Free or Cheap 2D Cad System?

[Biggy]

Does anyone know of a cheap(or even freeware) 2D Cad Package that has a similar front end to Autocad.

Basically I want a small CAD package for doing layouts, sketches and possible Isometric sketches, that I can use my existing Autocad Skils on, without to much 'retraining'.

Any ideas?

Biggy

 

[MadMango]

You could try any of the "clearance bins" at the major retailers like Staples and Office Depot, many times they have software for sale for $10. I've seen things like 2D and even 3D CAD programs there. "Happy the Hare at morning for she is ignorant to the Hunter's waking thoughts."

 

[MikeMilburn]

Try the TurboCAD V4 learning edition, it's a freebie and it's downloadable at

http://www.imsisoft.com/free/.

It was a paid for program up untill 2-3 years ago...Mike

 

[Biggy]

Thanks Mike.

I've downloaded it. It seems pretty good for free! I've had a quick play and it has most of the functions I want. It is a lot better than the other option I have, which is Visio.

Biggy

 

[dsi]

There is also a program called VDraft (vdraft.com) that recognizes AutoCAD commands. It is also pretty decent at importing AutoCAD drawings, but you should completely explode them in AutoCAD for the best import results. You can download a demo version. A full license runs $250. It also supports API programming. DimensionalSolutions@Core.com
While I welcome e-mail messages, please post all thread activity in these forums for the benefit of all members.

 

[AJUK]

I use TurboCAD for all of my professional work. Its the best CAD package for the money by a long way and the forum based support second to none.

If you upgrade to one of the later versions you will be able to read an write a varied selection of CAD file formats including dwg, dgn, iges, dwf etc. Cehck out the website

http://www.turbocad.com.

 

[swertel]

You can also try IntelliCAD.

 

[3DDon]

There is also Pro/Desktop Express which is also free and is downloadable. Sorry, I don't know the address and I don't think that it has an AutoCAD sytle front end.
Don Shoebridge
Sr. Product Developement Engineer

http://www.geocities.com/donshoebridge

 

[yakpol]

Try IntelliCad, former Visio product.

http://www.cadopia.com/

 

[pipewelder1999]

Autodesk has a product called QuickCad which can be reviewed at

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/section/0,,137592-123112,00.html.

The price is $69.00.

 

[jef]

Dear all,
IntelliCAD2001 does the job, an is similar than AutoCAD14 and compatible with AutoCAD 2000 but not the same.
It is free, same Icons (90%).So for the beginner you have 60% of all Cad software already learned. It is also MS office oriented, means VBA programming.Good luck with it,be happy.Jef

 

[tvglass]

My favorite for 2D AutoCAD work alike is Intellicad 2001 standard evaluation version from

http://www.cadopia.com/products/products.asp

The "evaluation" version of Intellicad 2001 standard is an "unlimited time" evaluation, registration required.

I have used TurboCAD but the interface is different from AutoCAD and files are translated, not AutoCAD native. Dimensions were usually garbled in translation.

Here is a link to lots of other free CAD software, 2D and 3D

http://www.tenlinks.com/cad/products/free/cad.htm

 

[abhio]

QCAD (I think it's available only for Linux) is a great one too. Have a look. Abhijeet Oundhakar
Design Engineer
STUP Consultants Ltd.
Bombay, India

 

[oijammu]

I have a stone-age program called Windows DRAFIXcad(2D).It can transfer dwg files to autocad in single layers only,+export data to excel 2.o. If interested,I can zip it in 2 parts and send to you.give me an email address.

mooslimtj@hotmail.com

 

[ie3]

QCad is the best 2D freebie I've used. Intellicad is the best all around. Either of those two will do wonders.

 

[PeterCharles]

I tried QCAD, but the DXF files it produced did not work in AutoCAD.