2D CAD Recommendations please!
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Looking for a good, low cost (the important part!!) 2D CAD package. Needs to be able to open and save AutoCad .dwg files. Only to be used for simple 2D drafting, so I don't want to pay Autodesk prices! and I don't need any advanced features. Any experience or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Andy
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DataCAD is available for $1,200 first license, and it can open/save DWG files. And you can import SU files.
There is also Autocad Light, but I do not know the cost.
The only other affordable cad programs I am aware of are the ones you'll find in Office Depot and such stores, but I don't know what their capabilities are. -
A while ago UGS (Now owned by Siemens) made their 2D Cad package available for free. It's not a mickey mouse freebie but a mainstream CAD application that may be worth checking out:
http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/velocity/solidedge/free2d/index.shtml -
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hallo,
Look at this site for some older freeware 2d cad programs.
http://www.nhcad.com/freecadGreetings
Bep van Malde
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I would second the DataCAD recommendation, unless you want the familiarity of the AutoCAD commands and layout. It takes some getting used to but is worth more than the price you pay. It has a small but very knowledgeable and rabid fan base and some great forums. Besides that, you can always email the owner fo the company directly and he will usually respond to you or put you in touch with someone at the company to help you out. I used it when i first started my own Architectural firm to save on startup costs.
Otherwise, AutoCAD LT is pretty much the way to go, IMHO. If you are doing Architecture, you will find the Real Architect add-on program very helpful.
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