Punch! has announced an open beta of ViaCAD 2D/3D V6, the upcoming version of its design suite; its name derives from the ability to start out in 2D, and then extend to 3D using surface modeling commands. V6 makes the crucial additional of 2D architectural tools, letting users quickly specify walls, windows and doors; walls in close proximity will automatically "heal," and dimensions are handled automatically.

Also new are an improved modeling kernel, and various performance tunings, such as a 200x increase in hidden line speed and a 6x boost to dynamic repaints. Multiple views can be displayed simultaneously, and the software now supports 3Dconnexion's SpaceNavigator controller. The beta is a 410MB download for Mac OS X 10.4 or later, and will run for 30 days; the final version is due in late June, and will cost $100 new or a minimum of $20 as an upgrade.