Freeware CAD Software

Hi Sid_Sidow

For your "only use it once" you should also consider the "Free 30 day Trial" downloads. For example even Auto CAD do it.

or you can download an older version - even LiveCad 1.5 and 3.1 is available for free.

Only problem is, you gotta figure out your whole project in 30 days, including the software learning curve....

Here's an AUTOCAD clone that has the trial and you can buy it for a fraction of the cost of the real thing. Works well but doesn't have all the add-ons. If you're familiar with cad the learning curve should be shallow.

http://progesoft.cachefly.net/products/smart/2009/pcad2009smarteng.exe ... is the free version available.

Google sketch up has a bit of a following and some library data that may be helpful. I have not read the EULA.

Check out some of these! I'm sure one of them will help!

One thing to look out for on the trial software, is that they often lock out functions like export, save, and print.

Downloaded it - working to understand! Thanks!! ss

Hi to all

Solidwords has released an Autocad clone called Draftsight which is free.

It is a very good cad program.

http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/draftsight-overview/

Google Sketch up.

Some of the CAD elite I know turn their collective noses up at it, but it's easy to use, and a huge on-line community of support.

Plus as far as I comprehend the lingo, it's Cloud-based, so only 58Mb on your hard drive. (autoCAD is about 175Mb)

if you use the tutorials, you can be drawing in 30 minutes.

I understand the pay-to-play software is much more powerful, but if you want to get those ideas on paper (in 3D no less!) this is a nice way to go.

Have fun

JohnnyB

oh dang! just saw that "guest" already suggested sketch up... GA Guest!

With regard to sketup, if you need dwg or dxf file formats, only 7.1 with an extra piece of software has those file formats as import/export.

The later versions 8.x and later do not support these file formats in the free version.

If anyone needs a copy of 7.1 just send me your private email address via CR4 email and I will send it on....

Andy, I just read your answer about 7.1 sketch-up add on. I'm building a 7kw home generating system on a stream in Vermont USA. The state Fish & Wildlife officials want drawings and after reading today's discussion I think I'll try sketch-up.

Would you send me the 7.1 with add on soft ware? I'm also lookin for used hydro turbines from 1 to 3 cubic feet per second capacity on a 53ft head. Sadly USA has gotten away from small hydro and there are very few used units available.

Thank you

Charlie Hotchkin

chalifouxcharlie@gmail.com

Try this

http://www.sweethome3d.com/SweetHome3DOnline.jsp

far easier to use than sketch up

you can even use a scan as a background

The library includes doors & windows

save to pdf

work on line or off

Hi Sid

This program is a freebie http://www.caligari.com/Store/trueSpace/default.asp?Cate=STtrueSpace and I believe is the Microsoft competitor to Sketchup.

Model Engineers Workshop did an 10 part series on using this, it appears to be quite sophisticated. Their archive subscription is here: http://www.model-engineer.co.uk/editorial/page.asp?p=419

Having used a real engineering CAD program, I found Shetchup quite painful, let me know if this is better.

Tony

Tonymech: cool stuff! I'm self-taught in CAD, so not too proficient... Sketchup fell in my lap, so it was my go-to for quick 'n easy... obviously there are some great freeware programs out there! I wish I had more time to work with this stuff. thanks for sharing!

Be careful of truespace. It has been officially discontinued by MS and is only available while somebody leaves the website up. There is no official support any longer but quite a few users provide lots of info around the web.

It has a very hefty learning curve but once you get past that it's extremely versatile. Also, it is mostly an organic modeler, not an engineering modeler so it's difficult to work to precise measurements in many cases, and is not friendly for providing drawings.

I've used it since version 3.2 but only for modeling. I then move models into Autocad or Inventor for drafting and documentation.

Hooker

Was doublecad suggested? Doublecad XT is just like autocad and it's free. I was actually blown away by how feature rich it was for a free program, and i've tried a few of them.

I want to thank each and every one of you for the CAD links! I'm always looking into alternatives to my IntelliCAD and AutoCAD packages.

Hey I'm an Engineer, not a draftsman, so I need all the help I can get! I haven't done "real" drafting, manual or CAD on a serious tone in over 20 years.....just tooling along with what I have on the PC. hehehehe

Question: Is there any online source for "Solidworks" tutorials? I really want to begin studying the fundamentals and go from there.

Thanks again!

Sorry if this has already been posted, but I like:

http://www.doublecad.com/Products/DoubleCADXT/tabid/1100/Default.aspx

JavaHead

Go Google and type "free 3D CAD" a huge variety of software would be at the tip of your finger.

Google has a freebie on the Chrome apps page. Enter 'cad cam' in the search and it should cough up AppliCad...I have no idea if it's any good. Google did have one of their own but it seems to have disappeared.

You haven't told us exactly what you want to draw or whether you are looking for plain Auto Cad or Architectural Desktop? It doesn't sound like you are highly technical and you only need to do the one drawing. I hate to sound like a dinosaur, lol, but by the time you search out and learn a program, you probably could have hand rendered your drawing the old fashioned way ;). Just a thought.

I thought had it in there, maybe in some other e-mail, but I'm looking to design a Summer cabin (1000-1200 sq ft). I think I'm technical enough - 30 years repairing medical equipment - technical but not structural.

Already I have hand drawn what I want, I'd just like to see if a program (remember that technical stuff?) to assist me with materials lists, more precise drawings... Maybe help me to not forget something.

Trying hard to not be a dinosaur myself.

What about state and local building codes? It is always a hoot to design and build something of one's own making. But, we need to remember that many states and local governments have had to but in codes to protect us from our selfs. I do not know your skill levels, but it sounds like you may be heading into very un-known waters here. I would suggest looking in to pre-engineered builds for your intended use. 1000 - 1200 sq ft is a home not a cabin.

You may want to have a look at http://cr4.globalspec.com/blogentry/14312/What-is-OpenSource-Software

where we had a discussion of various options for OpenSource CAD programs (some of which have already been mentioned in previous responses to your inquiry).

:D

"know a little about construction and nothing about architect/structural design."

Just contract an engineer. There is more to cost than price, if what you are designing is a real thing.

GA from Chris at post #30, but, you will still like to include your input so:-

I just received this Christmas present from Ashampoo:-

Of course they're all one version behind the current versions, so their intension is to get you to upgrade at a later stage, but, if you do it will only cost a few of dollars (just wait for the special offers).

I have a (paid for) version of their office suite, which is tiny but very capable and reasonably compatible and can easily be installed on a thumb drive.

I also have a (paid for) version of Snap 3: a screen capture (including video) and editing suite which is included in the offer.

I really like the way they actually apply engineering skills to developing their software for usability. So the Home Designer package could be worth a try.

The URL linked under the this present in the E-M is:-

http://www.ashampoo.com/uk/gbp/lpa/christmasgift?c=XMAS-2010

It's a German company, but, I notice that UK is included in the URL so I hope this works from wherever you are.