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Free CAD software

  • 01-04-2008 7:01pm
    #1
    C.D.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 670 ✭✭✭


    Hi guys,

    I've got a project due and need to produce some CAD drawings for it- not too fancy, just a pictorial representation of few objects etc etc. I'm aware that my college (TCD) can/will supply licensed software for students, but I could be working on 5+ different computers every week so ideally I'd like to find a free CAD program. I tried searching my self, but I was lost amongst the plethora of trial versions available for every kind of CAD project under the sun. So does anybody have a personal favourite they would care to recommend?

    Thanks,


Comments

  • #2
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    C.D. wrote: »
    Hi guys,

    I've got a project due and need to produce some CAD drawings for it- not too fancy, just a pictorial representation of few objects etc etc. I'm aware that my college (TCD) can/will supply licensed software for students, but I could be working on 5+ different computers every week so ideally I'd like to find a free CAD program. I tried searching my self, but I was lost amongst the plethora of trial versions available for every kind of CAD project under the sun. So does anybody have a personal favourite they would care to recommend?

    Thanks,

    The red brick building has CAD installed on all the computers up there. They are free alot of the time as well.

    I dont know any free cad packages out there so the red brick building is probably a good start


  • #3
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    The Failed God wrote: »
    student i cant afford to drop a few grand on a computer programme. Worth a shot if your conscience wont bother you!

    Thats why your college provides you with the software


  • #4
    C.D.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 670 ✭✭✭C.D.


    kearnsr wrote: »
    The red brick building has CAD installed on all the computers up there. They are free alot of the time as well.

    I dont know any free cad packages out there so the red brick building is probably a good start

    Yeah so do all the computers in the Parsons building! Unfortunately I'm a little strange in that I find I am most productive post 12PM! I usually end up working on my laptop or on a PC in an abandoned office (employer) so you see I need something I can install/uninstall at at will! It does not have to be full blown CAD, I just need to be able to do basic drawings. Looks like I'm gonna very handy in Fireworks :D

    Thanks for the replies though!


  • #5
    folan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,630 ✭✭✭folan


    isnt there a decent freeware or trial of solidworks? would that work?


  • #6
    godtabh
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 23,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭godtabh


    C.D. wrote: »
    Yeah so do all the computers in the Parsons building! Unfortunately I'm a little strange in that I find I am most productive post 12PM! I usually end up working on my laptop or on a PC in an abandoned office (employer) so you see I need something I can install/uninstall at at will! It does not have to be full blown CAD, I just need to be able to do basic drawings. Looks like I'm gonna very handy in Fireworks :D

    Thanks for the replies though!

    There was a link in one of the boards banners that had a link to free AutoCad Software that I just remembered about. I think I followed the link but it didnt bring me anywhere fast so I gave up.

    Check the banners

    or the AutoCad website


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  • #7
    BostonB
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,056 ✭✭✭✭BostonB


    C.D. wrote: »
    Yeah so do all the computers in the Parsons building! Unfortunately I'm a little strange in that I find I am most productive post 12PM! I usually end up working on my laptop or on a PC in an abandoned office (employer) so you see I need something I can install/uninstall at at will! It does not have to be full blown CAD, I just need to be able to do basic drawings. Looks like I'm gonna very handy in Fireworks :D

    Thanks for the replies though!

    Why would you use Fireworks when you can get a CAD Freeware or at least a technical illustration package of Magazine cover CD.


  • #8
    Conor108
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,871 ✭✭✭Conor108


    C.D. wrote: »
    It does not have to be full blown CAD, I just need to be able to do basic drawings. Looks like I'm gonna very handy in Fireworks :D

    Thanks for the replies though!

    Google SketchUp?


  • #9
    smashey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,676 ✭✭✭✭smashey


    Conor108 wrote: »
    Google SketchUp?

    Agreed.


  • #10
    C.D.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 670 ✭✭✭C.D.


    Conor108 wrote: »
    Google SketchUp?

    Absolutely perfect. Thanks guys!

    I have been using it for the last 2 hours or so- and I have to say I'm impressed, it is very very intuitive and easy to use, and the option to export as png,jpg etc.. fantastic!

    Again, thanks!


  • #11
    topcatcbr
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,477 ✭✭✭topcatcbr


    Conor108 wrote: »
    Google SketchUp?

    The best by far


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  • #12
    mjsmyth
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,108 ✭✭✭mjsmyth


    Take a look at Progecad 2008 Smart!. It is based on Intellicad and if you can use Autocad, you can use Progecad will little effort.

    It is also free for non commercial use. As you are a student, that covers you!

    http://www.progecad.com/compra/index.asp?left=progecad2008smart&lang=eng

    MJ


  • #13
    mathew
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,488 ✭✭✭mathew


    there is actually a student version of autoCAD available.
    We had a project to do in first year engineering (TCD) las year.

    Its available here: http://students2.autodesk.com/?lbon=1
    :D


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