One of the surprise hits of my collection of ebooks is "Inside Generic CADD 6." This is a book I wrote for WordWare Press back in 1993 under the title of "Learn Generic CADD 6.0 in a Day." The publisher had an entire series of "Learn in a Day" books, and I wrote for them about AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, Visio, and Generic CADD.
(Recall that Autodesk bought Generic CADD, turned it into Autodesk Retail Products, and then under Carol Batz shut down the division. AutoCAD LT became the intended replacement for Generic CADD users, who may well want to use the General CADD Pro workalike instead.)
Once the Generic CADD book stopped selling, I obtained from WordWare the copyright for it (along with the copyrights for all the other books I wrote for them), and then in 2002 turned it into an ebook. Every few months, I am again pleasantly surprised when someone buys a copy (from here). I suspect it is mostly for nostalgic reasons. After all, this is what the UI looks like:
Yesterday, J.G. bought a copy of the ebook, and then told me this interesting story:
I have been using Gcadd6 since it came out, now running it on DosEmu on a 32-bit virtual
machine under 64-bit Linux. (It won't run under DosEmu 64-bit.) I have LONG since lost the book and there is still something occasionally I have forgotten or never used.
I switched to Linux before XP came out, but also tried Generic CADD under XP without success. But it works really well under Linux/Dosemu (32 bit). I think probably the authors of Gcadd took some liberties with the video calls, which the emulator for real-mode code under 64-bit Linux does not support -- no emulator is necessary for 32-bit; there is hardware support through the virtual-86 mode, which is not available when running 64-bit.
Indeed, that is a nostalgic post.
Is the old GenericCADD available for download somewhere?
I remember during my first job as a CAD support executive with HCL - then India's only Autodesk distributor, we went around showing GenericCADD to computer-illiterate users, way back in 1989 in India.
Posted by: Rakesh Rao | Jan 10, 2013 at 08:39 PM
I'm amazed that using 10 yr. software for CAD is really a thing. Kinda cool, but with free modern 2D CAD applications (even available on Linux), where's the advantage?
Posted by: fcsuper | Jan 12, 2013 at 09:25 AM
Maybe it's equivalent to my 22-year-old daughter playing LPs on a record player and taking film photography with LoMo cameras.
Or, maybe it's not.
Posted by: Ralph Grabowski | Jan 12, 2013 at 11:24 AM
My father still uses this Software in 2013... the orginal Generic CAD from 1993, running on his P1-100 machine. Its interesting to see him drawing side views etc. I felt a little bis nostalgic when I saw him doing this last time. I got a i5 running Autocad 2013 and all that shiny features included nowadays.
Posted by: pgreendale | Mar 14, 2013 at 02:08 AM
I have been running generic cadd6 for years in windows xp mode. It is so simple for me to quickly sit down and draw something fast with such precision. I was told it is the last version of windows that will ever run a dos based program. I had a computer tech help me do it and sadly I cant remember what we did. I don't know what I will do when the crappy old computer I keep for it quits. I guess drop the money on general cadd. It is exactly the same with new updates to help out your speed at drawing.
Posted by: Allen | Jul 08, 2014 at 10:10 PM
I still use Generic Cadd 6.1, have tried the others and have grown so use to Generic Cadd, I go back to it every time.
The only way I can print now days, is to off the files in dxf and then print them with Autocadd LT.
One of the best software products I have ever used.
Oldnerd in Alabama
Posted by: Irl Johnson | Jul 13, 2014 at 04:01 AM
unless you have used generic cadd you won't understand the appeal.. the point and click of autocad and others is incredibly slow. the use of a mouse in combination with two letter aliases, which are very intuitive, ie; dr=drawing rotate, re=rectangle, rd=redraw and so on lets you use both hands to quickly get your work done. the use of aliases is probably why autodesk bought it, took what they wanted and then trashed it.
for 2d i believe that it is still a viable program. the only problem, as someone mentioned is printing to new printers.
generic cadd6 will still run on win7 and possibly win8, even 64bit with the use of dosbox
Posted by: s scheiding | Sep 30, 2014 at 07:57 PM
GCadd runs fine under Windows 7 64-bit and DosBox, see
http://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=28148
DosBox was created for people wanting to play old games, and GCadd users found it to be perfect.
