, but users will benefit from higher specs. Here are the basics:
- Operating System: Windows 2003, XP, Vista, or 7
- Processor: Pentium III 800MHz or above
- Memory: 512MB (minimum)
- Display: 1024 x 768 VGA true color
- Hard Disk Space: 700MB
- Mouse or trackball
- DVD-ROM (for installation)
These low requirements make it accessible for older computers.
**Key Features of Zhongwang CAD+**
One standout feature is the compatibility with DWG files and support for DXF (R12). It also supports AutoLISP for customization, which is a big plus for power users. The new ribbon interface and tool palette make it feel like AutoCAD, improving usability and efficiency.
I particularly appreciated the improved LISP support. Unlike AutoCAD LT, Zhongwang CAD+ includes full LISP capabilities, allowing users to run custom scripts smoothly. I tested several LISP programs, and they worked flawlessly. Plus, you can drag and drop LISP files into the tool palette for quick access.
Another useful feature is the file comparison tool. It allows users to compare two drawings and highlight differences, which is especially helpful when managing multiple versions without a full file management system.
The gesture wizard is another innovative feature. By pressing and dragging the right mouse button, users can trigger commands, mimicking letters or shapes. This makes command execution faster and more intuitive.
External references, extension tools, and raster image support further enhance the software’s versatility. While it doesn’t support MrSID format, it handles common formats like BMP, JPG, and TIFF.
In summary, Zhongwang CAD+ is a powerful and cost-effective alternative to mainstream CAD software. Its ease of use, rich features, and competitive pricing make it a great choice for businesses looking to optimize their CAD workflows. I’ve been following Zhongwang for years, and this product has truly changed my perspective.
If you're looking for a reliable, affordable, and feature-packed CAD solution, I recommend giving Zhongwang CAD+ a try. You can download a 30-day trial from their official site. I’m confident that once you try it, you’ll see why it's gaining popularity among professionals worldwide.
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