TheSwamp
CAD Forums => CAD General => Topic started by: rionada on March 29, 2008, 01:23:34 PM
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Hi All,
I am a long time residential architectural designer (I'm 45), but thus far have done all drafting the old fashioned way with paper and pencil. Its long past time that I joined the 21st century.
I have been told that Autocad Lt is a good program for my needs, but would like to get your opinions.What do you think is the best Architectural Drafting Program for a long time designer, but newbie to the Cad world.
Some more info: I live in New Mexico and design primarily passive and active solar homes. I do between 1 and 5 projects a year as I am also a stay at home father and am homeschooling my twin 7 year old boys.
I will probably be upgrading my computer equipment and would appreciate any advice you might have to offer in this area as well. What hardware would you use to run the cad program that you recommend.
My budget for the program and hardware is about $4000, but I'm not sure if that is realistic. Can you help?
Thanks
Thomas
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Welcome to TheSwamp Thomas.
There is a lot of Autodesk bias here, but in your situation I think your needs could be met with one of an increasingly robust alternatives based on Intellicad. In addition to the core CAD engine, there are now some vertical applications including Architectural for less than $600 US with a full license. These can open and save to the current format AutoCAD standard dwg files so you would not have to worry about translating file you give to or receive from others and most importantly, there are a multitude of compatible blocks and symbols available.
THIS LINK (http://www.icadsales.com/index.pl?id=4434) will take you to the project page of one well known such product. As I stated, there are some other similar packages available. Most will offer a full functioning trial version that you can test drive and if you were familiar with the Autodesk equivalent program you could scarcely tell the difference in the interface and most importantly the finished product.
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Thanks DinØsaur,
I am guessing that I will need to take a class to learn autocad. Is the interface on any of the alternative programs similar enough to the Autodesk programs to learn it from an Autocad course. Or - better yet - is the program intuitive enough for someone with no autocad experience to self learn?
I don't really care which program I use - so long as it is well supported and the end product is professional. Are there chat rooms for the alternative products where I can get the help I'm sure that I will need?
Thanks Again
Thomas
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The commands are mostly the same between AutoCAD and Intellicad. There may be some differences in the Architectural packages, but being a more "earthy" type of guy working in Civil, I have not used any of them. I would suspect they all do the same things with some degree of difference in terminology and procedure.
Beyond the 3 wasted afternoons of reseller provided instruction when I broke into r10, I have been self instructed. I chose a necessary task (creating a CAD drawing of our company title block and sheet border) and learned much of the basics from creating that. A good reference book for either the current version of Intellicad or the previous year version of AutoCAD (it seems nearly all of the features run 1 or possibly 2 versions behind AutoCAD) would be a good supplement to the help files.
There are on-line resources for Intellicad and even here in TheSwamp, some members are leaning toward its use and discussing it. There are even some advanced customizations being developed by members (something not fully available to AutoCAD LT users at this time) that show up from time to time. Try a site search here for "progecad", "intellicad" and "briscad" for starters.
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Thanks again DinØsaur,
I took your advice and did a search on Intellicad - Wow! - lots of information out there.
New question: It looked to me that the 2006 version of Progecad is free, but the later versions cost between $200 and $400. Is there any good reson to buy the later version or should I just download 2006?
Thomas
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The 2006 version would be great to learn with, especially if it has no expiration time limit. Even with a time limit, it would give you time to evaluate it and see if this is the direction you want to take. The only really compelling reason to go with the newer version would be dwg compatibility with the current 2007 format. That may or may not be an issue for you depending on how much you expect to be sending or receiving files from others, but these problems can be overcome with saving procedures and conversion utilities. Even between AutoCAD users it is common to save a drawing down through several versions when sending files for collaboration or submittals. There may also be problems with availability of an architectural package for the older Progecad, but that should be easy to determine at their website.
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it, it would give you time to evaluate it and see if this is the direction you want to take. The only really compelling reason to go with the newer version would be dwg compatibility with the current 2007 format. That may or may not be an issue for you depending on how much you expect to be sending or receiving files from others, but these problems can be overcome with saving procedures and conversion utilities. Even between AutoCAD users it is common to save a drawing down through several versions when sending files for collaboration or submittals.
