Testing DWG compatibility with different CAD applications

[indiancad]

I've been testing the same DWG files across different CAD applications and comparing how they handle layers, blocks, dimensions and XREFs.

One interesting thing I've noticed is that DWG compatibility isn't just about opening the file—it also matters how accurately the drawing behaves when edited and saved.

Has anyone here compared different DWG-compatible CAD applications on the same project files?

"ACTCAD was one of the applications I tested."

, and so far it has handled my DWG files quite well, including layers, blocks and XREFs.
I’d be interested to hear if others have had similar or different experiences with ACTCAD or other DWG-compatible CAD software.

[Danielm103]

If I’m not mistaken, ACTCAD uses ITC/ODA libraries. DWG compatibility should be good.

[SLW210]

Once again please mention the ActCAD you used for the testing, it also wouldn't hurt to mention what CAD you compared.

 

ActCAD is IntelliCAD based. Looks to be priced very nicely as well.

[BIGAL]

Price is low and if has lisp ability plain and VL then yes is very cheap. Hints at VLX and Fas. Many years ago did a package for Intellicad worked about 99% had to write some bits of lisp in a slightly different way to Acad, but overall was good.

[SLW210]

CMS IntelliCAD is in the same price range, AFAIK, most of the IntelliCAD based CAD software now has an improved LISP, etc.

 

I was looking to give CMS and a few others a try here soon.

[Danielm103]

I didn’t test lisp, however, I was able to get this to compile on CMS Intellicad, totally impressed 

https://github.com/CEXT-Dan/ArxTin

 

I only goofed with it for the trial. They don’t have a developers program.

[SLW210]

They look very promising for a CAD alternative that can be upgraded with LISP, et al. 

 

I believe there is a list of CAD products that use IntelliCAD on their website. IntelliCAD® Technology Consortium: The intelligent alternative for CAD developers

 

Here is the latest IntelliCAD update, though it would be nice to know which update the CAD Packages are using, maybe can be found on the individual websites.

 

IntelliCAD 15.0 Release Details

[Danielm103]

Oh cool! I think down stream members are still on 14.1. I’ll have to kick the tires on CMS, or maybe ACTCAD once the update. I have not seen C++ SDKs for ACTCAD\

CMS uses the same version numbers

[SLW210]

I did see where ActCAD was on release 14.1 and would expect that may be the case with CMS.

 

CMS released 14 about 1 year ago, so maybe the latest updates may come here shortly.

 

Some of the prices to join the IntelliCAD consortium see a bit steep, you would have to sell a lot of seats to get your fee and cover your own cost to create a program and break even much less a profit.

 

Kudos to the companies having a good price.

 

It seems Carlson Survey, Leica, and some others are on IntelliCAD.

 

I'll try to start in the coming days doing a little dabbling and comparing. I plan to actually do real testing and maybe a Pro/Con review, I'll see how my time goes.

[SLW210]

One more question.

 

From what CAD platform did the tested drawing originate?

 

Only AutoCAD can successfully manipulate Dynamic Blocks created with AutoCAD as they have a patent on theirs and others just try to have Advanced Blocks.

 

I gathered this information, not sure if relevant to the most current releases of IntelliCAD products...

 

Quote

Dynamic Blocks

 

Support: CMSIntelliCAD supports the use of dynamic blocks created in AutoCAD.

                Functionality: Users can insert and manipulate these blocks within IntelliCAD.

 

Limitations: Some complex dynamic blocks may not function as intended when transferred.

                      It is recommended to test specific blocks for compatibility.

 Arrays

 

Support: Arrays created in AutoCAD can also be utilized in CMSIntelliCAD.

 

Functionality: Users can insert and edit arrays effectively.

 

Considerations: Similar to dynamic blocks, the performance of arrays may vary based on their complexity.

                             Testing is advised to ensure they work as expected.

 

[Danielm103]

BricsCAD and others can manipulate dynamic blocks created with AutoCAD, if you use/purchased the software outside of the US. Gemini says the core patent expires in April 2027. I don’t think the intellicads will have the grips and bedit ready by then, maybe. You probably could roll some utilities for some common blocks, with lisp/python/etc to make changes, I.e. visibility