For printing I use FreeDWGViewer.exe at
http://www.infograph.com/download
It's a little clumsy, first save at dxf then load into the viewer. It printed pcb masks for me.
Yeah, it's a case of "you hadta been there". I use a dot-mcr file to create the program to run my Bridgeport CNC.
Posted by: jon | Oct 05, 2014 at 04:13 PM
I have used Generic Cadd since 1986. I upgraded to 6.1 and still use it today on Ubuntu currently and Windows 7 and 8. The easyest solution for Windows is DosBox MegaBuild 6. I usually use it in a window, because I move in and out to other programs. the work arounds that I use are for the mouse. I have a 3 button scolling mouse that works, but the right button is mapped to the scroll wheel when pressed. The other workaround is printing.. GCadd 6 doesn't really work with modern printers, so I print a poscript that saves as a*.DEV file. I need to increase the line width to "1". I then use "ctl+F10" to print the *.DEV using IrfanView. It seems that IrfanView requires ghostscript to be loaded.
I try the other free Cadd programs, but I really like the 2 key stroke command structure and the ergonomics of the screen. Before I retired I used Catia and tried AutoCad. For my workshop Generic Cadd is quick, accurate, and easy to learn.
Posted by: Steve Trimmer | Oct 29, 2014 at 07:35 AM
One thing that AutoCAD users do not comprehend about Generic Cadd is that the 2-key and 3-key commands do not require you to hit "enter" or "spacebar". You just type the command and go. Also, you don't have to type any command to draw a line. It is a drafting program and it understands that you are going to draw a line; so you just draw lines without typing a command. The text editing capabilities were light-years ahead of AutoCAD.
Posted by: Monnie | Nov 25, 2014 at 07:58 AM
I used during Generic CADD for many years, for my business. Now retired I would like to get into the old package for access to old drawings. When I had to change from XP as the PC became increasing costly to maintain, The new one had windows which does not seem able to operate Geneic CAD. What is possible for me to do? I am only a user not a computer genius.
Thanks to any one who can assist.
Posted by: Eric Lacey | Jan 15, 2015 at 02:46 PM
I believe it is possible to run Generic CADD in a DOS window. I found instructions on this forum, although I did not test them to see if they work:
http://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?t=28148
Posted by: Ralph Grabowski | Jan 15, 2015 at 03:16 PM
This is a reply to Eric Lacey's posting on January 15, 2015
Eric you can download a DOS boot disk on line and put it on any old computer. Emphasize the word "old" since that will get you a 32 bit machine. The DOS boot disk will turn the old timer into a fine DOS machine. Load your GCADD onto the machine in the usual way, and have at it.
I had 12 or 15 of these old machines in excellent office condition and gave them away to a good home. They were so nice that I could not throw them into the scrap heap. Perhaps you can find someone who has a machine that they want to give to a good home. You might even call your local high school or vocational school, they sometimes get a bunch of them or a lead to where you might find what you want.
These older machines may even have a legal copy of DOS on them when you get them. You can also find a local computer repair shop who might locate and get a suitable older DOS machine up and running for a modest cost. This will also give you a contact in the event that something fails at a later date.
If all else fails, get a copy of Linux, DosEMU, and your copy of GCADD and run that.
Good luck to you...
Posted by: Bob | Jan 30, 2015 at 09:06 AM
I ran across this site tonight for the first time...more than 30 years after starting to use Generic Cadd. I'm still using it periodically. It runs just fine on my MacBook Pro running under the DOSBox (SVN). Took me a bit of trial and error to figure our my video and mouse settings, but once done, it runs find. Not even a hiccup this time when updating the OS to Yosemite.
I did spend a few years using it almost everyday at work but used it before then for personal work, and still do occasionally for things I want to draw quickly. (Also use SketchUp too for drawings that benefit from the whole 3D thing)
What continually amazes me it that I remember the two key commands I need after all this time. I usually can't remember what I had for dinner two days ago.
