CAD Software?

[gmwilkes]

If anyone here has designed their own garage using a cad program, what program did you guys use? I'm looking for something FREE! I'm not able to drop $1,000 on a good program. But I have heard that AutoCAD has a student version that is free to use but will have a watermark on any printed versions (no big deal as I would have to have an architect finalize any designs anyways?). At this point I'm just wanting to make some quick ideas for a future garage. I want a program that I'm able to put dimensions on and have a floor plan of the garage, and a 3D rendering is always nice too.

So, I'm going to do some more investigating into the AutoCAD student version and some others. Another one I found is linked below http://www.accasoftware.com/en/id4/edificius/index.html

Any other ideas that anyone can provide will be appreciated...

 

[jwvess00]

Hi there!

What about Sketchup? Sketchup-make is free. The Pro version is licensed.

http://www.sketchup.com/products/sketchup-make

 

[1956 F100]

Alibre has free download. It is 3D design software.

 

[gmwilkes]

I'm really liking the software I linked the more I read up on it. I have sketch up already and haven't really taken the time to see if it will do floor plans with the walls and windows etc. I'll look at the other one mentioned and see what it has to offer.

Also, does sketch up let you draw to specific lengths? Like if I need a wall 28 feet is there a way to specify the length so it's not just a "good enough" visual?


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[socapots]

I think it can. Saw a Co worker using it for some deck designs. Had in it I believe.

 

[gm54210]

Also, does sketch up let you draw to specific lengths? Like if I need a wall 28 feet is there a way to specify the length so it's not just a "good enough" visual?

Yes, you can build to specific dimensions. There is also the 3D warehouse link that has pre-built window/doors tools etc. to speed things along.

Here's a quick look at my basement shop. I did multiple arrangements to see how things fit and how the workflow would develop. The dimensions of the space had to be exact because I have 10lbs in a 5lbs bag.

Part of the beauty of the program is you can add as much or little detail as needed. Oh, and learn how to use "groups" and "components". Creating components will allow you to build an item once, copy it to multiple locations - but most important - if you change the one, they all change. Example: you built your walls with 2x4 components, then you find out the code requires 2x6 studs. Make the dimensional change to one, they all change. Another tip - make use of the "camera - standard views" front back right side top etc. as you are beginning to draw. Otherwise you'll get frustrated when things look good in one view and like a Picasso in another.

The learning curve isn't too steep, but once you get the hang of it, it's a great tool. This coming from a long term AutoCAD user circa 1985 (which also has a steep learning curve). Good luck and ask many questions!

 

[gmwilkes]

Thanks! My initial intention is to design a few different garages based on what I want and see what they may look like finished. I'll gives sketchup a try and see how it goes. I used autocad in high school for designing houses and loved it, so I hope I can make this work lol.


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[Riverside]

I have been using Rhino for 18 years (and I'm still learning). It was a free download when I started. It's not cheap now! If I were starting today, I'd look into Sketchup.

 

[gmwilkes]

Well I downloaded the one I linked and it's not bad so far. Only thing is that I have not figured out if or how I can put cabinets etc in. So far so good. Well see what happens as I go. I will be playing around with sketchup some more as well.


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[thundermug]

Riverside - Rhino is great. I learned it in grad school and used the Maxwell Render plugin. I'm currently looking for an inexpensive (<$250) modeling program that can do what Rhino does. Right now I'm trying out Maya (Autodesk), Cheetah 3D, and Blender. None of the interfaces are nearly as intuitive as Rhino. I don't want a 3D animation program, but it's hard to get away from that.

Made this in Rhino / Maxwell in 2010. A quick, grainy render.
https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/10152599_683798595792_271022959_n.jpg

Made this in Cheetah 3D yesterday. The default materials kind of ****, and there is no fillet tool to speak of.
https://scontent-a-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10003915_683612917892_91465603_n.jpg

 

[Dz_speed]

It is hard to beat Sketchup when it comes to free CAD sofware. I primarily use Solidworks for sheet metal and weldments.

 

[colbiwon]

The people who make Solid Works, pretty much the standard most places for 3D cad, also make a 2D cad program called Draft Sight.

It is free and if you have ever used Autocad you can start using it right away. It is basically identical to Autocad LT, except for the pricetag. I have been using Autocad LT since the 99' version and I started using Draft sight about 6 months ago. I was able to set it up exactly the way I set up LT and start using it right away.

It is also 100% compatible with Autocad.

 

[boiler7904]

I've got DraftSight and Sketchup. Sketchup for pretty pictures to help my wife understand big picture. DraftSight is nearly identical to AutoCAD and is great for putting together final details of my house projects. Use it every once in a while at work too. Both are free.

 

[gmwilkes]

I also have draftsight, found that one after the other one. Downloaded it as well, gonna play around on them and see which one I like the best...

 

[jmarkwolf]

I've been using AutoCAD since the late 80's and use it frequently. Unless you have some sort of add-on software it won't be very convenient for drawing buildings and room layouts, etc. You'd have to create every cabinet and window and nuance from scratch.

Looks like Sketchup is pretty good in that regard, particularly for free.

I may download it and spend some time with it.

 

[KELLHAMMER]

I use AutoCAD Lt and Sketchup every day. Acad is a lot like hand drafting just in the computer. Once you create a library of drawings, things go real fast. I use Sketchup because is great tool for doing quick 3d views. It has a tremendous capabilities that rivals the most expensive programs, which I have yet to get to that level. All programs require some investment in your time to become proficient.
DoubleCad XT is another AutoCAD LT clone that is free.

