What is your CAD of choice?

[MCKDAVID]

2D using Autodesk - AutoCAD 2014, but our guys are upgrading, 2017 this time I think, it's just more of the same, we'll lose a lot of time at the beginning while searching for the old functions, they'll still be there but under a new folder / command / different icon.... been using it since release R12......

3D we use mostly Navisworks, or PDMS, but they're not really "domestic" use....

 

[Kent]

I am currently re thinking this as I am constantly asked for cad files from folks so they can do thier bit.
It seems the fact that smoking especially at work is no longer nobody understands fag packet drawings

Seriously though if I want to create new ideas for lazer cutting firms is thier a clearer choice ?
I also like those computer sketch pads, is this the fag packet of the future ?

 

[robdxr2]

Radan for sheet metal can't fault it in 3d and 2d

 

[bigegg]

I am currently re thinking this as I am constantly asked for cad files from folks so they can do thier bit.
It seems the fact that smoking especially at work is no longer nobody understands fag packet drawings

Seriously though if I want to create new ideas for lazer cutting firms is thier a clearer choice ?
I also like those computer sketch pads, is this the fag packet of the future ?

The ones I've spoken to all take DXF files - some take others, but there are no other filetypes that *all* take.
So I would say, anything that outputs DXF.
Inventor does. Fusion does.
Autocad does.
I don't know about others - I don't think Sketchup does

 

[MCKDAVID]

dxf is the generic file format for CAD generated drawings, and a very widely used format for manufacture CAD/CAM. It's handy if you want to transfer between packages, or programs. The autodesk standard drawing / saving format is .dwg, but within that, you can save to a good few other options.

you can import autocad 2D to Sketch up as a basis, but you need the pro version, it doesn't (or didn't) work on the free version.

 

[Kent]

I have a cad man who works freelance but it's hard to get creative when you have someone else doing it

 

[scott0031]

dxf is the generic file format for CAD generated drawings, and a very widely used format for manufacture CAD/CAM. It's handy if you want to transfer between packages, or programs. The autodesk standard drawing / saving format is .dwg, but within that, you can save to a good few other options.

you can import autocad 2D to Sketch up as a basis, but you need the pro version, it doesn't (or didn't) work on the free version.

You should also point out for those that are learning or don't know that DXF is only good for a 2d / 2.5D drawing and no use for 3D which a lot of cad is now days. (Even when it's not required for a simple 2d part)

 

[MCKDAVID]

that's a fair point.

 

[jimi_boom]

I'm an Autodesk inventor user these days, but have played around with both 2D and 3D (I'm a mechanical engineer working in oil and gas)

3D CAD is fantastic if used correctly and can be a great way to build and test designs prior to machining, you can also output directly to 3D printers now as well.

 

[Wightsparks]

I struggled on with Fusion 360, hours of videos and tutorials but there are so many stupidity's and bugs in the simple 2D side that I gave up. Can't copy, paste and move easily, can't mirror easily, constantly tries to break your drawing up into "sketches" that you can't join back together easily. Don't even think about printing a quick scale drawing to see if your bit fits or to stick on a bit of metal for cutting.
Sure it is super powerful but the basics are garbage. My opinion of course - but it is echoed a lot in their official forums.

 

[bigegg]

That's basically what I found
Shame, because it *could* be fantastic.
Rather than just "good"

Can't argue with the price though!

 

[Wightsparks]

Good job it's free because I would never buy it.
Went back to latest version of Rhino, its only a 3 month eval copy, but I got what I needed to do done in 30 mins with no swearing

 

[Keith 66]

As i work in a school i use Techsoft's 2d design, it is the software of choice for 90% of schools because it is simple & easy to get to grips with, In some ways it is dated but it works. Unfortunately for a home user it is not cheap & i cant use it outside school. Still for the amount of cad work i do i can do it at work!
I also use Delftship pro which is a powerful surface modelling software for boat & ship design. Highly intuitive the basic package is quite reasonable but extension modules can shove costs up drastically, these are not required for guys like me, If you want to draw boats it is excellent! An earlier version Freeship is still available on the web.

 

[mike os]

Inventor, spending a bit of time with onshape too