ArcSite

Avantages

The ability to edit or add elevation numbers

Inconvénients

Different kind of utilities add-ons that we can add to the drawing that would be around homes and or commercial buildings like pool pump

Avantages

Doesn’t take long to learn the basic features and with a little effort and the help options it is fairly easy to use the more advanced features as well.

Inconvénients

Until you learn where you need to start drawing your design when you enter in certain size changes it can auto modify connecting sections.

Avantages

Easy to use and very few technical issues!

Inconvénients

Some technical issues with self made objects, but overall good experience. Doest work offline sometimes.

Avantages

Excellent for takeoffs and on spot estimating

Inconvénients

Lacks integration with crms proposals are lacking its sales board doesn’t work

Avantages

I can draw anything with my finger. Shapes, walls, and import drawings and trace.

Inconvénients

Missing 3rd axis and Lidar. Saved signature in the app instead of in the cloud or be able to download signed agreement to mobile app with just a click.

Avantages

Simple to use, in every other program, it will take me a year to muster which in this program, I learned pretty fast and now I'm doing almost all my project with this program

Inconvénients

The search bar is not working properly. You have to search inside the project folder.

Avantages

Easy to use and nice interface. And real dimensions works very well

Inconvénients

Sometimes there are bugs like app crashes while using it, which I hate it.

Avantages

Very easy to learn , great tools for creating jobs

Inconvénients

Needs more basic graphics for basic line diagrams for electrical trade, has great electronics but not electrical

Avantages

Very simple to use, it makes creating our drawings simple and professional.

Inconvénients

Sometimes it crashes but you don’t lose everything due to auto saves to the cloud.

Avantages

Super easy to use. We can do anything with it. Easily customized but not complicated to do so. Support team is really the best.

Inconvénients

Can't really think of anything we don't like.

Avantages

The application and the web version are both user friendly, but what is better, is they are constantly trying to improve the QOL experience for our company, so that we get the most out of our usage.

Inconvénients

Not a con, but what I hope happens in a future update is to have additional reporting tools, especially on the web version for admins.

Avantages

It’s precision and abilities for in home discussions.

Inconvénients

We need more video tutorials specifically for the use in Foundation repair services.

Avantages

It is mostly intuitive. Coming from a non-CAD background, I was able to pick up ArcSite fairly quickly and even though I’m still learning, I am finding the learning curve to be very short and still be able to produce a quality product.

Inconvénients

There are a few features, like importing a design from a colleague or from another source that is less simple and some designing features are a little tougher to negotiate.

Avantages

I really like the intuitive way this program draws and adds features, very easy to drop in items and integrate into the drawings. Exporting to PDF is easy as it should be.

Inconvénients

Price for all the features is a bit much for personal use, but for a business it's definitely worth it.

Avantages

User friendly once you learn. sell more jobs looking more professional!

Inconvénients

Don’t like there is no way to send receipts or invoice type documents. For instance if I’m paid by paper check I have to use a different platform to send receipts. Or invoices.

Avantages

Easy to use, perfect for what i need it for.

Inconvénients

I have no complaints. it has been great for what I use it for.

Avantages

Easy to use, multiple options to show home owners

Inconvénients

Honestly nothing, it is a great software

Avantages

The functionality with our customer interaction software.

Inconvénients

Changes made without advance notice, would be helpful to have previous communication.

Avantages

Easy to learn and great options. Layers help a great deal.

Inconvénients

Can seem complex when first learning. The pencil I use sometimes causes issues with screen

Avantages

-easy to train
-well labeled
-not very many unnecessary features
-clean design and layout
-very few crashes if any

Inconvénients

-Newer ipads run it much better
-a few pop up font sizes should be larger
-bolder 'back' 'undo' or 'confirm' options

Avantages

Makes drawing buildings/room spaces quick and easy once you learn how to use it.
Some great tools that are readily available
Pre-created assets ready to just drop in on plans and make the space come to life

Inconvénients

Having never used such software before it took my while to get used to it. As with most things if you then do not use it for some time you can forget aspects of how it works again.

Avantages

Very user friendly. Accurate and easy to use for first time users

Inconvénients

Nothing I can think of I not used for floor plans and had no issues

Avantages

My favourite thing about this software is that you can use it on your I-pad- a lot of times I am using this software to do up a "shop drawing" right on site or pull up the drawing in the shop so the fact that I can be mobile is very important in my business. The app itself is fairly simple to use for the average person and great to be able to do up a drawing in auto cad so simply.

