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The Multilingual feature lets you choose your preferred interface language — English, French, or German — for a smoother and more intuitive design experience. It removes language barriers, ensuring you can focus on creativity and precision. By supporting multiple languages, the application empowers designers, engineers, and architects across Europe to work comfortably and productively in their own language.

Go to the Preferences window and click on Localization. By default, it is set to the System Language.

Language dropdown in the Preferences window

Select the French language to display the French interface.

Selection of French language

Restart the application, and the interface will switch to French.

French Interface

Now select the German language to display the German interface.

Selection of German language

Restart the application, and the interface will switch to German.

German Interface

Language should never limit innovation. With the Multilingual functionality, this application bridges communication gaps and brings designers together through a shared design experience. Whether you prefer English, French, or German, you can work confidently, collaborate effectively, and stay focused on what truly matters — creating with precision and creativity.

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One of the most powerful, yet least known tools in professional versions of TurboCAD is the Drafting Palette. The Drafting Palette is used for the creation of 2D construction and manufacturing documents from 3D designs, including ACIS® solids and 3D surfaces. It can be used in conjunction with both 3D Architectural and Mechanical designs. 3D Designs created or imported into TurboCAD’s Model Space are fully associative with the 2D views and construction drawings that the Drafting Palette creates in TurboCAD’s Layouts, even when working on an XRef. Dimensions are also fully associative. For Mechanical designs, both individual parts and assemblies can have any of 10 different standard views, 9 different preconfigured sectional views, as well as custom, detailed views chosen by a line or other closed arc or polyline. Recent versions of TurboCAD have also added the ability to add Layer Sets containing both visible and non-visible layers, and no scaling of Drafting Objects can be controlled by the Local (right click) menu. The Drafting Palette gives you great artistic control over how your views will work. Each drafting object placed on your Layout may be hatched, colored, or have its line weight and style adjusted as needed, with separate controls for visible and hidden line. In addition to standard cross-sectional views, fragmental views can be created and Drafting Breaks added.

The Drafting Palette works with over a dozen file formats and helps make TurboCAD Platinum, Professional and LTE Professional an excellent collaboration tool with other CAD applications. This includes Architectural formats such as .SKP (SketchUp) and .DGN (MicroStation/Intergraph) so the Drafting Palette can be used to create elevations, floorplans, sections, even detailed views, all of which are associative to changes in the model! 

TurboCAD for AutoCAD

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Are you thinking about using TurboCAD with AutoCAD or switching from AutoCAD to TurboCAD?

We’ve created a resource to provide you with the information you need to shorten your learning curve and start creating professional designs in no time at all. Once you’ve made the decision to use TurboCAD, this guide will help you get started by outlining the few differences in jargon, commands, and tools.

Here is just some of the information you’ll find:

TurboCAD offers the AutoCAD user

  • File Compatibility
    • AutoCAD DWG, Autodesk DXF and DWF, Spatial Technology SAT, ASCII, 3D Studio, STL, DGN, DCD, FCW
  • Supports vector formats: IGES, STEP, Meatstream, HPGL, VRML, CDM, WMF
  • Similar User Interface
  • Better handle-based editing
  • Larger variety of object snaps
  • Built-in raster to vector conversion
  • History for 3D solid models
  • Node editing
  • Constraint Management

The few differences and how they are resolved between TurboCAD and AutoCAD

  • Command selections and differences
  • Drawing Command differences
  • Node Editing

What you will love about TurboCAD!

  • Significantly more Mechanical tools
  • Significantly more Architectural tools
  • Additional Snaps not offered in AutoCAD
  • More affordable
  • Both permanent licenses and subscriptions are available

Download TurboCAD for AutoCAD Users now to learn more about why it’s easy to switch between TurboCAD and AutoCAD.

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If you're looking to add more realism to your designs, the new Physically Based Rendering (PBR) texture packs are a great place to start. These downloadable packs include over 2,000 high-quality materials—wood, metal, glass, stone, fabric, and more—designed to simulate how real surfaces interact with light.

All software variants support downloading and using these textures. You can apply them to your projects regardless of which edition you're using. However, only LuxCore® fully supports the advanced rendering features that make PBR textures look their best.

What is LuxCore®?

LuxCore® is a rendering engine that uses Physically Based Rendering (PBR) technology to simulate how light interacts with real-world materials. This means surfaces like metal, glass, wood, and fabric can look more natural and detailed in your designs. If you're working with PBR texture packs, LuxCore® helps unlock their full potential—showing realistic reflections, surface depth, and transparency effects.