Dave
Posted by: David Swinnard | Feb 01, 2015 at 08:33 PM
Anyone wanting Generic CADD needs to check out www.generalcadd.com It is the IDENTICAL Generic CADD you are used to. I used Generic CADD from 1987 until around 1998. Then I moved to General CADD. It runs in any Windows environment and is blazing fast. For anyone who wants to sit down and draw like your on a board and actually use your mind to design this is for you. I have tried countless other packages and always go back to this trusty standard.
Rich
Posted by: Rich Hale | Feb 24, 2015 at 01:40 PM
I've just started running Generic CADD on my windows machine in DOSBOX, works great, now I can exchange stuff with the old DOS PC in the workshop. Wish I could work out how to use it with the touchpad on the laptop though - none of the mouse options in CONFIG seem to give me a working right click for the menu.
Posted by: Trevor Stride | Mar 25, 2015 at 07:33 AM
To: David Swinnard regarding your comment: "I ran across this site tonight for the first time...more than 30 years after starting to use Generic Cadd. I'm still using it periodically. It runs just fine on my MacBook Pro running under the DOSBox (SVN). Took me a bit of trial and error to figure our my video and mouse settings, but once done, it runs find. Not even a hiccup this time when updating the OS to Yosemite.....
Posted by: David Swinnard | Feb 01, 2015 at 08:33 PM"
I have an Apple iMac with Yosemite. I have installed Parallels and Windows 7. I have run DOSBOX under my Windows 7 environment on my Mac but I wasn't 100% satisfied with how it handled my Generic Cadd 6.1 and I eventually uninstalled DOSBOX. I would like to run DOSBOX and GCADD completely under the Apple iMac OS (Yosemite 10.10.2), but I really didn't understand the instructions provided for doing so. I think the Mount C: under the Apple environment really threw me. If you have inclination to help out a fellow GCADD user I would appreciate you providing step by step process that you used to install DOSBOX and GCADD under the Yosemite OS.
What do you do or use for printing out your GCADD drawings?
I have used the trial version of General Cadd to print out my pervious GCADD drawings, however this is not really desirable since I don't own General Cadd, but consider it OK for a try out once or twice as a means of critiquing General Cadd as prelude to deciding to purchase, which I consider to expensive for how many times I will use it for home projects. I also have used Shift+Cmd+4 under my iMac OS to copy the drawing then sent the ping image to my Photoshop program and printed them out from there after converting to jpeg. So again what good ways are out there for printing out GCADD drawings that you have used.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Posted by: Den Schwab | Apr 20, 2015 at 10:19 AM
This is a message of hope from one who has just got Generic Cadd 6 working for an old friend using Boxer (GUI Dosbox) on Mavericks on iMac, following the unfortunate demise of his XP laptop. Put briefly, he "plots" the drawing to an EPS file, which can be directly previewed and printed by OS X.
http://boxerapp.com/
Posted by: Graeme Jackson | Apr 20, 2015 at 11:25 PM
I recently installed Boxer in my iMac Yosemite OS X 10.10.3 and dropped my Generic CADD6 program into My games area as instructed. Boxer placed it in Drive D: instead of C: , but no matter because when I double clicked on the CADD6 icon or graphic it tried to start it but I got the following message instead: "Insufficient Files in CONFIG.SYS. Please increase FILES for Cadd to run."
Any ideas on what I should do to increase FILES? or anything else I can do to make Generic Cadd6 run? I would appreciate any help I could get.
The installation program that Boxer used to install Generic Cadd6 was the Config.sys. Could that be a clue? Boxer didn't provide me with any other choice, however.
Posted by: Den Schwab | Apr 24, 2015 at 11:54 AM
I have successfully run Generic Cadd via Dosbox on 32 bit windows vista, 7, and 8.1. I am currently running it on 64 bit Win10 preview.
No need for Dosbox on WinXP if you have the right video card and this is perhaps a faster platform for larger drawings.
I usually print to a postscript file then use Irfanview and ghostscript to convert and send and image to the printer.
Posted by: Rob | May 19, 2015 at 08:16 PM
Thank you, Rob. Printing was the missing link for using my Generic Cadd. Jon in Palawan, Philippines
Posted by: jon | Jun 04, 2015 at 05:48 AM
Hi I have been using g cadd 6 since it first started with version 3 back in the early 80 ' s been using for shop design building design etc here in UK & France but switched on my ast tower and battery backup dead so had re config now when I load drawings it's saying not enough memory and just loading part of the drawing any ideas ?
