CAD expert comment: Zhongwang CAD+ and IntelliCAD product use experience

In the previous article, I discussed the similarities between Zhongwang CAD+ and AutoCAD 2013 in terms of functionality and user interface. Today, I’ll take a closer look at how Zhongwang CAD+ compares to IntelliCAD 7. Although Zhongwang CAD originally originated from IntelliCAD, the two are now fundamentally different. This comparison is not straightforward, as Zhongwang CAD+ represents a completely new development. To understand this better, let’s first clarify what IntelliCAD is. The IntelliCAD Technology Alliance (ITC) is an industry group formed by several smaller CAD vendors. These companies collaborate by hiring programmers to develop the core code for IntelliCAD, which is then distributed among members. Each member company customizes the software, brands it, and releases it under their own name—such as ProgeCAD, GstarCAD, or BtoCAD. As a result, users never directly access IntelliCAD; instead, they purchase these customized versions. Zhongwang Software was one of the key members of ITC. For years, it used IntelliCAD as its foundation. However, the update cycle of ITC was too slow to meet the evolving needs of both the market and its members. Faced with these limitations, Zhongwang made a bold move: it rewrote its entire CAD system from scratch. In July 2012, it launched Zhongwang CAD+, marked by the “+” symbol, indicating a brand-new codebase. This shift allowed Zhongwang to break free from ITC dependencies, giving it full control over updates, bug fixes, and feature additions. One of the most significant improvements in Zhongwang CAD+ is its ability to handle large drawings more efficiently. Earlier versions based on ITC code couldn’t open files larger than 100MB. With Zhongwang CAD+, memory usage has been reduced by 50%, and the program can manage large-scale projects more smoothly. Some long-time users might notice that certain functions are missing in Zhongwang CAD+. According to Du Yulin, CEO of Zhongwang Software, this is because the new codebase requires time to fully implement all features. For example, dynamic block support was included in the roadmap for Zhongwang CAD+ 2013. When comparing Zhongwang CAD+ to IntelliCAD, it's important to note that each competitor’s version of IntelliCAD may have slightly different features. For this comparison, I will use GstarCAD 2012 as a reference point. One of the standout innovations in Zhongwang CAD+ is its expanded command set. It includes features like attribute synchronization in attribute definitions, allowing multi-line text in attributes—an invaluable tool for detailed product descriptions. Additionally, Zhongwang CAD+ supports printing DWF files, an alternative to PDF, and offers STB format printing styles for enhanced output flexibility. Performance has also improved significantly. Commands such as redrawing, undo/redo, grid, and offset run faster and smoother. The 3D dynamic viewer allows users to rotate and adjust visual styles in real-time, providing a more immersive 3D experience. Other enhancements include improved field text, attribute matching, revision clouds, and object tracking. The tool palette organizes commands into tabs, making it easier to customize and access frequently used tools. Compared to GstarCAD, Zhongwang CAD+ offers unique features such as print style and table style matching between entities. GstarCAD, on the other hand, lacked table creation and editing capabilities and had limited 3D visualization options. Zhongwang CAD+ continues to use the Open Design Alliance’s DWG technology, ensuring full compatibility with AutoCAD. It can read and write files from any version starting from 2.5 up to 2012, maintaining 100% data accuracy even for unsupported entities. The user interface in Zhongwang CAD+ is entirely redesigned, featuring a modern Ribbon interface and a gesture wizard. The Ribbon, inspired by Microsoft Office, groups commands into intuitive icons, making it easier for new users to navigate. Classic menus and toolbars are still available for those who prefer them. The gesture wizard is another innovative feature. Users can execute commands simply by dragging the mouse, drawing strokes, or typing letters. Green highlights appear on the screen, guiding the user through the process. This function is highly customizable, allowing users to assign any command via mouse gestures. In terms of API support, Zhongwang CAD+ outperforms IntelliCAD. LISP functionality runs 2–3 times faster, achieving 93% of AutoCAD’s capabilities. VBA support has also been improved, with fewer bugs and added features. Third-party developers benefit from a new ZRX API that is compatible with AutoCAD’s ARX, enabling faster application performance—up to 6.5 times faster in some cases. In summary, Zhongwang CAD+ has evolved beyond its IntelliCAD roots, offering advanced features, superior performance, and greater customization. With over 320,000 licenses sold worldwide and a strong global presence, it has become a top choice for professionals seeking a reliable and powerful CAD solution. **About the author**: Ralph is an editor at upFront.eZine Media and a contributor to WorldCAD. He has written over 100 books and hundreds of articles on CAD. Previously a technical editor for Cadalyst magazine and a columnist for CADENCE and AutoCAD communities, he brings deep expertise to his work.

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