 

[gmwilkes]

Started playing with sketchup some more tonight and I like it for 3d drawing. Did figure out I can build to specific dimensions, so I was glad I figured that out. Just going to take some more time to be drawing professional looking buildings.


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[nolimits76]

I've used AutoCAD for 20+ years. Started back on release 10 or so, when it was DOS based. Having the experience, I love it. And it feels easy to me. For instance, L for line or O for offset or T for trim, etc. Other CAD programs don't seem as intuitive to me.

However, unless you build your library/blocks or download and import them, you can spend time configuring the small details.

Also, I've used Sketchup. I hated it at first, but there is a way to be precise. It gives a great visual reference for those that have a hard time seeing the design. I still prefer a 2D view with dimensions, unless it's an extremely complicated object.

I have a Windows version of ACAD LT on my work computer. I have the student full version on my Macbook. It's true about the education stamps, but if you export out as a DXF and import into a non-educational product from DXF you can bypass the stamps. Found that by mistake when transferring files between home & work.

Thanks for the tip on DraftSight. I want to check it out. Hope they have a Mac version, but if necessary I can run Parallels and run Windows on my Mac desktop. It will just be slower I suspect.

 

[nolimits76]

I might note the advantage to using ACAD or SolidWorks is the ability to collaborate and share files with other like professionals. Obviously not every firm uses these products, but a large majority does at least in the larger commercial business world. For home use, it probably doesn't matter much unless you plan on giving your electronic files to your architect/engineer.

There are ways around it obviously with the DXF format -- the universal export/import file for ACAD files.

 

[nolimits76]

One last post and I'll leave it alone.

Looks like DraftSight has a Windows, Mac and Linux version. Uber cool for those that aren't wired into a Windows PC. For a long time ACAD was Windows only. Just a few years ago it came back to the Mac platform.

Anyhow, the Mac version of DraftSight is technically a beta. I've only spent about 15 minutes with it, but install is a breeze. It seems stable and loads fast (much faster than ACAD). Layout and tool menus are comparable to ACAD, maybe a little more clear on first glance. Keyboard short cuts are the same for the few I tested.

I need more time to form a final opinion, but my first mile high view is this is probably the best alternative to ACAD that I've personally seen.

 

[twertsy]

Started playing with sketchup some more tonight and I like it for 3d drawing. Did figure out I can build to specific dimensions, so I was glad I figured that out. Just going to take some more time to be drawing professional looking buildings.


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Watch the tutorials!! They are very well done and will show you how to do pretty much everything you'll need to design a garage...

Sketchup Tutorials

 

[KELLHAMMER]

User base is another thing to that should be mentioned. Some programs have a small user base that make learning tougher. Acad has a huge user base. Sketchup is getting bigger every year. I've tried learning Softplan and Vectorworks. Softplan has a decent forum but it seems there are limited resources for learning and customizing. Vectorworks it's seems like there is very few who use it that are any good with it. For individual users it's a tough program to pickup.
AutoCAD Lt can't really be customized, but for me that's because it works well right out of the box.
Sketchup again has really amazing capabilities. For a program that only $500 for the pro version, it does a lot and can be customized. Google "sketchup construction drawings" and you'll see what I am talking about.

 

[gmwilkes]

Cool thanks. I'll see what I can learn over the next couple of days.


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[ADCS]

Am I the only one that finds SketchUp to be completely backwards? I use SolidWorks daily and have also used all the other big name CAD programs (Catia, Inventor, SolidEdge, UG, etc.) but I find SketchUp incredibly difficult to use. Luckily I have a home license for SolidWorks through my work otherwise I stick to draftsight for simpler stuff.

 

[twertsy]

Am I the only one that finds SketchUp to be completely backwards? I use SolidWorks daily and have also used all the other big name CAD programs (Catia, Inventor, SolidEdge, UG, etc.) but I find SketchUp incredibly difficult to use. Luckily I have a home license for SolidWorks through my work otherwise I stick to draftsight for simpler stuff.

I guess it depends on your experience level. I'm a complete noob in the CAD realm. I find Sketchup pretty simple and logical actually.

 

[lonestarky]

I agree with you ADCS, I can't use it. Its so goofy and cumbersome. I installed it, and tried to use it, but when you know how to use a 3D parametric modeler like catia, inventor, solidworks, etc, SketchUp is just not intuitive.

Now, if I could only get a solidworks home license...

 

[StingRay]

Wow you find Catia intuitive? Solidowrks and Inventor yes I find them intuitive. I've worked in Catia V5 since R14. It's an incredibly powerful program but intuitive is the farthest thing from what I'd call it LOL. I find Solidworks the easiest program to step into and Inventor I find not too bad. Any time I've played with SketchUp I stop and go back to something I already know.

For 2D Draftsight and Progecad are both AutoCAD knock offs and both are free. Progecad will not work in the most recent DWG and DXF file formats in the free version though. Draftsight is pretty much up to date.

I agree with you ADCS, I can't use it. Its so goofy and cumbersome. I installed it, and tried to use it, but when you know how to use a 3D parametric modeler like catia, inventor, solidworks, etc, SketchUp is just not intuitive.

Now, if I could only get a solidworks home license...