ARES Commander Edition 2013 Released

Graebert GmbH (Berlin, Germany) has announced the release of the 2013 version of ARES Commander Edition, its DWG-compatible CAD software system for Linux, Macintosh, and Windows platforms. ARES Commander Edition is based on the same ARES engine powering DraftSight from Dassault Systemes, CorelCAD from Corel, as well as other solutions, according to the company. ARES Commander Edition 2013 is available for $495 as an immediate download until February 1, 2013. Thereafter, its suggested retail price is $795.

This Windows screen shot shows the ARES Commander’s floatable and dockable Tool Matrix (left). The Tool Matrix is said to keep your frequently used commands in one place. Image courtesy of Graebert GmbH.

ARES Commander Edition offers a complete palette of 2D CAD functionality as well as support for ACIS-based 3D solid modeling. Additionally, it allows users to create functions, routines, and plug-ins using LISP, C/C++, Visual Studio for Applications, Delphi, COM, and DRX programming interfaces, depending upon platform deployed.

Whether run on Linux, Macintosh, or Windows systems, all versions of ARES Commander Edition are said to look and work in the same manner while using the unique features of the preferred OS. Generally, the difference among the platforms is that Linux and Mac do not support Windows-specific technologies such as ActiveX and COM, says Graebert. (See the link below for a chart comparing differences among the three versions.)

Key features include a customizable user interface and an in-place text editor that enables users to enter and format text in a drawing directly. Dimensions, hatches, and gradient color fills are related to their associated entities and update automatically. Users can create flat representations of 3D solid objects, and they can align viewports on layout sheets by selecting the geometry inside a viewport. Also, users can record series of commands into macros to automate repetitive tasks.

On Linux as well as Mac and Windows systems, Layout Sheets can be used to arrange a view of your design, including details and a part list for print output. Image courtesy of Graebert GmbH.

Collaboration features include VoiceNote. With VoiceNote, users can record and embed audio comments or instructions into a drawing for later playback. Users can also mark up drawing areas using rectangular, elliptical, and freehand clouds. Drawings and images can be attached to files as references.

Version 2013 debuts the ability to read the DWG 2013 file format. Support for writing DWG 2013 files is planned for future releases, says the company, which adds that the software currently supports writing files in DWG 2012 and earlier DWG formats. Platform support has been updated to embrace Microsoft Windows 8 and Mac OS Mountain Lion.

Version 2013 introduces a new Explode Ellipses and Splines command. The command’s functionality converts ellipses and splines into polylines, which is said to simplify preparing and exporting drawings to applications that do not support ellipses or splines. Also new with version 2013 is the ability to align viewports by selecting the geometry inside a viewport. For CAM outlining, ARES Commander now offers the ability to create text outlines as polylines in a drawing. General enhancements include improved performance when trimming and extending entities in large drawings and better memory allocation for loading large drawings.

This screen shot depicts a Mac user managing various styles using the ARES Commander Format Menu. The Format Menu also provides access to Layer Tools. Image courtesy of Graebert GmbH.

ARES Commander Edition for the Macintosh runs without requiring emulation. ARES Commander Edition for Linux runs on 32-bit versions of Ubuntu 9.10 Gnome, Fedora 11 Gnome, Suse 11.2 Gnome, Mandriva 2010 Gnome and KDE, or higher versions. Support for additional Linux versions is in progress, reports the company. ARES Commander Edition for Linux supports application development through Lisp, C/C++, and the DRX API.

For Windows platforms, ARES Commander Edition runs on 32-bit XP (SP3) and Vista operating systems as well as Windows versions 7 and 8. It also supports workstations running the 64-bit versions of Windows 7 or 8.

“We have been partnering with OEMs for years, building powerful solutions based on ARES Commander Edition,” said Wilfried Graebert, CEO of Graebert, in a press statement. “Specific requirements from our OEM clients influenced the development of ARES Commander Edition 2013. With these enhancements, the addition of support for Microsoft Windows 8 and the Mountain Lion version of Mac OS, plus a new 64-bit version for Windows 7 and 8, ARES Commander Edition continues to provide end users with cutting-edge technology, making it one of the best platforms in the industry.”

Optionally, Graebert offers the ARES Render PlugIn. This extension module enables users to apply materials, finishes, and bumps as well as select preset lighting and backgrounds. Among its other features is the ability to set-up a camera for immediate rendering or save work into a SnapShot for rendering at another time. ARES Render PlugIn costs $249.

Both ARES Commander Edition version 2013 and the ARES Render PlugIn are available for immediate download. Purchase of ARES Commander Edition includes 12 months of support and maintenance package. For more information on ARES Commander Edition, visit Graebert.

Click here for more on ARES Render PlugIn.

Download a list of all the new features in ARES Commander Edition 2013.

Download a 30-day free trial of ARES Commander Edition.

Download a PDF comparison of the different versions of ARES Commander Edition.

See why DE’s editors selected ARES Commander Edition 2013 as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.