formZ pro 10 + RenderZone Bundle

Recently, I've been working at a large shop where Autocad is the main drafting program. There are 27drafters in our department alone. But when I introduced FormZ 8 to the company. The integration into to the autocad workflow was
simple. Simply save as a autocad dwg file and the two programs almost work like one. They were at first convinced they needed Solidworks but since there was no stress analysis or simulation involved Formz 8 turned out to save them a lot of money. BTW guys the new interface is killer. I can model as fast as any Maya guy now but do it it a technical environment where the dimensions really matter.

Killer App

Sincerely,

John Troxtel

Unfortunately for those of us that have used this program for 12 years as professional designers logging 40 to 50 hours a week on this platform - it comes with great shock that so many everyday workflow items were needlessly moved around for no apparent reason whatsoever. Shameless adaptation and evolution with no real improvement to workflow is an absolute waste of time and energy on everyone's part. I relate well to the words of my grandfather - If it isn't broke - Don't fix it. Thanks autodesys for putting a grotesque learning curve back into a perfect functioning tool. Selling software has become more important than pleasing current users and it is more apparent in this update than any we've suffered in the 12 years of use. For the first time in my career - I am considering switching software to someone who develops, not shuffles, their technologies.

This is an awesome 3d program. I'm a freelance designer. I've been using it for years for exhibit tradeshow and architecture projects. It works great on both mac and windows machines. The operation convention is a little non-standard, but very easy to get up to speed. Tech support is awesome - never a long wait.
Purchasing experience from Novedge was great also. I ordered it online and got the program in a couple days - no hassles! I WOULD definitely purchase from Novedge again!

As a designer of retail environments and store fixtures, I find form Z to be a invaluable tool for planning and presentation. I've worked with earlier versions of the program and find this one to be the best yet.

I particularly like the expanded menu of predefind surfaces.

I do miss having a printed manual to refer to though.

I would like to see the downloadable libraries updated with more contemporary funishings and objects such as flat panel TV's, lighting fixtures and some people.

Just starting to use this software. Found one problem in that it does not recognize the latest format for Autocad 2007. Have to save the files in older version for an import to take place. Have not check the Revit imports as of this date.

With formZ RenderZone Plus 6.6, ADS has pushed formZ to new heights in a professional level 3D CAD App. RenderZone Plus is beautifully integrated into formZ and offers very good global illumination capabilities. V. 6.6 adds Import capabilities for DWG 2007 and 2008 so, this negates the previous reviewers complaints. Sure, a beefy app like formZ requires 2 years time to be a power user. Of course, the same could be said for any professional level 3D app. like 3D Studio Max, Maya and others. For Hyper Realism in terms of rendering, the formZ Maxwell Plugin, v. 1.7 is truly amazing. V. 6 of formZ brought Object Animation capabilities that Greatly enhance the already robust 3D Modeling capabilities. The Next Major release of formZ should address the limitations of the Drafting module. Then an Architecture specific module with BIM features and then finally a History based modeling environment tailored for Industrial Designers, should appear on the market. Oh, and in terms of ADS, they Do have the Best Tech Support in the 3D App. Business! If you are willing to tap into this professional level product and learn it, then you will not be disappointed. If you do not need such a robust professional level 3D application. then ADS' new BonZai 3D, that will go head to head with Sketchup, should satisfy your needs and your budget extremely well.

Great for non-blob architecture (ie: stuff somebody will actually pay you to build) and product design. Once you learn the ins and outs of this program, including setting up your own keyboard shortcuts, and the very important "clip hither and yon", it is a cinch to make 3d models, chop them up and generate CDs. This latest version now has mouse wheel zooming and panning, for AutoCAD like control. And Form Z makes the only renderings I personally don't get depressed looking at. Check out Wes Jones's work.