Early in 2013 we introduced a new generation of our Chain Link Shop Drawing program as part of CFS Version 12. Of course, Shop Drawing can still generate billions of different chain link fence configurations on command, but the quality of Chain Link Shop Drawings has taken a quantum leap forward with this brand-new program. Shop Drawing now produces scalable vector graphic (SVG) images. The drawings are infinitely scalable and automatically scale to the optimum size for the document while maintaining the high quality of the image. SVG can easily be converted to other formats, it can even be opened in CAD. As you can see from the examples on these pages, this program is extremely versatile. It can generate an infinite variety of chain link line of fence and single and double gate drawings.

Some of the new features include: detailed specifications of the fence material specs printed right on the drawing, mesh sizes from 3/8" to 2 3/8", and custom heights and separate color options for both fence fabric and the framework.

The program produces images in SVG, PDF, PNG, JPEG, and BMP file formats. This variety of image formats is so versatile they can be opened in programs from Paint to CAD. Tools are provided in the user interface to print, export, open or edit your shop drawing in PDF, Windows Photo Viewer, Paint, Inkscape, or in your default graphics program.

Inkscape is a free, open source vector graphics program that will be installed as part of CFS. It is a very powerful graphics customization tool in its own right. You can find more information about Inkscape on their website at www.inkscape.org.

The original Chain Link Shop Drawing program will continue to be available so you will be able to retrieve your old custom drawings and generate and edit them the way you always have. The new Chain Link Shop Drawing program requires absolutely no setup and works right out of the box. The Vinyl and Ornamental fabricator programs are capable of generating shop and fabrication drawings for every style you design, but for now they will only open in the original Shop Drawing program.

The ability to produce quick and accurate shop drawings is invaluable when drawings are required as part of a contract. Everyone loves pictures, not just architects and engineers. The impact of providing detailed drawings of your products to your prospective customers will amaze you. As you know, in this business there is always someone willing to do it cheaper. Professional quality drawings will help you to sell more profitable jobs.

You have heard the old saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Nowhere is that truer than in a sales presentation. Leave the customer with just a price and you’re just like every other fence guy in town - competing on price. Provide them with some professional drawings of your proposal and you’ll stand out from the crowd.

If you have questions about CFS and how it can help your business, 
reach out to us today; we’re here to serve you!