I searched the Internet for 3D CAD programs that are compatible with AutoCAD 3D CAD program and found IntelliCAD CAD program. I downloaded the demo version but had a problem: If I change the background color for the graphics window to white, what about the default foreground color? Can IntelliCAD load ACAD.LSP and ACAD.PGP files? I wish to buy IntelliCAD 5.1 PE+ in about two weeks. I have been using AutoCAD 2000.

jeffmorris,

IntelliCAD looks at Icad.lsp during its starting routine.

There are minor differences between Acad's Lisp and Icad's Lisp. Simple Lisp routines run well however large routines may need some minor changes to function in Icad.

Icad supports .pgp files.

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Regards
John Finlay

I think that IntelliCAD doesn't export or import 3DS files. If so, how can I convert 3D solids (ACIS) to 3D surfaces? I searched the Internet for websites related to IntelliCAD and I think that there are several versions of IntelliCAD program under different names such as CADintell and CADopia IntelliCAD. Who is the publisher of IntelliCAD?

I thought that I can buy AutoCAD 2005/2006 using the subscription plan but a dealer wanted $2,700 for it. I don't have $2,700 or $3,000 for AutoCAD. I want to buy IntelliCAD but I had a few problems while using the demo version. I have been asking questions on this forum and I was not happy with the answers that I got. I tried other 3D CAD programs such as Design CAD 3D and Turbo CAD 3D but I had problems using them. I am afraid to spend about $200 for IntelliCAD PE+ and not getting the help that I need.

I have been using it since 1998 and still wondering what's the catch. Some releases are better than others, but it's generally 2 steps forward 1 step back. I genuinely found it better than Acad13 at the time & don't really want to know if Acad has caught up. It does everything I want & I work professionally full time.

you dont need *.3ds...Icad have command: 3dconvert - all solids convert into mash inside intellicad - than you cau save it lide dxf - another 3D standard like *.3ds

I can't help wondering if there isn't something a whole lot better than Acad or Icad for 3d work. They both seem really cumbersome to work with to me.

The good software is the one you know how to use; Icad works perfectly for what I do ( architecture ). Certainly there are softwares specific for architects that have advanced functions, but I tried some of them ( DataCAD, VectorWorks, Architecturals from Bricscad, etc ) but they are more expensive, and more difficult to learn, and I discovered that sometimes they are too specific, adapted to conditions different than mine ( I am in Brazil ), and the resultant work may be more complete from the begining, but it takes much longer to do.
So I think that what works better for a small office like us, at least for now and for what my clients want me to deliver, is a customized version of Icad ( or Acad, but $$$$...), some lisps and macros, layer configuration, and you are ready to go.

Have a look at www.siebert.arq.br , all the 3d renderings there have been modeled in Icad (98, by the way, no solids ), and rendered with 3dStudio 3 ( DOS ), via dxf12. All the 2d work for the same projects has been done in Icad 98, or before 1998, in Acad 12 ( which is still in use in our office ).

Andre

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by john gaunt:
I can't help wondering if there isn't something a whole lot better than Acad or Icad for 3d work. They both seem really cumbersome to work with to me.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

There are few serious programs that are as poor as Acad for 3D work. There are some that use it for that on a regular basis. When asked if they ever thought of upgrading to something more capable, they generally say that they didn't know there was such a thing.