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TurboCAD Reviews & Product Details - Page 2

TurboCAD Overview

What is TurboCAD?

TurboCAD Pro Platinum is a professional 2D/3D CAD application that offers a great collection of 2D/3D design tools to design, modify, present, and document in an integrated fashion. An optional AutoCAD®-like 2D drafting interface with command line and dynamic input cursor helps professionals already familiar with AutoCAD easily get up to speed. Advanced technology —a powerful drafting palette, D-Cubed constraints, and ACIS® engine—enhance productivity. Advanced architectural and mechanical design tools add even greater flexibility and control, while superior LightWorks® rendering controls produce powerful presentations. Plus TurboCAD Pro Platinum is programmable and supports over 40 file formats including .DWG, .DXF, .SKP, 3D .PDF, and .STL for 3D printing. • Time Saving Features – 64-Bit Compatible Version, GPU-accelerated Drawing Engine, Multi-threading Support, Progressive, Ray-traced Rendering, New Redsdk 3.3 Rendering Engine, AutoCAD 2D work-alike mode, and more! • Precision Drafting & Detailing – A large selection of 2D and 3D tools, snaps modification, and drawing aids, powerful drafting palette, history tree with editor, advanced layer controls, PDF underlay, a full range of dimension types and styles, tables, text, viewports and more! • Powerful Architectural Tools – House wizard, self-healing walls & self aligning blocks, AutoCAD® Architecture (ACA) compatible architectural objects (parametric), section, elevation, and terrain tools, styles & style manager! • Robust Mechanical Tools – New ACIS® R24 engine, 3D solid and surface design and modification tools, geometric and dimensional constraints, assembly tools, a powerful parametric parts manager, and more! • Rendering & Visualization – Choose from wireframe, hidden line, or high quality photorealistic rendering with material editor as well as artistic render styles. Both a Lightworks and Redsdk engines are available with a universal manager.  • Outstanding File Compatibility – Open, import, or embed up to 35 file formats and export up to 28, including newly updated AutoCAD® 2013 .DWG, Adobe 3D .PDF, and many others making it an excellent companion product.

TurboCAD Details
Languages Supported
Czech, German, English, French, Japanese, Polish, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified)
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Product Description

TurboCAD is a feature-rich solution perfect for CAD users involved in documenting the design workflow.

How do you position yourself against your competitors?

We see TurboCAD Pro Platinum as a broad-spectrum CAD title which is equally appealing to professional AEC CAD users, as well as to professionals in the Mechanical CAD design space.  Accordingly, our primary competitor is AutoCAD and we position our selves against them by offering more functionality at a less expensive price, AND doing this with a UI that is can be set up to be very AutoCAD-like – Command Line, Intelligent Cursor, similar menu structure, and of course complete DWG, DXF and DWF file compatibility.


Seller Details
Seller
TurboCAD
Year Founded
1983
HQ Location
Novato, CA
Twitter
@imsidesign
108 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
129 employees on LinkedIn®

Bob M.
BM
Overview Provided by:
President and CEO at IMSI/Design and Encore Software

Recent TurboCAD Reviews

RB
Rahul B.Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
3.0 out of 5
"Used to be powerful but now better alternatives available for cheaper"
I like the simplicity and presence of basic features such as project, extrude, explode, and dimensions. It has all the CAD functionality that I nee...
Jishnu G.
JG
Jishnu G.Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
3.5 out of 5
"Not for trial and error learners"
It's extremely simple and easy to draw and scale, Drawing and 3D modelling is at finger tips and it's very affordable compared to other softwares
Ricky R.
RR
Ricky R.Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.)
4.0 out of 5
"cheaper cad software that gets the job done"
If your main job is doing 2D drawings then you can't go wrong with this software. You don't need expensive hardware to run this.
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TurboCAD Media

TurboCAD Demo - Rendering Types
Choose from available WireFrame, Hidden Line and Advanced rendering styles
TurboCAD Demo - Advanced Rendering Style
Take maximum control over the rendering process with respect to shading, color, reflection, texture, and other qualities
TurboCAD Demo - Materials Library
Choose and apply from huge library of versatile materials and textures
TurboCAD Demo - Object Blocks Library
Combine and store multiple objects for easy access and future use
TurboCAD Demo - Cross Window Working
Perform cross windows 3D modeling and rendering
TurboCAD Demo - Modeling of 2D Draft
From 2D drafting and sketching to complete 3D model rendering
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31 TurboCAD Reviews

