Cadalyst-Mobile-CAD-Software-Roundup

Special Report Summer 2014
www.cadalyst.com
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS
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FREE CAD Software for
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Cover image: © iStockphoto.com/ VLADGRIN
With mobile CAD programs,
the days of desk-bound design
are in the past.

CADALYST LABS REPORT
by Curt Moreno
CAD Software for
Mobile Devices
Cadalyst Labs investigates free apps for CAD on the go.
Remember when
we thought it was
amazing that we
could take a few
songs with us — by toting
stacks of cassette tapes?
Now we don’t bat an eye at
carrying around thousands
of tracks in a digital music
player or mobile phone. That
sort of exponential mobile
technology growth is changing
every part of our lives,
including the CAD world.
Today our laptops, tablets,
and even our phones
have so much computing
power that we can carry our
CAD work in a backpack or
pocket. More importantly,
today’s technology not only
allows us to work anywhere,
but it also connects us to
the rest of the world, so we
can take production and
collaboration capabilities
wherever we go.
Who Uses Mobile CAD
Although the first commercial cellular
phones entered the market around 1984, it
was not until Apple introduced the iPhone
in 2007 that the modern mobile data age
began. Cell phones transformed into handheld
computers capable of much more than
facilitating voice communications. Since
then, the term mobile has permeated many
aspects of modern life, and the number of
people owning one or more of these devices
has exploded. According to Digital Trends,
the number of mobile phones will exceed
the number of people on Earth in 2014.
2
Needless to say, a huge number of people
use mobile devices in their jobs, including
CAD users who must perform work-related
tasks on the go. Some of these user categories
are obvious, such as engineers needing
to review drawings at a job site, but there
are others who should consider mobile
CAD options as well. Architects marking
up plans in a meeting, drafters making
edits in the field, and construction managers
clarifying important design details for
crew members are all prime candidates for
mobile CAD. And in reality, the list is even
longer: Selection board members, material
estimators, warehouse managers, and transport
load chiefs also need this technology.
In short, all types of
professionals in the design,
construction, engineering,
and manufacturing fields
could find themselves using
mobile CAD software in
the near future. And these
people have a wide range
of mobile CAD software
options to choose from, each
with its own feature set. But
before we compare some of
those choices, let’s define
what qualifies as a mobile
CAD application.
What Makes
CAD Mobile
A wide and growing range
of CAD software can be
used away from a traditional
desktop workstation, but
not all of it is considered
mobile CAD. The line is
blurred by the fact that some
hardware types — such as
powerful tablets, which you
might consider to be mobile devices — can
operate full-blown installations of the
Windows operating system and, in turn,
run full-blown desktop CAD software.
The difference between mobile CAD
applications and traditional CAD programs
installed on mobile workstations is that
modern mobile CAD applications are
small-footprint installations on mobile
devices. While the line between mobile
devices (such as tablets and smartphones)
and portable devices (such as laptops) is
becoming increasingly indistinct, a common
differentiator is that mobile devices
run lightweight operating systems such
as Android or iOS. Portable devices, in
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CADALYST LABS REPORT
contrast, normally run operating systems
that require more powerful hardware, such
as Windows 8 or Mac OS X.
For the purposes of this mobile CAD
roundup, we narrowed our focus to applications
that have the following qualifications:
• Free
• Mainly used for viewing and/or editing
CAD files
• Written for the Android and/or iOS
mobile operating system
• Available for download from an official
application store, such as the Apple App
Store or Google Play Store
• Accepts fingertip control via a touchscreen
interface
• Operates over cellular and/or Wi-Fi data
networks.
Even with this list of qualifications
filtering the field, the selection of mobile
CAD applications on the market is still
quite broad. In addition, the range of features
available is vast enough to complicate
your selection process, so let’s examine
some defining features of mobile CAD
applications.
Important Mobile CAD Features
While the value of some features may be
readily apparent, there are others you might
not be sure about. Before exploring the features
available, start by determining your
own needs: What kind of device do you
have? How would you like to expand your
current CAD capabilities?
