Getting Started

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Introduction to HydraCAD V56

Congratulations, your choice of HydraCAD is an important step in successfully automating your entire design and fabrication process. We would like to welcome you to a very prestigious group of HydraCAD users. Hydratec is extremely proud of the quality and the professionalism of the designers and contractors that we have the pleasure to serve.

This manual is part of our commitment to your success in applying these latest technological tools. It covers in detail all of the HydraCAD menus, toolbars and commands.

HydraCAD V56 was developed to keep pace with the growing need to visualize and coordinate architectural and mechanical components of a building project through the use of 3D modeling. Current and new users of HydraCAD will find it easy to produce three-dimensional sprinkler system models using a few uncomplicated tools. HydraCAD drawings are easily adapted for MEP, Revit and Navisworks coordination.

You will still draw in 2D in the usual way and then apply special tags, which will “lift” your piping plans up off of the floor to become 3D models.

We would like to thank all of our customers over the years who have contributed to this design package. Their efforts have ranged from basic ideas and simple “wishes” to complete utilities and programs which they wrote themselves. It is their constant demand for us to make things easier and more flexible which drives the development of this package and all of our software. We thank you again for your purchase and look forward to many years of association with you and your company. Hydratec also offers competitive pricing on Autodesk products such as AutoCAD, Revit and Navisworks.

Hardware and Software Requirements

Since hardware and operating systems change so quickly, any suggestions would be obsolete before they were printed. Any computer that can run AutoCAD can run HydraCAD. Check with your Hydratec or other AutoCAD dealer for their recommendations for hardware and operating systems. If you have any questions about a quote from your dealer, we will be happy to review it and offer our advice.

To significantly speed up the learning process, you should seriously consider some level of Windows and AutoCAD training. Check with your hardware dealer or community college for available courses.

Installing HydraCAD V56

Use the Installing HydraCAD Version 56 document for instructions on how to install HydraCAD. It is available in the customer support area of the www.hydratecinc.com website and as part of the HydraCAD installation package that was emailed to you. You will have to register to access documents and software on our website.