CAD software (autocad still the best)

[trevor0323]

Hi guys,

I am looking into learning more about cad software. I enjoying designing houses and such and am looking for a program to do this that also has good tutorials. It would be nice as well to use a program that is actually used in jobs today. I currently have Ashampoo but I don't think it is that great and not used much in the industry. I used to have autocad but have not used it for a couple years.

 

[lxskllr]

I can't help you with the tutorials, but Autocad's the standard. It's expensive as hell, but you might be able to get a student edition for not too much money. A local community college is probably the best place to start.

 

[wwswimming]

i wouldn't say it's the best software but it's still widely used.

i agree with lxskllr, a community college is a good affordable way to learn it.

Lynda.com also has some affordable Autocad classes.
http://www.lynda.com/home/ViewCourses.aspx?lpk0=361

it costs about $25 a month. problem is you don't get the "working files"
(files used to teach the class) unless you sign up for "premium" ($375 a year).
but most of the time you can go without their ap. files & just draw your own.

the "working files" are just samples of Autocad drawings in progress in case
you get stuck during one part of the lesson.

Autodesk hosts a large tutorial website for their animation applications, they
might have another one for AutoCAD
http://area.autodesk.com/tutorials?tf=26&

also, Autodesk has a program they started because of the recession. they're
letting people use AutoCAD free for 90 days.

 

[trevor0323]

Thanks guys, I'll look into the student edition.

 

[PepePeru]

yeah i took a beginning autocad course at a local community college.

it didn't really pertain to what i was using autocad for at that job, but i learned quite a bit on someone else's dime.
its worth investigating.

for a free version of CAD software, google sketchup is intuitive and easy to use.

worth checking out & tinkering around w/ if nothing else.

 

[Modelworks]

One product I really like for home/building design is chief architect. It started out years ago as basically a kitchen design application but has become a lot more. It is very easy to use and has features like creating a bill of materials from the way the framing or roofing is specd. Free trial download as well.

Main site:
http://www.chiefarchitect.com/


Review of it:
http://www.cadinfo.net/reviews/chiefarch.htm

Forums and learning:
http://www.chiefexperts.com/
http://chieftalk.com/