I will preface this by saying I did search through the forums and found a couple users that stated they use(d) DataCAD, but are now Chief Architect users. I did reach out to them, but I figured it might also be beneficial to see if there are others that were DataCAD users or made a similar transition.
So I have been a DataCAD user for upwards of 16 years. It's what the firm I was working at used, and then when I went off on my own, I continued to use it. Overall I still like the program and what it offers. I see it more as a 2D program with 3D capabilities, than say a BIM or 3D program that you can get 2D drawings from. I am getting to a point though where I feel like I might be hitting a ceiling or a limit with the program. I have a Mac and need to run parallels (virtual OS) to be able to use the program, which isn't the end of the world, but just a small hurdle. I recently had to go into the Apple Store to get some help as to why my computer seemed to be bogging down. It shouldn't be with the specs I have, but in doing some digging, it was discovered that DataCAD runs as a 32 bit program in a 64 bit OS. So I am hitting some huge limitations as 32-bit programs are more or less maxed out at 4GB of RAM. As I stated, I am wondering if I have hit a limit, hence the need to explore other options.
So what made you switch from DataCAD (or another CAD program) to ChiefArchitect? How was the transition or ease of converting? I think like most people that get used to a specific program, change is hard, and I am a bit reluctant. Learning Chief Architect is either going to be done at night (after-hours) or I sacrifice billable time and getting projects done to try and learn a new program, which I am hesitant to do, hence spending some additional time at night. My drawings in DataCAD are strictly 2D. Typically a lot of information gets put into the drawings, and I haven't seen an example yet, that that is possible with Chief Architect. I never got into the 3D side of things as I felt my drawings had enough information and detail for people to understand what was happening. If I needed to model something, I used SketchUp. And those were more like generic white-board models to see the basic shapes. Is the 3D aspect of the program a benefit for you, a hinderance, or neither? Is there anything you miss about DataCAD (or another CAD program)? What would you say to someone like myself that might be on the fence about jumping ship?
I appreciate any thoughts/input you might be able to provide to me.
Jason
