CAD for Architecture

SuperHero

SuperHero

500+ Posts
Can anyone recommend a basic CAD program for home design? I have an old version of Microstation from college, but it doesn't work on XP, and I'm looking for something that I can just play around with. Preferably something with pre-drawn symbols and textures so I don't have to recreate the wheel every time. Thanks.
 
It'd be nice to render, but my CAD skills are so lacking that I'd probably just end up doing plans and elevations. I'm just one of those perfectionists, and don't like anything I draw by hand.

So what/where is Canal Street?
 
Well, I suppose the next question is how much are you willing to spend?

Canal Street is here in NYC. You can buy anything and everything bootlegged there. Even software. Not that I'm saying I have but I'm just saying.

You can go here: AutoCAD LT (Light) 2005 Free Trial CD


After the trial period though, it's going to cost $$. From that same page you can locate a "re-seller".

I'm sure Bentley has the same deal for Microstation.

Well, well...according to Amazon, you can get QuickCAD by Autodesk, the same guys who make AutoCAD for $49.99.

Here:QuickCAD 8.0 for $45

I've never used that program but if you want something cheap and basic, I'm sure that will work.
 
Are you going to be designing your own house? What are you using the software for? In defense of my profession, I would certainly contact a professional if you are planning on designing/building something substantial. Just my two cents.
 
Isnt form Z the good rendering program. Architectural Destop for AutoCad would be ideal as far as interior and exterior design goes. But he stuff aint cheap.
 
Don't worry, I'm not about to design my own house. Just want to put some ideas in electronic format / paper so in the future when I'm talking to an architect about my house, he/she won't be guessing what I want.

How's the job search going BOO?
 
7: Form Z has it's proponents. I'm not one of them. I prefer 3D Studio VIZ. Now that it's been bundled by AutoDesk with Lightscape and other programs, VIZ 4 is probably the most comprehensive, but I'm not a professional renderer.

Super: Thanks for asking. Not bad really. I may get an offer sooner than I actually want. I like being "off".
 
BurntOrange

Come to think of it your right, my wife does like 3D studio better, I dont know either much. I use ACAD quite a bit though. The yearly update thing that autodesk is going to with ACAD is really pissing off the owners of the small firm I work for.
 
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