Operating system. The single most
important feature of any mobile CAD application
is its operating system. If you plan
to use an iPad or iPhone, you will need an
iOS-compatible application, available from
the Apple App Store. If you will be working
on a tablet or smartphone running the
Android mobile operating system, you have
more outlets to choose from, including the
Google Play Store, the Amazon Appstore
for Android, NOOK Apps, and GetJar.
Even some device manufacturers, such as
Samsung and Lenovo, operate their own
Android application stores.
Application category.
Generally speaking, mobile CAD
applications fall into two categories:
viewers and editors. Mobile
CAD viewers enable the user to
open and view drawings created
in another application, whether
that’s another mobile CAD application
or a traditional desktop
CAD installation. In addition to
viewing, some apps allow users
to add comments to viewed files.
Mobile CAD editors, in contrast,
enable users not only to view and
comment on existing drawings,
but also to edit CAD linework in
those files and even create new
drawings from scratch. There is
also a gray area between these two
categories populated by applications
that act as viewers in their
free version, but offer editor functionality
once upgraded to a paid
version.
Device type. The larger screens typically
associated with tablets, as compared with
smartphones, provide larger displays on
which to view and manipulate user interfaces,
making for a more efficient and pleasant
CAD experience. While most modern
applications are screen-agnostic, operating
on smaller smartphone screens as well as
larger tablets, it is important that your
selected mobile CAD application has a user
interface suitable to your device.
Interface type. While all applications
in this review can be controlled via touch,
some mobile CAD applications support
other input sources as well, such as a generic
stylus or even a mouse. Other options
The single most important
feature of any mobile CAD
application is its operating
system.
include a device-specific stylus, such as the
Samsung S Pen, which uses Wacom tablet
technology. The option of a non-fingertip
interface can be an important factor for
those who prefer to use a pen or mouse, or
for users requiring accommodations for
conditions such as arthritis.
© iStock/stocknroll
Report Card
User
Interface
Features
Sharing/
Collaboration
Options Ease of Use Grade
Autodesk AutoCAD 360 v2.2 (Android) 4 4 4 3.5 A
Bentley Systems Navigator Mobile v4.00.01 (iOS) 4 4 2 3 A-
CadFaster Collaborate v2.0.3 (iOS)* 3 2 3 3 B
cadTouch v5.0.0 (Android) 4 4 2 3 A-
IMSI/Design TurboViewer v1.5.0 (Android)* 2 3 1 3 B-
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks
eDrawings Viewer v2.0.1 (Android)
3 3 4 3 A-
ZWSOFT ZWCAD Touch v1.3.0 (Android) 3 3 2 3 B
*The developers report that new versions of these applications will be available soon. See individual reviews for more information.
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CADALYST LABS REPORT
4
Price. Mobile apps vary wildly in pricing, ranging
from free to a couple hundred dollars. Most cost less
than $20, however, and many paid apps offer a free version
that includes a limited feature set.
Supported file formats. File support provided by
each mobile CAD application is important. For example,
if you use AutoCAD or collaborate with others who do,
you need a mobile
app that can create,
save, import,
and export DWGs
or, at the very least,
AutoCAD-compatible
files. The same
holds true for any
desktop CAD software
package you
already use. If you
Mobile apps vary widely in
pricing, ranging from free to a
couple hundred dollars.
are not a desktop
CAD user, choose a
mobile CAD application
that supports
industry-standard
formats such as
DWG, DGN, or a
common graphics
format such as JPG
so you can collaborate
with others.
Potential Pitfalls
Some amount of risk always seems to accompany technological
change, and the mobile CAD world is
no exception. Before making the decision to use a
mobile CAD application, be sure to think through the
following concerns.
Security. As we put more of our lives online, the
threat to our data — including our CAD files — rises
exponentially. From viruses and bugs such as the recent
Heartbleed OpenSSL cryptographic crisis to the ubiquitous
presence of cybercriminals of every stripe, there
is no end to the number of threats we face online. Plus,
nearly all mobile CAD apps use cloud storage. Therefore
you must consider the security risks of transmitting
your files and trusting the security measures of your
online storage provider, as well as the confidentiality
ramifications related to your clients’ privacy.
