envisioneer Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Envisioneer?
- Envisioneer is powerful industrial software used for 3D architectural CAD design, modeling, rendering, CAD details, material lists and more, with a focus on residential and light commercial construction.
- How does Envisioneer compare to other Architectural CAD programs?
- Unlike other Architectural CAD programs, Envisioneer is extremely easy-to-learn and use. In very little time, students can build a house, dimension it, and add interior features and a roof. Students create photo-realistic 3D models faster than you ever thought possible! The House Builder Wizard and 3D Stereo View are other features that make Envisioneer unique in comparison to other architectural CAD packages. Plus, the Unstoppable Power, Amazing Performance and Unbelievable Academic Price truly puts Envisioneer above other Architectural CAD programs.
- Is Envisioneer easy-to-learn and use?
- Yes. Envisioneer is extremely easy-to-use. Its familiar Windows look and feel allows students to navigate through the program easily. Envisioneer features large color-coded tabs to access key menus and tools. This allows for an uncluttered, easy to navigate interface. The visual catalog section also displays 3D images of items for selection.
- Does Envisioneer have a short learning curve?
- Yes. Because Envisioneer is easy-to-learn and use, the short learning curve provides instructors with the capability of spending more time teaching architectural design and less time learning a software program. Its use of 3D Parametric objects allows students to create designs faster and spend less time “drawing lines.” Experienced designers who have worked with various software packages attest to the easy learning curve of Envisioneer.
- Does Envisioneer have 2D and 3D capabilities?
- Yes. Envisioneer allows you to take your 2D plans and instantly turn them into 3D models. The 2D cameras give you sections, elevations, and automatic cross section views, and the 3D cameras give you perspectives, overviews, & render views, adding depth and texture to your design.
- What are Envisioneer’s advantages in the educational market?
- Today instructors and students have a variety of Architectural CAD packages to choose from. The following are a few of the key advantages that place Envisioneer above all of its competitors in the educational market:
- Full-commercial Version
- Short Learning Curve
- No Annual Subscription Fee
- 2D Drafting with full CAD capabilities, 3D Modeling, Photorealistic rendering
- Sketch fast with the Envisioneer House Builder Wizard, Deck Builder Wizard, Kitchen Builder Wizard, or Shed Builder Wizard.
- 2D to 3DTrueView™ Visualization
- 3D Stereo View - slip on a pair of 3D glasses and feel like you're actually there with every detail popping out at you!
- Comprehensive Libraries including Manufacturer Symbol Libraries, textures and images (windows, doors, cabinets, molding, plumbing, furniture, plants, fences, and much more).
- Terrain modeling features for landscaping design in 3D
- Walkthroughs and flybys
- Automatic roof insertion or pick points to quickly define a custom roof area
- Automated framing generation for walls, floors, and roofs
- Automated dimensioning and annotation
- Attach WAV files to elements; live walkthroughs with sounds or voiceovers, can be recorded to AVI files
- Detailed plant encyclopedia: Browse through over 7500 plant species to find the ideal choices for your landscape goals and climate. View detailed plant care information, including watering, pruning, transplanting, fertilizing, fighting disease, and more. Insert plants directly from the encyclopedia with one click.
- Unstoppable Power, Amazing Performance and an Unbelieveable Academic Price
- In what ways does industry use Envisioneer?
- Envisioneer has been awarded the prestigious Innovative Housing Technology Award for "Best Computer Aided Design and Drafting Product" at the International Builders’ Show, the largest trade expo for the building industry in North America! Envisioneer and its associated consumer products are used by industry users worldwide. Envisioneer is used by builders, drafters, architects, and interior designers, remodelers and Design/Build Contractors.
- What is the Envisioneer House Builder Wizard?
- Envisioneer’s House Builder Wizard takes on home design from a whole new perspective. Choose the general building shape you’d like in a plan, and take off from here! Stretch and rotate rooms as you wish, and Envisioneer converts your rough outline to a completely functional and editable floor plan. The House Builder Wizard is a simple approach to home design that makes the visualization of ideas a snap!
- Can Envisioneer creates a Builders Material List?
- Yes. Envisioneer gives you the tools you need to assess a job’s material needs with accuracy. Envisioneer takes estimating to the next level by automatically creating a Cut List as well.
- Generate Materials Lists and Cut Lists for user defined areas.
- Count individual units of block, tile, studs, joist, and rafters.
- Calculate roofing squares and concrete volume.
- Track changes as you make them in the plan, automatically updating the material list.
- A components dialog is available to account for individual objects.
- Open an exported material list in Excel®, Buildsoft, Master Builder®, and more.
- Create definable window, door and cabinet accessories which will go to the materials list.
- Define sub-categories for Material List categories.
- Is Envisioneer teacher training available?
- If you would like to arrange Envisioneer training, contact iDESIGN-Labs or an iDESIGN-Labs Exclusive Academic Distributor, to arrange a training session at 1-800-338-2238 or e-mail info@@idesign-labs.com . iDESIGN-Labs Inc. offers extensive Envisioneer teacher training. For more information, contact iDESIGN-Labs at 1-877-730-4770 or e-mail .
- Can Envisioneer be installed on a Macintosh Computer?
- No. Envisioneer is a PC based program only, and does not support a Macintosh platform. Industry professionals use Envisioneer on PC platforms only; therefore, in order to prepare students for industry, students must become familiar with both the software and platforms used in this industry.
- How much does Envisioneer cost?
- Envisioneer is available to educators and students at academic prices to fit school budgets. Envisioneer student seats are available for $139, and single classroom seats are available for $149. Multiple lab pack pricing is also available. Lab packs include a FREE faculty copy, manuals and the 4 CD interactive training series! Contact iDESIGN-Labs at 1-877-730-4770 for specific pricing questions, e-mail or click here to Shop Online!
- What is the minimum recommended system to operate Envisioneer?
- The following system is recommended to operate Envisioneer: Windows® 98, Windows 2000, or Windows XP, Pentium® III-class 500 MHz processor or faster, 256 MB RAM (512 MB recommended for Windows XP), 750MB free hard drive space, 4x CD-ROM drive or faster), Windows pointing device or Windows mouse, 32 MB RAM (64 MB RAM recommended) video card with OpenGL™ support (OpenGL hardware acceleration highly recommended), SVGA monitor supporting at least 1024x768 resolution, 256 colors (High and True Color supported).
- What grade levels are appropriate to instruct Envisioneer?
- Envisioneer is instructed as early as the middle-school level and beyond. Envisioneer is used in middle-school courses such as Introduction to Architecture, Introduction to CAD for Architecture, and Applied Technology Literacy. At the secondary level, Envisioneer is instructed in courses such as Architectural Modeling and Presentation, Introduction to Architecture, Residential Building Design, Interior Design, and Building Trade Programs. At the Vocational/Technical/Community Colleges level, instructors use Envisioneer in courses such as Interior Design, Residential Design, Architectural CAD Basics, Designing your Own Home courses, and Design Tools for Contractors courses.
- Are there support materials available for Envisioneer?
- Yes. When Envisioneer software is purchased, with it you will receive a tutorial guide and user’s manual. In addition, the Envisioneer Instructional Training Videos are available from our page – at no additional charge. These videos are highly recommended as additional teaching tools.
- Are you able to plot full-scale drawings using Envisioneer from any computer station?
- Yes. Envisioneer can print to any paper size supported by your windows compatible printer or plotter. Users can print directly from any Plan View, 3D View, or Render View. Print in color or black and white, print across multiple pages or print to file so the drawing can be printed elsewhere.
- Are you able to plot/print from any computer station?
- Yes.