Design program?

[kevost]

Hey guys,

Not much of a first post, but I come here often to drool at your buildings. Amazing and i've got some great ideas if I ever get the chance to build. My next home purchase I hope to have a shop already there because the one I want to build will probably break me.

Anyway I was wondering if there is a free program out there that I can layout my plans I have in my head to paper? I downloaded google sketchup but couldn't get the hang of it. I want something simple.

Keep at it fellas.

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[Jason641]

http://www.cbstructuresinc.com/layout-planner/

 

[psp]

draftsight.com

FREE 2d CAD program, very similar to AutoCAD

some people use google sketch-up 3d modeling but Im not really a fan.

 

[kevost]

Hey Guys thanks. Just what I was looking for!

 

[A**holes Garage]

is Google Sketchup still a freebie?

 

[robertwhite]

http://www.cbstructuresinc.com/layout-planner/

Anyone know how to alter the standard dimensions in this program?

Example: I put a "garage door" at the end of my building. The program default makes the door 8ft long. I need to make the door 12ft long.

Same would go for workbenches, cabinets, etc.

It is probably simple, but I can't figure it out.

 

[NitroPress]

If SketchUp was too hard to master, I can't think of many simpler tools that are much use. Visio and TurboCAD can be had cheaply and are quite powerful, but can be steep to learn. It's just a world where you can have simple, or you can have useful, but it's very hard to find something that's both.

 

[robertwhite]

If SketchUp was too hard to master, I can't think of many simpler tools that are much use. Visio and TurboCAD can be had cheaply and are quite powerful, but can be steep to learn. It's just a world where you can have simple, or you can have useful, but it's very hard to find something that's both.

I sure hope that condescending babble wasn't meant for me. I didn't use sketchup and not all people have IT backrounds. In any event, even if the post was aimed at another poster, this site doesn't need arrogance, especially from a newbie.

 

[NitroPress]

I sure hope that condescending babble wasn't meant for me.

Sorry, Robert, not in the least. If I'd been addressing your comments I would have quoted them. I was referring back to the OP and the subsequent posts trying to direct him to a solution.

I don't think I was being condescending in that context. As you apparently know, there isn't any easy path to making mechanical/building drawings with software tools. Either they're too simple to do much beyond drawing geometric figures and line charts and the like, or they require some grind and dedication to master well enough to command. The Iron Man-like systems where you can just wave your hands and have complex drawings appear just don't exist... yet.

Apologies if you took my comments any other way.

 

[dirttracker18]

Easy there Rob, I have reread Nitros post a few times and it does not seem condescending to me.
I really don't think it was meant that way.

Edit: He beat me to it

 

[Steevo]

Anyone know how to alter the standard dimensions in this program?

Example: I put a "garage door" at the end of my building. The program default makes the door 8ft long. I need to make the door 12ft long.

Same would go for workbenches, cabinets, etc.

It is probably simple, but I can't figure it out.

If you click on an item, the info box pops up that contains the HxWxD data. You simply edit it.

 

[mikey535im]

Anyone know how to alter the standard dimensions in this program?

Example: I put a "garage door" at the end of my building. The program default makes the door 8ft long. I need to make the door 12ft long.

Same would go for workbenches, cabinets, etc.

It is probably simple, but I can't figure it out.

Click on the door once installed in your building and that creates a pop up with measurements......hi-light and change the measurement to your needs.

M!ke

 

[robertwhite]

Sorry, Robert, not in the least. If I'd been addressing your comments I would have quoted them. I was referring back to the OP and the subsequent posts trying to direct him to a solution.

I don't think I was being condescending in that context. As you apparently know, there isn't any easy path to making mechanical/building drawings with software tools. Either they're too simple to do much beyond drawing geometric figures and line charts and the like, or they require some grind and dedication to master well enough to command. The Iron Man-like systems where you can just wave your hands and have complex drawings appear just don't exist... yet.

Apologies if you took my comments any other way.

Ok, thanks. Guess I just took it the wrong way. My apologies.

 

[robertwhite]

If you click on an item, the info box pops up that contains the HxWxD data. You simply edit it.

It wasn't working for me. Maybe if I clear my cookies and try again?

 

[kevost]

I'm sure if I took my time I could get the hang of sketch up I just didn't need anything that complex. The first link posted http://www.cbstructuresinc.com/layout-planner/ was exactly what I was looking for. Just something where I could layout my building plans and it worked out great. I'll see if I can share my drawing on here later and you guys can let me know what you think.