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• • What is Drafty?
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  • Drafty is a streamlined intuitive CAD program for lighting, sound, and projection designers working in live entertainment. Drafty ships with an extensive catalogue of lighting symbols, speaker symbols, projectors, and more.
    Drafty has been designed from the ground up to respond to the unique needs and challenges of theatrical designers, assistants, and technicians. In Drafty everything is a smart object and the program starts working for you from the moment you open a blank document.
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• • Why you need Drafty
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  • You need a tool that understands how a light and lighting position interrelate.
    You need a program that intuitively understands multi-circuit lights.
    You need tools that automate everything they can because deadlines are short.
    You need an affordable CAD solution that travels with you.
    
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• • Goodbye layer management
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  • Drafty uses industry specific tools that always draw objects in the proper order. No more wasted time turning on and off visibility controls trying to find that one errant object. Drafty does the work for you.
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• • Hello speed and efficiency
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  • Drafty is designed with an interface so simple that any novice can start drafting immediately. Yet it has a depth and sophistication which allows the most seasoned professional to proudly send off completed paperwork to the largest of theaters.
    Inherently mobile and collaborative, Drafty saves as you work. Magically. In the cloud.
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• • Enjoy!

• • Is Drafty a CAD tool?
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  • Yes. It is fast and intuitive but operates differently than traditional CAD tools you may have tried before. Users describe the ease of use as closer to hand drafting. Once you get the hang of it, your start to finish time ought to be significantly reduced.
  • Download the Getting Started Guide
  • For a list of known bugs click here.
  • Watch video tutorials (More coming soon)
  • Read Reviews
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• • Can Drafty produce good quality paperwork?
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  • Yes. And fast. It took about an hour to make this dance plot with complete paperwork.
  • Properly formattted Channel Hookups and Instrument Schedules are generated with a single button click.
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• • I use SoftSymbols^™, do you offer them?
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  • Why yes. Yes we do. SoftSymbols for Drafty by FieldTemplate are offered in limited libraries, for individual purchase. We currently offer the USITT library, Martin, Clay Paky, & Vari*Lite. We will expand the current libraries and continue to add new ones as demand increases.
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• • How about us Sound Designers?
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  • We have partnered with the good folks at Team Sound, makers of the Go Box MIDI controller for QLab, to deliver high quality audio symbols available for purchase within the program.
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• • Why so few buttons?
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  • We believe CAD solutions should be an aid to the design process. Too often, productivity slows from a need to manage layers, classes, views, and myriad print options when maybe 1/10th of the functionality is needed. Drafty includes only the tools you need and automates everything else.
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• • Can Drafty import files from other CAD programs?
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  • Currently Drafty only supports PDF import. Most CAD programs provide a “Viewer” tool to allow you to read their native files. We suggest you use the viewer to crate a PDF at the proper papersize/scale that you need and import that PDF into Drafty.
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• • Why is Drafty only available as a web app?
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  • As computers and browser technology becomes increasingly powerful, so do the possiblities for browser-based applications. For our first version, we wanted to make the best tool in the shortest time with the most rapid turn-around of features and fixes. That being said, we would love to create desktop and mobile versions for all platforms where there is demand.
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• • Can Drafty work off-line?
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  • Drafty stores a local copy of the program, including all symbols, in the browser. Once the program is loaded into your browser window, it is fully operational off-line with the exception of cloud-storage and print to PDF. While you need a connection for the initial download you can work without an internet connection as long as you like. With our .drafty Import/Export features it can work just like a Desktop app.
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• • Can Drafty generate Hookups and Instrument Schedules?
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  • Drafty Pro ships with an integrated Database Manager that provides a complete spreadsheet view of your file with Instrument and color totals updating in real time. The Database Manager can be sorted By Channel, Position, Dimmer, Circuit Name, or whatever you need. Access can easily be granted to electricians and other collaborators with cloud-based file sharing. And with a single button click will generate a preformatted Channel Hookup and Instrument Schedule.
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• • How does file sharing work?
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  • One of the benefits of using Google log-in is that you have access to all the file sharing tools in Drive. Just navigate to your Drafty folder and share files with collaborators. They should then move that file from 'Shared with me' into their Drafty folder. Note, that while you can both edit the same file we do not officially support simultaneous editing. So be careful that each user has all the data before signout or shutdown of their workstation. Click here for a list of Best Practices for collaborative file sharing
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• • What's with the name?
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  • We think it is awesome.
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• • Why only Chrome and Safari?
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  • Drafty is a sophisticated tool in its own right, and even more so by the standards of a web application. As such we need browsers that support the most cutting edge technologies that we are using under the hood. We have plans for Firefox support, but if IE is your defualt you will need to download another browser.
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• • Why can't I log-in?
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  • Drafty makes extensive use of Javascript tools. As such you need to have Javascript enabled on your browser AND ensure that any pop-up blockers are turned OFF. This is true not only for the log-in process but for the general functioning of the program.
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• • OMG I didn't mean to hit CLEAR!! What do I do?
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  • Because Drafty utilizes Google Drive, you have access to all the version controls that Drive provides. Head over to our version control primer to learn more.
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• • I don't write in English, can I use Drafty?
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  • For now we only have full support for Latin based alphabets. We are rolling out support in other alphabets and scripts on an as needed basis. Drafty currently supports English, German, Spanish, and Korean. If you have a request around that please contact our suport team.
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• • Does Drafty do 3D?
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  • Well, YES … and no. 3D is just complex math, trigonometry and the like. Drafty employs some very clever algorythms to accomplish sophisticated 3D calcultations for the Smart Section, Auto-Worksheeting, Projector Screen Tool, and more. What Drafty does not have is a 3D GUI. We believe the drafting experience is improved by focusing on the output drafting plates rather than spending time spinning around 3D views.
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• • How much does Drafty cost?
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  • Drafty is available in monthly and annual subscriptions for individual users. See our Pricing Page for details. For institutional site licenses please contact our sales department through the [Feedback] button on the Drafting Table.
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• • Who made this?
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  • Lucas Krech and Mark Maxham.
  • Lucas is a Lighting and Video designer with nearly 20 years of CAD drafting experience and design work that has been seen everywhere from the basement of an art gallery to internationally acclaimed Opera houses.
  • Mark is a software engineer with over 20 years experience and more than a dozen software patents to his name.

