Free Drafting Program wanted
- Thread starter southpier
- Start date
jmiller_2308
Well-known member
I like sketchup but it is unfortunate that they no longer offer a free program to download to your computer. If you want it for free you need to use the web based version which works fine but seems to be a lot more of a hassle to me.
Keep in mind that whatever program you use you will likely have some ramp up time learning how to use it.
Keep in mind that whatever program you use you will likely have some ramp up time learning how to use it.
cvairwerks
Well-known member
What OS are you running? There are a multitude of free CAD type programs out there, but not all will run on every OS.
Innovate1
Well-known member
I use LibreCAD for my 2d stuff. Free, open source for Linux, macOS or windows.
chad215
Well-known member
I use sketchup make. I wasn't aware you couldn't download it any longer. It can be very powerful once you learn it well.
This is my favorite:
nanocad.com
If you've ever run AutoCAD, there won't be much of a learning curve - the two softwares are very similar.
Download nanoCAD Free – Professional 2D/3D CAD Software at No Cost
Download nanoCAD Free, a professional-grade CAD software offering comprehensive 2D and 3D design tools with native DWG support. Ideal for engineers and designers seeking a free, reliable solution for creating and editing technical drawings.
If you've ever run AutoCAD, there won't be much of a learning curve - the two softwares are very similar.
This is my favorite:
Download nanoCAD Free – Professional 2D/3D CAD Software at No Cost
Download nanoCAD Free, a professional-grade CAD software offering comprehensive 2D and 3D design tools with native DWG support. Ideal for engineers and designers seeking a free, reliable solution for creating and editing technical drawings.
If you've ever run AutoCAD, there won't be much of a learning curve - the two softwares are very similar.
I use the same. It's a bit like working with an old version of autocad. Perfect for home use.
Really wish autodesk would provide a solution for home users at a reasonable price. 2k a year is a level above bonkers for home use.
Low Definition
Well-known member
I still use the old version of sketchup named SketchUp Make 2017. It appears that it is still available as a download from the internet archive: https://archive.org/details/sketchupmake-2017-2-2555-90782-en-x64
LeeG
Well-known member
I know the OP didn’t want anything 3D, but Fusion 360 is available free for hobby use with a few restrictions.
Innovate1
Well-known member
Fusion360 is great but is overkill for basic 2d stuff. It's more of a modeling program than a drawing program.
ArcReactorKC
Well-known member
I use sketchup because I apparently can't learn another cad program to save my life.
If you are looking for 2D drafting Sketchup is not what you want.
If you are looking for 2D drafting Sketchup is not what you want.
steel 35
Well-known member
Solid edge
BearsFan315
Well-known member
AutoCAD guy here, and used to use free software at home (Draftsight) then they went to paid use. seems like most everyone hooks you and gets you in then wants $$, not many free ones out there anymore. especially simple 2d drawing. Looks like there are a few good suggestions.
vavet
Well-known member
I've used Sketchup. It's free and easy, but not terribly powerful when you get into small dimensions.
It's fine if you're trying to lay out where you toolbox, cars, and stationary power tools will go in your garage.
It's not OK if you're trying to design a 3D print with a sliding dovetail fit.
I have access to Solidworks through work and I can use it at home if I take my work laptop home.
Solidworks is pricey....but...they offer a deal for hobbyists. I think it's like $99/year. It's not necessarily intuitive, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy.
If I was using it once a week, I wouldn't think twice about the $99/year. If I'm using it once, then that's a much bigger concern.
If you just have a single project you need help with, DM me the details and I can probably help. Plenty of other people can too. I'm no expert. There are plenty of people within 20 feet of my desk who can put my Solidworks skills to shame, but I can handle the basics.
It's fine if you're trying to lay out where you toolbox, cars, and stationary power tools will go in your garage.
It's not OK if you're trying to design a 3D print with a sliding dovetail fit.
I have access to Solidworks through work and I can use it at home if I take my work laptop home.
Solidworks is pricey....but...they offer a deal for hobbyists. I think it's like $99/year. It's not necessarily intuitive, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy.
If I was using it once a week, I wouldn't think twice about the $99/year. If I'm using it once, then that's a much bigger concern.
If you just have a single project you need help with, DM me the details and I can probably help. Plenty of other people can too. I'm no expert. There are plenty of people within 20 feet of my desk who can put my Solidworks skills to shame, but I can handle the basics.
ArcReactorKC
Well-known member
I strongly disagree, I make extremely complicated models with very tight tolerances using sketchup daily.
vavet
Well-known member
Maybe there's a setting to increase precision that I could not find. If you use it that frequently, you're certainly more proficient than I ever was and I will humbly retract my previous assertion.
ArcReactorKC
Well-known member
I have many many years of sketchup experience which at this point is hindering my movement to a better platform.
There is a 3d printing template available on the start splash which should default to a more precise preset.
Mainiac Mat
Well-known member
If you can get your hands on the install CD for an old version of AutoCAD you should be able to install it. AutoDesk doesn't support perpetual licenses any more, so when the software launches and it goes to their web site to activate, it should do so without any fuss.
RoninB4
Well-known member
OP should really define size/scope of project. Even a simple project gets redefined more often than anyone wants to admit. What others have posted about "free" (offers the bait) only to become a paid subscription after you've become comfortable with it (setting the hook) must be aggravating, plenty of people on another board have felt the sting. Free software can also be very limiting in what it will do, that's why there are different tiers of the same program, inexpensive basic programs that leave you wishing for greater capability ("We have a professional package available sir"). Even the educational level programs have limits, some won't allow you to save the file or a large watermark will be splashed across any drawing you attempt to print.
