Drafting programs

Posted:
in Mac Software edited January 2014
Are there any drafting programs, like AutoCAD, for Macs?

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 8
    freshfresh Posts: 3member
    vectorworks, MacDraft, PowerCadd, RealCad, HighDesign, ArchiCad, A couple Illustrator plugins, Canvas(sorta cad), FormZ has a Cad module, VersaCad
  • Reply 3 of 8
    Quote:

    Originally posted by Fresh

    vectorworks, MacDraft, PowerCadd, RealCad, HighDesign, ArchiCad, A couple Illustrator plugins, Canvas(sorta cad), FormZ has a Cad module, VersaCad



    alright, which would you recomend for a AutoCAD user like myself?



    I was looking at ArchiCAD
  • Reply 4 of 8
    alcimedesalcimedes Posts: 5,486member
    someone else posted that unoffically, the AutoCAD team is looking at creating an OSX port of AutoCAD. although i don't think i'd want to wait for a rumor to pan out.



  • Reply 5 of 8
    It depends what you want to do. If you just want to draft, then VectorWorks or PowerCadd would do fine. But if you want to build, as in architecture, Archicad would be best.
  • Reply 6 of 8
    Quote:

    Originally posted by 1seaside1

    It depends what you want to do. If you just want to draft, then VectorWorks or PowerCadd would do fine. But if you want to build, as in architecture, Archicad would be best.









    ....WHAT?...'just want to draft, then use Vectorworks', that may well have been true when Vectorworks was Minicad...or prior to that when Claris Cad was around. But as an architectural package, I often get Archicad users saying to me, 'you can do that on Vectorworks'. And its about half the price.



    The only thing I would have to say is that the referencing is...well...crap...but I have used an earlier version for a multi million dollar commercial project with 40 separate trade packages (which was pushing it).



    I think Archicad is better suited to project builders and vectorworks is better suited to quality architecture.





    I may be wrong, and I would like a better apreciation of Archicad.
  • Reply 7 of 8
    I've used AutoCad, ArchiCad, and VectorWorks and still think ArchiCad is the best architectural package out there. I learned ArchiCad in a day...and I'm still trying to figure out VectorWorks to the point I feel productive. I know VW 10 is close, but architecturally speaking, in terms of walls, slabs, windows, etc., ArchiCad is more mature. On the other hand, I feel more comfortable in a 2D environment with AutoCad or VW.



    With the introduction of the new Aluminum PowerBooks, I have had a lot of friends interested in switching to Macs. One bought a 17" PB and AutoCad 2000 runs pretty good on it. When they ask about CAD programs it's my opinion that VW would be a more comfortable transition because of its 2D/3D strengths, but to also take a look at ArchiCad for its maturity in the Virtual Building field.



    Has anyone tried High Design? Looks promising...
  • Reply 8 of 8
    well all I am really looking to do right now is some basic floorplans...maybe later I will try something more advanced



    I think I might give ArchiCAD a shot...I can get a student version of ArchiCAD 8 for like $80
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