• • Embedded images in PDFs
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  • Our PDF handler is awesome for vector graphics and paperwork generated by other CAD programs. However, if you are looking to import a scenic drawing that is really a JPEG or PNG of a scan wrapped up in a PDF you may have import issues.
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• • Multiple Tabs
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  • Cloud technologies are very new and while impressive in their capabilites need to be treated carefully. Having multiple tabs open simultaneously can have unexpected consequences as the file system may get confused. This can be especially true when several plots are open at the same time as one or more instances of the Database Manager. For the timebeing we suggest only having one plot open at a time and when you need to bring up a new file use the [Open] button. Also, be sure to close any tabs with Database Manager prior to opening different files in order to mitigate any risk of data loss.
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• • Desktop Sync
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  • If you use Google's Desktop Sync you ought to turn it OFF during your Drafty session as it can cause saving issues.
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• • VPNs
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  • While primarily an issue with poor connectivity coupled with a VPN, we suggest turning OFF your VPN during a Drafty session. We have been unable to test beyond a very limited sample set and for the timebeing suggest this for all users.
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• • Saving Issues
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  • Drafty can only save to your drive if you are logged in to a single Google account. Being logged in to multiple accounts will return "Still connecting to Drive' and will not resolve until all additional accounts are logged out of. Likewise, several Javascript and ad blockers will block the connection to Drive while trying to save. If you encounter saving issues be sure to log-out of any additional accounts and turn off your JS/Ad blockers. Please note that some blockers will require some amount of time after turn off, if not a full restart of the browser, for all changes to take effect.
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• • Titleblock Rendering on older files
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  • Older Drafty files sometimes will not display the title block despite visibility set to 'Show'. To fix this add and then delete a light, speaker, or projector. The titleblock visibility fixes itself upon any action that causes Drafty to recalculate and thus rerender the titleblock.
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• • A note on Safari
  