4.3 out of 5
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31 TurboCAD Reviews
4.3 out of 5
31 TurboCAD Reviews
4.3 out of 5

Overall Review Sentiment for TurboCADQuestion

Time to Implement
<1 day
>12 months
Return on Investment
<6 months
48+ months
Ease of Setup
0 (Difficult)
10 (Easy)
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G2 reviews are authentic and verified.
Harry M.
HM
Owner
Public Relations and Communications
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about TurboCAD?

Drafting software that is not very expensive. Great for a contractor or anyone drawing plans for building. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about TurboCAD?

It takes a while to get good with it. It's a hard software to learn but there is a lot you can do with it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering TurboCAD:

I would recommend this. Give yourself some time to work with it in the beginning. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is TurboCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?

Drawing building plans for estimates and for plan submissions. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

JL
CEO
Aviation & Aerospace
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Verified Current User
Review source: Organic
(Original )Information
What do you like best about TurboCAD?

There are three versions of the program: Deluxe, Professional and Platinum. The Deluxe version has a list price of $130. It can design objects and create photo-realistic renderings, but it only handles Surfaces, not Solids, so it is missing some of the functionality of the Professional and Platinum versions. In terms of ability, the Professional version is comparable to AutoCAD while the Platinum version adds extra Mechanical and Architectural functions.

I can quickly design (or transcribe an existing design) to get up and running quickly. The user interface is largely consistent (there are some exceptions for some of the more unusual functions), but almost totally flexible (I can place tools under pretty much any drop-down menu and get to them via mouse or keyboard). If I want, I can switch over to an AutoCAD-compatible user interface as well as importing and exporting AutoCAD-compatible files, plus a couple dozen other file formats.

You can buy or subscribe to the software. If you buy, you can use it forever (so long as the operating system supports it).

If you are a programmer, you can write DLLs that can enhance the functionality. An SDK is available. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about TurboCAD?

The User Manual is a bit vague on some of the functions. The User Group forum (including many of the Beta Testers) usually fill in the missing pieces. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering TurboCAD:

As with any CAD software, there is a steep learning curve. Get a tutorial for the 2D and 3D functions to get up and running as quickly as possible. Also, create a free account at the User Group Forums (http://forums.turbocad.com/) for lots of free help. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is TurboCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?

I transcribe older mechanical drawings into 3D objects that can be quoted online.

I design new devices and produce conceptual drawings or photorealistic renderings in either of the two rendering engines, Redway (a V-Ray variant) or LightWorks (currently an optional add-on).

Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Adam F.
AF
Technical Product Manager
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Review source: Organic
(Original )Information
What do you like best about TurboCAD?

The price point is nice for small companies that need 3D models to be relevant in the industry. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about TurboCAD?

Updated 10/12/2016 - Travis worked with me on the phone and via screen share to address the concerns in my original post. His technical knowledge of the program is excellent. He showed that I wasn't using best practices to perform the things I wanted to do which most likely led to the issues I outlined below. He also showed me a few workarounds if the program does get hung up and crash. Overall, I am satisfied.

I can't stand the performance of this program. I have problems every single day. My UI changes normally despite saving the layout, 3D facet editing tools only work sometimes, models are slow to render at any quality, editing is a nightmare. On top of all that, when I called IMSI Design/TurboCAD for help, they don't offer any. All they do is ask me to reinstall the software and expect everything to work. I have asked several times to do a screen share so that they can see my system to see if there is anything wrong, but they refuse. I really would not recommend buying this software. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is TurboCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?

I use this software to design plastics and assemble inverters. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Bruce L.
BL
Physical Plant Supervisor
Higher Education
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Review source: Seller invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about TurboCAD?

My first version of TurboCad was #1, back in the early 90's. I have tried maybe 10 different programs since then and I always come back to TurboCad. It is so user friendly and affordable for all the features that you get. I highly recommend the tutorials and different training that is offered. That way you know how to use more of what is available. Very powerful programs. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about TurboCAD?

