Looking for Simple drafting software

[Enright3]

I'm looking for (preferably free) drafting software. I found several versions of 2D and 3D Cad software from freebytes, but all of that is more complicated than what I need.

Here's my basic bullet list of what I'm looking for.


ability to know how long a line is as I'm drawing it
ability to know what angle I'm drawing
simple text box capability


Basically I want to be able to draw simple home woodworking projects something like this: http://www.horseshupit.com/Horseshoe_Pit_Builder/Plans_files/Horseshoe%20Pit%20Plans-%20Rev.3.pdf

Any suggestions?

[GargoyleWB]

Google Sketchup is surprisingly versatile (and free!). I've done a bunch of carpentry-related and home architectural stuff with it. Plus, there's a huge slew of user-generated content available in the online libraries.

It's very quick to learn and feel productive with.

[Oslo Ostragoth]

Google Sketchup is surprisingly versatile (and free!). I've done a bunch of carpentry-related and home architectural stuff with it. Plus, there's a huge slew of user-generated content available in the online libraries.

It's very quick to learn and feel productive with.

I must be dense, because I don't find it "quick to learn" at all.

[Reply]

I must be dense, because I don't find it "quick to learn" at all.

Try the training videos (http://sketchup.google.com/training/videos.html).

[Reply]

ETA: I hope that didn't come off as snarky.

Sketchup is the easiest 3D modeling/floorplanning software I've used. It's not quite as easy as "I want a house; give it to me now!", but it certainly beats true CAD and/or modeling programs for ease of use with simple tasks. And it's free!

[appleciders]

Google Sketchup is surprisingly versatile (and free!). I've done a bunch of carpentry-related and home architectural stuff with it. Plus, there's a huge slew of user-generated content available in the online libraries.

It's very quick to learn and feel productive with.

You know, I started to recommend Sketchup, and then I backed off because it also has a lot of content that Enright3 doesn't need, and it won't print easily, nor will screenshots appear to scale. It's a fantastic program but possibly unnecessary for this application.

[Enright3]

I'm always willing to consider a Google solution. They seem to get a lot of things done 'right.'

I found a product called DrawPlus SE that isn't too bad either. I'm going to checkout Sketchup.

[Napier]

EasyCAD or FastCAD, by Evolution Computing, is quite good and pretty simple. Not free, though.

[moldybread]

You can download a demo of autocad. 30 days i think. Drawing lines is simple. As is measuring or dimensioning them. 30 days would be more than enough time to complete your project. Why not go with the best?

[zoid]

If you want an Autodesk app and don't mind paying a bit of $ I'd go with Autosketch as opposed to the AutoCAD demo.

You can download it from CNET for $129 (http://download.cnet.com/Autodesk-AutoSketch/3000-18496_4-19003.html).