  
  • While not as bad as Internet Explorer, Safari has a number of very peculiar special cases that we are trying to work out. The issue was limited to text rendering until a recent update to the Safari Software that has caused all manner of curious behavior. We are in the process of tracking down and fixing this but strongly encourage you to use Chrome.

This End-User License Agreement (Agreement) is entered into between you, as an individual or single entity (User), and the owners of the Software for the purpose of using the software known as Drafty (Software) and it's various functions and serivces (Services).

By using the Software you agree to be legally bound by the terms of this agreement.

• Forum Selection. User agrees to the resolution of any disputes between User and the owners of the Software, in the Superior Court of San Mateo County, California, and agrees to personal jurisdiction in the State of California for purposes of resolving any such disputes.



• Disclaimer of Warranty and Limited Warranty. This Software, help files, and any accompanying manual are provided “As is”, without any implied or express warranty as to their performance or to the results that may be obtained by using the software.



• Grant of License. This Agreement grants the User the right to use Drafty for the intended purpose only of drawing lightplots, sound plots, video plots, and other associated paperwork in the creation of a work for live performance, broadcast, film, TV, or other media.
  
  
  1. The tools are provided as a web based cloud service and no part of the software, code, image assets, files, &c. may be taken or stored permanently except for that which is necessary for the regular intended functioning of the software as a web application. The sole and only exception to this is the download of PDF, PNG, JPG and CSV files for final export from the program as provided in the software as a regular function of the Software itself
  
  
  2. This license for use shall remain in effect so long as the User’s account is paid and in good standing. The license for use shall be revoked immediately at the termination of the paid period of the subscription. Revocation of the license for use does not eliminate other obligations the User may have under the terms of this agreement including, but not limited to, inappropriate or unauthorized use.
  
  
  3. Access to show files and related documents shall not be assumed past a termination of the paid subscription period. Use of the software as well as the associated cloud services are part of the paid subscription. The owners of the Software may elect to provide storage beyond the termination of a paid subscription but doing so does not imply any contractual obligation to continue providing such services.
  
  
  4. This license is provided to the single paid User. No right is granted to any third party. Sharing of this account or license, except and only if done within the sharing features of the software itself, should they be developed, is strictly prohibited.
  
  
  5. Drafty is provided in Monthly and Annual Subscriptions or a Perpetual License. The Perpetual License guarantees User access to Drafty for as long as Lumax Software LLC maintains the program. The Perpetual License is for features in the CURRENT X.0 REVISION CYCLE ONLY and do not guarantee future revisions. Example: User buys a Perpetual License in version 1.8 and gets all new features and fixes up to but not including version 2.0. To gain access to version 2.0 features the user would either need to purchase another Perpetual License OR Switch to a Monthly or Annual Subscription Plan. Only those users on Monthly or Annual Subscription plans are guaranteed all current features and fixes. All Perpetual License sales are final and non-refundable.
  
  
  6. Shall it be discovered that any terms of this Agreement are broken by the User it will be considered a violation of this agreement and the User shall be subject to damages in a court of law including but not limited to the full payment of all legal fees and associated expenses incurred by the owners and creators of the Software in pursuit of such claims.
  
  
  7. The owners of Drafty and Lumax Software LLC retain the right to alter the terms of this service agreement at any time without prior authorization or consent from the user.



• Limitations and restrictions. The User may not reverse engineer, decompile, decrypt, add to, edit, or disassemble the Software, except and only to the extent that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this limitation.



