21 replies to this topic

[Jeffrey Elliott]

Last week I drove 40 miles one way only to realize I forgot my Program Key.  I called Softplan and was told there is no way around not plugging in you key to make the program work.  I felt like I was in the dark ages. My friends and family use other software and yes....they can either get an emergency pass code or they type in a code when they use their software.  When are we going to get something like this.  It was the first time in 17 years but to drive in traffic for an hour for a four hour meeting on a 8200 sq. ft. house and no help from my software supplier....I think Softplan could figure something out.

 

Jeff Elliott

 

[Sam Morgan]

agree 1000%   the key is stupid to still be using.  electronic verification of your license like lumion does shouldn't be hard to implement.  Of course, I've been hoping stairs would work correctly for 15 years and still fight them on every single project

[Fred Dickson]

Softplan is the ONLY software I use that requires a key.  It has been an absolute pain.  It is such a great program too.  Why a key?  So I will double down on Sam and agree 2000%!  Ps.  I have given up on stairs.....almost....

[Jeremy Plum]

double down again...4000%

I like hand crank windows in my cars, but the key must go.

[Allen McDonnell]

Count me in.  My computer technician cannot stand it either....says it is very old technology.  Honestly, I dont know much progression to expect with softplan any longer.  It is starting to feel like very dated software.  

[Matthew Dunson]

Count me in.  My computer technician cannot stand it either....says it is very old technology.  Honestly, I dont know much progression to expect with softplan any longer.  It is starting to feel like very dated software.  

 

I have been using SoftPlan for about 8 years now as my only architectural software, and I am probably biased because of my continuous use of the software but I still see myself using it for years to come just because of the ease of use, familiarity, and flexibility I have with knowing the tips and tricks learned over the years. I have suggested a few electronic licensing companies to where they offer digital keys that are in a cloud opposed to SoftPlan building their own electronic management cloud, meaning that they have options depending on budget and company goals. Yes, it is a pain to always carry around a key to activate software, but I hope that the feature set of the program is extended as priority since that is where I am most impacted when wanting to compare it to other software packages that have stronger capabilities for other building styles, construction methods, etc. (the list goes on). Although, an extra USB spot on my computer would be nice 

[Allen McDonnell]

I have been using SoftPlan for about 8 years now as my only architectural software, and I am probably biased because of my continuous use of the software but I still see myself using it for years to come just because of the ease of use, familiarity, and flexibility I have with knowing the tips and tricks learned over the years. I have suggested a few electronic licensing companies to where they offer digital keys that are in a cloud opposed to SoftPlan building their own electronic management cloud, meaning that they have options depending on budget and company goals. Yes, it is a pain to always carry around a key to activate software, but I hope that the feature set of the program is extended as priority since that is where I am most impacted when wanting to compare it to other software packages that have stronger capabilities for other building styles, construction methods, etc. (the list goes on). Although, an extra USB spot on my computer would be nice 

Have you tried Allplan or Archicad?

 

I think i have been using Softplan for about the same amount of time.

[David Zawadzki]

I too have been victim to forgetting the key when showing up at a meeting to do an as built but I think I understand what the key is for…. I have heard of people using other software where they share their login with their interior designers and others to be able to do side work on one license.

[Sam Morgan]

I don't think I've ever not had my key with me when needed.  I have it on my keychain and have since I started in 2006 so if I'm leaving anywhere by car, its going with me.  Its just a pain to have to carry it around when there are other ways of doing the same thing.

[Matthew Dunson]

Have you tried Allplan or Archicad?

 

I think i have been using Softplan for about the same amount of time.

I have looked into Archicad, Revit, and a few other software packages and I am at a point to where I do see the limitations of SoftPlan to a certain extent. A lot of other programs have more advanced building implications such as parametric modeling, commercial construction with steel and concrete systems, etc. but I have not had an application yet to where I would need anything more than what SoftPlan currently offers but that could change very soon. I don't want to stray this thread off of the intended topic of license keys, but in short, I know SoftPlan has the capabilities of advancing the software further to appeal for these modern demands. (and that includes switching from physical to digital licensing keys) 

[Stephan Page]

I have another cad software I use frequently with no 'key', but I have to remember to open the program and then deactivate it.  Then when I use my laptop for the program, I have to type in the license number and password.  It's kind of a pain, and as I recently found out, you need the internet for it to activate.  I like the key better personally, but that can be a pain as well based on the posts above

[David Zawadzki]

I have looked into Archicad, Revit, and a few other software packages and I am at a point to where I do see the limitations of SoftPlan to a certain extent. A lot of other programs have more advanced building implications such as parametric modeling, commercial construction with steel and concrete systems, etc. but I have not had an application yet to where I would need anything more than what SoftPlan currently offers but that could change very soon. I don't want to stray this thread off of the intended topic of license keys, but in short, I know SoftPlan has the capabilities of advancing the software further to appeal for these modern demands. (and that includes switching from physical to digital licensing keys)

Joe Stoddard has a classic response to what software is best…

https://forums.jlcon...-softplan/page3

At the end of the comments on page 3, Joe does a good job explaining the benefits of the hardware key

[Fred Dickson]

I have been using SoftPlan for about 8 years now as my only architectural software, and I am probably biased because of my continuous use of the software but I still see myself using it for years to come just because of the ease of use, familiarity, and flexibility I have with knowing the tips and tricks learned over the years. I have suggested a few electronic licensing companies to where they offer digital keys that are in a cloud opposed to SoftPlan building their own electronic management cloud, meaning that they have options depending on budget and company goals. Yes, it is a pain to always carry around a key to activate software, but I hope that the feature set of the program is extended as priority since that is where I am most impacted when wanting to compare it to other software packages that have stronger capabilities for other building styles, construction methods, etc. (the list goes on). Although, an extra USB spot on my computer would be nice 

I feel like I have demo every professional CAD program available over the last 6 months.  A bunch of them did something better than SoftPlan but none that I looked at did everything SoftPlan does especially for residential:  2D, Rendering and Softlist.  I am looking hard at rendering software but mainly to play with and jazz up my presentations.  That said, SoftPlan has proven more than adequate to meet my clients needs. I am looking forward to 2024. But, I still hate the key and I want the stairs below and above to auto show......and I want to be able to align walls above and below....and..... 

[Jason Bishop]

Another vote for a passcode.
Soft Plan, please! We beg you.

[Mike Miller]

Good and bad to both passcode and key, but yes totally have my vote for passcode instead of keys.

[Joseph Smith]

+1

[Rick Kingsbury]

I would also like a passcode.

[Harrison (Ted) Loxton]

I was just packing to head to IBS (Vegas) & realized I didn't have my key - 
I just ran back to the office to grab it.

 

Could you imagine if I forgot my key?

I'd have to enjoy Vegas for what it is & actually take a bit of a vacation.  (I'm not really sure what a vacation is though)

[Fred Dickson]

Keep the key.  I changed my mind.  Another program I use a lot has been down for 2 days because of a major hack (a number of countries affected) and I can not access my work because there is no internet connection available.  Just a thought.  Not a sermon.  

[Rick Kingsbury]

Why can't we have both?