CONTENTS   Fast Plans version 8

1/ Introduction
2/ Locked / Demo version, Installing & Uninstalling
3/ Version History ( and upgraders notes )
4/ Contacting Us

1/ ===INTRODUCTION===

This version is an easy to use CAD program for professional house floor plan design, the unregistered shareware version may be freely distributed

   Fast Plans 8 is an automated house layout design programme. it is very easy to use, and will produce professional quality layouts, but first you should at least try BOTH wizards or read through the examples and check out the help system manual.

   There are a large number of options available, some are customisable (become the default settings), while others are available in the various dialogue boxes.
    Although all functions are very easy to follow, when you select a function the GUIDE LINE at the bottom of the screen shows what action to take, and there is a comprehensive online graphic help system, including context help (F1 key) available at all times.
there are no printed manuals.

Fast Plans version 8 is, as usual, a FREE upgrade to all registered purchasers - if we have not contacted you please email your registration details to us.

NOTE: As there is always the chance of a memory clash when using
certain internet services at the same time as CAD programmes, 
it would be advisable not to run them together, or close down
or at least minimise ( de activate ) Fast Plans whilst using the internet.

2/ ===LOCKED / DEMO VERSION===

Please Note:

   This is a full working copy of the real programme - but with a few functions restricted or unavailable. Restrictions are removed on purchase

LIMITED USE ON LOCKED:/ DEMO VERSION:-
the maximum number of external walls is limited to 6 
the number of windows and doors are limited to 6 (even if you delete some)
the number of design rooms is limited to 4 
FUNCTIONS BLOCKED ON LOCKED / DEMO VERSION:-
rotate / mirror drawing
save as a bitmap .BMP
save as a Portable Network Graphic file .PNG
site plan.

TO USE THIS DEMO
    For best results we recommend using at least 800 x 600 screen resolution minimum, and always in full size screen mode. A 15"screen or larger would be best to view and use the Fast Plans wizards.

    ALWAYS follow the guide line hints at the bottom of the screen, or press the F1 context help key (HELP button in dialogue boxes) or use HELP/ from the menu - but remember if all else fails, read the help information.

    The Fast Plans programme is customised, in the demo where you see "DEMONSTRATION ONLY", the real programme replaces it with your name, exactly as shown  by you on the order form ( your name is mandatory - the real programme will not run without it).

INSTALLING FAST PLANS 8
If you have not already done so, double click on the downloaded fastp8.exe file and the installation will start.

UNINSTALLING FAST PLANS 8
Use START / CONTROL PANEL / ADD or REMOVE PROGRAMS

ORDERING
Ordering and pricing details are on our website
You can order ONLINE from our web site http://www.blackmtnsoft.com and filling out the secure server form from the 'To Order' link.


3/ ===VERSION HISTORY===

UPGRADERS  NOTES:

     This version uses a new file format - due to the inclusion of an extra floor ( basement or sub floor ) and several drawing object changes. Drawings in the old ".DB0" file format will not run in Fast Plans 8 which uses a ".BM2" format. 
    To upgrade, email us for the new access registration instructions - Fast Plans 8 uses the same registration name and number as used in version 7's - which are in your earlier Fast Plans 'About' dialogue box ( from 'Help' on the menu bar. Users who have not retained their name & number must supply all purchase details so we can check them out. 


version 8  ( this version ) :-

now uses a 'BM2' file extension - ( see UPGRADER NOTES above ).

adds wizards for both methods of drawing floor plan bases.

includes last 3 files used ( from 'File' on the menu bar ) for instant re use.

if you start Fast Plans with the drawing you used last, the 'Redo' icon will bring back up to 10 of your last actions.

adds Easy Draw items ( from icon ) to add standard items at your sizes - 
various styles of stairs, beds, tables & chairs, lounge chairs etc., you can also add them to your libraries.

Now has extra floor - Basement. Stairs to basement can be either by positioning the stairs in the Basement or positioning the stairwell on the ground floor.

fixed bug in Delete Top Floor.

Expand / Shrink Floor Plans functions has been substantially upgraded.

Datum changed & improved - use Enter key on new datum position before choosing a function and click recessed Datum icon to revert to original datum. 

Move / Rotate changed - you no longer need to click a reference point on the objects, Fast Plans uses the centre point of the rectangle automatically.

Easy Draw & Library Items also need no reference point.

Added '.PNG' screenshot conversion ( use where you would use '.GIF' files ) and
also added 'Fit Text on Screen' zoom function.

version 7.3 
adds line / wall length to cursor position box to facilitate drawing angled walls.
allows printing across two pages ( split printing )
allows grouping on screen and printing on 1 page of 2, 3 or 4 floor drawings
improvements to feet & inches dimension text
improved internal door drawing function.

version 7.1 added
1/ improvements to the self-aligning design room function.
2/ stair treads & risers can now be customised
3/ improvements to moving design rooms containing doors etc.,
4/ extra safeguards have been added

version 7.0 added
1/ faster installer
2/ easier way to finish marking of external walls on design room layouts - just mark all  the corners in a clockwise direction and press the '+' add key or 'F' (finished) key - no longer any need to return to the starting point to finish. 
3/ the 'draw external walls' option now uses the '+' add key or 'F' (finished) key to draw the final  wall automatically back to the start.
4/ 'undo last action' and 'redraw last action undone', functions
5/ 'move internal wall' function. This function alters adjacent walls and dimensions to suit)
6/ bitmaps improved with variable border .
7/ 'change size of some text' function added
8/ another floor has been added ( maximum now 4 floors )

PLEASE NOTE - we do NOT supply disks, on receipt of your order, we email all you need to turn your DEMO into the full program. 
This enables users to get going with the full program FAST.
It also enables us to give FREE upgrades. In the event of a hard drive crash, you can just download the latest version from our website, and for peace of mind we always keep the latest version in the simtel & winsite.com archives.


4/ ===CONTACT===

 Should you have any problems, please read Help Files 'Hints & Reminders','Examples', 'Quick Start', and 'How To' files, on screen FIRST, also check out the F.A.Q. ( Frequently Asked Questions ) on our website, then if you still have a problem not covered in any
of those:-
 send ALL possible information 
    EMAIL to :-    help@blackmtnsoft.com

 or MAIL to :-     Black Mountain Software Pty.Ltd.,
                   PO Box 358
                   KURANDA
                   Queensland
                   AUSTRALIA   4872
 
 In such a complex field, even with all our testing & use, we would like to know of any problems, or other possible improvements.

     email to : help@blackmtnsoft.com

our website address is : http://www.blackmtnsoft.com

COMPANY DETAILS
Post:  Black Mountain Software Pty. Ltd.
       P.O.Box 358,
       KURANDA, Queensland
       AUSTRALIA 4872
Voice:   International  +61 7 40938144
         In Australia   (07) 40938144
Email: help@blackmtnsoft.com
Australian Company Registration Number  ACN 074 456 429