Just to expand on Dino's point there; there are free software tools out there from Autodesk that will open the latest DWG file type and allow you to save it down to whatever you need it to be. That's if you will be dealing with other files. I don't know if you will, from the sounds of your type of work, especially if you've been able to get by with doing it the old fashioned way for this long.
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Alternate CAD packages out there...
SoftPlan (http://www.softplan.com) - Primarily residential aimed software. 3k or so for full version but they have an LT version.
Chief Architect (http://www.chiefarchitect.com/) - Competitor to SoftPlan in the residential market.
DataCAD (http://www.datacad.com) - All around CAD package like AutoCAD. Full version price is around $1200 and an LT version for around $400 I believe.
As for a system, you can probably put together what you need for around $1000. Craig on the forums here typically puts all his business computer together and they run about that.
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If you are looking specifically @ residential Architecture I would throw in my opinion for Softplan. (What I use) Especially if you are just starting out in Cad. Quite user friendly. More expensive than DataCad but it really comes down to how you are going to use the software. Con docs and elevations? 3d? Rendering?
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Thomas...greetings from the lone (I think) interior designer in these parts....I work on large retail projects so our work is not terribly similar, but the one thing to be aware of is that you want something that is compatible w/ Autocad (if not Autocad itself (LT))...All the time we work with architects that are either on a incompatible program or one that is so old that our drawings seize it up.. you may not work with other people now, but if you are stepping into learning, you might as well make sure it is flexible. The previous posts will put you on the right track....Everyone is friendly here, so don't be hesitant to ask any thing you need.
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not to be forgotten Rhinoceros i see it as way more intuitive then the rest as well as containing more powerful tools
it's what i use and i work for one of the biggest boys in the world
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it's what i use and i work for one of the biggest boys in the world
Doing what, and if you can say, who? (curious because I don't know much of how Rhino fits into the world as a NURBS modeler)
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it's what i use and i work for one of the biggest boys in the world
Doing what, and if you can say, who?
Ron Jeremy?
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well pretty much i use it in my workflow of the DD DR SD CD phase of architectural projects on green build custom residential and commercial facilities
3d solid NURBS modeling comes in very handy especially when it comes to structural done with FEA on a building system i have used for years and has just received its ICC-ES # : ESR-1638 , watch the fire video :D think upwards of 100R insulation and earthquake and hurricane resistance, fast, any shape you can imagine.
another area it excels at is that it is compatible with soo many render engines, the pretty pictures sell. and not leaving the CAD environment to do this helps to have less steps in that process.
as far as other things i would use and no longer need to are Indesign and Illustrator, for page layout and vector design.
open a DWG and you will see all your page layouts will come across, your hatches, your line types your etc.
i could tell you who but then i would be outed and i kinda like the anonymity of the net ;)
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I understand the anonymity. I know some people don't say who they work for just so they can dissociate their online behavior (good or bad) from their employer for liability reasons.
I've been following Rhino since about 2001 or so up until a few years ago, and remember the Flamingo rendering engine which was always near top of the game, and for what it couldn't do, obviously file compatibility is a little nicer in that field...
I was, and still am, quite hesitant and skeptical about Rhino's ability to create structural and architectural construction drawings from an intelligent model, though.
Do you use block libraries (or a comparable method) or any kind of programmatic customization for the use of standard units (wood studs, AISC steel shapes, LVL beams, standard equipment etc..)
Since you work for "a big boy" in the green residential/commercial facility field I assume you guys have streamlined yourselves pretty well. I'm curious what Rhino can do in that area.
(note, mods, may want to move this if we get too far off topic)
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there are scripts i have had made by the employees over at mcneel that let me export blocks out of autocad drawings to individual zoomed extents files, that works good for blocks libraries and as you probably know working off other drawings that already exist and adapting the standard per the client / job is a must always.
i have been a beta tester since 97 when it was free and i first started using it in the mechanical drafting field (where i won VICA a few years in a row then got disqualified for using AME (advanced modeling extension) if they didn't want it to be used why was it on the machines..) to make models that MDT was incapable of that is back when they went from just a autocad plugin maker (accumodel) to producing their own product to get beyond the constraints. curves surfaces solids, solids surfaces curves and back and forth and more surface creation tools. I don't think i could have been happier.
also Ghery before he made his own software was using it
i saw Shop at the AIA showing how they use it in their work too. There is defiantly a niche for it and it also can do full scale production just as well as any other i feel, even as if covers many more bases, shoes boats cars houses furniture you name it.
