Large Scale Central

Free CAD Package

General Discussion
#1

I received today an email at my office from Dassault Systems (makers of Solid Works) advertising their new free 2D CAD package. I downloaded and installed a copy. For lack of a better description, this is an AutoCAD clone. I have not done any extensive testing yet, but preliminary poking around revealed commands I would not have thought to be the same, are.

Anyone interested in a moderately advanced, yet easy to learn drafting package should give this package a try. If nothing else, it will take the guess work out of laying out a track plan in the garden.

Edit: It would help if I included the URL http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight#vid1

Bob C.

#2

That’s beautiful. Just like AutoCad LT that I currently use with some nice additions. Thanks for the info. I just wish they had it for the Mac.

Rick

#3

It may not even be out yet but Autocad now has Mac version. I haven’t looked for it, just heard it on a Mac program.

#4

I love Autocad and use it at work on the PC, but at home I have the Mac. I just can’t justify the $$$$ for home use. Still looking for a good cheap alternative that reads dwg for the Mac.

#5

Thanks I’ll give it a try.

#6

Bob,

Thanks for the info. I went to their website via the link you posted. But I was unable to download the free software you mentioned and that is offered on the website. Anyone else have the same problem?

Walt

#7

Walt,
I had no problem downloading the software a few minutes ago.
Ralph

#8

We just upgraded to Autocad Civil 3d 2011 at work. I have been a drafter for almost 30 years and learn something every day about the program. It is almost impossible to know every command in a Autocad program. You just learn to be proficient at the ones you use consistently. I use my cad to draw up all my buildings I scratchbuild.
Ron

#9
Rick Hill said:
I love Autocad and use it at work on the PC, but at home I have the Mac. I just can't justify the $$$$ for home use. Still looking for a good cheap alternative that reads dwg for the Mac.
Rick:

You didn’t say whether you are looking for a 2D or 3D solution, but for 2D, take a look at Microspot’s MacDraft. Current version is MacDraft Pro v6.0. See:

http://www.microspot.co.uk/products/macdraft/index.htm

Scroll down the page for a discussion of Autocad compatibility and dealing with .dwg & .dxf files.

I’ve used MacDraft for nearly 25 years. It’s not free, but has much friendlier pricing than the higher level CAD programs.

I still use MacDraft as my primary design tool, even when working with clients and draftsmen in a 3D environment such as SolidWorks or Autocad.

Just too easy to make 2D sketches, then let a 3D operator make the parts look like reality, with all the holes lined up!!

Happy RRing,

Jerry

#10

Sorry about that chief. I do strictly 2d in AutoCAD LT. Thanks for the link Jerry. I’ll look into it.

Rick

#11

Rick,

It is posted on the web site that versions for both the Mac and Linux platforms are coming in the near future. As I usually get the ‘heads up’ email from our VAR, I will post again if I see the Mac version has been released in any version.

I am awaiting the release of the Linux version for home, I would love to bid Microsoft a fond Adios! CAD software is the only software I am waiting on to go totally Linux.

Bob C.

#12

Thanks Bob, I’d appreciate that. I’ve been looking a couple other alternatives like QCAD. For the little I would be using it, I just hate to spend the big bucks for home use.

Rick