AutoCAD application

Parabuild is an application on AutoCAD, meaning that it needs AutoCAD to function. AutoCAD 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 are sufficient, AutoCAD LT is not.


Parabuild is an application on AutoCAD: the advantages

Parabuild relies on AutoCAD just as many windows applications rely on the Windows operating system. Parabuild uses the AutoCAD graphic engine, the printer-functionalities, the drawing-database, etc... We would have to develop all these functionalities ourselves if we chose to make Parabuild a standalone application. This would take a lot of time which means a lot less time to develop for our main objective, and that is developing functionalities for steel. These functionalities were already developed by Autodesk in an application that has already proven itself in the market, so why would we develop it again ourselves? Why reinvent the wheel?



The advantages:
  • AutoCAD is used by millions of draftsmen around the world. Over the years, it has become a powerful and stable CAD engine.
  • All functionalities of AutoCAD are always available when you draw in Parabuild (because you use AutoCAD and Parabuild at the same time). You can draw regular AutoCAD objects (dimensions, lines, ...) and Parabuild profiles in the same drawing.
  • Other applications based on AutoCAD, made by other companies just like Parabuild, can run in the same AutoCAD session if required. Objects of these applications and Parabuild can be combined in the same drawing.
  • The fact that AutoCAD is the worldleader gives us another big advantage. For example printer and plotter manufacturers make sure that their plotters will work with AutoCAD 'out of the box'. If we made our own printing engine, there could arise compatibility-problems when buying a new printer or plotter: manufacturers will test their new plotters on the most popular CAD applications, of which AutoCAD is the most important. This doesn't only apply to printers and plotters, but also to hardware like graphic adapters.
  • The basic functions, for example drawing lines and changing view direction, are executed with the AutoCAD commands. So users who are already familiar with the AutoCAD environment can start very quickly with Parabuild. Also AutoCAD manipulation-commands can be used on Parabuild profiles, plates and bolts: copy, move, rotate, mirror, stretch, properties, ...
  • All data of your steel construction are being saved the AutoCAD DWG format. We have chosen to not develop our own format, because
    the DWG format offers significant advantages: The drawing you work with can be read from a computer with AutoCAD installed, without Parabuild. It is even possible to read Parabuild drawings without a AutoCAD licence: you can download Volo View Express for free from Autodesk's website. You can install this software where you want free of charge and view and print Parabuild drawings with it.