Affordable CAD programs for designing pole barn?

[MushCreek]

I use Sketch-Up. It's free.

 

[97tj-neil]

I used sketchup for my pole barn design as well. It's very easy to learn, but a little light on features if you are familiar with full featured 3D CAD like Creo or Solidworks. It also is useless if you need drawings (unless there is a plug-in I am unfamiliar with).

If you want a good free 2D CAD package will full detailing, DoubleCAD XT is basiclly a nearly full-featured free version of AutoCAD.

 

[mike758]

For some reason my description on this post didn’t get loaded, but my experience is with solidworks, but for $4,000 it’s not even close to being worth it for me. I was thinking of sketchup, but if I can’t print plans that kind of defeats the purpose because I need plans for permits. The township inspector said that hand drawn plans are OK, so I might try the Double CAD XT since my hand drawings would be 2D anyway

 

[MushCreek]

I printed plans from SketchUp. You can also export the file into a different format, and then print it. I printed all of my plans for my house, as the building department didn't have a provision to use digital plans. Luckily, they didn't want much.

 

[ktm-don]

I've been learning Autodesk Fusion 360. It's very powerful, full 3d with parametric features. Full CAD power, free for hobbyist and startup users. So far I'm impressed, but it does take some work to get used to thinking 3D. Tons of helpful videos, sample parts, and tutorials on line. It can interchange files with other programs, can be used for 3D printing, machining, etc.

I tried a couple other programs, but Fusion has the resources of Autodesk behind it, so it's going to be well supported. And, you can directly import models of items in the McMaster Carr catalog directly into your drawing. I just tried it with some casters, pretty cool!

 

[Git]

Anyone can get a 'student' license for Solidworks by joining the Experimental Aircraft Association for $40 a year

https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/eaa-memb...urce-center/download-solidworks-software-form


If you're a Veteran, you can get the student license for $20
https://store.solidworks.com/veteran/default.php

There are some limitations to a student license - I believe any drawings are stamped with a watermark - but if hand-drawn drawings are acceptable, it may work. You can also get a 30 day trial for free

 

[TheLurker]

I used SketchUp for my detached garage as well. No issues.

 

[Innovate1]

I use Fusion360 for 3d parts for CNC machining. It's great for that but it doesn't have a way to easily print. For 2D stuff I have used DraftSight a bit. Seems pretty good and can read Autocad files. Both are free with a few limitations on allowed use.