Posted by: Steven king | Jun 28, 2015 at 08:30 AM
For those wanting to print directly from Generic CADD, I have been printing through a USB printer connected to a WindowsXP machine with this hack to map a pseudo printer port to a network share of the printer:
At the command prompt, enter:
net use LPT2 \\computer_name\printer_name /persistent:yes
When one or both of the resource names contain blanks (spaces), surround the entire resource name with double quote characters (") to tell the operating system that the words belong together (i.e., net use LPT1 "\\computer name\printer name" /persistent:yes). "/persistent:yes" denotes that this connection should be reestablished when the system is rebooted. There must not be a space after the slash or after the colon.
In Generic CADD I then print to LPT2.
To prevent Windows from detecting an unplugged network cable and therefore unbinding File and Print Sharing:
1. Go to Regedit and browse to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters
2. Hit Edit|New>DWORD Value
3. Name it "DisableDHCPMediaSense"
4. Set the value to 1
Posted by: Annonymous | Jul 31, 2015 at 08:50 PM
Does anyone have a file conversion from EPS to GCD or any other way to convert drawings from CorelDraw?
Posted by: Paul Carlson | Aug 20, 2015 at 08:18 PM
For either Rob or jon
Could you present a step by step procedure that you use for printing a GCD drawing via USB connected printer.
For example, I have no clue how to print to a postscript file. Where will I find the file once it is created. What format?
And if I am able to create it, how do I use it with irfanview and / or ghostscript which I assume are separate programs.
What are the required settings in the Cadd 6 printer setup??
Posted by: JACK NEE | Sep 14, 2015 at 02:04 PM
still using cadd 6.15 after all these years
started in 1990
used in dos, 98, 2000, xp, and 7 and 8 using dosbox
also use visual cadd for converting dwg's and exporting to pdf
long live gcadd
Posted by: jv | Nov 16, 2015 at 06:46 AM
I used to use Generic CADD 1.0 for Macintosh. I used Mac OS 6.0.7. Generic CADD for Mac was very intuitive and Mac-like and user friendly. With a 16-inch monitor, and color on a Mac II, it is one of the nicest CAD software I've ever seen. I also had the equivalent Generic CAD package for DOS but I never really used it. It was before Autodesk owned Generic CADD. If I remember, was 1990. I think Generic CADD for DOS was version 5. I have looked at other Computer Aided Design software but have never found anything as equivalent. Generic CADD was my first CAD software. ....Jariell
Posted by: Jariell Alexis Perlman | Sep 07, 2016 at 10:47 AM
Does any one have the genetic cadd tutorial book from the very early generic cadd program? My daughter want to start using my generic cadd 6 program and I lent my book to someone and it was never returned.
Posted by: Scott Halvorsen | Nov 19, 2016 at 06:23 PM
I've republished the old print edition of the book "Inside
GenericCADD 6" in digital format, a PDF. You can purchase a copy
from
http://www.worldcadaccess.com/ebooksonline/2015/07/gcp.html
Regards,
Ralph H. Grabowski
Publisher
upFront.eZine > newsletter >
www.upfrontezine.com
WorldCAD Access > daily blog >
www.worldcadaccess.com
eBooks.onLine > learning portal >
www.worldcadaccess.com/ebooksonline
Twitter > @upfrontezine >
https://twitter.com/upFronteZine
Posted by: Ralph Grabowski | Nov 20, 2016 at 06:57 AM
I bought Generic CADD, back in the late 80's or early 90's, before the Autocad purchase. I think I paid $42.00. I learned cad with it running on a PC board on an Amiga. We bought version 6 for the plant where I worked, and later converted to Visual Cadd, which shares the same lightning fast 2 letter command structure, and is still the only cad program that I use comfortably. I have invested a good deal of time and effort into learning the frustrating interfaces for DraftSight and SketchUp, but I always return to Vcadd to do anything 2D. I ran Vcadd ver. 4.04, until this year, when Windows issues made it too cranky to use. I upgraded the current version and hope to continue with it until planted. I enjoyed the post and comments.