• Subscription charges. The User understands and agrees to a regular recurring charge to the credit card or debit card they placed on file for their account. Monthly subscriptions are charged once per month approximately every 30 days. Annual subscriptions are charged once per year on or about 30 days after the date the initial subscription is made. All charges for subscriptions are final. User acknowledges responsibility for managing their account and unsubscribing in a timely fashion should they wish to no longer be charged by Lumax Software LLC. Inactivity on an account, even for an extended period, is the responsibility of The User and Lumax Software LLC shall not be liable for the User failing to unsubscribe.



• Copyright. All title and copyright, including source-code, image assets, associated files, and anything else used to comprise The Software are and shall remain the sole copyright of Lumax Software LLC. No right, express or implied, is granted as part of this Agreement to the User with regards to ownership, sale, rental, or licensing of any aspect of the Software. The sole exception is in the distribution of final paperwork as provided for through the export buttons (“Plate”, “Hookup”, “As PNG”, “As .CSV”, and “As .Drafty”) in the software program.



• User Content. Some of our Services allow the User to upload, submit, store, send, or receive content. The User retains ownership of any intellectual property rights that they hold in that content.
  
  
  1. The User agrees to upload only images for which they have the right to use. We will respond to notices of alleged copyright infringement and terminate accounts of repeat infringers according to the process set out in the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
  
  
  2. When the User uploads, submits, stores, sends or receives content to or through our Services, they give Lumax LLC (and those we work with) a worldwide non-exclusive license to use, host, store, cache, publish, reproduce, display (publicly or otherwise), perform (publicly or otherwise), distribute, transmit, modify, create derivative works (such as those resulting from file type conversion, adaptations, or other changes we make so that your content works better with our Services), communicate, and distribute such content. The rights you grant in this license are for the limited purpose of operating, promoting, and improving our Services, and to develop new ones. This license continues even if you stop using our Services. Some Services may offer you ways to access and remove content that has been provided to that Service. Also, in some of our Services, there are terms or settings that narrow the scope of our use of the content submitted in those Services. Make sure you have the necessary rights to grant us this license for any content that you submit to our Services.



• In App Purchases. Drafty offers certain supplemental symbol libraries provided by 3rd party vendors for sale. These library sales are a one time purchase and are immediately added to the user's subscription and exist as part of the user's account so long as their account remains in good standing. All in app purchase sales are final and non-refundable.



• Third Party Trademark. The nominative use of third party Trademarks on this site are for descriptive identifying purposes only and do not suggest or imply an endorsement, sponsorship, or approval by the owner of the trade mark, copyright, or service mark. The exception to this is in the sale of third party symbol libraries wherein the use of a third party Trademark is for the express use of selling their products through Drafty.



• Collection of Emails. Users who log-in to the Software agree that they are providing their username and email to Lumax Software LLC and that said email may be used in direct marketing campaigns to the User. Lumax shall provide an 'Unsubscribe' or 'Opt-Out' feature for all users should they elect to stop receiving marketing emails. Lumax may still retain said email addresses in the unlikely event of a data breach and need for emergency communication with impacted users.



• Indemnification. The User agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the owners and creators of the Software, Lumax Software LLC, and their heirs and assigns, from any damages resulting from a failure to deliver paperwork to clients in a timely fashion.
  
  
  1. The Software is a drawing tool only. No rigging elements, lights, speakers, projectors, devices, or other drawing elements shall be assumed to convey suggestions or expertise in the proper rigging, installation, and handling of lighting, sound, projection, or other equipment and materials.
  
  
  2. Text elements are sample text only. No claims to legal advice or representation shall be made either express or implied through the providing of sample text as a drawing element in the Software’s documents.
  
  
  3. The User shall indemnify and hold harmless the owners and creators of this software, Lumax Software LLC, and their heirs and assigns, shall any material or physical damage result from the improper handling, use, installation, or rigging of any element as created in a drawing through the use of the Software.



• Severability. Should it be determined that any part of these terms are unlawful by a US Court of Law that portion shall be severed from these terms and the remainder of the terms shall remain in full effect and enforceable.