Hello bjmark,
Thanks for your question.
As I am sure you know, AutoCad is the benchmark software for CAD
design, yet very pricey. However, there are a number of alternatives
and some are even free.
CAD Standard is a free program with a purchasable upgrade to their pro
version:
http://www.cadstd.com/
"Q. What is CadStd?
A. CadStd (pronounced "CAD Standard") is a simple and easy to use 2D
computer aided design (CAD) program. Computer aided design replaced
what used to be called drafting. CadStd is the result of thousands of
hours of work and was written by a professional programmer and CAD
user not by some committee. It is being used in several schools and
universities around the world to teach their students how to use CAD.
Since it is a general purpose CAD program it can be used for
mechanical design, architecture, map making, wood working and many
other vector oriented design projects. It has an accuracy of .0001 of
an inch and drawings can be as large as 3.5 miles (In CAD everything
is drawn at full scale so this is important). In addition CadStd Pro
can be used to view and edit files created in HPGL which is the
industry standard vector format used by most major companies that
store CAD vector files in their product data management (PDM)
systems."
"Q. Why do you give away a free version of CadStd?
A. A major CAD company representative once bragged about his companies
product being the "most pirated software in the industry". Piracy is
wrong and we do not condone it, but it is "free software" and like it
or not, for the most part it has worked for them as free advertising,
and against any small company that tries to offer an inexpensive
competitive product (If this was not so they would have copy protected
their software years ago). Why should people buy an inexpensive
product when they can pirate an expensive one "free of charge". Think
about two friends talking on a Saturday afternoon, Sam: "I just bought
a great CAD program for only $25". George: "That's nice Sam my
neighbor let me 'borrow' his $5000.00 CAD program 'free of charge' ".
(This leaves Sam feeling a little down and George feeling very clever,
don't you think?) We want to be honest, and we want to help our
customers to be honest. If they are just casual users that need a
little power they can use the free version. If they want the latest
enhancements and access to the tutorial they can pay a small fee and
buy the licensed version. This way both our company and it's customers
retain their integrity."
Their Pro version claims many additional features and is only $25 to
download. These folks receive excellent reviews.
http://www.cadstd.com/version3.html
Architectural CAD links at http://www.caddirections.com/links_page.htm
lists a number of software programs:
NEMETSCHEK at http://www.nemetschek.com/ lists a number of specialized
CAD products, however I did not find pricing. They do seem to target
specialized markets including:
Allplan FT
The intelligent CAD system for architects and designers.
Allplot FT
The intelligent CAD system for civil and construction engineering.
Allready
The intelligent CAD system for casting plants.
PlanDesign FT
The professional presentation software for architects and designers.
D-Board®
The unique pressure sensitive monitor and CAD software for designing
and drawing directly on the screen.
VectorWorks Family (formerly Diehl Graphsoft)
A line of general purpose CAD modules for Mac/Windows with easy to use
3D and quick drawing tools.
Cinema 4D from Maxon
The next generation 3D animation software with modeling, animation and
motion rendering.
SoftCAD International has several products including a lite version
that is free. Their standard products range from $99- $249
http://www.softcad.com/index.asp
"ArchiTECH.PC is an integrated solution for the fast production of
precise working drawings, complete quantity take-off and superb
presentations.
ArchiTECH.PC for windowsTM is professional architectural CAD software
with 2D Drafting, 3D views, terrain modeling, Stair & roof
calculators, fractal trees, real time walk-through, photo-realistic
rendering with textures, stereo-views and a bill of materials.
Intelligent drafting means that with a single input, the internal
database instantly changes all of the views; 2D plans, sections,
elevations, perspectives and the bill of materials.
Using ArchiTECH.PC will shorten the time required to complete your
projects.
ArchiTECH.PC exists in different versions:
Full Version
Lite-Color Version
Lite-List Version "
DataCAD at http://www.datacad.com/ offers a low cost solution:
"DataCAD LT is a , low-cost 2D/3D architectural CADD program for
design professionals. It is useful for everything from developing
construction drawings to creating architectural presentations. Whether
you are a full-time drafter, a student, or only use CADD software
occasionally, you'll find DataCAD LT to be both powerful and easy to
use. Even if you’re new to CADD altogether, DataCAD LT is a great way
to get started."
This program is $995
SoftPlan at http://www.softplan.com/ is described as CAD software
specifically designed for residential building. SoftPlan will
automatically generate elevations, cross sections, 3D images and
material lists from floor plans.
This program is also $995
Do read more about the several dozen programs listed at
http://www.caddirections.com/links_page.htm to see if one I have not
mentioned might be the ideal program for you.
Finally, I went to AutoCAD remembering they once offered an AutoCAD
lite version and realizing that they are the industry standard.
AutoDesk products and solutions at
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/section1/0,,331041-123112,00.html shows
AutoCAD LT at only $795.
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/index/0,,616901-123112,00.html
"If you work for an architectural or land development firm,
construction company, or product manufacturer, you probably open,
view, and edit design drawings that were created in design
applications such as AutoCAD® 2002, Autodesk® Architectural Desktop,
Autodesk® Land Desktop, AutoCAD Map®, AutoCAD® Mechanical, or
Autodesk® Mechanical Desktop®. These industry-leading design programs
are solutions of choice for full-time designers throughout the world.
But unless you spend the majority of your time designing, you simply
don’t need the depth, complexity, and range of commands that full-time
designers require. Instead you need AutoCAD LT 2002.
It’s 100-percent DWG compatible with AutoCAD 2002-based products. That
means you can open, edit, and exchange drawing files with complete
confidence.
It includes a comprehensive set communication tools that connect
design team members and streamline collaboration.
It incorporates time-saving drawing tools that automate repetitive
tasks so you and your design team can focus your energy perfecting
outstanding designs."
You will find a great deal of information about this and other
AutoDeskproducts at this site. If $795 is not beyond your budget,
having a scaled down version of the industry leading software may be a
significant enough benefit for you to decide to go this route. You can
also find a free trial version for their products at their site.
I trust this offers you a variety of solutions. If anything above is
unclear or a link broken, please do request clarification.
Best of luck with your designs!
Regards,
-=clouseau=- |