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. . . (note, mods, may want to move this if we get too far off topic)
Well, you guys ARE wandering a bit . . . just try to remember this is in " NEW TO CAD " and that Thomas is making the jump from manual drafting. 3D modeling is great, but he might like to know some basic CAD before going for the gold.
Don't let them spook you Thomas . . . all of these alternative programs are quite good and something you might want to consider for a permanent solution. You will be glad to know that even the Intellicad will let you create a 3D model when or if you want to give that a try
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you mean rionada
I kind of wish i had board now
inverse the question what is a good board to get?
as far as basic CAD i find having a button for each command i use/need a good starting point, those 10-16 commands
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you mean rionada . . .
:roll:
Yes, THOMAS (http://www.theswamp.org/index.php?topic=22195.msg267460#msg267460) is the person I was addressing - feel free to scroll to the bottom of his post :kewl:
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Gentlemen,...Gentlemen,
I am learning alot from the technical discussion, but would also like to bring it back to earth a little.
Let me rephrase: Which program do you think is the best (easy to learn - yet powerful) for someone like me that primarily works in 2d on residential working drawings and has no experience in cad. (I am a reasonably quick learner, however - I hope).
Also, I haven't seen anything on the hardware that I should get - Is this the wrong board for this question?
A little more info: I do most of my work on the design of custom solar homes in New Mexico. I am getting tired of pencils and erasers for the working drawings, but I still enjoy doing perspectives, and interior views by hand. While having the capacity for 3d modeling would be a plus, I am most interested in a cad progarm for the 2d architectural drafting.
There are so many choices, and I've already had several recommendations - can anyone offer up the definitive solution? I'm dreaming I know, but I thought I'd ask.
Thomas
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I still think Softplan.
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Thomas
If you like green chili go with Softplan, If you like red go with Intellicad. ;-)
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Sorry Thomas, I completely missed your hardware question. For the 2D work you have been describing, you can get by quite nicely with a pretty low end system that will be more than adequate for the Intellicad we discussed or similar. A desktop in the $600-$700 US range would do nicely. A 17" or 19" LCD would likely be less than $200 with some shopping around and there are some good laser printers now available in the same price range. Most of the big box stores will have a package deal available that may be even less and there are also some well known mail order proprietary builders offering packages too. If you think there is a possibly of having to go on site and have need of your computer, a good laptop will run a little more but could save you the difference by eliminating some extra travel back to the office. You can still plug a good monitor, keyboard and mouse into them at the office for ease of use. You will also eventually want to think about some kind of external storage in lieu of burning CDs and a large spare hard drive in an enclosure may run $150 to $200.
minimum specs to look for either desktop or laptop:
core 2 duo processor
2 GB ddr2 memory
100gb 7200 rpm hard drive (250gb on a desktop)
upgraded video would be nice on a desktop but not a deal breaker for 2D work - laptops will likely not give you any options
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Thanks Everyone,
I am seeing mostly Intellicad, and some Softplan, and some Rhino. Reading between the lines - there are also some Autocad fans.
Intellicad
Softplan
Rhino
Autocad Lt
I have visited each of the websites associated with above products and aside from the 3d emphasis of Rhino - I don't detect much difference. (partly, I'm sure, because I am so unfamilliar with the products).
Is there a website that does a good job of comparing and contrasting these programs? (That would save you all from enduring my many questions).
Are there any small time architects like me out there that use any of these or others that could make a recommendation?
Still trying to sort it all out.
Thomas
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I have found that architects and/or draftsmen seem to pick up CAD quicker and more efficiently if they draw ordinary lines and circles when beginning CAD as opposed to using a BIM or modeling technique you see in products like Revit or even Softplan. You have been drawing primitive lines for all these years, so doing so electronically will ease you into the digital era. Once you have learned the ins and outs of the digital workflow, you could then advance further into BIM or modeling programs that take advantage of your newly acquired knowledge.
