Does anyone have any suggestions for an Open Source alternative to AutoCAD? Main use is for system design.
Does anyone have any suggestions for an Open Source alternative to AutoCAD? Main use is for system design.
Can you clarify the "exchange with AutoCAD" aspect? Do you need to be able to directly open or save a .dwg file and perhaps to do so for certain versions (e.g. 2004, 2007, 2010 or 2013) of the .dwg file format? Lately, about every three years Autodesk makes major changes to the .dwg files that AutoCAD generates, requiring either using a newer version, using a translator program or having the party providing the drawing file provide it saved as a compatible .dwg version.Nothing overly complex. Simple 2D drawings that I can exchange with AutoCAD. Circuitry, PA layouts...
Can you clarify the "exchange with AutoCAD" aspect? Do you need to be able to directly open or save a .dwg file and perhaps to do so for certain versions (e.g. 2004, 2007, 2010 or 2013) of the .dwg file format? Lately, about every three years Autodesk makes major changes to the .dwg files that AutoCAD generates, requiring either using a newer version, using a translator program or having the party providing the drawing file provide it saved as a compatible .dwg version.
Do you use xrefs, blocks, plot styles, etc.? Many CAD programs may have similar functionalities but how well they translate to and from AutoCAD varies.
FWIW, I used AutoCAD LT for years and only moved up to full AutoCAD after needing to support some 3D work.
That is true and in terms of importing and exporting AutoCAD files into other CAD programs then if you are once and a while importing floor plans, sections, etc. from other parties and simply want to display them, then that is one thing. But if you routinely receive updated backgrounds and/or want to manipulate layers, plot styles, line weights, etc., then that may be a very different situation.Not that long ago, DXF files were the designated transition file that Autocad used for export or import with other platforms. Presumably this is still the case, but another question is whether or not freeware programs can use DXF files.
FWIW, I used AutoCAD LT for years and only moved up to full AutoCAD after needing to support some 3D work.
I found AutoCAD LT just fine for floor plans, sections, single lines, plate details, etc. and could probably still use it for the vast majority of my work. However, Alibre is 3D software and AutoCAD LT is 2D only, if you are wanting to do 3D drawings, shading, rendering, section cuts, etc. then it may not be a good choice. You could create nice top, side and end views of a space frame chassis, spindle, etc., but not a 3D, rendered model of them.How is LT? I'm needed something more robust for the race fab business but AC Mechanical is out of my price range. I'm using Albre PE right now and to upgrade we start to get into Auto Cad dollars.
I found AutoCAD LT just fine for floor plans, sections, single lines, plate details, etc. and could probably still use it for the vast majority of my work. However, Alibre is 3D software and AutoCAD LT is 2D only, if you are wanting to do 3D drawings, shading, rendering, section cuts, etc. then it may not be a good choice. You could create nice top, side and end views of a space frame chassis, spindle, etc., but not a 3D, rendered model of them.