Device suitability. While user interfaces that are specifically
designed for smaller screens are a hallmark of
mobile CAD applications, be aware that they will limit
the amount of your drawings that can be displayed at
any given time. Moving from a 15" notebook screen to
a 10" tablet screen may seem reasonable; however, moving
from that 15" notebook to a 5" smartphone will be
too much of a change for some. This concern is certainly
legitimate, but it is purely a matter of personal preference.
Some users may enjoy the ability to perform CAD
© iStock/shotbydave
tasks on their iPhones, while some may find even 10.5"
Android tablets too small.
Additional costs. While many mobile CAD apps are
completely free, included as part of a desktop software
purchase, or have a free trial period, there are other
cost concerns beyond the price of the application itself.
Keep in mind the cost of your equipment, which can
range from free (with carrier subsidization) to more
than $1,000. And whether you select a device that uses a
built-in cellular connection for data, or one that uses a
stationary or mobile Wi-Fi router, there is a hard cost for
that data service as well.
Application Reviews
Now that we have defined what constitutes a mobile
CAD application, and identified major features and
concerns, it is time to look at the applications themselves.
For this review I chose seven free CAD apps from
the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. These selections
represent a range of desirable features and are
produced by some of the best-known names in CAD
software development.
How we tested. The review process for these mobile
CAD applications involved several steps. First, I graded
each application on the following factors:
• User interface. Is the app’s user interface designed for
efficient fingertip control? Does it incorporate easyto-access
controls and tools?
• Features. Does the app provide a full range of
features to enable efficient viewing and editing (if
applicable)? Are only the most fundamental of CAD
tools present, or are additional features included?
• Sharing/collaboration options. Does the app
include mechanisms to easily share files and/or
collaborate in either a synchronous or asynchronous
manner? How easy is it to import and export
drawing files?
• Ease of use. Has the app been designed in a manner
that facilitates access by both novice and veteran
users? Is it possible to achieve meaningful productivity
by using the app in a mobile environment?
In addition, we discuss the file formats each app
opens and saves, but don’t grade this element because
many of these tools were developed for users of a
particular CAD software program. For example, Bentley
Systems’ Navigator Mobile is specifically designed for
users of other Bentley software products.
I rated each app from 1 to 4 in each category, then
averaged the weighted totals. Finally, I correlated
numeric values to arrive at a letter grade for each app in
our roundup.
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CADALYST LABS REPORT
AutoCAD 360 v2.2 (Android)
Mobile CAD editor
Overall Grade: A
Pros: Opens, edits, and marks up standard DWG files; produces and e-mails PDF and DWG files; offers an
excellent touch interface; includes online storage.
Cons: Limits size of created files to 10 MB; less responsive to stylus input than finger input.
Price: Free
Autodesk
800.440.4198
www.autodesk.com
AutoCAD has been a major name in desktop CAD for many years, and Autodesk’s AutoCAD 360 will not disappoint
mobile users. AutoCAD 360 is a well-equipped, easy-to-use mobile CAD app available at a variety of
price points and feature tiers for CAD users looking to work on the go. Formerly known as AutoCAD WS, Auto-
CAD 360 is now part of Autodesk’s formidable array of mobile and cloud-based products under the
Autodesk 360 umbrella.
AutoCAD 360 is available
for both the Android and iOS
mobile operating systems; I
reviewed the Android version.
Installing AutoCAD 360 is as simple
as visiting the appropriate app
store and creating a free AutoCAD 360 account.
You can easily upload project files from the desktop,
or create them on your mobile device in the
Pro and Pro Plus versions.
While very different from the desktop experience,
the AutoCAD 360 interface is very intuitive
and quick to learn. The application operated very
smoothly and responded quickly to multitouch
gestures and was stable throughout testing. I
found the app to be somewhat less responsive to
input from my Samsung Galaxy Note 3 stylus than
to my finger.
Free AutoCAD 360 is a well-developed
mobile CAD app that lets users open a variety
of filetypes, including DWG, DXF, PDF, and JPG,
plus enables them to view and mark up files, and
collaborate with others. Inquiry tools such as
distance, area, and coordinate support, as well
as basic layer support, are all included. Users can
change unit types and also plot to PDF or DWF,
then automatically e-mail the results to coworkers.
