CAD freeware suggestions?

[knarfeng]

Howdy,
I suddenly have a need to do a dimensional drawing (architectural landscape type). I might be able to use PowerPoint, but I'm not sure I can make it show what I really need. (The CAD systems at work are all CATIA V and are WAY out of my league.)

I see there are some free CAD packages out there. Anyone here have any experience with one that you might want to recommend?

Thanks,
Frank

 

[dalee100]

Hi,

Depends on which OS I'm using. And a free CAD program will not be 3D capable. If I'm going to use Linux I use Qcad. But it's not all that intuitive for new users and the Help files aren't always so clear. But it's about the only decent 2D CAD for linux right now.

For windows I've been using DoubleCAD XT. There is a free 2D version and paid version. I'm using the free one. It's kind of AutoCAD like and seems fairly easy for newbies to grasp. I've not dug into the Help files because I've got years of AutoCAD experience. And like I said, it's pretty similar in layout and conventions.

If you need 3D, about the only good free thing going right now is Google's SketchUp, (but it's not really CAD). It's very intuitive for beginners. And there are some very good tutorials on how to use it. Plus it has a very good library pre-fab components.

dalee

 

[dawsonbob]

Plus 1 on Sketchup. I have a couple of dedicated CAD programs and several full scale 3D programs (it's what I do), but as often as not I turn to Sketchup for simple things. It's actually remarkably sophisticated for a free program.

 

[knarfeng]

Thanks, guys. I am a windows user, so I will try doubleCAD XT.

Appreciate the help.