CAD Sketch Package

Visio (usual disclaimer)?

A9Cad I recently down loaded this free CAD program, it is compatible with my Auto-Cad lite files. played a bit with it, seem ok? Hope it might help.

Regards JD.

Take a look at the free (yes, free, not limited, not 30 days, not a suggested donation, but free) 2D download from SolidEdge. It's a well-recognized company, a widely used product, and fairly compatible with AutoCAD. I think they're giving it away because they can't sell many copies anymore (2D is about dead as a standalone product) and because they want to eat AutoDesk's lunch.

Look at ALIBRE it has all properties of Solidworks but at 20% of the price due to the editor policy. I use it and I am very satisfied.

Take a look at Allycad. It is from South Africa and they have a freeware version with a single limitation, the size of the output file. I believe that it allows you to export/import in autocad format. Let Google be your friend and look for Allycad.

It is a very powerful package.

try dwg editor from solidworks.

It will also allow you to open and save acad files from release 2.5 to release 2007.

very similar to acad and is free

http://www.solidworks.com/

Hi

Google "Google Sketchup" free download. Sketchup 5 I think.

I use it and then export the drawing to CAD for laser cutting etc

I has may exports to choose from. the Tutorial is easy and works well

Paul

Durban . South Africa. 0828537210

I like IntelliCAD, from Cadopia.com. Costs under $200 (2D version) and is fully compatible with AutoCAD files from v 2.0 (IIRC) to present. It even uses AutoCAD command syntax and runs AutoLISP files. I'm told that it's the 2D editor for SolidWorks.

Autodesk also makes a barebones version called Autosketch for about $70US.

Another one here for dwg editor!

It looks a lot like autocad, so you'll be able to pick it up quickly, since you're already using it autocad and it's free from solidworks. It does 3D as well, but only works with dwg and dxf files.

If they are project engineers, why aren't they already using AutoCad?

In all my years I have never seen (or seen a need) for one group to use AutoCad, and another group to use something else.

There are a lot of packages like Sketchup (which I think is free) and Visio as well as AutoCad Lite to choose from.

The next question..... Why not use Solid Works? We use AutoCad, Rhino and Solid Works. (We design and build production mega yachts) We just finished designing a new 40m production boat that was designed completely in Solid Works. All of the systems and piping were modeled in Solid Works and the shop receives drawings generated from the solid models. We still use AutoCad for some of the older documents but are moving toward using all Solid Works.

Travis

Try eDrawings. Can do markups on all formats but is designed primarily to work on SolidWorks. I am a designer and use it daily to send emodels to engineers and suppliers as well as dwgs from SolidWorks.

It is FREEEEEE to download. Can't argue with that price.