The free version can produce PDF and DWF
files, but file size is limited to 10 MB. Users can
view and edit files stored in their included 5 GB of
storage.
AutoCAD 360 lets users open a variety of file formats and use basic CAD tools,
such as those in the tool ribbon at the bottom of the screen.
The markup tool ribbon in AutoCAD 360.
AutoCAD 360 Pro and Pro Plus expand on the features of AutoCAD 360 by adding drawing, inquiry, and layer
management tools, plus they can create DWG files. Users also gain access to block library support, object properties,
and other enhancements. Online storage is increased to 25 GB and 100 GB, with file sizes up to 30 MB and
40 MB, respectively. The cost for Pro is $4.99/month or $49.99/year, while Pro Plus is $99.99/year.
Highly Recommended.
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CADALYST LABS REPORT
Navigator Mobile v4.00.01 (iOS)
Mobile CAD viewer
Overall Grade: A-
Pros: Robust object property reporting; virtual
walkthrough of building projects.
Cons: No markup or comment function; available
for iOS only.
Price: Free
Bentley Systems
800.236.8539
www.bentley.com
AEC professionals who visit jobsites may find
that Bentley Navigator Mobile is just what they
have been looking for. Navigator Mobile is more
than a simple mobile CAD viewer — it’s a powerful
viewing and field information tool.
Navigator Mobile is available for iOS devices
only; users can download it from the Apple App
Store. It is most commonly used in conjunction with
ProjectWise technology for project collaboration,
and plugs directly into workflows that ensure secure
viewing, authoring, searching, and the delivery of
feedback from the reviewer to the other project
stakeholders.
Those users who take iPads to the jobsite can
carry a wealth of information that supplants the
plan sets of yesterday. With just a few taps, users can
pull up their project models or PDF files to access
details, cost estimates, or other text-based information.
Object data is by far the most robust that we
have seen in a mobile solution, and could easily challenge
many desktop applications. Accessing, changing,
or creating model views is intuitive. Navigating
the 3D presentation is easy, and navigation is quick
Navigator
Mobile’s
object property
window rivals
some desktop
applications.
to respond to standard multitouch input. With Navigator
Mobile’s unique walkthrough tool, users can
manipulate two virtual on-screen “joysticks” to visually
tour a project while it’s still under construction.
While Navigator Mobile doesn’t support DWG
or DGN files, it utilizes i-models, which can include
content from any common AEC design application.
Users publish i-models using free plugins available at
www.Bentley.com/iWare or any Bentley product, or
access them through ProjectWise Explorer Mobile
or Field Supervisor.
CadFaster Collaborate v2.0.3 (iOS)
Mobile CAD viewer/collaboration tool
Overall Grade: B
Pros: Unique model viewer and collaboration tool; real-time screen-sharing
experience.
Cons: Requires expensive desktop application plugin; no industry-standard file
support; available for iOS only.
Price: Free, plus cost of required desktop plugin.
CadFaster
+358 40 168 3398
www.cadfaster.com
CadFaster Collaborate is a mobile CAD
viewer meant for the 3D AEC and MCAD
markets, but it really shines as a mobile collaboration
tool. Users can view and comment
on building information modeling (BIM)
models while on the go, plus they can comment
and conduct live screen-sharing markup
sessions, all without needing any CAD software
on their PC or iPad. CadFaster accomplishes
this by using a plugin for desktop
CAD applications that exports either an EXEformat
or iPad-compatible file.
Therein lies the downside of CadFaster.
First, the plugin software license for the
desktop CAD application is rather expensive.
While the CadFaster mobile application is
free, the plugin licenses cost between $189
and $389 for a one-year subscription. In
addition to the cost, the workflow of sharing
models via EXE files raises concerns because
many IT departments treat EXE files as a
threat, stripping them from e-mails and refusing
domain users the admin rights needed to
execute them. Although the real-time collaboration
options are very impressive, the concerns
of cost and potential corporate security
policy violations mean this CAD viewer and
collaboration tool is not for everyone.
CadFaster is available as a free download
from the Apple App Store for the iOS mobile
operating system. The plugins needed to
publish the CadFaster models are available
CadFaster’s file directory interface makes
it easy to find your current drawing.