I have witnessed several small architectural firms waste thousands of dollars on software licenses that go unused after trying to leave the old fashioned drawing boards. I think that in many cases, they were trying to learn too many things at once, and that is why they ultimately failed. The biggest hurdle, in my opinion, is becoming used to producing a full set of plans electronically - it's kind of a mindset you need to acquire. Once you have that down, learning the specific syntax of one piece of software or another is easy.
I would recommend Autocad LT for you, as it could do everything you need. But if you have the funds available, a product like Autocad Architecture would allow future expansion for modeling and customization once you become proficient. Intellicad wouldn't be a bad choice either if you were trying to save some money. Of course this is just my opinion - you may find otherwise. We have had licenses of Softplan, Chief Architect, Datacad, and Archicad throughout the years, but in our case they are all sitting in a cabinet somewhere not being used now. For the most part, they are all fully capable but we just can't depart from Autocad.
Also I would steer way clear of Rhino in your case....it's not a bad program but in all honesty it probably shouldn't have even been mentioned in this realm
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Oooooo.. Great point on the line drawing to line drawing thing there Raff. I hadn't thought of it that way.
Of course you CAN draw lines and other shapes in SP and then the other stuff would be there when you are ready to explore it. But given the cost difference and that you have said you are mostly interested in mainly 3d drafting.... I agree with Raff on LT.
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Oooooo.. Great point on the line drawing to line drawing thing there Raff. I hadn't thought of it that way.
People of my generation (and probably most of yours) have never had it any other way then digital, so it's nothing new to us. But for the old-timers out there, it really does seem to ease their transition in my experience. All of the architects in my office were of the old-fart variety up until about five years ago, so I know from 1st hand experience.
I agree with Raff on LT.
Never thought you'd say that, but I'm glad you agree. As I've said before, Softplan is quite capable in my experience - rionada might find that it is the right choice for him. I can also attest to Softplan's loyal and helpful user base.
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:-o
I am Scathed . . . SCATHED, I tell you! :lmao:
One final word in support of Intellicad . . . CUSTOMIZATIONS I have never had the misfortune of working CAD without a nice library of lisp routines and I don't want to think about trying it or recomending it for anyone else. LT can do scripts and macros, but he would be missing out on some serious time and sanity savers with LT and there would be no hope of adding an architectural design application as is available for Intellicad. Yeah, I know that was several words . . . i promise to leave some out of my next post. :angel:
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i fully disagree about LT. you would be wasting money on a inferior product when you could get all it's functionality and more out of IntelliCad
again i am going to stick up for Rhinoceros and say it can and does do architecture better than autocad can in the traditional sence and if you do go to BIM there is a plug-in for architecture called visualarq as well as a plug-in called Archcut.
as somebody in need of electronic drawing application i would grantee you will be able to get around better in this product not only because of features like auto command completing and the excellent help and support but that it offers great interoperability (this is a key word when working with consultants)
here are some customer stories, you can add your own as a newbie to CAD that would be most excellent
http://en.wiki.mcneel.com/default.aspx/McNeel/CustomerStoriesArchitecture.html
Learn more about Rhino in Architecture at these events:
Mar 28 - Explicit History workshop
Mar 31-Apr 01 - RhinoScript workshop
Apr 7-9 - The Mathematics of Aesthetics, RhinoScript Master Class
Apr 7-9 - 3D-Modelling Symposium. Sophisticated Tools in Architecture, Design and Engineering - Call for papers
Apr 9-10 - ParaCloud Professional workshop
Barcelona, Spain
Apr 9-11 - New Strategies, Contemporary Techniques. International Architecture conference.
May 12-13 - VisMasters Design Modeling and Visualization Conference
Sep 13-16 - Advances in Architectural Geometry - Call for papers
PS be careful of anybody who uses the word SHOULD, because that is ampstrapche, a bureaucratic language that denies choice.
oh and here is a free download of ProgeCAD 2006 LT, http://www.softsea.com/review/ProgeCAD-LT-2006.html
keep us informed on what you try and what you choose or if you need a example file, libraries of already drawn details and example projects to work from are very important i would imagine for you just starting.