Posted by: Mark Weinheimer | Jan 18, 2017 at 10:10 AM
I just discovered how to run Generic Cadd (GC) at 1920x1080 resolution (true. not scaled up) using DOSBox-SVN-Daum. It seem this developer has added a whole bunch of video modes in DOSBox's S4 Trio emulation. I was highly doubtful that GC could make use of these however its seems to access a variety of "new" video modes successfully. Using the VESA256.VGD Driver and SET CADD_INIT= 243h in the autoexec.bat file gave 1920x1080 at 256 colors. It looks like I may be using GC for another decade. My apologies if this is old news.
Here are some other interesting modes reported by GC's VESAList utility
VESALIST -- List modes supported by VESA BIOS Extension
---------------------------------------
VESA256-> 0120h 1600x1200
VESA256-> 0207h 1152x864
VESA16 -> 0225h 1280x800
VESA256-> 0226h 1280x800
VESA16 -> 022Ah 1280x960
VESA256-> 022Bh 1280x960
VESA256-> 022Bh 1280x960
VESA256-> 0230h 1400x1050
VESA16 -> 0234h 1440x900
VESA256-> 0235h 1440x900
VESA16 -> 0239h 1600x1200
VESA16 -> 023Dh 1280x720
VESA256-> 023Eh 1280x720
VESA16 -> 0242h 1920x1080
VESA256-> 0243h 1920x1080
Posted by: Rob Ferguson | Feb 27, 2017 at 08:37 PM
Does anyone know if it's possible to use Autocad .shx fonts in Generic Cadd please, and if so how do you convert a .shx to .fnt??
Posted by: Trevor Stride | Apr 14, 2017 at 02:38 PM
Hi fellow Generic Cadders - I'm a retired engineer and have used GGadd since 1989, it is a very professional CAD package. Of course I've had to move from computer to computer and until recently I ran this CAD program perfectly well on a Toshiba Tecra 8000 running Windows XP.
Because of the XP security issues now, I've moved the package to a Widows 8.1 LENOVA laptop (bottom of the range) and downloaded DosBox - I had to select the best Video file from the Cadd program but that only took an hour and the system is up and running perfectly once more. - Need to solve the problem of printing from a USB port now.
However there is one quirky anomaly, when you finally have the mounted "C" drive in Dosbox, and you are at the C:\ prompt ready to type C:\CADD, before you type this command it is necessary to type and execute C:/ Autoexec.bat - and only then type C:\CADD. otherwise the program doesn't find the video software.
Posted by: Stuart Haynes | Jun 06, 2017 at 08:33 AM
To use a modern mouse with a roller so that the right key would work with Generic Cad 5 (like this old dog was use to), I opened up the mouse and found the switch wire trace going to the roller and put a drop of solder (with flux) to connect it with the right key switch trace which was right next to it. Works just like olden times. ;-)
Thanks for all the comments about making GC work & print under Windows 10. That's my next challenge!
Posted by: David Brown | Aug 29, 2017 at 11:47 PM
Just got CADD6 working with DOSbox but can not get access to the right menu items using a Logitech 3 button mouse. Any suggestions for getting the mouse to access the menu items? Thanks.
Posted by: Gordon | Sep 19, 2017 at 01:46 PM
Hiya guys... I am desperately looking for something so I can pull a prank on my older brother. But, right now, that prank is put on hold... OK.. You are curious.. I just got myself a dinosaur so I can make a copy of Generic Cadd 1.0 onto a newer PC, and then I am going to transfer it to my phone so I can run it via DOSbox, but... The floppy disk that I have has a bad sector on it, it'll read the floppy, but wont read parts of it. When my older brother comes into town, I'm gonna go up to him and say "Mike... Check this app out..". I know that he will do a triple take and he will say "Where in the H*LL did you get that"?.. Now, I suppose I got you curious. My older brother was one of the CEO for Generic Software back in the days because his mom's boyfriend was one of the founders of Generic Software.
Now, here's what I am asking... Does anyone have a copy of Generic Cadd 1.0 that they can zip and send to me? My email is [email protected]
Thanks guys..
Oh, yes... I have the copy of the original manual to it too. :)
Posted by: Aaron Ridling | Sep 27, 2017 at 10:24 PM
Hey guys.. I found a source of all 3 disks source to download! LOL
http://vetusware.com/download/GENERIC%20CADD%20%20three%20disc%20set%20%20ZIPPED%20UP%20VERSION%201/?id=10686
BWUAHAHAHAHAHA!