CadFaster offers excellent real-time
collaboration options, such as the object
visibility options shown here.
for Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks, Autodesk Revit, Bentley SELECTseries, and
Nemetschek Vectorworks. Versions are available for the Windows and Mac platforms;
all can be purchased from the CadFaster site.
Users who find that CadFaster fits both their budget and their IT department’s
security requirements will find a truly interactive mobile CAD viewer
experience. The application is intuitive and quick to respond, with fast, smooth
zooms and model rotation. Unique to CadFaster is the ability to share screens
between iPads and even desktop workstations, with the collaboration session
hosted by any participant. Also useful is the real-time commenting ability that
attaches annotation to the drawing for sharing with others across the CadFaster
cloud servers.
Editor’s note: The company states that MyCadbox 2.0 will be released soon and will
replace CadFaster Collaborate. It also reports that this new version addresses many of the
concerns stated here.
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CADALYST LABS REPORT
cadTouch v5.0.0 (Android)
Mobile CAD editor
Overall Grade: A-
Pros: Wide range of tools; DWG, block, and raster image support.
Cons: File support limited to DWG/DXF; 3D mode is beta; no
camera access from app.
Price: Free
cadTouch Software
www.cadtouch.com
CadTouch is a free mobile CAD editor with plenty to offer the
experienced CAD user. It’s available for the Android and iOS
operating systems; I looked at the Android version. Rather than
a typical mobile user interface that places as few controls on the
screen as possible, this application opens with control ribbons
on three sides that contain all of the tools needed for drawing,
editing, and properties information. The expandable menus offer
more refined tools, and helpful tool tags identify each one when
it is touched.
Viewing
drawings is
very intuitive,
with common
multitouch
interface mechanisms.
Linework
is crisp
and quickly
responds to
The cadTouch tool palettes, with flyout menus for drawing view manipulation
in both 2D
tools, are easy to use.
and 3D modes.
Note that while 3D mode is quick and responsive, it is currently in
beta. While linework creation and editing will be easy for experienced
CAD users, novices will require a longer learning curve. The
application installs with a library of more than 20 blocks.
The free version supports the industry-standard DWG and
DXF formats, plus PDF and JPG. Images are easily imported to
drawings from the mobile device’s gallery, although the app lacks
direct access to the device’s camera. Sharing files is limited to
e-mail attachments or a workstation connection.
Easy-to-use drawing tools include polylines, hatches, and freehand
sketching. Layers and linetype control are easily accessed
from the Properties bar, as is object property information. Inquiry
tools include angle, length, and area. All of the standard editing
tools, such as move, copy, offset, and many others, are included
and are easy to use. New drawings can be created in the free
version of cadTouch, but export is not possible. No account is
required for the free version, so no online storage is included with
the application.
CadTouch Pro ($19.99) looks
and functions the same as the free
version; export functions, however,
are unlocked. Users can share
files via connection to a workstation,
with iTunes for instance,
or via e-mail. Exported file support
includes DWG, DXF, PDF, and PNG.
The free version of cadTouch comes
with more than 20 blocks in its
library.
TurboViewer v1.5.0 (Android)
Mobile CAD viewer
Overall Grade: B-
Pros: Opens native DWG/DXF files; easily customized views and
viewstyles.
Cons: Counter-intuitive controls; 3D rotation somewhat difficult
to manage.
Price: Free
IMSI/Design
800.833.8082
www.imsidesign.com
TurboViewer from IMSI/Design is a fast, easy-to-use, and very
capable mobile CAD viewer. No account creation is necessary
to use the application, as it works with locally stored drawing
files; this makes it a prime performer in situations where data
connections are not available.
The iOS version of this app provides markup functions, but
the version of TurboViewer for Android reviewed here does not.
(The company states that an update for the Android version,
scheduled for release by the end of August 2014, will include editing
and markup functions.) The application was quick to respond
and easy to configure to change visual styles for both 2D and
3D drawings. All of this combines to make TurboViewer a good
choice for the mobile user who needs CAD viewing functionality.
TurboViewer’s control layout is very spartan, displaying only four
buttons once a file is open. Traditional view controls would have
been much preferred to TurboViewer’s current user interface.
