Broderbund Delivers 3D Home Architect Deluxe --Latest, Greatest Version of the Number One Home...

NOVATO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 1997--Broderbund Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:BROD), the leader in home productivity software, announced today that it is shipping 3D Home Architect Deluxe(R), the flagship product in the company's 3D Home Series(TM) line of award-winning home design software.

The newest, most powerful version of 3D Home Architect (R), the Deluxe edition features interactive 3D editing that allows users to view and make changes in both 2D and 3D simultaneously. The new version also incorporates an automatic roof designer and the ability to view multiple levels of a floorplan in 3D and expanded interior design features.

In tandem with the release of 3D Home Architect Deluxe, Broderbund is also delivering 3D Home Architect, a value-priced version that will fill a need for fast and easy home design, remodeling and additions.

"This enhanced version of 3D Home Architect Deluxe ensures that Broderbund will remain the leader in home design software," said John Baker, vice president of home design at Broderbund. "The powerful 3D visualization tools and multi-story design capabilities that we've added will be welcomed by home users and architects alike. These features, coupled with the 3D Home Series' recognized ease-of-use, are a winning combination."

The strength of 3D Home Architect Deluxe is immediately evident when the user begins drawing the floorplan and room dimensions, the first step in the design process. With a click of the mouse, walls snap together and square-up automatically through Broderbund's unique SmartParts(TM) technology. Doors, windows, cabinets and fixtures can all be added, removed or repositioned in the same easy fashion. Once a basic floorplan is established, a room can be viewed in both 2D and 3D at the same time, with any changes reflected immediately.

Included in 3D Home Architect Deluxe is the ability to create cabinet soffits, window muntin bars, shutters and gables over doors and windows. A complete symbols library is incorporated to assist in the layout of electrical and plumbing systems.

Powerful Visualization Tools

3D Home Architect Deluxe incorporates several methods to allow the consumer to visualize exactly what has been incorporated into a design. An easy-to-use camera tool allows a 3D view of any room from any perspective.

The Plan Overview provides a bird's eye view of the entire project, or only the rooms and walls without a roof. PlanCheck(TM) allows the user to conduct a room-by-room inspection to avoid potential problems. Finally, the user can admire the home's exterior in full 3D to see what the structure will look like from any vantage point.