Help needed: What is the best, simple, and easy to use CAD software?

Hiya folks!

I am planning to purchase a CAD software and I don't know which CAD software has the simplest, least system requirements (given my specs in my signature), and has a 2D and 3D projection. I have been reading some reviews on AutoCad, TurboCad, Solidworks, among others; but it seem that these CAD softwares are highly sophisticated that are used by engineers and architects. I will be using CAD for marketing and presentation of topics on solar roofing, scientific processes on how the technology works, roof insulators, modern tools on farming technology, and the like. Basically, I need a CAD software that is simpler, user-friendly, and banks on 2D and 3D objects for presentation. The CAD need not to be jump-packed of features as my specs cannot accommodate the latest high-requirements CADs. Hope you can help me on this

Thanks in advance

 

If you want an easy to use, professional CAD program consider VectorWorks. Your computer just meets the system requirements for VW 2010. I have been using VectorWorks professionally for over ten years (back when it was MiniCAD) and have run it on many different hardware configurations without issue.

While I've not personally used it, I hear good things about Google Sketchup. There is a capable free version, as well as a paid Pro version. Here is a comparsion chart of the two versions: http://sketchup.google.com/product/whygopro.html.

--L.

 

Oh, thanks a lot! Hope to hear more from you

Which do you personally prefer though, Vectorworks or Google Sketch? I would appreciate your suggestions, recommendations, and criticisms. Thanks a lot, again

 

As I posted, I've not used Google Sketchup. I've been using Vectorworks (MiniCAD) for over ten years. Compared against AutoCAD, 3ds Max or Solidworks, I feel that Vectorworks is far easier to lean and use.

From what I can see about Google Sketchup while similar, does not have the same scope of function as VW, AC, 3ds or SW. For instance the drawing paradigm is a bit different: that is not to say it's bad or wrong, just fundamentally different than most other CAD products. I do think it would be easier to learn than a traditional CAD program.

Both are capable products and would easily meet your needs. Google Sketchup is free and there is a 30-day trial available for Vectorworks. I would suggest downloading both and seeing which you feel most comfortable using.

--L.

 

I tried some trial version of turbocad before I made this post and it was really difficult to learn for a newbie like me I deleted it. I hope the Vectorworks or google sketchup will really be simple and very user-friendly.

By the way, thanks a lot, again.

 

I'll just throw another idea out there, check out ArchiCAD. I've used Sketchup, AutoCAD and ArchiCAD and find that ArchiCAD is way better/simpler.

 

-Really, okay, I will try that too. What about Vectorworks as suggested by Ibohn? Have you also tried that too?

 

why not just use Visio?

 

-You mean Visio can do 2D and 3D designs just like TurboCAD, VW, etc.? Is that possible? I have searched it and says that it's a diagram-making software...

I am really for the easiest, user-friendly, and simplest CAD, "CAD for dummies", you can say that. I read that Archicad and Google Sketchup are among the easiest to learn. Which should I choose then?

 

Unfortunately, I've had no experience with Vectorworks. *Does quick google search*... Basing it on looks, I still think ArchiCAD is easier, though, I would have no idea.

EDIT: Actually, I think they are pretty even. I might see if I can get my hands on a copy of Vectorworks and put it to the test!

 

30 day trial evaluation of Vectorworks.

I didn't know that Nemetschek bought Graphisoft a couple of years back. Doesn't look like the two products share a common interface though. Is an ArchiCAD seat really $4300? That's more than AutoCAD!

--L.

 

there are plenty of 3D addons for Visio.......

Also look at the low-end of home design/landscaping software.

I think that the OPs fixation on the word 'CAD' is handicapping his search.

google is your friend.

 

Thanks. WOW, $4300! I didn't pay for mine, because my sister boyfriend is an architect, so I get mine from him!

Would you happen to be a student?

 

Just a student of life now.

--L.

 

-Oh, you're done studying already? So your work now is related to architecture since you're using CADs?

 

Nothing surprising about $4300, all professional CAD programs are around that price, 3DS MAX, Maya etc.

For your usage, I think Inventor publisher works great, it's the toned down version of Inventor (used for engineering design) for product presentation and marketting.

 

I have used Solidworks and that is very easy to use. $99 with a student discount.

Google sketchup is ok, I used it this summer and it would crash all the time. But it might have been updated.

I also used AutoSketch 9 (or it was inventor) and that was ok, it was better for movies but SolidWorks was better for models.

 

Theatrical design, not architecture.

Well not all professional CAD programs. Vectorworks Fundamentals is $1300 while Vectorworks Designer with Renderworks is $2900.

--L.

 

-So, for my case, you'd suggest Inventor publisher that Sketchup? Is Inventor publisher also user-friendly like Sketchup? What about Auto Sketch 9 and Solidworks? I'm confused which is really the one that suits my needs...

 

Any updates, guys?

 

updates on what? You have a goodly handful of recommendations, I do think that the ball is in your court for what to do.

 

I haven't had a chance to get to use Vectorworks yet. But you have plenty of recommendations above. So check them out, watch video's, etc. See which one fits your budget, and which one you like best.

EDIT: Just re-read your OP, your specs aren't that crash hot for CAD, so something light would be something worthwhile, since you don't want to spend so much for a program that your computer can't even handle. I know for sure, ArchiCAD AND AutoCAD are out of the picture, period. Sketchup is alright, but I'm not to sure about the other ones.

 

-Okay, thanks a lot