CHOOSING A SOFTWARE - There are a lot of different types of software available for the various Design & Engineering fields. Some are used primarily for design or construction drawings and plans and others are for rendering presentations and modeling and some are only for interior or landscape design applications.

There are free downloads, cloud based, by subscription, or one time purchase with upgrades available. Most are available for Windows or Macs, but Chromebooks can be used for many of the basic applications that we will need for learning this semester.The options I recommend are listed below. As with all software, check the system requirements before downloading or accessing virtually.

 

AutoCAD LT – Available to purchase or free student download for students. This is what we are using in the classroom, (but an older/user friendlier version) but it is no longer available. The newer versions menus and setups look different but it works the same way, but will take some time to get familiar with the 2d to 3d functions. and I  advise to download the oldest version that is available.

 

ArchiCAD/Graphisoft - Available to purchase or free download for students. – More user friendly and easier to develop 3d drawings than Autocad, but functions in a similar way.

 

Virtual Architect - Available to purchase different versions. The ‘Ultimate’ Version for $80 is the minimal you’ll need to do house plans and elevations. Easy to use and converts from 2d to 3d easily. Plans and side views are built using pre-made object libraries.

 

Chief Architect – Similar to AutoCAD and ArchiCAD in ability to produce professional construction drawings and renders more realistic than others. Available as free trial or purchase for around $2500.

 

Dreamplan by NCH – Available as free download as a home version or available to buy a commercial unlimited license for around $30. Similar to Virtual Architect.

 

Planner 5d – A free cloud based app that works on multiple devices including Chromebooks. User friendly and similar to SIM where you build in 3d from pre-made object menus.

 

Home Design 3D – Free downloads available. Easy to use and versatile from 2d to 3d.

 

Sketchup - User friendly 3d modeling software with importing web content capabilities for realistic imaging. Free versions for students and Chromebook compatible.