PE&M:
I taught myself AutoCAD in the early '80's when it came on 5.25" disks.
If you have dealt with AutoCAD of any version - and pretty much any CAD Application, there should not be any real shock involved when using a newer package.
Some of the greater things about the newer packages for a GUI (as opposed to real mode environment versions and "Shells") is you may open multiple instances under one running application, along with "Thumbnail Previews" of drawing files.
The commands - in basic form - are still the same, with a few being revised.
LISP routines are more complex, and now VBA is an option.
OLE works much nicer in the newer versions.
The drawing will be given to me in AutoCAD so I think they'll expect it back in a format they can use.
I am curious if they will submit the ACAD files in the "Most Recent Version Possible", or if they will give you something from a few releases back!
Also, look out for bloated files with hundreds of layers, and be specific that they bind all XREFs + Shape Fonts (.SPF) before sending the files - or you will be looking at missing reference text and other fun errors!
The DeltaCAD can work with DXF files so I probably go that route.
If you can get the files in Drawing Exchange Format (.DXF), and the Delta CAD Application is able to open it, please let me know what AutoCAD release they compiled the DXF file in, -vs- the version of Delta CAD you have.
(just for personal references)
I appreciate all the ideas. This site is awesome.
Darn right this place rocks!!!
BTW, another "CAD Work Around" involves having the sending party submit the CAD drawing as a .PDF plot file (or as a .TIF), then place it as a base layer in your Word or Graphics application.
Insert text, lines and symbols on new layers built up on top of the original base layer.
This works for any contacts whom do not have a CAD Application.
Scott
