May 28, 2025 — Perugia, Italy — ILEXSOFT today announced the immediate availability of HighDesign R9, a significant update to its professional architectural design and drafting software for macOS and Windows, including native support for x86 and ARM processors.

HighDesign R9 introduces powerful new features and improvements aimed at boosting architectural workflows, collaboration, and documentation precision. Among the headline updates is a brand-new markup toolset, designed to streamline design review and feedback. The tools—ranging from freehand sketching to callouts—can now be used in tandem with the new Open PDF feature, which allows users to open single- and multi-page PDFs as standalone objects within a project. This functionality makes HighDesign R9 an ideal platform for reviewing and annotating project documents with unmatched clarity and efficiency.

“We designed HighDesign R9 to meet the real needs of professionals who value clarity, control, and collaboration in architectural design,” said Andrea Suraci, co-founder of Ilexsoft. “With native performance on both Intel and ARM platforms, R9 delivers a fast, seamless experience across devices.”

Another major architectural enhancement in R9 is the redesigned composite walls engine. Walls now feature advanced join behavior that automatically resolves intersections based on the priority, function, and material of internal components. This ensures cleaner, more accurate construction drawings and reduces the need for time-consuming manual corrections.

Additional highlights include:

• A redesigned Measure toolset with automatic horizontal, vertical, and aligned dimensioning.
• Enhanced insertion and editing of doors and windows, including better synchronization of graphic attributes.
• Significant user interface and performance improvements, including faster text input, improved snapping, and more responsive drafting tools.
• More powerful layouts with flexible viewports and direct title block updates.
• Expanded interoperability with improved image and PDF export options.

HighDesign R9 also includes extensive bug fixes and refinements that enhance stability, data integrity, and overall reliability across both Mac and Windows platforms.

Availability

HighDesign R9 is available immediately for download from the official website at www.ilexsoft.com. The update is free for all users with an active HighDesign maintenance plan. Licenses are available for macOS and Windows, including full native support for both Intel/x86 and ARM architectures.

About Ilexsoft

Founded in 2003, Ilexsoft is a software development company focused on creating innovative, accessible, and professional-grade tools for architects and designers. HighDesign combines modern drafting and documentation features with an intuitive interface, empowering users to design with precision and creativity. Media Contact: hello@ilexsoft.com www.ilexsoft.com

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 11 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/.

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

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