Using CAD software assists you to create, analyze, modify or optimize a design. This in turn enhances the designer’s productivity, visibly increasing the quality of design. CAD software also improves communication due to the documentation process and provides a database which can be used for the manufacturing process.
CAD software has application in a variety of fields including the design of electronic systems, also known as (EDA). This software, while very useful, can be quite complex. Today, we present the top five free Computer Aided Design software available that you can explore further.
Table of Contents
SketchUpMake
SketchUpMake offers an engaging platform with a wide variety of capabilities. The image above shows a cropped form of the software that we found on Google. The no cost version of this software provides new designers with fantastic abilities. It provides excellent in-built tools which include Push/Pull and Follow Me. These will enable you to get the results you want.
SketchUp Make comes with a unique scripting language known as Ruby. This language provides exponential power to the software. Core functionalities of this software are heightened by add-ons and a variety of plug-ins. To get started, take a moment to view some of the great video guides and tutorials that have been provided.
Draftsight
If you are looking for a software package for your individual use, then Draftsight is what you should select. The only requirement to access this package and activate Draftsight is a working email address. There are no fees or limitations associated with usage or plotting. This two dimensional drafting software has a feel and appearance that is very alike to that of AutoCAD. It also contains a majority of tools that are needed to prepare professional looking plans.
Sweet Home3D
This software package provides a very intuitive interface to aid you in designing your home. Sweet Home 3D allows you to start off with bare minimum – plain walls. From here, you can then insert images of the kind of floor plan you would desire if you already have on in mind. This then acts as the base to design your dream home. You will find that the terminology “texture” features a lot in this software package. It is used commonly called “image maps”. The software allows you to import objects in 3D in .DAE, .LWS.I, 3DS, and OBJ formats. This software can run on Solaris, Mac OS, Windows and Linux platforms.
DraftIt
If you require easily usable and glamorous CAD software, then DraftIt is a great choice for you. This software offers various enticing features such as the ability to create and draw personal designs and print them out. You are able to easily save these designs. A DraftIt user is also able to visually check distances and sizes by directly typing in the sixing, snapping the mid points, intersections and end points. There is also a highly impressive command known as “offset” which allows you to offset an object from both sides at the same time just by moving your mouse around.
AutoCAD Student Version
The Student Version of AutoCAD provides a complete working account designed with military veterans, students, faculty, and all who are interested in work in this sector in mind. In addition to receiving the AutoCAD package at no cost, this version offers you access to free licenses to AEC packages such as AutoCAD Architecture, Civil 3D and AutoCAD Electrical. If you are looking to learn computer aided design or would simply like to do some design work, then this is the ideal software for you. Be sure to find what your system requires, and you will be well on your way to obtaining top notch CAD software.