Architosh Staff (info@architosh.com)

11 Sep 2001

MacCAD: Pictogramme bringing ADesign 4.5 to Mac OS X

Not too long ago Architosh got word that the famed Mac Architrion CAD software for architects was being further developed by a French company called Pictogramme. The new company's website—most of which is in French—contains details of their products and strategies, including platform support.

ADesign for Mac OS and Mac OS X

What was once Architrion v6.43 has now matured into ADesign 4.5 and is available for Macintosh and Windows. A future Mac OS X version is in the works. At one time the company had a Mac OS X section on their site with more info.

A current PDF document describes version 6.45 (note the last Architrion version was either v6.43 or 6.44, not sure which?) making this 6.45 version most likely the current feature set.

New Features in 6.45

There are a number of items Pictogramme is calling attention to in a down-loadable PDF document (news ADesign45) such as the improved Import/Export functionality...specifically the compatibility with Autocad v14 and v2000, HPGL and CATIA. There is also an ASCII font editor, the ability to save several styles of text and improved keyboard operations for tools.

In terms of help the paper manual will be replaced by HTML help files with the ability to email for help directly through the software. Additionally there are new Roof tools and support for Coons 3 & 4 (the ability to create a surface from 3 or 4 consecutive profiles created in different work planes), as well as UV Surface, Path extrusion surface and surface lofting.

A new bitmap poster tool facilitates the ability to map an image file onto a 3D object (like a painting onto a wall surface). ADesign4.5 also supports QuickTime VR creation.

Seeing ADesign at Apple Expo France

According to the Pictogramme website the company will be showing ADesign Mac at the Apple Expo 2001 in Paris, France (sep 26-30).

For those across the pond (or those lucky few to travel to Apple Expo 2001) who have been wondering what ever happened to Architrion here is your chance to ask them directly, to see what the new goods are and to maybe grab a demo CD.