Inconvénients

I don't like that; if you have a closed shape (square, hexagon, rectangle, etc) and you modify one side- it can change multiple other lines or every line, so you have to be very careful to double check each line after changing one. I also dont like the "angles" portion- it is very difficult to put in a drawing with a rounded ended object- you have to re-draw multiple times to get it right. Also for particular angles- it can be tricky to get 2 identical, opposite angles

Avantages

ArcSite handles PDF mobile cad drawings possible in an elegant manner. The tool makes possible creation, editing, redlining of CAD quality drawings and integrates photos in an exceptional manner.

The ability to embed photos has been challenging in the past with software on ios where photos and app were somewhat disconnected. ArcSite solves this. High resolution drawings and detail is also possible with quality by controlling line types, colors and other features.

The finished product achieved with ArcSite is great quality.

Inconvénients

Project folders lack functionality of saving either in a higher order, ie. folder within folder. Folder or file commenting would be handy for communicating with cohorts, ie. leaving a description of the folder (project). Hiding projects or archiving has been a great feature, expanding on that functionality in some way would be beneficial. Downloading projects is great, or downloading selected PDFs in a bulk manner from IOS would be a good addition.

Avantages

Extremely precise but also extremely easy to use. Quick sketches to convey a concept or verify a solution are a breeze to create. I love that this tool isn't burdened by all the baggage inherent in pro-quality CAD tools. This tool opened up an opportunity for exploring solutions to problems I'd encounter as a project manager for residential construction projects. I was able to develop more fully a previously untapped vein of creativity that I probably wouldn't have discovered or utilized otherwise.

Inconvénients

Two issues: Integration & 3D
I really wish it could integrate more tightly with other tools.
The developers seem to believe the tool is positioned in the context of managing a collection of construction drawings - along the lines of products like PlanGrid. Maybe it meets that need for some users, but it doesn't begin to meet the requirements of that category in my opinion. I use PlanGrid everyday and would LOVE for Arcsite to be able to layer on top of the PlanGrid document library -- justlike RFIs or Photos, or Issues.
If they could bring the same level of simplicity and precision to drawing in 3D, bridging between 2D and 3D. I've started using Shapr3D for iPad which is a brilliant app for drawing in 3D. But like most CAD tools, it assumes the user is already well-versed in the underlying techniques & concepts. (not to mention it's more geared for drawing things that will be fabricated or 3D printed). I long for a 3D solution that is as easy as ArcSite but as powerful as Shapr3D.

Avantages

There are two things that I like most about this software:
1. The customization that we have experienced by paying for development has been off the charts. We are able to customize the product we offer to our customers as a result of this. We've never known of an app that does this.
2. The customer support we receive if there are ever any glitches or data loss is astounding. They are fast, professional, friendly, and above all, extremely competent at what they do.

Inconvénients

I wish there was a way to do a wide spread search of every shape that has a photo in it. When you've placed multiple shapes, it's tough to remember which one you took the pictures in.

Avantages

We were using a very common app that often times would crash losing our work and when we would call for support, there was no help. It was very frustrating. I began the search for a new app and found ArcSite who was up and coming. Even though it is used for many other professions, I am able to use it for my particular small business. When I called them to inquire, they were very quick to respond, walked me through the best way to use the app, listed to me when I asked for new functions, and even after 2 years, if I have a problem, they are super quick to respond. They do not care that I am a small business, and treat me like I am a very large company. My team is so much happier and work is more efficient with this app, and they have the best customer service!

Inconvénients

Since we are using this app for something that it may not really be intended for, there are some things that I wish we could do on it so that we could finish out our product 100% in ArcSite, but I feel like maybe in the future they will continue to develop it and we may see that opportunity.

Avantages

I really enjoyed using this software on the iPad and drawing building sketches in the field. The ability to change dimensions and have the software automatically adjust other walls at the same time was great. The software was intuitive and easy to use.

Inconvénients

To be honest, the things I didn't like at first were addressed in updates after I sent feedback to support. The cost of the software for what I use it for is still a big hurdle. It is pricey. I don't know if there is an option for an appraiser level package, but I would consider a hybrid package that offers the basic basic package plus a couple of extras for like $15 (annual billing level). I would like the ability to sketch on pdf and would need to access the drawings from my pc. I don't need everything that the Draw+ package offers, but I need a few more options than what is offered in the basic package. The jump from the basic to the plus package makes it infeasible for my firm to consider. Currently, we use Apex Sketch for our work, and it is a stand alone license that makes the cost much more feasible.

