# Looking for input on free CAD software **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 28, 2008, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-free-cad-software/454538 "2008-06-28T03:01:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![H3Knuckles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ba8739/32.png) [@H3Knuckles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/H3Knuckles)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2008, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-free-cad-software/454538/1 "2008-06-28T03:01:32Z")
Hi, I was talking to my dad the other day and he was saying how he wished he could get a computer aided design (or drafting) program that wasn’t exorbitantly expensive. I suggested that there’s probably free or open-use alternatives he could get from the internet, and volunteered to look into it for him. I figured that Wikipedia’s article on it would be a good place to start, and lo and behold they have a [sizable list of options](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Free_computer-aided_design_software). So, I figured since there’s quite a few techie types on the boards, it’d make sense to ask you guys if anyone can provide some input about these. My dad’s mostly familiar with AutoCAD (up to current versions) and Imsi TurboCAD (c. 1997), preferring the former but was pretty happy with the latter. His office has AutoCAD, but since he’s not the draftsman they won’t get him one for working at home. He’s going to be installing this on a PC my brother gave him that’s only about 2 years old, is pretty high end for it’s age, and has Windows XP professional (up-to-date), if that matters any. Any suggestions or words of wisdom? ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2008, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-free-cad-software/454538/2 "2008-06-28T03:44:02Z")
Well, if he/they use AutoCad at work, something similar is what he should have at home for a beginner. Other wise, he can’t tap into the knowledge base at work. Ask questions and get fast simple answers. Otherwise everyone is going to be frustrated. An up and comer called QuickCAD was bought by AutoDesk (about 10 years ago). Looks like it’s now called AutoSketch. I used it to design plans for a 2 story addition to my house. Not bad. It’s about $120. :side note: I started using AutoCad at about version 2. But it’s not really my bag any more. I’m in GIS. ESRI stuff (which is not what your dad needs). ---
**Author:** ![H3Knuckles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ba8739/32.png) [@H3Knuckles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/H3Knuckles)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2008, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-free-cad-software/454538/3 "2008-06-28T04:15:47Z")
Ah, my dad’s an engineer who works for a company that consults railroads and car builders. He mostly wants it to play around with rail car designs and track layouts. Thanks for the feedback though. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [June 28, 2008, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-free-cad-software/454538/4 "2008-06-28T17:09:04Z")
check out an Autocad clone from [ProgeSoft](http://www.progecad.com/compra/index.asp?left=prodotti/eng_progecad2008smart&abspage=1&lang=eng) almost identical, and free ---
**Author:** ![H3Knuckles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ba8739/32.png) [@H3Knuckles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/H3Knuckles)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2008, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-input-on-free-cad-software/454538/5 "2008-06-30T01:22:58Z")
ah, thanks very much **chappachula**!