Note: LuxCore® is included by default in Punch!® 25 Home & Landscape Design Architectural Series, Punch!® 25 Home & Landscape Design Professional, and ARCHITECT 3D® 25 Ultimate. It is available as an optional plug-in for FloorPlan® Pro. Other editions do not include LuxCore® by default.

What Makes PBR Textures Different?

PBR (Physically Based Rendering) textures are designed to simulate how real-world materials interact with light, using multiple layered maps to create more natural and detailed surfaces. Each texture includes high-resolution (2K) maps for color, reflectivity, roughness, surface depth, and transparency—such as Diffuse/Color, Specular/Metalness, Roughness, Normal, Bump, and Alpha maps. These textures can be used in any version of the software, even with standard rendering, and will display correctly in your designs. However, only LuxCore® rendering fully supports the advanced PBR effects—such as realistic reflections, fine surface detail, and dynamic transparency—bringing out the full visual impact of these materials. If your edition includes LuxCore®, you’ll see the textures perform at their highest potential.

PBR Texture Example

How to Download and Install PBR Packs

To get started, follow these steps:

  1. Click here to access the download page.

  2. Fill out the form with your name, email, order number, phone number, and select the material packs you want.

    PBR Material Packs Form

    Free Home Design – PBR Material Packs Form

  1. Submit the form and check your email for the download link.
  2. Download the .exe installer file.
  3. Open File Explorer and locate the file (usually in your Downloads folder).

  4. Double-click the file to start installation.

    Installer Step 1

  5. Wait for the installation to complete, then click Finish.

    Installer Step 2

How to Access PBR Packs in the Application

  1. After installing the PBR pack, launch the application.

  2. Open a sample project or create a new one.

    Open a project

  1. Switch to 3D View.

    Switch to 3D View

  2. Click on the highlighted icon to open the materials library.

    Materials Library

  3. Select Materials from the list. If a Material is already selected, you can proceed.

    Select Materials

  1. Once a Material is chosen, Backgrounds and Sky will appear below.

    Backgrounds and Sky

  2. Click on Backgrounds and Sky to expand the section. A new panel will open on the left side of the screen.

    Expand Backgrounds and Sky

  1. Click the Display downloaded library items.

    Display Downloaded Library Items

  1. You’ll now see a list of all installed PBR Packs—ready to use in your design.

    Installed PBR Packs List

    Installed PBR Packs List

These texture packs are a great way to add realism and variety to your designs. Whether you're working on interiors, landscapes, or commercial spaces, they offer more control and flexibility—especially when paired with LuxCore® rendering.

3D CUSTOM WORKSHOP PRO

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3D CUSTOM WORKSHOP PRO:

This new FloorPlan® PowerTool adds over 90 professional CAD tools to FloorPlan® Home & Landscape Design. Its diverse feature set, consisting of 2D drafting, 3D modeling, editing, and data sharing tools allows the user to create virtually any object to complement their home design project. Objects created can be saved to your library and used with any of your home and landscape designs. Custom Workshop Pro can bring in popular CAD file formats such as SketchUp®, 3D Studio®, 3MF, STL, DAE, PLY, as well as Adobe® Illustrator®, PDF, SVG, TIFF, BMP, PNG, and JPG. Some of the features included in Custom Workshop Pro:

 

 

Some of the features included in Custom Workshop Pro:

 

2D Drafting Features:

 

·        Line Tools (8 methods)

 

·        Arc Tools (5 methods)

 

·        Circle Tools (7 methods)

 

·        Ellipse Tools (5 methods)

 

·        Polygon Tools (7 methods)

 

·        Bezier Spline Tool Fillet/Chamfer (5 methods)

 

·        Spline Fill

 

3D Modeling Features:

 

·        Primitives (6 types)

 

·        Extrude, Lathe, Skin, Cover

 

·        Booleans (Add, Subtract, Intersect)

 

·        Subdivision (Add Loop, Fill, Bridge, Inset)

 

·        Split & Slice

 

Modification and Editing:

 

·        Align, Group, Ungroup, Copy, Paste

 

·        Transformations (Translate, rotate, scale, mirror, along the path)

 

·        Arrays (Polar and Rectangular)

 

·        Magnet Tool

 

Data Sharing:

DWG/DXF, SketchUp®, 3D Studio®, 3MF, STL, DAE, Ply Adobe® Illustrator®, PDF, SVG, TIFF, BMP, PNG, JPG

 

 

 

 

 

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With the release of TurboCAD 2017, users will find a more seamless workflow between office design and editing, and field work documentation. Office staff can now take TurboCAD drawing sand upload them to an iOS mobile device, where the files can then be used with IMSI Design’s field documentation app, TurboSite, in order to capture project and site information. Perfect for building construction, site design, job site inspections, construction administration, as-built verification, or practically any other AEC-related fieldwork project.

