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    Good CAD Software

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by the_ryno, Jul 9, 2008.

  1. the_ryno

    the_ryno Notebook Enthusiast

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    Anyone know of a good CAD progam? I am in the process of planning some new layouts for a house I will be moving into within the next month.

    Ideally it would be free, but that might be hard to come by.
     
    the_ryno, Jul 9, 2008
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  2. FusiveResonance

    FusiveResonance Notebook Evangelist

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    FusiveResonance, Jul 9, 2008
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  3. atbnet

    atbnet Notebook Prophet

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    I've only worked with AutoDesk and that would be quite a project to use for a house.
     
    atbnet, Jul 9, 2008
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  4. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    The best soft for drawings and schematics I know is Autocad, but is too expensive for your project.
     
    Wirelessman, Jul 9, 2008
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  5. carthikv12

    carthikv12 Notebook Evangelist

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    ummm try google sketchup... it's really easy to use. and FREE. and i've made some layouts and 3d models of rooms on it before... it allows u to use measurements so the propotion stay correct... its easily the best free 3d modeling program around...
     
    carthikv12, Jul 11, 2008
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  6. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    But not a professional app at all.
     
    Wirelessman, Jul 11, 2008
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  7. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Get an evaluation version of IntelliCAD from, for example, Cadopia. Most of the functionality of AutoCAD at a fraction of the price (less than $300 for the basic version).

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jul 11, 2008
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  8. Wirelessman

    Wirelessman Monkeymod

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    Yes, IntelliCad is good, especially if you are going to use it just a few times and for a not work related use. And an evaluation copy is probably all what you need.

    @John: I wonder if the evaluation copy comes with all the bells and whistles? Sometimes they remove the most fundamental features, like "save file" :D
     
    Wirelessman, Jul 11, 2008
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  9. Hahutzy

    Hahutzy Notebook Deity

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    Just use Google Sketchup... It's the best free software around. So what if it's not a professional tool? The guy's not really working on a professional project here...
     
    Hahutzy, Jul 11, 2008
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  10. FusiveResonance

    FusiveResonance Notebook Evangelist

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    why would you spend valuable time learning how to use a complicated tool when all that is required is something quick and easy.

    Why use a laser cutter for a simple cut when a miter box and hand saw will work perfectly fine.

    To the op: I 2nd google sketchup
     
    FusiveResonance, Jul 11, 2008
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  11. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    AFAIK the evaluation versions are fully functioning but are time-bombed (eg 30 days from installation). You are less likely to buy the full product if you haven't been able to use all the features on the evaluation version.

    I have an occasional need to use CAD files and I've been an IntelliCAD owner since IntelliCAD 98 was brought out by Visio.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jul 11, 2008
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