Poll: Do you use LayOut?

IntelCoreDuo · 10 Dec 2015, 13:14

I would love to know how many people actually use Layout. Everyone I know exports DWG's from SketchUp to AutoCAD and works in more details with more control on lineweight etc there, but we might be missing out if there has been any great improvements recently. Before forcing myself and my colleagues to learn it, I would like to know if there is any consensus on how useful, flexible and clever it is.

Thank you!

pbacot · 10 Dec 2015, 15:47

You may be wrong about dwg exports.

IntelCoreDuo · 10 Dec 2015, 16:06

I don't understand, what do you mean? Everyone I know exports dwg files from SketchUp into AutoCAD when they want to use the drawing for detailing, sheet layouts, etc. What is there to be wrong about? That my colleagues secretly use LayOut behind my back?

JQL · 10 Dec 2015, 16:16

I don't believe that pbacot is saying that you're wrong about your colleages. But you might be wrong about everyone else... More and more people are using LO for that.

cotty · 10 Dec 2015, 17:43

Do you wish answers from PRO users only?

Lemoyne Architect · 10 Dec 2015, 20:21

Layout and Skalp allowed me to drop the abomination that is AutoCAD.

pbacot · 11 Dec 2015, 03:35

I misread the statement. But I can't say you are missing out on anything big lately with LO, except perhaps some increased speed.

CalypsoArt · 11 Dec 2015, 22:23

I've tried many different packages for modeling and 2D drafting. For my work, nothing beats the speed of exporting DWGs from SU to AC. I purchased Skalp hoping it would improve LO enough for me to consider dropping AC. (I have no problem with AC except the price). I'm still not nearly as fast. I've seen great work done with LO, but compared to a real (and some quite INexpensive) drafting programs, it doesn't come close. I only use LO for small simple models, like a sign or table.

andybot · 12 Dec 2015, 01:42

Every time I tried Layout, it was painful to use compared to AutoCAD. Also things like lightweight control, notation, dimensions, hatching, etc, there is no comparison. Yes, I also use SU to ACAD in my workflow.

hellnbak · 12 Dec 2015, 02:10

I've never use Layout. But then I guess I wouldn't, considering the type of models I make.

pbacot · 12 Dec 2015, 02:22

For the record. I am using LO for exterior elevations, but still finish all projects in PowerCADD.

otb designworks · 12 Dec 2015, 15:20

I've used Layout since it's inception and have generated literally 1000's of pages of blueprints, shop drawings. and presentations with it.

For all of it's foibles, it is my goto software for 2D work and is very much indispensable for my work.

brooklynia373 · 12 Dec 2015, 18:13

I'm a former woodworker trying to make the transition to millwork/furniture draftsman. I've been using SU for 8 yrs. Right now I've got about 4-5 small furniture makers as clients on a freelance basis and use LAYOUT exclusively. But they don't much care about formatting and standards. When I try to find work more permanent or steady, my lack of experience with AutoCAD seems to be a huge disadvantage. Ive taken an AC class and quickly got frustrated with it. ("This would take me half the time in Sketchup")

It's nice to be able to have changes made to a model referenced quickly in the paper space with LAYOUT, but I find it kinda clunky with line weights, annotations, etc.

While it seems architects are slowly opening up to the possibilities of using SU and LAYOUT exclusively, in the world of millwork shops and professional woodworkers, AutoCAD seems standard.

I'm thinking I need to learn AC enough so I can be quick and comfortable in it's paper space, and keep my modeling in SU.

Any thoughts from the pro's out there would be appreciated.

JQL · 12 Dec 2015, 19:33

Even with all it's flaws, I'd only go back to Autocad from Layout if I was really forced to do so.

And rest assured that I'm a very very active critic of Layout...

(But then again I'm also an active critic of my mother, my father, my wife, my three kids, and myself...)