I'm on the roll!
Posted by: Aaron Ridling | Sep 27, 2017 at 10:34 PM
General Cadd is Generic Cadd for Windows, developed by Matt Brown & Carl Ransdell. They were originally part of the Generic Cadd team, then Visual Cadd & Matt is still the programmer behind Generic Cadd. Give it a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Posted by: CT | Apr 02, 2018 at 04:50 AM
Seems to run fine in DOSbox too.
Posted by: Charlie Zuck | Jun 20, 2018 at 01:41 PM
I have an android phone. Used gencadd in the late 80's I think. Does anyone know of a gencadd equivalent for my phone
Posted by: Chuck fuller | Oct 27, 2018 at 07:49 PM
The closest to Generic CADD for Android phones and tablets is called Touch, from software company Graebert. See
https://www.graebert.com/cad-software/ares-touch/
Posted by: Ralph Grabowski | Oct 29, 2018 at 01:24 AM
I've been a general contractor and designer for almost 30 years and am still using Generic Cadd 6.1 nearly daily for residential, light commercial and custom landscape designs. All because I found a slightly used copy at a garage sale about the time I launched the business. The box set of books and 3.5 inch floppies are still on my shelf.
Though my original computer and printer are still cranking out designs just fine, I've recently resurrected an old Toshiba running Windows XP and loaded Generic Cadd 6.1 for when I travel, since I'm semi-retired. The program runs just fine.
PROBLEM: I can't make the darn thing print to the HP 3050 I have available. I found and downloaded DosPrint 1.1 hoping that would translate the files to the printer, but still get error messages.
Any Ideas? A step-by-step would be appreciated.
Posted by: Ken Proctor | Jan 09, 2019 at 12:57 PM
I have bought GCadd when I visited the USin the early nineties. I had no touch with CAD before,
but with the excellent manuals it took me only some weeks to get very familiar with nearly all
features. Later I tried to convert to a more "modern" CAD program running directly under Linux,
but I was very disappointed about the unergonomic behaviour. By chance I found out that GCadd
runs excellent under the Dosbox.
Another reason was the printing/plotting which worked very well with GCadd with following restriction:
From GCadd I generate,either Postspript (extension .DEV) or HPGL (extension .DPF). The files
I have to copy manually to the printing/plotting device. Printing is done with the lpr-command (linux)
to an HP-Network-printer, plotting with a cat-command to a tty-device, where the plotter (a CALCOP-
design mate pen plotter) is connected directly serial.
Posted by: Matthias Foerster,Germany | Mar 16, 2019 at 08:25 AM
There is a program called General Cadd that is in essence an upgraded Windows Compatible Generic Cadd. It is not free, but for those of is that used Generic Cadd for many years it is a very good alternative. I switched to it a number of years ago because I got tired of maintaining a Dos Based computer for this one program.
Posted by: John Kirk | Sep 17, 2019 at 01:09 PM
Another GCADD disciple here. I've been sucessfully using it under DOSBOX in 64 bit Linux for years (Fedora and Debian). Nothing in the icon clicking world comes close to being able to do EVERYTHING with two or three character commands THAT CAN BE SCRIPTED!!! Unfortunately I don't use it frequently enpough to immediately remember how to regain my host mouse. D'OH!
I grew up in a drafting family and my dad played with going from a T-square to GCADD on his original IBM XT but he never quite got the knack for it. I did though.
Posted by: Rob P | Mar 04, 2020 at 09:23 PM
Do you know if anyone would be interested in a copy of CADD 3.0 in the box, with 2 - 5 1/4" floppy disks and manual? I would put it on eBay under Vintage Software, but not sure it will reach its intended audience there. I don't have a way to test the disks.
Posted by: Judy McCreedy | Jun 04, 2020 at 01:09 PM
Hi. Just adding to your generic cadd 6.22 stuff.