Avantages

Creating shapes, accuracy, easy to learn, etc..

Inconvénients

Full feature often doesn’t work — if you have one tiny disconnected line in a shape, the color will fill everything around it. Could you make a seal shape button? You should be able to create sub shape folder in your creative shapes. For example: tables, chairs, plants, etc... add more colors or hue adjustments like a color wheel to colors. Add sub category folders to projects — differentiate types of projects. Add Bosch laser measure to Bluetooth and make it seamless — measure 2-3x and allow each to override previous — Bosch has free software for this but the UI the is terrible. Allow custom shape library to be shared for free! No additional cost for up to 3 users. Add 3D option- make it simple

Alternatives envisagées 

Pourquoi passer à ArcSite

Avantages

The ability to take a picture, comment on the picture, place it on the drawing at the location, and then generate an indexed photo contact sheet linked to the floor plan drawing sold me on the utility of this for doing structural evaluation reports. This has saved me a lot of time back in the office when compiling reports. The drawing functions are also some of the best implemented of any iPad app I've used and has allowed to actually prepare a usable CAD file in the field.

Inconvénients

The drawing of items itself can be a little finicky, especially when you are just starting out. Sometimes when you adjust a dimension of a wall, it does not behave as expected. You have to pay attention to the dimensions around the wall in question to make sure they don't change in an unexpected way. Also, placing predefined blocks in the drawing can be challenging if you need them to snap to a specific point. It's also a little pricey (equal to an AutoCAD LT subscription), but if you do a lot of field work, it does pay for itself.

Avantages

The ability for multiple people to share and merge drawings. We can have three or four people at a time on one drawing changing things and when you upload they merge seemlessly. Occasionally they will fail to merge but that occurs very rarely. It takes about 5 minutes with the app to be able to functional use it. I do admit I don't know all the features but I don't have a need for them with how we use the app.

Inconvénients

Once in a while drawings will fail to upload correctly. When have had situations in the past where you have edited a drawing for 30 minutes and attempt to upload. Come back 20 minutes later and find out not only did it fail to upload but reverted back to your unedited drawing. I believe this issue has been addressed, as it hasn't happened in awhile. Also, be careful when you are in a area with a poor cell signal or internet connection. This can slow everything down significantly.

Avantages

The best part about this software is the customer support. The drawing features are very easy to use.

Inconvénients

The only flaw I have found is that when you have the program do square footage measurements for you, it is not always accurate. It is close, but it's best to double check the work.

Avantages

Not as tedious as other drawing apps. Drawing scale is unlimited. Prints to png,pdf and love it. Love entering distances and angles. Love being able to use it without an internet connection because I am regularly off the grid.

Inconvénients

Needs alignment tool and auto shape (star, triangle, circle and square/rectangle). Would really be nice if I could re-arrange order of layers. Can't create gradient colors, would be nice.

Avantages

Easy import and calibration of drawings as long as there is an existing PDF. Ease of measuring and entering simple plan information. I use this instead of a paper plan on many sites when laying out projects (Landscape Architecture). It has become a go-to, especially for larger projects as I can upload all the layout drawings and construction details for quick reference on the job site. Also nice to create quick shop drawings onsite and easily create pdf with dimensions.

Inconvénients

Inability to write DWG files directly into ArcSite. It could be an easier transition from design to ArcSite if the app had the ability to create a usable file directly from a DWG. Also, occasional crash issue when using custom symbols created in the app. I would be great to be able to isolate a “piece” of the pdf and cut, copy and paste into another drawing within the same or different project files.

Avantages

Export to CAD files and PDF, ease of calibration on plans, excellent customer support and regular updates with new features

Inconvénients

The fact that I have 3 tools using this software by me, logs me out since I only have 1 licence. Depending on need, I may use one of my 2 iPads or my iPhone. It would be great if we could stay logged in all tools.

Avantages

For more than 20 years prior to using this app I took field notes the old fashioned way... in a field book (4-5/8" x 7-1/4") with a pencil. With limitless palette size, saved shapes, colors and snap-to lines, my notes have improved exponentially... However (continued below)

Inconvénients

... the time it takes has increased, often dramatically. This is directly the result of the limitations I've discovered using this app all day, every day.
The most severe issues are the lack of a default tangency when drawing a curve from the end of a line, arrays adhering to the grid (instead of a line), the error encountered when attempting to edit arc/curve data, the inability to apply text to a curve or color outside of a closed figure, the lack of an eraser (huge fault), and probably the most lacking of all is the absence of the tap feature on the ($129) Apple Pencil.

