QCAD 3 Nearing Final Release

  • Print
Details
Last Updated on Monday, 07 May 2012 18:03

I'm happy to announce that QCAD 3 is nearing its final release. The latest release candidate (QCAD 3 RC5) has proven to be stable on all supported platforms (Windows, Mac OS X and Linux) and we're now updating the books and e-books to reflect the new QCAD 3 looks and features.

If you are using the current stable release of QCAD (2.2), you are encouraged to try out QCAD 3 RC5. The two versions can be installed in parallel like separate software packages. All customers who have purchased their QCAD license in 2010, 2011 or 2012 will be able to update to QCAD 3 for free.

Although the final version of QCAD 3 has not been released just yet, I feel that this is a good moment for brief glimpse of what the future holds. The QCAD 3 release will be the beginning of a couple of new developments:

  • There will be new versions of CAM Expert based on QCAD 3. We already have a basic CAD to CAM converter with path optimization and simple simulation but there's certainly more to come.
  • There will also be a new release of the Open Source QCAD Community Edition, also based on QCAD 3. More about that will be revealed in a separate posting... stay tuned!
  • Several new tools based on the QCAD 3 framework can be expected. One tool we have in the pipeline generates variations of CAD blocks and symbols from existing drawings for example to create a complete set of DIN parts (think screws, nuts, flanges, etc).
  • Last but not least, QCAD 3 and the QCAD 3 Application Framework will of course continue to evolve. We have received a lot of feedback and feature requests which we will begin to process after the QCAD 3 release. Many thanks for all user input - it is highly appreciated. Feel free to add your own wishes!

Andrew

New Web Site

  • Print
Details
Last Updated on Monday, 07 May 2012 18:04

QCAD has a new web site!

In the midst of the major QCAD 3 update (which is still ongoing), we were forced by our web space provider to update to a new server system which broke some major parts of our web site.

We took this as an opportunity to update our web site and in the process make it easier to keep it up to date. As a result, there are some changes and improvements you may notice:

  • We have a new forum which finally allows for attachments. The contents and user accounts of the old forum have been ported to the new forum.
  • The online shop was updated to a more modern and simpler system. We are no longer using Zen Cart but PrestaShop instead. All existing user accounts remain the same.
  • The rest of the web site is now based on Joomla. This will allow us to update and add contents more easily and as a result more frequently.
  • There is now a simple blog (you are looking at it). This blog will be the primary platform to write about what is currently happening with QCAD and related technologies.

I'm looking forward to use this new web platform to take QCAD to yet another level!

Andrew