I originally bought LogiCADD 5 with a logitech mouse. Registered it, upgraded to Generic 5, Generic 6, Generic 6.22, Acad LT. Never really learned ACAD. Too much to remember, & not as easy as Generic. Took a class in autocad. Stil not interested. It is now Aug. 2020, I am retired, and in my own little machine shop in my garage, I still use Generic CADD. I don't bother printing, just use a dell C600 Laptop and keep it beside the lathe/mill & never print anything. Always looking for drivers so I can use on PCIe video cards, but no luck so far. At my age, my short term memory is not too good, so Generic Till I Die.
Posted by: James | Aug 24, 2020 at 11:29 AM
I was Beta Test Coordinator for Generic CADD 6.
AutoCAD LT was in development and in Alpha testing at the time, but I only worked with Generic CADD. I remember lunching with a developer at the time who revealed to me a primary difference between DOS-based CAD and Windows-based CAD systems.
While Generic CADD operated in a verb ->>> noun progression of steps
AutoCAD LT which was built for Windows, not DOS, had a noun->>> verb progression
That means in the DOS version, Generic CADD, you tell the computer which action to take via 2-letter and 3-letter commands, and then you identify (ie. select) those portions of the drawing you want the action to affect.
One significance in the DOS version was that selection modes were contextualized to to action being taken. And that helped users by constraining their options to only those pertinent to the command. But it also reduced calls to technical support since it reduces potential for confusion.
Another factor for DOS versus Windows is the memory requirement which affected system performance. DOS has less overhead, thereby making Generic CADD desirable for many years into the future. Also, Generic CADD users had a close relationship with developers, and top engineers got the red carpet treatment. That established brand loyalty which is a force unto itself.
Fun times!
George Szynal
Alamogordo, NM
P.S....Hello Mr Grabowski. I'm trying to contact a core developer who worked on GCADD, but I don't remember his name. By any chance could we converse on LinkedIn? You may have met or know of him.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-szynal-411a19217/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_feed%3BfE3AxppeToqTE64O%2BFoCMA%3D%3D
Posted by: George Szynal | Sep 27, 2021 at 12:28 PM
I'm not sure when Generic Cadd first came out but a friend of mine gave me his software to try to help him with drawing log homes. After using it, I was hooked. I used Generic Cadd until about 1999 and then switched to Autocad. It took some getting used to but I still use the same aliases that I used in GC. Only difference it, I have to hit the space bar (which totally annoyed me at first) I still have hundreds of drawings in GCD format. I converted several into visual cadd but was disappointed in the way it didn't seperate layers. Last week, I obtainted a box of GC 6.0 through ebay and ordered a 3.5" external floppy. I am going to attempt loading it on my Windows 10 Computer with 64 bit processor. I wanted to know what I needed to do to load it onto my computer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Posted by: FRANCIS LEVERNE NEWMAN | Dec 21, 2021 at 10:22 AM
Fascinating reminiscences in this thread. Here are some from my long assocation with GCADD.
I obtained an early version for the Equities Analytical Research group at Morgan Stanley in the 1980's, where it was used to create graphically-precise illustrations of portfolio hedging processes. I later employed it to design the rural studio and stables which I still enjoy today in my retirement. Coincidently my home in upstate NY is not far from Cherry Valley, where GCADD's successor General CADD is based. Small world...
I continue to design with GCADD v.5 using DOSBOX v0.74-3 on W7, and print as follows:
In the Print dialog, select "Send to" = Postscript; "Port" = File / EPS; "Page size" = L/7.5" & W/10"; then use "Page setup" to scale and fit origin appropriately (zoom out helps). In MS Word the resulting EPS file may be inserted directly into a 8 1/2 x 11 landscape page and readily printed from there.
Posted by: PB Turgeon | Mar 03, 2022 at 08:19 PM
I started on Generic back in the 80's. When AD shut it down I went to Visual Cadd. It's basically the same thing as Generic. You would adapt right away.
Posted by: Warren | Jul 30, 2022 at 05:57 PM
The official site for Visual CADD is at http://visualcadd.net/order/order.php but does not seem to have updated since 2018.
Posted by: Ralph Grabowski | Jul 30, 2022 at 06:28 PM
Try this.
http://www.tritools.com/
Posted by: Warren | Jul 31, 2022 at 06:21 PM
I used Generic CADD for years. I loved it and could create anything with that software and my Calcomp 8-pen plotter.
