Free CAD program suggestions?

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Permalink Reply by Kenny Knapp on November 19, 2010 at 9:18am

I realize this isn't the answer you're looking for but... I'd throw my vote in for SketchUp. Of course, it depends on the features you're interested in; SketchUp certainly isn't a Pre-Viz tool but it's great for modeling a set, calculating throw distances and angles. I've also used it to generate 2-D plots to give to my lighting techs with all the info they need to hang, aim, add accessories, program DMX channels, etc. All for free.

Since we use it to model sets (which is a great communication tool between Directors, Producers, Designers), I can take the set model and add a lighting grid at the correct height and distance and build my plot. The learning curve is minimal, and I find it very easy to use which makes generating drawings very fast.

Been using it for a few years now so I don't know if there are better "free" tools out there currently. I'm interested in what else you find.

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Permalink Reply by Jerry George on November 22, 2010 at 9:43am

You might look at ProgeCad Smart. It's a free (for personal use) version of a pretty complete AutoCAD clone. They are at http://www.progesoft.com/. Be warned that the 2009 version does not get along well with Windows 7. It's fine under XP though. There is an update due pretty much any time.

Along more commercial lines, do I not recall that Vectorworks was offering free educational versions?

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Permalink Reply by iSquint on November 29, 2010 at 10:14am

Try LX Free. http://isq.cc/9tH4PT

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Permalink Reply by Crystal M. Lee on November 29, 2010 at 9:46pm

Vectorworks has a free student version! There is information on their website.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Retartha on January 10, 2011 at 11:09am

I'm also a fan of SketchUp. Why? Well because most people who are not familiar with drafting can use it and understand it. I also feel that there are many other fields that use SketchUp whereas VectorWorks is very limited in it's usage, IMHO.

VectorWorks free student version, however, is much better if you are teaching your students serious construction drawings or light plots.

So, the verdict? If you wanna ease your students into thinking about drawing and using a CAD program, start with SketchUp. If they are more advanced students you need to get them started on industry standards like VectorWorks or AutoCAD, which both offer student versions.

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