Greetings all:
I’m looking around for a new cad program. My needs at this point are minimal, and my use is only several times a year. Ideally I’m looking for an easy out of the box program that has 2-D and 3-D with color, and ideally that I can add modules to as needed., i.e. Drafting details, skins, etc.
As always, your feed back is appreciated.
Thanks
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Replies
You want an object base3d program like Softplan, Chief architect, vectorworks, or envisioneer.
The latter two are more inexpensive and modules. The first two are available in a Lite beer version that can upgrade later.
I am a Softplan fan. Never regreted the investement for one second.
A few times a year? Check out Sketchup, you might be amazed at what it can do for the price.
Sketchup has a free version, and a Pro version for under $500. You can do just about everything you want with the free one.
If you need to produce construction documents, from site plans through plans, structural, electrical, schedules, details, and more, as in "required for obtaining permits," then SU is not for you. However, if your needs are otherwise, you should consider it.
All the training you could ever ask for is available online in the form of videos, all free. YouTube has many dozens of them.
Go to their forum here, register so you can see the attachements, and look around. http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewforum.php?f=262
The attached stuff was done by me, all in SU.
Hey Gene,
Who's the babe with the martini glass?
Another vote for Ketchup.... er, Sketchup.
Another fabulous thing about Sketchup is Google's 3D Warehouse, a monstrous searchable repository of 3D content all contributed free by individuals and companies. Anything in the warehouse can be downloaded directly into your model using the program.
I used the search terms "2D woman" and "3D woman" and got hundreds of hits of each, and in the images shown, you can see the ones I loaded into a blank model file. The 2D images "face" the direction of view, and you can see which woman is 2D if you look at both pics.
In the third pic, I show a few things I downloaded into a blank model file, gotten from using the search term "Simpson connector."
Some examples of 3D Warehouse content:
Kohler Plumbingware's entire product line of kitchen and bath fixtures is there.
Marvin Windows and Doors has most all their stuff in the Warehouse.
The content from GE, in the way of major appliances, is endless.
And it goes on and on.
Holy hotness, Gene.
Keep it up and all the deserters that bailed over to BT Classic will return in droves....
SU is good for what it's good for, but don't go getting all wet between your thighs now
;)
If you happen to be fortunate enough to have the Pro version of SketchUp you could Export your design to one of the large lumber producers such as Louisiana-Pacific and they could run your design on their software and return it with Seals and complete Construction Documents as an enticement to purchasing their engineered wood products. And first time users/buyers can get up to a 30% discount on the cost.
You can not do this with the free program because of the limitation on Exporters. You would need a pdf writer or a dxf Exporter.