When taking AutoCad classes, Dr. Ward called it an electronic pencil. Looking back, I don't find "2D only" to be that great of a designing tool. It can make a file for ongoing use, have a UDF library (can be created by any of the CAD programs) and allows a visual representation of an ongoing layout but if you're going to use it for more than one project or the project changes over time (additions, drawings for contractors, approval by governing body, etc.) I might suggest a budget in the $200 range to get better software.
Not advocating this but I purchased a seat of SolidWorks back in 2014, expecting to use it for commercial purposes. I have used this program for more projects around the house/garage than I care to count. I've used it for everything from widgets, tooling, vehicle repair/modifications, to full home remodeling projects. Even just the bill of materials (BOM) on a drawing file cuts down on the number of trips I have to make for building materials. If you regard it as just another tool then the money spent for a better tool seems trivial the more often it's used. JMO/JME.
When taking AutoCad classes, Dr. Ward called it an electronic pencil. Looking back, I don't find "2D only" to be that great of a designing tool. It can make a file for ongoing use, have a UDF library (can be created by any of the CAD programs) and allows a visual representation of an ongoing layout but if you're going to use it for more than one project or the project changes over time (additions, drawings for contractors, approval by governing body, etc.) I might suggest a budget in the $200 range to get better software.
Not advocating this but I purchased a seat of SolidWorks back in 2014, expecting to use it for commercial purposes. I have used this program for more projects around the house/garage than I care to count. I've used it for everything from widgets, tooling, vehicle repair/modifications, to full home remodeling projects. Even just the bill of materials (BOM) on a drawing file cuts down on the number of trips I have to make for building materials. If you regard it as just another tool then the money spent for a better tool seems trivial the more often it's used. JMO/JME.
RoninB4
Well-known member
-It shouldn't be too difficult to mount the learning curve to a better platform if you have years of experience. I encourage you to add to your skill set. Learning parametric 3D opened a lot of doors for me for the last 23 years. I was 45 when I started and I was just a machine shop donk. If I could learn it then I feel anyone can.
kaymccampbell
Well-known member
I use FreeCAD on Ubuntu for 2 and 3-D work.
tool_scrounge
Well-known member
98% of the time I use Solid Works. But sometimes I need to make a simple drawing or print life sized drill pattern templates. For that 2D work I use DeltaCAD ($20), it is really easy to learn and has dimensioning, etc. Sadly I see it is now discontinued.
speed bump
Well-known member
Our plasma table came with a copy of Qcad, in my limited use so far it's decent for basic 2d cad.
BearsFan315
Well-known member
almost 30 years on Autodesk... from AutoCAD 12c2 to the most recent version. got all my Autodesk Certifications as well. started off doing customer drawings and layouts and then onto design, and into R&D !! in 2010 we transitioned into 3d and jumped into Inventor. we were doing 90% 2d and about 10% 3d. Then recently we transitioned that all new Products we do from day 1 are in 3d. truly fun to develop a new product from scratch and lay out everything. now we are 90%3d and 10% 2d. to make things even more fun about 3 years ago they (corporate) decided we were going to transition from Autodesk to DS Solidworks. which was fine for me as over the last 5 years in R&D working on projects and the company buying out smaller companies, i had Autodesk, Solidworks, ProE/Creo, and Siemens NX on my machine. along with Windchill PTC which was our document control, which i was in charge of and had to train everyone on. lot of work managing various CAD software's in a shared system, let alone trying to educate users how to use them :!:
best part of my job was that when we switched to SoliWorks i got to travel to get training on solidworks, so i would spend a week every other month at the training center. got to learn a lot and all the ins and outs of the software.
i spent months with each major player, evaluating their software and capabilites, mainly for 3d design. i sat with each company and presented them with a problem (component) and had them design it in 3d. then we went step by step on how why they did it a certain way, some did it multiple ways. i was very impressed with Creo team, they were top notch. really surprised we as a company did not go that route. we are doing complex compound designs for hydraulics !! impeller vanes, hydraulic volutes, etc... intense critical stuff.
needless to say i have used most of the professional 2d & 3d softwares out there. for 2d still partial to AutoCAD and realize that many of the freebies and newbies copy its layout and style, cant blame em.
best part of my job was that when we switched to SoliWorks i got to travel to get training on solidworks, so i would spend a week every other month at the training center. got to learn a lot and all the ins and outs of the software.
i spent months with each major player, evaluating their software and capabilites, mainly for 3d design. i sat with each company and presented them with a problem (component) and had them design it in 3d. then we went step by step on how why they did it a certain way, some did it multiple ways. i was very impressed with Creo team, they were top notch. really surprised we as a company did not go that route. we are doing complex compound designs for hydraulics !! impeller vanes, hydraulic volutes, etc... intense critical stuff.
needless to say i have used most of the professional 2d & 3d softwares out there. for 2d still partial to AutoCAD and realize that many of the freebies and newbies copy its layout and style, cant blame em.
cvairwerks
Well-known member
Looks like OP abandoned his own thread....
AffableCurmudgeon
Well-known member
I like FreeCAD for both 2D and 3D.