TurboViewer enables users to view a variety of filetypes, and it
includes native support of DWG/DXF files. Files may be opened
from within other applications, such as e-mail. TurboViewer’s
interface is fully developed and well laid out, making the change
to mobile very comfortable for desktop users. There’s no online
storage included with the free version.
TurboViewer Pro ($19.99) adds viewing tools such as x-ray with
transparency range, edge color range, custom perspective view,
and materials. It also includes tools for layer management and
layout support. Pro users also receive free telephone and e-mail
support from IMSI/Design. The Pro version supports DWG/DWF/
DGN files, plus more than 20 CAD file formats.
The
TurboViewer
CAD viewer
in 2D display
mode.
TurboViewer in 3D display mode.
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CADALYST LABS REPORT
eDrawings Viewer v2.0.1 (Android)
Mobile CAD viewer
Overall Grade: A-
Pros: Opens a variety of 2D and 3D specialty file formats.
Cons: No markup tools in free version; lack of visual style control.
Price: Free
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks
800.693.9000
www.solidworks.com
CAD professionals and engineers working with mechanical
designs may find the eDrawings Viewer application from
SolidWorks to be just what they’ve been waiting for. In the category
of mobile mechanical CAD viewers, eDrawings Viewer stands
out as an excellent option.
The application is simple to install, quick to respond to both
file opening and multitouch input, and supports SolidWorks files
as well as native DXF and DWG format files. While performance
was smooth overall, eDrawings Viewer did crash a handful of
times for no apparent reason during testing on an iPad 2 tablet.
Output and sharing options in eDrawings Viewer.
ZWCAD Touch v1.3.0 (Android)
Mobile CAD editor
Overall Grade: B
Pros: Very thorough toolset; very similar to desktop CAD;
voice memo feature.
Cons: Limited filetype support; no object property features.
Price: Free
ZWSOFT
321.676.3222
www.zwsoft.com
Desktop CAD users may find it hard to let go of their regular
user interface and replace it with more modern, touchcentric
interfaces. Luckily for them, there is ZWCAD Touch from
ZWSOFT, which is sure to sway many users with its desktop-like
experience. This free mobile CAD editor is both capable and well
featured. ZWCAD Touch is available as a free download from the
Google Play Store and the Apple App Store for Android and iOS
mobile devices, respectively (we reviewed the Android version).
Modern CAD users will find the ribbon user interface full
of tools similar to those of any modern desktop CAD program.
Drawing, editing, layer management, inquiry, and layout selection
tools, among others, are all lined up and easy to find. Contextual
ribbons provide additional options.
ZWCAD Touch is quick to regen and react to multitouch input
for panning, zooming, and rotating. The application’s visual
style control is effective and easy. Users will also find the familiar
Save messages before closing a drawing to be reassuring. Output
options are limited to DWG format.
A key differentiator for ZWCAD Touch is its capability to save
and play back voice memos attached to the drawings, a feature
sure to be handy for anyone who is in the field with full hands or
needs to capture a thought quickly.
8
The eDrawings Viewer offers viewing in exploded model mode.
The application is available in free and Pro versions for both
Android and iOS; I reviewed the Android version. The free version
offers viewing of multiple component mechanical assemblies with
eDrawing’s excellent rendering, animated viewing, and exploded
assembly tools. No account is required for use of the free version;
no online storage is included with the application.
An in-app purchase ($7.99) unlocks the Pro version, key to
which is a fantastic system for dynamic section views that is intuitive
and renders quickly. This easy-to-use tool makes creating
section views as easy as dragging your finger. Inquiry and markup
tools allow for easy information gathering and collaboration with
coworkers. Marked-up files are easily shared via e-mail.
ZWCAD Touch
offers many of the
same tools found
in desktop CAD
programs. It is
quick to regen in
a 3D solid display
mode.
ZWCAD Touch’s user interface in 2D display mode offers
well-known markup tools.
Curt Moreno is a Houston, Texas–based CAD
manager, writer, and speaker who has been using
AutoCAD since 1990. Reach him via his web site,
www.kungfudrafter.com, or follow @wkfd on Twitter.
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