drafting software
 

Anyone else on here draw plans for projects with a CAD program? I have used Autodesk in the past, but would like to find something that is easy to use and cheap while still doing a good job and accurate. If you guys know of anything, please let me know.

Josh

Not sure if you'll be able to get all three of those things in one package. What type of plans do you draw up?

All I do is single family homes and remodels. Something like Autodesk AutoCAD would be overkill.

Josh

Is there an open-source CAD program? I need one.

I got a pirated copy of real AutoCAD somewhere, but I don't wanna dig it out...

What kind of cad work, auto cad is good for architecture, Autodesk inventor is good for drawin stuff, and solid works is too.

Autodesk inventor and solid works compete with each other all the time trying to make better programs.

I mainly need something for drafting house plans, or plans for remodels. Floor plans, cross-sections, elevations, those kinds of things. A good dimensioning tool is a must.

Auto-Cad would be good, they have a nice artitecture program on there, i think they got a demo on their site.

I love the Autocad, but it is around $800. I should look at them again, I haven't checked them out since I used Autocad 2008LT free trial.

i havent used autocad or autodesk inventor since 2006.

but i loved drawing on autodesk inventor

I just looked at Chief architect and I was impressed, until I saw the price-tag. $2100.

I let ESPN do the Auto Draft

Wise guy eh?

:D

Dang. I miss using AutoCAD :( need to find me a job in my field so that I can get back to using it.... I like u jstange2 wanna do blue prints of houses... but if I had to do college all over again I would have picked a better one !! Our instructor towards the end of out classes got the "I dont give a shit about my students" attitude :booo:. He liked to shit on his ass n play card games on his damn computer :madd:

Kinda off topic, but i used to use Feature cam when i was an Air Force Machinist. Loved it, super simple. Only for making cad/cam for machining processes though.

Im sorry I missed this...we use Design Cad at work, will do most of what Autocad does for a fraction of the price (I think its around $90):

DesignCAD Series

Free Trials: DesignCAD Series

I just googled this - I can check when I get to work to make sure this is the right one.

Sweet. I'll check that out.

I use Punch Home Design Platinum version 8 - cost like $80 and it will let you do everything - got several other programs and thin one is the best - its got design, photo view (you can put a picture on it & show what finished remodel or add on will look like), landscape, decks and workshop (you can build 3D models of your projects.

Software for 3D home design, landscape design, furniture design and more from punchsoftware.com