The captured information can then be round-tripped back into TurboCAD 2017 through the program’s new ability to read TurboSite’s native TAP files. Export the TAP file back to the office via email or upload to DropBox, Box or any WebDAV-enabled cloud site.

Back in the office, you can open up the TAP file in the new GeoMarks Palette. The Tap file will contain all mark-ups and GeoMarks, which include all captured media such as photos, videos and notes taken onsite.

Noted changes from the field visit that need to be made to the original file can then easily be made in TurboCAD.

To see a real-world example of workflow integration with TurboCAD and TurboSite, watch this video:

Working with TurboCAD and TurboSite together allows you to drive project efficiency across more of the project lifecycle, streamlining workflow processes and increasing productivity.

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Introduction:

In the world of computer-aided design (CAD), choosing the right software can significantly impact your productivity, creativity, and budget. While AutoCAD has long been a standard in the industry, TurboCAD emerges as a compelling alternative, offering exceptional value and a suite of advanced features. Let's delve into why TurboCAD is worth considering over AutoCAD, especially for those seeking a cost-effective yet powerful CAD solution.

1. Affordable Pricing with Multiple Options:

A standout advantage of TurboCAD is its pricing structure. Starting at just $69, TurboCAD provides an array of options catering to different budgets and needs. This competitive pricing is a significant draw, especially for independent designers, small businesses, or anyone looking to minimize software costs without compromising on functionality.

2. Perpetual License Option:

In an era where subscription models are becoming the norm, TurboCAD offers a refreshing alternative with its perpetual license option. This means you can own the software outright, a boon for those who prefer a one-time investment over recurring subscription fees, as is the case with AutoCAD.

3. Founding Member of OpenDWG - Ensuring DWG Compatibility:

TurboCAD's status as a founding member of OpenDWG underscores its commitment to DWG compatibility. This is crucial fo

TurboCAD shines in architectural drafting with tools specifically designed for this purpose. Unlike AutoCAD, which offers basic multi-lines for walls and dynamic blocks for doors and windows, TurboCAD goes further. It includes smart objects for creating and editing walls, adding window and door openings, and designing roofs. These tools automate tedious tasks like cleaning up intersections and orienting symbols, streamlining the architectural design process.

5. Robust Mechanical Tools:

In the realm of mechanical design, TurboCAD again outpaces AutoCAD by offering a more extensive suite of tools for both 2D and 3D modeling. This includes the Parts Tree palette for editable history trees of 3D operations, allowing for intricate changes to chamfers, fillets, Boolean operations, and more. The ability to deform facets of solid models adds another layer of sophistication to your mechanical design projects.

6. Customizable User Interface for Smooth Transition:

Transitioning to a new CAD platform can be challenging, but TurboCAD eases this with its customizable user interface. It mirrors many elements of AutoCAD's interface, making the switch smoother for AutoCAD users. The familiar layout of menus, toolbars, and scroll bars reduces the learning curve, ensuring a comfortable and efficient adaptation to TurboCAD's environment.

 

7. Free Trials: Test Drive TurboCAD's Capabilities at No Cost

One of the most user-friendly features of TurboCAD is the availability of free trials for its software. This is a fantastic opportunity for users to explore and experience the full range of TurboCAD's capabilities without any initial investment. The free trial period allows you to delve into the software's advanced tools, test its compatibility with your projects, and evaluate its user interface to see how it fits into your workflow. This risk-free exploration is especially beneficial for those who are considering transitioning from AutoCAD to TurboCAD, as it provides a practical, hands-on comparison to inform your decision. Remember, the word "free" isn't just a buzzword; it's an invitation to experience the power of TurboCAD and understand why it's a cost-effective and feature-rich alternative to AutoCAD.

Trials are available at :  TurboCAD FREE Trials

Conclusion:

TurboCAD presents itself as an incredibly viable alternative to AutoCAD, especially when considering its affordability, diverse feature set, and user-friendly interface. With options suitable for various professional needs, from architectural to mechanical design, and a pricing model that offers exceptional value, TurboCAD stands out as a smart choice for CAD professionals and enthusiasts alike.

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IMSI Design is a maker of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and home design software for Windows and Mac, as well as mobile solutions for the AEC (Architectural, Engineering, and Construction) industry.

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Founded in 1983, IMSI is a leader in feature-rich, yet affordable, general-purpose CAD (Computer Aided Design) and home design desktop software, and a pioneer in mobile solutions for the AEC (Architectural, Engineering, and Construction) industry.