I need a CAD program (native Mac OS-X) that will allow me to create industrial piping & instrument diagrams (P&IDs).  I'm looking at TurboCad 2D V5.  My questions (to which I've been unable to determine answers via online research) are these: 

1.  Does TurboCad include a library of P&ID symbols? 
2.  If not, are there add-on packages available that provide those symbols? 
3.  Finally, if there are not P&ID symbol packages available natively for TurboCad, can I import and use AutoCad symbols in TurboCad?

I've read the TurboCad 2D home page, but it implies that the program is primarily for doing architectural and home design projects.  Will it suffice for my purposes?

Thanks in advance!  Potential TurboCad user:  Boomzilla

Welcome.

I would like to point out first that there is a forum specifically for Mac users.  You can find it here: http://tcmacforum.imsisupport.com/

However, the Mac version of TurboCAD is distinctly different from the PC version and you may choose to run in Windows compatibility mode with the version we use.  You can download a test drive (I think it works for a month) to get a feel for each program, but you should set aside a fair amount of time as a month can go by pretty quickly with software of this complexity.

To address your questions:

1. Nothing I know of.
2. Not from IMSI (the publisher of TurboCAD)
3. Yes, if those symbols are in a generic format (DXF, DWG, etc.).


Good luck,

Jeff

Thanks - My bad about not noticing the Mac-specific forum...  Since AutoCad libraries are horrendously expensive, I may seek another alternative.

I appreciate the feedback.

I did a quick search on Google and found libraries in the $100 range that are provided in 3 formats, including DXF and DWG.  I wouldn't know if they meet your needs.

Jeff


**** EDIT ****
Like this one: http://www.isa.org/Template.cfm?Section=Shop_ISA&Template=/Ecommerce/ProductDisplay.cfm&Productid=2951
**** EDIT ****

Thanks - My bad about not noticing the Mac-specific forum...  Since AutoCad libraries are horrendously expensive, I may seek another alternative.

I appreciate the feedback.

Why not spend a few evenings drawing your own -- the ones you use most frequently, at any rate ...?

Henry H

On this site www.tracepartsonline.net you should be able to download free 3D files in TurboCAD format, along many other file formats. You can view the files in 3D before download.

Don't know if this meet your needs.