I resisted the move to AutoCAD so much that I changed my role at the firm I was working for so I would not have to use CAD anymore! LOL
One of my favorite memories is when I would work late into the night and calling a VERY responsive tech support team in Bothel, WA ... They were AWESOME, laid back, and really knowledgeable. I actually enjoyed being put on hold. It seemed I would always get to hear the song Wicked Games by Chris Isaak long before that song was a hit in Nebraska.
Those were the days!
Posted by: Jeff Ahl | Aug 02, 2022 at 02:45 PM
I too got my first introduction to Generic CADD when it was bundled with the three button Logitech mouse. I first used it on a Tandy 1000TX with an Intel 286 CPU and added 80287 Coprocessor - no hard drive, just dual 3 1/2 & 5 1/4 floppies with a CGA color monitor and Dot Matrix printer. At that time I booted straight into DOS. I later ran it up through Win XP on a Pentium 4 with up to 4 monitors thanks to Simon Hradecky's vgafix which allowed use of VESA graphics on NVidia cards. I recently found a need for GEN3D for some 3D CADD work as I found the interface extremely friendly and am now figuring out how to best run it without resorting to firing up one of my old XP2 computers. Glad to have found this thread! Will give the DOSBox-SVN-Daum a try along with saving to dxf and then printing with AutoCAD.
Posted by: Art C | Aug 16, 2022 at 08:19 AM
Pappy purchased GCADD6 at a HAMFEST (remember those) back in the late 80s? Since he never used it I scarfed the box and installed it on my PC. It came in quite handy when I got involved in cave surveying in my early years in the NSS. I even wrote MSbasic software to reduce survey data to vector plots that would load into GCADD via the batch/macro language. As I write this in 2023 I'm using it today to prepare a house floorplan and dimensions for the appeal of my recent propoety tax reassessment. Still runs adequately under Debian/Linux in DOSBOX emulator, but I do wish the graphics options would have kept up wit the modern tech. being restricted to1280x1024 on a 1920x1080 monitor is kind of lame. I keep threatenning to do my own rewrite of GCADD but as long as clients keep paying me money to do real computer engineering, where is the time?
Posted by: Kent Dorfman | Mar 26, 2023 at 04:42 PM
My post from 2015 when I lived in the uk...I am now living in France I brought my old 386 AST tower with me. Just when I need to draw traditional roof construction timber design and cutting parts scheme the AST tower has given up the ghost.
I will try the virtual box on my new windows 10 tower. any pointers please
Thanks Steve King SW France
My previous post I managed to sort it no problem but i think the journey in 2019 to France was too much for it.
Hi I have been using cadd 6 since it first started with version 3 back in the early 80 ' s been using for shop design building design etc here in UK & France but switched on my ast tower and battery backup dead so had re config now when I load drawings it's saying not enough memory and just loading part of the drawing any ideas ?
Posted by: Steven king | Jun 28, 2015 at 08:30 AM
Posted by: steven king | Nov 03, 2023 at 04:16 PM
I am running Generic Cadd 6 on DosBo12 on a Mac 2023. not a bad combination. I print using the Photoscript option to a *.dev file. The dev file type suports color. after the file is saved I use IrfanView to send the file to any current printer. I also do the same on my windows computers.
Posted by: Steve | Jan 15, 2024 at 02:08 PM
Thanks for the tips, Steve!
Posted by: Ralph Grabowski | Jan 15, 2024 at 03:37 PM
Thank you for maintaining this discussion on Generic CADD (6). I may have serial number 3K something and have been running it continuously in DOSbox since DOS went away. Tonight I was using the program and received an error while trying to save a drawing. When I attempted to restart the program the menu was not displayed, the work area was blank, the details at the bottom were showing, the cursor was unmovable in the lower left corner, and the x and y coordinates read -134217728.000.
I'm a long ways from my manual and I don't remember the 2 letter command to display the menu.
I'm not sure where to begin trouble shooting this but I would sure be grateful for some advice to help me get up and running again.
Posted by: gordon jager | Sep 26, 2024 at 09:55 PM
I think that the load menu command is LV (load video).
Posted by: Ralph Grabowski | Sep 27, 2024 at 07:14 AM