Small Project Design

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  • 1.  Inexpensive CAD Alternatives

    Posted 05-11-2012 01:05 PM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Technology in Architectural Practice and Small Project Practitioners .
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    This is a variation on the 'Vectorworks or ArchiCAD' discussion from February. I am investigating inexpensive CAD alternatives to AutoCAD.

    Has anyone used the IntelliCAD program? It claims full dwg compatibility and lists for around $200 (+/- depending on version).

    The DataCAD LT version is available for around $300. The forum comments have been positive regarding DataCAD, but does anyone have experience specifically with the LT version?

    (It appears that Vectorworks Architect retails for approximately $2400, DataCAD for $1300, ArrisCAD for $1000, and DoubleCAD XT Pro for $700. For reference, AutoCAD LT is about $1200.)

    I have a colleague who requested a recommendation for a truly inexpensive CAD program. He does not need any BIM functionality. He is more concerned with simple 2D drafting and compatibility with the dwg format for file hand-off when necessary.

    Does anyone have experience or comments regarding the IntelliCAD program or the DataCAD LT version? Thanks!

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    Ronald Fergle AIA, LEED AP
    Solart, Inc.
    Minneapolis MN
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  • 2.  RE:Inexpensive CAD Alternatives

    Posted 05-14-2012 07:49 AM

    How does free sound?  Try DraftSight.  Dessault systems, makers of SolidWorks, are giving this away. I have used it and it seems comparable to AutoCAD LT.
    Dessault seems to be entering the architectural and engineering software market, after discovering that architects are using solidworks to design buildings. They are also coming out with a new product called 'live buildings' pretty soon, that appears to be like sketchup, but amplified.
    http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/download-draftsight/
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    Paul Brown AIA
    Paul Spencer Brown, Architects
    Needham MA
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  • 3.  RE:Inexpensive CAD Alternatives

    Posted 05-15-2012 11:33 AM
    Free is good-  Paul thanks for the link - I just bought an 21" IMAC for home and downloaded the  OSX version this morning.  Not a big cad person but need the ability to do some drafting at home.

    I like that  fact that support for the Mac is there from the begining.

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    David DeFilippo AIA
    Tsoi/Kobus Associates; Cambridge, MA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE:Inexpensive CAD Alternatives

    Posted 05-14-2012 08:13 AM
    If its just basic CAD check out DraftSight by Dassault Systems. They have a free version.

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    Thad Broom AIA
    Architect
    Thad A. Broom AIA, P.C.
    Virginia Beach VA
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  • 5.  RE:Inexpensive CAD Alternatives

    Posted 05-14-2012 01:21 PM
    "draftsight" is an open source (i.e. free) 2d drafting software which works in .dwg format.
    its set up and functionality are similar/comparable to "autocad lt".

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    Stanley Tang AIA
    BLT Architects
    Philadelphia PA
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  • 6.  RE:Inexpensive CAD Alternatives

    Posted 05-17-2012 01:37 PM

    I've chimed in before on DraftSight; I really like the fact that it is available for PC and Linux and Mac platforms.  For those accustomed to working with AutoCAD, it's a nearly identical interface, so it's very easy to jump in and start using it.

    However, although Dassault Systemes is giving away the program for free, I don't believe that the source code is available, so it's not "open source."  But it is free software, which makes it very easy to try out and decide whether or not it's for you.

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    Philip Proefrock AIA
    member
    p s proefrock architecture llc
    Ann Arbor MI

    Original Message