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:lmao: ^^^^
I agree that Intellicad flavors make sense to someone who is proficient in the CAD world - but remember that the OP is completely new to the game. He's not going to be able to walk into a bookstore and find books on Intellicad...yes Intellicad are very similar to Autocad but little differences here and there might be enough to frustrate a beginner. He might mention to a client or associate that he's now using Intellicad, and he'd probably get a blank "deer in headlights" stare. Personally, I'm not a fan of LT either, but I'm just trying to give some honest advice.
I'm not sure why I'm wasting my time responding to your never-ending Rhino promotions....but here goes
I know that Rhino is currently used by a very limited number of architectural firms, but trying to advise newcomers with empty guarentees of success and CAD bliss is really a disservice.
To be honest, the majority of architectural work I've seen done with Rhino is produced by "bow-tie" architects - projects that will never be built, or are immensely complicated beyond their worth come to mind. I have nothing but the most respect for architects like Frank Gehry. But my opinion, if you're doing residential work and require NURBS-based modeling, then you're doing something wrong.
If I wanted to play a game of Windows Minesweeper, I wouldn't go out and buy an 8-core Mac Pro to run bootcamp on. Sure, it might impress my friends, but in the end I am paying for a product that isn't designed for my goals and am jumping through hoops trying to make it work for me. I hope they are compensating you fairly, Antisthenes. From my observation of this and other forums, it must be like having a second full-time job for you.
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^^WELL said! *claps*
I have to say, what my limited experience is... I am an avid Autodesk user, whether it be Inventor, Autocad, Impression... whatever... but Softplan seems to be absolutely amazing for your niche.
I can't speak on the system requirements for the program personally, but all software in this world is well documented as to what hardware is recommended. Autocad even breaks it down to "if you do 2D use this:" and "If 3D you need these:"
Just remember... minimum system requirements... is written by salesmen... when they say minimum... THEY MEAN IT!! I'm not saying DOUBLE everything, but once you get on your feet full speed you may be wishing the system could keep up with YOU at some points, but that may be far enough down the line that you can afford upgrades from budget.
Autocad LT is nice, but if you're someone who's internet savvy (you made it here, didn't you?) then you may want to take advantage of the customizations that LT does not allow you to use such as the myriad programming solutions many folks around here have written or passed on. Customization is a big thing and at some point you'll be wanting it.
Especially when it comes to typical details and repetitive drawing tasks.
Sorry that there isn't a price-vs-benefit comparison chart that I know of (never know unless you ask, of course) but rather just myraid often-conflicting but hopefully informative opinions.
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For your Niche - Softplan or Chief Architect is the way to go. I've used Softplan and it's fairly easy to learn for anyone.
I do want to through DataCAD out there again as well. It's powerful and allows you to start in the 2d or 3d realm. It's getting smarter with the introduction to smart walls and doors and windows. It's easy to learn and was originally designed as if you were coming straight off a drawing board.
Just want to reiterate that in your line of work I still believe SoftPlan is the best choice.
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I've only been here less than a week to make such broad sweeping generalizations will only lead you to trouble me thinks
i challenge what you have said as incorrect and slightly vanguard of the old way, reminiscent of Billary's rocky moment.
always looking to help because of our altruistic nature leads up to competing methods and tools, and this is a good thing to so we can have the fair fight that needs to happy
just keep it clean is all i ask because mis representation based on limited knowledge or bias on anybodies part is not helpful to any i feel.
best worst, blaa different ;) and always changing in a field that gets more dynamic by the day
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I've only been here less than a week....
Name: Antisthenes
Posts: 139 (0.329 per day)
Date Registered: February 03, 2007, 03:46:44 pm
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of posting... since about a year ago
i feel a friendly welcoming atmosphere,
high five guys! ;)
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*whifff*
:lmao:
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He's been here less than a week, this week, Josh.
