Changes and Improvements for DynaSCAPE Design 5.3
This release puts the finishing touches on the current version of DS|Design v5. It includes many of the important new features and improvements we all have been waiting for:
Overview of the contents of this release:
- New Features for v5.3:
- New Design Labeling Panel
- Drawing Conversion Tool
- Custom Images Added to the Plant List Editor
- Bulk Matching Added to the Plant List Editor
- Improvements for v5.3:
- Vista 64-bit Compatibility
- Operate DS|Design in a Low Permissions Environment
- Improvements to the Image Insertion Tools
- Export Material List to Word/Excel now Includes Design Labels
- Hatch Libraries are now divided into Multiple Libraries
Note: The Save-as JPEG option has been temporarily disabled due to third-party issues that are beyond our control. An update will be released when the problem has been addressed.
Note: There are also some important changes for those using DS|Quote or DS|Manage and have not yet upgraded to DS|Design v5. Click here to see the additional release notes regarding these changes for v5.3
New Design Labeling Panel: We’ve added a Design Labeling panel for labeling all non-plant items on a typical landscape design. Like the Plant Labeling panel, you create your own list of Design Labels and you can include units and prices. Design labels are intended to replace the need to manually type descriptive labels for all non-plant items on a drawing, and add the ability to include quantity take-offs and simple pricing. For example, ‘TUMBLED PAVING STONE PATIO’ is a design label that makes more sense to a client than a specific paver name.
Features include:
- Design Label Editor to manage you design labels (including units and pricing)
- Options to hide or show quantities on your labels (when turned off these quantities will still be included in the improved Material List Export – screen shots below)
- Options to place take-off labels on a separate layer for estimating only
- Type-ahead searching to find your labels quickly
- Options to insert labels with or without leaders
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Watch the Video: Click here to see the Design Label Panel tutorial video. |
Drawing Conversion Tool! If you have drawings from previous versions of Design (pre-v5), we’ve now added a tool to quickly convert your pre-version 5 drawings into the new layer format. This means it is easier to work with older drawings that may need revisions. (Instruction videos can be found on the new v5 Training DVD)
Custom Images Added to the Plant List Editor: Now you can link plants in your Plant List Editor to custom images on your computer. This means that if you prefer to use your own pictures or there isn’t a match for your plants on the Online Plant Database, you now have the option to choose your own image that can be used on drawings and in Plant Picture Catalogues. Clicking on the Use Custom Image option allows you to browse your computer and select any image file to link to.
Bulk Matching Added to the Plant List Editor: For those who are importing supplier or plant lists into the Plant List Editor, we’ve also added the ability to perform bulk matching and updating to one of the 9,000 plants on the Horticopia-powered Online Plant Database. This matching tool, which attempts to match as many of your plants as possible, shows the exact matches it finds and provides any close matches for any plants that do not have exact matches. Matched plants are then updated with all their cultural information in the Plant List Editor.
Vista 64-bit Compatibility! We made all the changes required to make DS|Design compatible with 64-bit operating systems. Since most new PC's purchased today only come with the Vista 64-bit operating system, we’ve modified DS|Design to run in that environment.
Operate DS|Design in a Low Permissions Environment! DS|Design can now run fully in a low permissions environment. This is an important change for users in school labs or those who need to operate in a low permissions setting. Previous version of DS|Design required administrative privileges to perform some of Design’s functions.
Improvements to the Image Insertion Tools: The image insertion tools have received a re-design to improve efficiency and to accommodate custom pictures. If you link a plant in your Plant List Editor to a custom image, it will automatically appear here. If you just wish to insert a custom image on your drawing, we’ve added the ability to browse for an image, modify the caption and then insert it including borders and captions the same way DynaSCAPE images are added.
Export Material List to Word/Excel now Includes Design Labels: Those who use the Design Label Panel will benefit from the addition of Design Materials to the Export Material List feature. There are options to include both plants and materials or only one or the other. If you included units and prices, these can also be part of the export list, enabling you to create a simple quote, with a breakdown of each item along with calculated totals.
Hatch Libraries are now divided into Multiple Libraries: We’ve separated the generic hatch patterns from the Unilock patterns and put them in their own libraries to make it easier to find the pattern you are looking for. This also gives us the option to add more libraries from other manufacturers in the future, each with their own library. All of the multiple libraries will be accessed through a pull-down menu on the Hatch modifier panel.
How to receive this update:
Using version 5 already? If you are currently using DS|Design version 5.0, 5.1 or 5.2, this update can be downloaded by going to Start > (All) Programs > DynaSCAPE > Design > Check for DynaSCAPE Design Updates
Not using version 5 yet? If you are using a pre-v5 version of design (v4.4 or older), you cannot upgrade using the internet update. Version 5.0-5.3 requires a new upgrade CD that can be ordered through the My Account page or by calling DynaSCAPE at 1.800.710.1900 (free to current subscribers)
Order DS|Design v5.3 Upgrade Now!
Questions? Call DynaSCAPE at 1-800-710-1900