How can Freehand files be imported into OCAD?
Building up line symbols in OCAD is different to Freehand: For example, in OCAD a street line symbol, consisting of two side lines and a street panel, is depicted with a single line axis. In Freehand the same street symbol consists of three line elements that are grouped. If objects from Freehand files are imported via an AI file into OCAD, only the effective line axes (point, surface and line geometry) can be imported.
For this purpose we recommend that you proceed as follows:
1.First of all generate the map symbols in OCAD by exporting the Freehand map legends in AI format (version 8) and importing them into OCAD. In this context consult our Howtos film: Constructing a point symbol from an Adobe Illustrator file
2.Import the AI file with the map into OCAD.
3.Construct a CRT table by assigning the number of the AI symbol to OCAD’s symbol number. You should only use the objects with the actual point, line and surface geometry.
4.Execute the script (translate planes). The point, line and surface geometries are assigned to the appropriate OCAD symbols!

Which GPS devices are especially suitable for outdoor recording?
OCAD AG is regularly asked which GPS devices are especially suitable for outdoor recording. Owing to the numerous suppliers and variety of GPS devices it is unfortunately not possible for us to give a reliable recommendation. We hope you understand!
OCAD supports the import of GPX files irrespective of the device used! EasyGPS can import waypoints and tracks from most GPS devices and export them as GPX files.

Is OCAD running on Macintosh computers?
OCAD is a Windows Software. Additional software like Virtual PC or Parallels Desktop must be installed on MAC to use OCAD.

Is OCAD 9 running with Windows Vista?
Yes, since version 9.3 OCAD is running with Windows Vista.

What can I do if the object information is not displayed for objects of a Shapefile (error message: Field ID not found)?
If the file name contains more than 8 characters, the dBase file with the object information cannot be opened. In these cases the Shapefile must be renamed. Please note that all related files (*.dbf, *.shp and *.shx) must be renamed.
The Problem is solved since version 9.4.3.

How Can I Order OCAD?
Everything you need to know is at Order information. Your order will be dispatched within 24 hours. You can pay by credit card or upon receipt.

Is There a Club License for Orienteering Clubs?
No. There is no club license. You need one license for every PC where maps are drawn as stated in the license terms. However you should have a look at the OCAD 9 demo version which is free and can be downloaded from the download page. The demo version addresses most of the things that other club members may need to do. With the demo version you can open any map, you can print the map, you can even create partial maps. But you cannot add objects to a map. For that you need the full version. For course setting the OCAD 9 demo version allows 5 courses with a maximum of 50 control objects. This is often enough for a club event.

Can I Import a Scanned Picture?
You cannot import scanned pictures even if you place them inside an Adobe Illustrator file or any other import format. Scanned pictures consist of points of different colors. If you draw a line in OCAD, it stored as a line object. Scanned pictures have no objects, just points. Programs do exist which can extract objects from scanned pictures. Typical programs are Adobe Streamline and Corel OCR Trace. You must first use one of these programs before you can import the extracted objects into OCAD. Keep in mind that extracting objects is a very difficult process and you may not be satisfied with the result.