Developer's Comments - What we're trying to do.
Those who are testing SketchList 3D have provided some valuable feedback, much of
which is taken into account in new features or modifications to existing ones.
The comments we are getting include the following.
- "I tried to learn (a CAD product) for almost a month. I downloaded SketchList
3D and during the first night I knocked out two different designs."
- "You have to have an idea of what you're after to make use of this software. But if you do, it makes getting the parts list and layout drawings a snap."
- "I was impressed that the software knows what joinery is and how
drawers are made."
- "It took me a bit to design a piece that I've been thinking about - but when I realized that my parts list, cutting list, and layout diagrams were all being done at the same time it blew me way!"
- "Spinning the 3D images was a very nice touch. I found myself making a lot of
changes just to see what they'd look like. The result is better design."
- "I have been showing this software to everyone!"
Extended comments - Built in bookshelves.
Extended Comments -- Entertainment Center
Some other comments include the following.
1. "It's not a drawing package."
No. SketchList 3D is a design and pre-production planning tool allowing you to design in 3D while the reports you need to take to the shop to begin building are automatically generated.
2. "You need to know what you want before you start. If I knew I'd just draw it and be done"
The only thing you need to know before hand is the overall dimensions of your project. And even then you can change them at any time. After that you can add, move or delete boards by either dragging them (2D) or changing the size and/or location dimensions using the modify form. Also if you 'just drew it' you wouldn't be finished. You still must pick parts off the drawing and lay them out on a cutting diagram. SketchList 3D is making the parts list and cutting diagrams as you design.
3. "I read the manual but had to go back to it after using the software."
Designing with SketchList 3D is dynamic and very spatial. Manuals are read linearly making it hard to grasp the whole picture at once. It's probably a better idea to watch the SketchList 3D videos and use the context help within the program to learn how to use SketchList 3D.
4. There are a lot of tables to be filled in before you start.
Actually you can design almost entirely in 2D and 3D without using the tables. The tables are needed to specify the first door and/or drawer in a project. After that you can clone them. Boards are inserting into the project using the graphic interface and mouse. To do this move the cursor onto a workspace in the 2D or 3D forms and right mouse click. Select inset board. Pick an orientation. Click save. That's it - you've created a board. If you want to change it, right click on the board and select modify board.