I just updated Shapr3D and immediately noticed something that makes zero sense. Before, when entering dimensions, I could input fractions directly using the number pad (e.g., 1,3,4 for 1 3/4). Now, with the latest update, that option is completely gone.
Even though my dimensions are still displayed as fractions in the drawing, I can’t actually input them as fractions anymore. Instead, I have to manually convert them to decimals before entering values. Why?? What kind of backwards change is this?
I reached out to support, and they confirmed this isn’t a bug—it’s an intentional change. According to them, this is the “intended behavior” now. “Currently, fractions are not supported, and only decimal input is available.” So apparently, removing functionality and making workflows slower is considered a feature now.
This was one of those small but incredibly useful features that made working with Shapr3D smooth and efficient. There’s no reason for it to be removed. My workflow has halved in efficiency.
Anyone else find this change completely pointless? I’m honestly considering moving away from the software just because of this.
edit: yes, all values are set to fractional in settings.
To those who do not use imperial units, this is completely game breaking. I’m going to try to stress the fraction bar (vinculum) importance and maybe learn some thing’s.
To start, No cabinet shop, Furniture builder, Architect, Carpenter use decimals when using imperial units. Example,1 5/8 + 1 5/8, this is how we are using it, this is how we would add these numbers. It does not need to be converted to decimal then converted back to a fraction. We do not know the decimal values for the fractions. Because we only use the fraction version. And the parentheses method is a huge slowdown.
Now, why no decimals? I am very qualified to answer this, and that is because it becomes more of a pattern than a math problem. Yes, laugh all you want, but I’m serious.
I clipped one of my videos of building a deck and how smoothly I’m using that calculator With the imperial units it’s only a minute long: Fraction bar speed
My other problems with the new calculator is opening it, is an extra click and when it is open, it’s highlighted so I can’t just hit X two, or +2. I have to un highlight it, it’s another click. I really would like a simplified calculator like the old one, and scientific calculator when I need one.
Everyone using imperial units and reading this should express how they’re using it.
Use the simplified calculator on imperial units, until you’re(shapr team) really ready to take on architectural calculator, would be my ideal resolution. Which could be another selling point.
OK, let’s say I want a line that’s 8 inches 5/8. This is how it’s displayed instead of the parentheses we want a fraction bar. So from this point, in the photo I should hit five, then the fraction bar, then eighths.
It is not displayed in a way that is intuitive for people using imperial units. It’s the format
A big thing I’m trying to shed light on is People using imperial units are probably not in need of this style of calculator. and it is actively slowing them down.
We’re using imperial units to build houses and countertops, not engines and stuff.
New users who want to build things using imperial will take one look, not understand, and uninstall. Nothing about the new calculator for imperial units stands with shaprs vision of efficiency and reduced work load.
Yeah, it’s a shame, and I was using Shapr only with that feature. Why showing fractions on the plan when you have to type decimals when you draw. I mean, I can get used to most of the biggest fractions (up to 1/8th of an inch), but I use a lot of smaller fractions and if I have to type 0.015625 every time I want 1/64, I’m gonna delete this app…
I know you weren’t stating you needed the fractional units displayed but here is a quick video showing where to turn that on. As for the fractions themselves, just put a + sign in between the numbers. So if you want to input 1 3/4, type 1+3/4 and it will do what you need. If you need to add more than one together, for example 1 3/4 + 2 1/3 you would do the same, 1 + 3/4 + 2 + 1/3.
Edit After posting, I see SCALEMODEL already gave this solution…