Thomas,
I'm coming into this late. First off, welcome to the Swamp. Secondly, sorry about the pissing match you've had to read through. I think Raff's point on stating off doing line drawings and thinking of it as board drafting on the screen, is probably one of the better pieces of advice in the thread. Personally, I like Autodesk products of the different drafting packages that I have experience with. I can understand you not wanting to dive into a full license of AutoCAD from the start. AutoCAD LT is as solid a program as AutoCAD but doesn't allow for as much customization. I think in your case, I would probably suggest Intellicad. Intellicad is an AutoCAD clone for the most part and as such is very similar. This will let you in at a low price and allow you to get your feet wet. It will also allow you to see what advantages there are to customization, after you get more comfortable. If you find custom programs to be beneficial, and you will, I would advise you to look into getting a full license of AutoCAD.
I also agree that Rhino is absolutely not what you want, based on what you've laid out as your needs. Revit, or other BIM software would be more complex to start in but you would find benefits once you beat the learning curve. Several years ago, I did a demo of softplan and while it doesn't meet my needs, it does a good job at what it does. I don't have any experience with DataCAD, but I've heard that it's so easy, a trained monkey could use it ;)
One final piece of advice, if there is one available, take an evening class at a local community college. It will give you a good start in a semester.
Last thought overall, whoever used the chile analogy is way off base. He is from New Mexico, Red and Green Chile aren't competing dishes there. Red is used in many sauces, marinades, rubs, soups, etc. Green chile is just a fact of life. Where in NM are you, anyway?
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Just occurred to me that I didn't address your hardware question. All you really need to do is buy a computer and put some extra RAM in it. Any modern computer will do as well as any other for basic CAD for the most part. Get the largest monitor that you can afford without feeling like you're going to puke. The larger the monitor, the happier you are. The plus side of that equation though is that whatever monitor you have is fine. It's not until you use a larger one that you find out that you were unhappy.
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I don't have any experience with DataCAD, but I've heard that it's so easy, a trained monkey could use it ;)
Sounds like the best reason to start with DataCAD. :wink:
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Now we're talkin'
Thank you , Thank you, Thank you,...
No offence intended to anyone, here is what I'm starting to think makes sense for me:
Intellicad.
Here's why - correct me if I'm wrong:
I plan to start off in 2d (following the advice that makes the most sense to me - relating drafting to cad)
It is an Autocad clone, so if I decide to switch at some later date - it shouldn't be too difficult.
It offers more customization than Autocad Lt.
It's well supported.
There are lots of BIMS available. (and here I assume that BIMS are like stock detail drawings?)
There is no yearly licensing fee.
The initial cost is reasonable.
Question: Intellicad gets used in a generic sense. There appear to be many forms of Intellicad. Which program makes the most sense for me and why? (O.K. - it was two statements and a question).
Where do I find the BIMS that I need? (which, in many cases, will be standard residential details)
Thank You to everyone - this is all enlightening for me, whether I go with your suggestions or not - keep 'em coming.
Thomas
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Thomas,
BIM stands for Building Information Model...Its basically a smart drawing that knows this is a wall, rafter, bolt, sink
You generall build a BIM as you go..I'ts a Term use for the type of drawing the new generation of software, Revit..etc, creates.
I think what your after is a BLOCK, - standard detail used to import into any drawing (no intelligenece, just linework representing an object)
Cheers Paul.
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Sounds pretty good except your understanding of BIM....
Think of BIM products as those which are centered on building a model of the house you are drawing. From that model, you will then generate elevations, floor plans, etc. Generally, you will not be drawing individual lines, but rather walls, windows, doors, and other intelligent objects that make up your design. At least that is the theory behind BIM products - the extent you actually use all of those features varies from firm to firm and project to project.
Products like plain-old vanilla Autocad, Autocad LT, or plain-jane Intellicads (non BIM) will work similar to you are used to - walls will be drawn as individual lines, elevations will be drawn separate from floor plans, and a change in one would require manually going and fixing other drawings to update them.
As far as standard residential details go, you will likely need to draw them yourself - unless any of the dime-a-dozen libraries of details you find on ebay suit your needs. Once they have been drawn once, it is easy to keep them in your own library and reuse or modify them as needed. Also, depending on what you are detailing, most of the significant manufacturers in the industry make CAD files of their products available to architects and designers.
I will defer to someone more knowledable on the Intellicads and their optional verticals to make a specific recommendation... :mrgreen:
**edit: Sorry PS_Port, didn't mean to step on you there. Beat me by 17 seconds
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One point of clarification, BIM refers to building information modeling, a new method of tying all sorts of information to various elements in a model and is featured in programs like Revit and other 3D modeling software. What you are needing to get started with are blocks which are simply drawings of something like a door, window, a symbol, a titleblock or something more complex like a room layout or a standard detail. These are inserted into your drawing and can be moved, rotated, scaled or even mirrored as one entity. They can be copied multiple times in one drawing and if it needs to be revised, it can be edited and redefined with the changes being instantly applied to every instance of the block. There is or was a block repository here in TheSwamp. I can not find a link to it just now but will try again later. If I recall correctly, Intellicad will also come with a selection of blocks to get started with. There are also some collections assembled by other members that have generously been made available to all.
The rest of your interpretation of all of the input you have received seems to be spot on. If you decide to upgrade to a new release, you will be nailed for an upgrade fee, but there is generally no need to upgrade unless it solves some problem you have with the current program or promises a new feature you really want to have. Once purchased, it is yours to use as long as you wish.
There is one thing to think about that has not been touched upon yet - how to get hard copies generated. Sooner or later, someone is going to need your brilliant new plans on real physical paper. A little printer just won't do if you have plans on C or D size sheets. A plotter would do the trick, but they are expensive to buy and worse to maintain. Supplies can really eat up your profits fast, especially when you are trying to figure out how to use the thing. Unless you can find a great deal on a used one, it may make more sense to work with a local vendor to create paper copies of your files. A friendly engineering shop or reprographics store would be good candidates, even a Kinkos store may have what you need.
Good luck, it looks like you have a good start at a grand adventure!
Well . . . some others have made some of this redundant . . . so be it, I will let mine stand as written
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Also, one more piece of advice as you set out....make sure you have the fundamentals of CAD drafting down before you delve in to your first project. For instance, make sure you understand that all of your drawings will be created at a 1:1 scale (i.e. a 8'-0" long wall will be drawn 8'-0" long) - no architect's scales needed from here on out. You will then use one of a variety of different techniques to put your working drawings out at the scale needed (1/4", 1/2", whatever).
Forgive me if I'm drastically underestimating your knowledge...you'd be surprised how confused I've seen others when they took the leap. :|
A place like the CADTutor.net Autocad tutorial page (http://www.cadtutor.net/tutorials/autocad/index.php) should get you up and running on most of what you need to know. They have some good tutorials there that cover most of a beginner's needs. Most (if not all) of the tutorials there will be directly applicable to an Intellicad clone since they are so similar.
Best regards and good luck
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Again I missed part of your question . . . I would lean toward the Projecad or Bricscad products, but only because I know their are optional vertical applications marketed with their core engine. I know that Bricscad is specified as an optional CAD engine for running EaglePoint (a very powerful Civil Engineering package). Whichever flavor you decide to try, just avoid the "LT" offering that is usually offered at no cost or for a limited time. These will most likely not be able to use the customizations similar to AutoCAD LT.
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I remember starting out in cad, my biggest learning curve was figuring out drawing scales, sizes and text sizing. Somebody makes a "Cad Card" that has all these listed which could be really useful to Thomas. Does anybody remember who makes this?
Bob G.
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www.cadcard.com
I've got a cadcard jr. I can ship to him if he's interested. Has scale factor, 3/32" text height and 1/8" text height.
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there are versions of IntelliCad 'Architecturals' that have BIM technology
And there is a very large percentage of people who have ADT and never use these features.
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Thanks everyone,
I will be investigating the intellicad options and I will likely have many more questions along the way.
The BIMS technology sounds like something you could hardly do without. It is , in fact, the way I imagine drafting with a cad program. ie: defining wall thickness and drawing walls, not lines, and adding doors, windows, etc from a menu. And, then projecting that drawing(s) into an elevation.
I will report back after some research. In the mean time, if anyone has any suggestions that would aid my search - I'll be back here to check them out.
Thomas
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... defining wall thickness and drawing walls, not lines, and adding doors, windows, etc from a menu. And, then projecting that drawing(s) into an elevation.
That perfectly describes Softplan.