Good free CAD software

Russinating · 14 Jan 2018 at 22:04

I've just downloaded 5 pieces of CAD software and all seem to be over complex, totally unintuitive or just seemingly missing a basic feature.

I just want to design a very basic object but with specific measurements, so literally rectangles where you can type the size in mm or whatever. RoomSketcher is basically what I want but for objects, not houses.

Any recommendations?

DereksDontRun · 14 Jan 2018 at 22:07

google sketchup?

not tried it as I have/use "proper" cad software, but I think it's popular for simple objects.

Kearney_1988 · 14 Jan 2018 at 22:07

Nanocad is alright for a bit of general usage

MarcLister · 14 Jan 2018 at 22:09

Tried SketchUp? https://www.sketchup.com/

It's what became of Google SketchUp.

LOAM · 14 Jan 2018 at 22:21

Draftsight have a free version I believe or as above SketchUp

xxalxx · 15 Jan 2018 at 06:20

I would suggest Fusion360. Its free for the hobbyist, can be used for simple things and then more complex things as you get more experience.

Fusion · 15 Jan 2018 at 06:43

Sketchup.

Rilot · 15 Jan 2018 at 06:55

Another vote for Sketchup. The kids use it in the school for designing all sorts of simple things with accurate measurements.

Malevolence · 15 Jan 2018 at 07:18

Been looking for something similar to design a new computer desk to fit into the corner of my room. Think I'll give Sketchup a quick looksee.

MookJong · 15 Jan 2018 at 08:37

Another vote for Draftsight

Nate--IRL-- · 15 Jan 2018 at 12:56

MookJong said:
Another vote for Draftsight

Never realised this was free - it's exactly like AutoCAD. Perfect.

Nate

Fusion · 15 Jan 2018 at 13:02

Draftsight is decent, but is only 2D (this may not matter for your application, but worth mentioning).

AndyT · 15 Jan 2018 at 16:17

On shape is decent - very similar to SolidWorks, but browser based and free

https://www.onshape.com/

theone8181 · 15 Jan 2018 at 18:34

I use draftsight at work. It's made by the same people who do solidworks except it's not quite as intuitive. Good for a free programme. For 3d I've used freecad before.

Glaucus · 15 Jan 2018 at 18:37

https://www.tinkercad.com is one of the easiest to use.

Fusion 360 if you want more in-depth.

Sketch up is just not worth it these days. It's massively outdated, clunky and slow to use compared to other free software.