# Good Consumer Architectural Programs? (preferrably free ones) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 4, 2004, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-consumer-architectural-programs-preferrably-free-ones/248663 "2004-06-04T17:36:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2004, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-consumer-architectural-programs-preferrably-free-ones/248663/1 "2004-06-04T17:36:20Z")
I have one, but its very old, circa '96, and it sucks. I’d like to explore and share some design ideas for houses and such. What’re some good choices? I’d prefer free ones, but’d be willing to pay a bit for something nice. Thanks Simon ---
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2004, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-consumer-architectural-programs-preferrably-free-ones/248663/2 "2004-06-05T16:53:43Z")
A just checking bump. ---
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2004, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-consumer-architectural-programs-preferrably-free-ones/248663/3 "2004-06-07T15:57:47Z")
Figured I just check again ---
**Author:** ![Chairman\_Pow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/838e76/32.png) [@Chairman\_Pow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chairman_Pow)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2004, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-consumer-architectural-programs-preferrably-free-ones/248663/4 "2004-06-07T16:39:14Z")
You looking to design your own place, or just something that you can drag clip-art curtains around the room? ---
**Author:** ![D.E.S.K.Top668](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f07891/32.png) [@D.E.S.K.Top668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D.E.S.K.Top668)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2004, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-consumer-architectural-programs-preferrably-free-ones/248663/5 "2004-06-07T16:54:41Z")
I can’t recomend a specific program at this time, but you might want to try [here](http://www.freecad.com/). When I get home, I’ll check my home PC and see if I can find the programs I’ve used and liked. Peace - DESK ---
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2004, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-consumer-architectural-programs-preferrably-free-ones/248663/6 "2004-06-08T16:05:44Z")
> [@Chairman Pow](#): > > You looking to design your own place, or just something that you can drag clip-art curtains around the room? I’m wanting to design buildings. A ous or two of course, but some out buildings as well. I’ve no architectural/drafting background. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2004, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-consumer-architectural-programs-preferrably-free-ones/248663/7 "2004-06-08T20:20:46Z")
Not free, but I always liked Punch! Pro from [Punch Software](http://www.punchsoftware.com). Too bad there’s nothing like it for my Macs :(. It’s the one thing I _must_ use a PC for. (Yeah, I have access to VectorWorks, but for houses, it’s overkill and needlessly complicated). ---
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2004, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-consumer-architectural-programs-preferrably-free-ones/248663/8 "2004-06-09T16:10:40Z")
> [@D.E.S.K.Top668](#): > > I can’t recomend a specific program at this time, but you might want to try [here](http://www.freecad.com/). When I get home, I’ll check my home PC and see if I can find the programs I’ve used and liked. > > Peace - DESK I didn’t see anything that was really what i was after. Thank you ---
**Author:** ![PatriotX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2004, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-consumer-architectural-programs-preferrably-free-ones/248663/9 "2004-06-10T14:58:47Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > Not free, but I always liked Punch! Pro from [Punch Software](http://www.punchsoftware.com). > > Too bad there’s nothing like it for my Macs :(. It’s the one thing I _must_ use a PC for. (Yeah, I have access to VectorWorks, but for houses, it’s overkill and needlessly complicated). Thanks This looks promising. I’ve down loaded a trial version. I’ll report back soon. ---
**Author:** ![DirkGntly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d9b06d/32.png) [@DirkGntly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DirkGntly)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2004, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-consumer-architectural-programs-preferrably-free-ones/248663/10 "2004-06-10T16:59:13Z")
I can second the Punch software - it’s pretty good stuff, and the professional versions do a lot of the rafter/floor/truss engineering for you, too, which is a big help.