ILEXSOFT Press Releases

October 23, 2024

ILEXSOFT Releases HighDesign R8.2

New update of architectural design software R8.2 includes new and enhanced design tools, better interoperability, more powerful layout features, native Windows ARM and macOS Sequoia support, and more translations.

HighDesign R8.2 with new Zones tool on macOS Sequoia.

PERUGIA, ITALY (October 23, 2024)--ILEXSOFT is proud to announce the release of HighDesign R8.2, the latest iteration of its HighDesign drafting and architectural design software for macOS and Windows.

This new release is optimized for macOS 15 Sequoia, introduces a native ARM64 binary for ARM-based Windows PCs, and enhances the design and editing tools, and improves file exchange and workflow.

The architectural design tools now include a new Zones tool and enhanced walls, doors and windows, adds new flip commands and greatly improves interoperability and performance.

HighDesign is now also available to a much wider community of users thanks to the Spanish and Portuguese translations.

Optimized for macOS Sequoia

The new macOS Sequoia is a robust update with several features that enhance productivity and connectivity. HighDesign R8.2 is optimized for Apple macOS 15 Sequoia, enhances printing and takes advantage of the new window tiling feature in Sequoia that makes it easier to arrange multiple windows on your display in an efficient way.

HighDesign R8.2 on macOS Sequoia with window tiling.

Native for Windows ARM64

On the Windows platform, ARM microchips have grown in popularity in recent years, thanks to new, performant chips and the increasing adoption by notebook makers. The new ARM 64bit version of HighDesign R8.2 for Windows supports the ARM64 processors natively, bringing considerable advantages in terms of speed and overall performance.

HighDesign R8.2 on Windows for ARM64.

New Zones Tool

HighDesign Pro introduces the brand new Zones tool with automatic numbering, data label, color presets, and schedule support: this feature is part of the Design toolset that distinguishes HighDesign Pro from other CAD solutions.

Zones in HighDesign are space subdivisions identified by their function or common technical features and are also computable entities: their properties like color, layer, name, id, area, etc. are available when creating a schedule and the legend of the zones diagram of a project.

Zones in a floorplan and zones schedule in HighDesign R8.2.

Improved Design Tools, New Flip Commands and Help

HighDesign Pro enhances Doors and Windows that now feature a new Alignment Side property that controls which side of the wall the opening aligns with. The alignment is set in the insertion phase and can be changed at any time to flip the window or door without having to modify the host wall. Also, the surface of doors and windows is now a computable parameter that can be added to schedules.

The new Flip Horizontal and Flip Vertical commands for graphic objects allow quick transformations of the selection by mirroring the object relative to its own horizontal or vertical axis.

New in HighDesign R8.2 is also the integrated Help window that provides direct access to the enhanced Help & Documentation website.

Improved DXF/DWG Compatibility and PDF Export

This latest release adds support for color transparency of filled regions and improves the conversion of spline curves defined by control points for a more faithful DXF/DWG conversion of the project.

The DXF/DWG Export dialog has been updated as well: the new dialog features an improved menu to quickly select the view or the drafting sheet to export.

The Export to PDF feature has been largely tested and enhanced under Windows systems.

New Spanish and Portuguese Translations

The user interface, menus and dialogs are now available in Spanish and Portuguese languages, among English, German, French and Italian.

Pricing and Availability

The HighDesign product line includes HighDesign LT, priced at 149.00 USD; HighDesign SE, priced at 349.00 USD; and HighDesign Pro at 499.00 USD. HighDesign is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese, and is compatible with macOS from 10.14 to 15 Sequoia included running on both Intel- and M-series Macs, and with Windows 10 and 11 for x86-64 and ARM64 computers.

Licenses are perpetual and include one year of maintenance which gives access to any updates released during the year of validity. When the license expires, the user can freely choose to continue using the last version installed, or renew for another year and stay updated.

A free 30-day trial is available on the Ilexsoft website.

Free educational licenses and volume discounts for corporate purchases are also available.

About HighDesign

HighDesign is the modern parametric design software that combines the directness of 2D drafting with powerful BIM-like project control and processes. Features include vector design tools, precision drafting, documentation and annotation tools, architectural design tools like parametric walls, doors and windows. The project structure is organized in specialized sheets and layouts. Special tools include photogrammetry, image editing and drawing presentation.

To learn more about the latest release and download a free trial, please visit www.ilexsoft.com/highdesign/.


HighDesign is the architectural design software that bridges CAD and BIM. For Mac and Windows.