Anyone using an open source CAD program?

Danase · 02-02-09, 12:48

I'm looking for an open source, cheap or free, CAD program for architectural drawings.

Quality Leather · 02-02-09, 05:11

I know a guy that was using Google Sketchup. I am not sure if that is what you are looking for, but he did some nice work with it.

Danase · 02-02-09, 05:17

I'm looking for a nice architect program really. I use AutoCAD right now but I'd like to find something else and something less expensive.

etml12 · 02-02-09, 06:14

If you are only looking for personal use (no commercial applications), how about an educational version. AutoCAD Architecture 2009 can b e had for about $155.

Note: These types of licenses only last a finite period.

Danase · 02-03-09, 04:33

Thanks. This will actually be used for commercial applications. We are trying to get away from AutoCAD just because of the cost per seat. Plus I figured if you could find a good open source program for architects it might be a smaller program without a bunch of stuff we'd never need. So far I'm liking IntelliCAD.

salpac · 02-03-09, 06:55

Check out this package. I was the CAD Admin at my last employer and we kept this package around for legacy drawings.

GSI: CADÂ*X11 Free

Setec Astronomy · 02-03-09, 06:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danase

We are trying to get away from AutoCAD just because of the cost per seat.

No kidding, they all get you coming and going these days. What about AutoCAD LT? Even that isn't cheap anymore but as you noted, a lot less frills (that never get used).

Danase · 02-03-09, 07:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

No kidding, they all get you coming and going these days. What about AutoCAD LT? Even that isn't cheap anymore but as you noted, a lot less frills (that never get used).

Don't they! They are pushing like $3000 per seat now. I've never used AC LT but we can sure look into it. I just figured if we could find a cost effective software that had architectural items and none of the other stuff to worry about that we'd be happy.

Setec Astronomy · 02-03-09, 07:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danase

Don't they! They are pushing like $3000 per seat now.

Yeah, and the forced upgrades, pay for maint., etc.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danase

I've never used AC LT but we can sure look into it.

We do mechanical and ACAD is just legacy for us since we moved into solids over 10 years ago, but if we had to freshly license for ACAD I think it would be LT, not sure if it will do what you need, though.

Danase · 02-03-09, 07:19

I'm sure it will. Just 2D residential and light commercial. I'll look into it. Right now this IntelliCAD open source is what I'm leaning on though. IntelliCADÂ® Technology Consortium: The intelligent alternative for CAD developers You can get it in different forums and it seems the average price is like $400. Some companies are even selling their version for $400 with a bunch of seats.

the other pc · 02-03-09, 05:01

Iâ€™ve been pretty happy with the cheap versions of TurboCAD.

Their entry level 2D package is like $49.95 and I seem to remember getting a sale flier for it for a lot less.

pc.

Danase · 02-03-09, 05:23

Thanks! I'll look into that as well.