More features in low cost 2D CAD program

The Process and Building Solutions division of Intergraph Corporation is shipping in the third quarter of 2001 the 4.0 version of SmartSketch precision drawing, drafting and diagramming software.

The Process and Building Solutions division of Intergraph Corporation is shipping in the third quarter of 2001 the 4.0 version of SmartSketch precision drawing, drafting and diagramming software.

SmartSketch 4.0 offers CAD interoperability expansion, productivity enhancements including performance improvement, more "smart" tools and new features for symbol and drawing composition.

Delivered in a new modular format for flexibility, SmartSketch 4.0 meets all 2D CAD production needs at an economical price of $545 (U.S.

list).

Registered users of SmartSketch 3.0 or SmartSketch LE can upgrade to the 4.0 version for $165 or $435, respectively.

A SmartSketch LE (limited edition) based on version 4.0 is available for $110 (U.S.

list).

SmartSketch 4.0 runs on Microsoft Windows 98, NT, 2000 and ME operating systems.

Intergraph Process and Building Solutions announced and demonstrated SmartSketch 4.0 at Process and Power 2001 International, the inaugural software user conference attended by some 500 participants from around the world.

SmartSketch 4.0 is delivered in a modular format.

Users can install some or all modules, including AEC Solutions; CAD Translators; Electrical Diagramming; GD and T and Weld Symbols; Image Integrator; Process Solutions; Programming Tools; Symbol Authoring; and Web Publishing.

Additional modules are planned for availability from www.SmartSketch.com in the future.

The modular SmartSketch 4.0 delivers the specific functionality users require, and buyers of the LE version save money by purchasing only the modules they need.

New CAD translator capabilities make SmartSketch 4.0 a cost-effective, CAD-neutral replacement program in 2D drafting workflows.

SmartSketch preserves AutoCAD attributes and MicroStation tag data when opening.DXF and .DWG or.DGN files, respectively, which eliminates the need to re-enter data.

Reference file layer control toggles the display of layers and can override display characteristics for AutoCAD, MicroStation or SmartSketch (.IGR) files.

Layer control differentiates objects, organizes the drawing and expedites re-use of legacy CAD data to save time and cost.

Version 4.0 also stores relative path names for linked documents so that links remain intact when moving data among different systems.

Performance improvements include faster file opening and display.

Coupled with the new productivity enhancements, SmartSketch helps users reduce drawing production cycles.

The new Format Painter copies the color, line weight and style, font and other attributes and applies them with one click to other objects.

Format Painter formats all objects including text, dimensions and groups and eliminates the need to apply successive changes to reformat objects.

The Detail View feature enables users to create a labeled detail view of a portion or all of an object based on graphics inside a definable envelope shape, such as a circle or rectangle.

Detail View saves time in creating details by eliminating redraws or object copying and improves the visual communication value of the drawing.

A spell checker uses the Microsoft Office dictionary to find and correct spelling errors for a more professional drawing appearance.

Other new features include connector enhancements, such as those for splitting or merging connectors.

SmartPoint, Other Features Improve Symbol Authoring New symbol authoring and placement features include SmartPoints, single-click symbol placement and symbol lookup tables.

Connect and drag-and-drop points are combined into one multi-behavior SmartPoint, which eliminates the need for creating multiple points on a single object.

SmartSketch provides single-click symbol placement from the Symbol Explorer without holding down the mouse button.

A stamp mode automates repetitive symbol placement.

Users can drive the parameters of a symbol by linking to any ODBC source, including spreadsheets or relational databases, for lookup table symbol automation.

Combined with new structural and process symbol content, lookup table capabilities speed production and ensure accuracy.

For example, a user can apply structural attributes to steel sections using standard AISC lookup tables.

Other new symbol features include split-on-drop behavior and on-the-fly symbol attribute editing.

For engineers and design professionals in a variety of disciplines, SmartSketch 4.0 is parametric 2D precision design, production drafting and diagramming software.

The award-winning SmartSketch improves drawing productivity through its intuitive user interface, 46 Industry Solutions templates and more than 8,000 industry standard drag-and-drop symbols.

Exclusive and intuitive features with built-in intelligence, such as SmartPoints, SmartSymbols, SmartLabels and cursor indicators help users focus on design rather than the mechanics of using the software.

The previous 3.0 version of SmartSketch was a recipient of 1999 Editor's Choice Awards from both Cadalyst and Cadence magazines.

Automation and integration capabilities enable users to drive parametric designs from Microsoft Excel, embed files in Microsoft Word, perform powerful engineering calculations with MathSoft MathCAD 2001 and link to a variety of popular relational database products.

As a conceptual front end, SmartSketch integrates with and its content is synchronized with Intergraph Process and Building Solutions software including SmartPlant P and ID, SmartPlant Review, INtools(tm) and Plant Design System (PDS(tm)).

When SmartSketch is combined with these applications, no other CAD product is required for design tasks throughout the process or power plant life cycle.

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