At work we're thinking of putting a new unit down, just want to make sure it all fits and have a play around before we commit to dropping a massive unit somewhere.
Had the site professionally surveyed, cad drawings given, hurrah, etc. Now to have a play with them and see where new unit can go.
I've never used any CAD software before. Boy am I glad about that! So far i've spent an hour struggling to draw a triangle.
I know the size of the unit but in librecad I have to draw the rectangle with the mouse and then you can't change the size of it, unless you no longer want it to be a rectangle and are happy using the precision of a mouse again... Why the bloody hell can't you just type in a box the size you want??
It also seems that half the tools work by selecting the tool, selecting what you want the tool to work on and then naff all happening besides.
I must've missed something, why would you force users to get the exact size on first attempt with a mouse in the exact location? I can't even rotate the bloody thing!
Comments
I wonder if it's related to Alibre, the worst CAD package I've ever used. In that you had to draw the primitive shape (eg a generic rectangle), then apply a dimension to the shape, then adjust the dimension.
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself
So I went for the suggested free route... Mistake!
Does anyone have good recommendations? It's for floorplans and making sure stuff fits (will eventually measure inside and do all that too). Free or 'pay once and that's it lad' is what i'm after - I can give quotes to the gaffer from there.
Cut out shapes.
Play.
Edit: just had a glance at the manual.
Draw rectangle, choose modify on menu, left click on a line, set start and end co-ordinates.
Otherwise Sketchup.
It is an autocad clone that does Dwgs.
Easier to get help with.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/4027344/windows-10-get-microsoft-paint
That is exactly what I want, on a computer with a built in measuring stick so I know far far apart things are.
There's a reason AutoCAD is the industry standard, just a shame it's so flippin expensive!
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I suppose it all depends on what you're going to be using all for. If it's just floor plans then CorelDraw would be fine but if you need construction drawings for builders and specifiers then get something that is at least vaguely industry standard CAD.
Ability to share files is one. Once a few people are using it, and somebody else wants the data in electronic form (and not a neutered DXF), they need ACAD as well. It's something that Dassault Systemes are pretty good at with SolidWorks, a strategy which is enhanced by the fact that new versions can't save in previous version formats, meaning everybody has to upgrade every year to be able to work with native SW format files from others (or suffer the 3D equivalent of DXF in STEP or IGES formats).
Another is the installed skill base - people being able to use it in the first place. Autodesk have always been a bit ambivalent about people having flakey copies of ACAD, knowing that using it early in their careers will develop the skills to use it, and thus create a demand for employers to provide it. As noted above regarding Fusion 360, they actively encourage freebie use by amateurs.
Anyway, 2D ACAD and the freebie Draftsight clone are fine for construction stuff and things like floorplans. A bit limited for engineering now, what with the plethora of powerful 3D apps that do it so much better.
Nomad
Nobody loves me but my mother... and she could be jivin' too...
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself