Author Topic: Inexpensive CAD Software  (Read 4355 times)

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MG

  • Mosquito
  • Posts: 1
Inexpensive CAD Software
« on: August 19, 2022, 03:26:51 AM »
Hi there, could you please recommend me some free or inexpensive CAD software?
I have found ABViewer as a cheap option. Does anyone has experience with it?

Dahzee

  • Newt
  • Posts: 24
Re: Inexpensive CAD Software
« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2022, 05:25:03 AM »
@MG, there are a few free programs out there if you do an internet search and it depends if you want 2d or 3d.

If it is 2d only then there is Draftit https://www.cadlogic.com/cad-software-products/draft-it/ which comes in a free version and various inexpensive upgrades for more functionality.

Depending on your requirement and your concept of "inexpensive" there is Freecad https://www.freecadweb.org/ or search for Intellicad based programs which seem to be pretty good value for money.

HTH

It's Alive!

  • Retired
  • Needs a day job
  • Posts: 8659
  • AKA Daniel
Re: Inexpensive CAD Software
« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2022, 06:06:31 AM »
CMS IntelliCAD, uses ODA libraries so you're getting pretty good .DWG
the plus version has lisp, .net, and c++ api.

rkmcswain

  • Swamp Rat
  • Posts: 978
Re: Inexpensive CAD Software
« Reply #3 on: August 19, 2022, 09:51:09 AM »
Hi there, could you please recommend me some free or inexpensive CAD software?
I have found ABViewer as a cheap option. Does anyone has experience with it?

Depends on what you consider inexpensive.

BricsCAD Lite = $590 perpetual license (no annual fees)
DraftSight Professional = $249/annually
progeCAD professional = $599 perpetual (no annual fee)

57gmc

  • Bull Frog
  • Posts: 358
Re: Inexpensive CAD Software
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2022, 11:13:25 AM »
R.K. listed Draftsight Pro, but Dassault also offers a free version. It just depends if it has the features you want. If my memory is right, the free version will even run lisp.

57gmc

  • Bull Frog
  • Posts: 358
Re: Inexpensive CAD Software
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2022, 11:26:13 AM »
R.K. listed Draftsight Pro, but Dassault also offers a free version. It just depends if it has the features you want. If my memory is right, the free version will even run lisp.
Bummer, it looks like they don't have the free version any more. But hey, $249 is pretty cheap for what you get. I was able to use it for architectural design. It does most any 2D design. As you go up in cost, you just get more powerful automated tools. So which version/program you need depends on what you intend to do.