Avantages

The best feature of this app is the ease of use. It takes only minutes to make a drawing or diagram on the job site. Being able to share the projects between my team is a huge advantage also.

Inconvénients

There isn't much I don't like, but if I had to pick one it is the way the Shapes Menu stays on the screen after you select a shape to use.

Avantages

As Director of a cemetery association, I find ArcSite to be valuable for a variety of functions.
Primarily, I use it to map monuments in need of restoration or cleaning, as well as for landscaping issues and concerns. It is easy to upload the maps I need as base templates. Once the templates are loaded, it is effortless to use in the field with the iPad version of ArcSite.

I like the reports that it produces, and it intuitively formats the photos and comments.

Inconvénients

When I upload a document to use as a template, I wish that there was a "make a template" function, as I. wind up recreating the needed form over and over again.

It would also be helpful to have the capacity to produce a csv document for database conversion.

Avantages

I use it for my staircase measurements and with the ability to use layers, I can literally have all of the information required with ease. Once my stairwell has been taken, I have everything i need.

Inconvénients

Some of the lines get linked and if you modify a measurement, sometimes it changes the ratio and other measures without noticing.

Avantages

I like the simplicity of the program. I love that you can add photos and place measurements on the photos or pdf drawings.

Inconvénients

I wish that there were more items in the list for my profession. I would like more cabinet options
I also wish that everything didn't load into their own page. It would be nice when you uploaded a file it came back as one file not each page a separate file.

Avantages

What I like most about this software is how easy and user friendly it is. ArcSite has greatly helped my confidence learning more structural work. I am so accurate with all my drawings and measurements that our engineers in our office can look at everything and help answer any questions I ever have if needed. It's awesome how this software's accuracy allows them to help me without even being there on the job site. It's incredible! This software has tremendously helped my career.

Inconvénients

A few things could be added to make it more efficient but overall its amazing.

Avantages

Had all the functionality I needed to make quick, easy sketches
With the ability to put photos in the background with a transparency I can trace all the details I needed before adding the new additions
Rep at customer service always did his best to meet my needs

Inconvénients

Can't change the direction & orientation of the anglular measure.
Getting lineweights correct for export was guess and check.
Doesn't auto save on cell connection.
The dimensions are always in the magnifier
Snaps are somewhat buried in the menus to change.

Avantages

Compatibility and flexibility
Utilizing the iPad on site

Inconvénients

Unknown yet to develop a longstanding concern all concerns are dealt with promptly by support
Size of files can be large

Avantages

Intuitive Ease of use
Good selection of tools
Huge boost to productivity
Allows drawing in the field with the availability of exporting drawings for real time collaboration
Top notch customer service
Perfect for client meetings to discuss design with the ability of real time scaled alterations
Down time has turned into productive time...for instance, while waiting for a haircut, I was able to draw the exterior elevations on a project rather than wasting that valuable time.

Inconvénients

Minor stuff really. There have been a few bugs but Rep and his team have been very responsive.

Avantages

Ease of use
The ability to import pictures
Create your own shape libary

Inconvénients

I can't say that there were any cons really

Avantages

The best thing about this program is the ease of use and when there is any issue figuring something out we get a video showing how to do something

Inconvénients

Challenges if cell signal is not strong and not having the ability to modify previous versions

Avantages

Photos to show customers. Drawing layout.

Inconvénients

Making changes to accommodate all users within our company is very difficult to make happen and often comes with resistance from the engineers.

Avantages

Easy of use. Speeds up the work process. Better quality site notes for audit.

Inconvénients

Struggling to find a con; but would be great additions if it included GPS location; ability to create 3D models. Would like the ability to edit drawings on my desktop.

Avantages

The user interface and functionality is exceptional in depicting an accurate floor plan. The fact that the in field constructed drawing can seamlessly export to CAD is one of the greatest perks.

Inconvénients

I have found that the blocks must be scaled constantly and do not populate at the scale they were drawn in. This limits the functionality some. However, this is a minor inconvenience and ultimately would just be an added luxury given the softwares current capabilities.

Avantages

Great product to draw 2D drawings
Very simple to use.
We use these drawings for our CNC Plasma as well as fabrication drawings

Inconvénients

No 3D option
No text don’t options
More options on spirals and machining