I am not very familiar with using layers. I would like to see a way to highlight things and move them to a different layer. Right now I have to delete them and start over drawing them in the layer that I should have been using. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering TurboCAD:

Just be sure and get as much training stuff as you can and be patient. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is TurboCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?

Having a hard copy of what we are trying to accomplish is so useful. A lot of the times it has to deal with angles. Using TurboCad is so easy to see the angles that we are trying to achieve. Then when we do have the item stored on our computer, we can bring it back up for future reference. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Design
CD
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Verified Current User
Review source: Seller invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about TurboCAD?

I have been using TurboCad for many years (since it came on a floppy disc!) it has always returned safe accurate CAD drawings.

I tend to design almost exclusively in 3D, over the years I have been able to provide a number of successful mechanical designs, including full size flight vehicles.

I find that the format export function works very well and I have no difficulty providing .step files for the manufacture of parts.

Recently the physical metrics capability has proved a godsend as we have defined a composite blade and dynamic system for a new full size rotorcraft.

I particularly like the fact that TurboCAD is a 'nuts and bolts' program in the sense that to get full value out of it you deal directly with the basic structure and design, unlike some more expensive programs that, in my opinion, remove the designer too far from the actual design process. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about TurboCAD?

I disliked the loss of Lightworks from the main program. I now have the plug-in, but my rendering processes are now not as tidy as they were before the change. I believe that this was a great mistake by the company. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering TurboCAD:

I can only speak from my own experience which is that the program has served me well over many years, has developed with the times. Like all high level programs there are always tricks and dodges to get full value, however, the excellent forums solve this issue.

Certainly the program meets all my needs and I am still learning what this program can do. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is TurboCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?

Design of aviation and other mechanical products. For example the ability to link the drawing process with Excel spreadsheets enabled us to design a very accurately a replacement Rootes type of supercharger for an old race car. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Construction
UC
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Review source: Organic
What do you like best about TurboCAD?

pasting in documents and spreadsheets and easy editing Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about TurboCAD?

cost. updates are now over $300. too much Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is TurboCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?

none Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Executive Office
AE
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Review source: G2 invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about TurboCAD?

TurboCAD Deluxe is excellent 2D/3D CAD software that appeals to a wide range of people. While CAD software is quite complex and always requires a learning curve, this software has tools that make learning much easier. With time-saving features like a command line and macros you can work much more efficiently. While the software and corresponding help manual aren't without flaws, the shortcomings are minimal. The TurboCAD knowledge base and video tutorials are more than sufficient, Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about TurboCAD?

The PDF manual covers all versions of TurboCAD software, but doesn’t provide comprehensive help for people using the deluxe edition. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is TurboCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?

We solved ease of use, some other CAD softwares are clunky and outdated. With this CAD we are able to work efficiently and projects are produced in a more timely manner. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Neil J.
NJ
Founder | Creative Director
Computer Games
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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What do you like best about TurboCAD?

this program is awesome for interior designers but the rendering is not the best. it helps with much of the math and scale of the room that you need but it really all depends on your skill with the program. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about TurboCAD?

like i said the rendering is not the best you can post your work over to 3Ds Max but it will still take a lot of work if you are looking for a good render. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering TurboCAD:

yes but it really depends on what they are going to use it for. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is TurboCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?

floor plans and over all look and feel of an environment before you begin work Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Civil Engineering
CC
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Review source: Seller invite
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What do you like best about TurboCAD?

As powerful as AutoCAD, but more affordable. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about TurboCAD?

Sometimes when I haven't used the program in awhile, I have some difficulty finding some of the commands I am looking for. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is TurboCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?

I mostly use it for 2D drafting. I do not utilize the full capabilities of the program. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Construction
UC
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Review source: Seller invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about TurboCAD?

Great program I just started to use turbo cad recently and I thought it was going to be difficult but after a couple of days it was no problem

Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about TurboCAD?

There is nothing I would change bit the price is a little steep Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is TurboCAD solving and how is that benefiting you?

Drawing Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.