HELP Need easy to use cad like program

[mcparadis]

Help , I am looking for a basic drawing program for houses or floor plans. Cad like but hopefully more user friendly.

[mim]

Originally posted by mcparadis
Help , I am looking for a basic drawing program for houses or floor plans. Cad like but hopefully more user friendly.

Well, there's Archicad or Vectorworks to start with. Archicad's a pretty full blown cad package that's also very easy to use. Both are fairly expensive.

I've also come across this proggy - graphite http://www.vellum.co.uk/pro_graphite.html
I've never used it before, but it's a fair bit cheaper than Archicad.

[mcparadis]

Thanks, that is still too rich for my blood.

[Fender2112]

I personally use VectorWorks on an occationally basis. I actually started using it when it was a 2D cad program called BluePrint that later evolved into Minicad which had some 3D capabilities.

At that time my choices were Blueprint, PowerDraw, and TurboCAD. These were the the low cost options, about $200 or so. I've seen TurboCAD for Windows but I think Mac support was dropped long ago. PowerDraw, I think is marketed has PowerCAD.

If you want something inexpensive, I think you will be out of luck. The downside to Vectoworks is that you have to purchase third party plot drivers unless you have your own plotter.

Maybe try a Google search or Download.com

I do have some old disk for BluePrint and Minicad I may be interesed in selling. Drop me a private message if you are interested. I might even still have my TurboCAD disks.

[vitruvius]

What about denebaCAD?



DenebaCAD (http://deneba.com/products/denebacad2/default.html)

its an easy to learn CAD software, not to much pretentious, but has an easy learning curve and incluides a basic introduction to 3D modeling. It was Born in my Country ( Venezuela ) named ARCHIdot , then deneba bought it, i was a Beta tester when i was studying architecture. maybe u should take a look.

now i use VectorWorks and i think its great for 2D CAD and ive heard very nice coments on ArchiCad. but if u are starting to use CAD the price its a little high.

i hope this helps:)

[irmongoose]

Try SketchUp (http://www.sketchup.com/). It's a great 3D CAD program, very easy to use, and they have a fully functional demo available.



irmongoose

[blogo]

IKEA home planner :D

[mcparadis]

Thanks;)

[Fender2112]

Originally posted by irmongoose
Try SketchUp (http://www.sketchup.com/). It's a great 3D CAD program, very easy to use, and they have a fully functional demo available.



irmongoose

WOW ! Where did this come from? It appears to be a really cool design tool. I see Macworld gives it 4 1/2 mice. :D

[irmongoose]

Originally posted by Fender2112
WOW ! Where did this come from? It appears to be a really cool design tool. I see Macworld gives it 4 1/2 mice. :D

Try it. It's great... works like a charm.



irmongoose

[mikem oz]

10+ years ago Diehl Graphsoft sold BluePrint for those that only wanted 2D, and MiniCAD for those that wanted 2D and 3D.

MiniCAD evolved into VectorWorks and the company became Nemetschek North America. http://www.nemetschek.net/

VectorWorks 12 now has a SketchUP plug in for importing SketchUP buildings.

[homerjward]

Try SketchUp (http://www.sketchup.com/). It's a great 3D CAD program, very easy to use, and they have a fully functional demo available.



irmongoose
sketchup is amazingly cool. i definitely agree with the ease-of-use.