I'm looking for some design software for usage in creating a bar for my friend. I have experience in AutoCad, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, MasterCam (although I don't see that helping here) as well as other types of CAD software like Maya and Bryce.
However, my friend's CAD experience is limited to making maps for Unreal Tournament and Call of Duty. Although they can get quite intricate, we're going to be needing something that focuses more on exact measurements.
Ideally, this software would allow us to plan out the entire bar. We probably won't be needing to load in any previously created models. Any free software would allow us to create some basic rectangles and get a rough plan for the space, but he's also interested in designing more specific details such as detailed woodwork and patterns.
I have searched the forum and most people seem to come down to AutoCad or Google Sketchup (although it now seems to be called Trimble?).
I have seen home design programs in the past that will allow you to 'texture' surfaces and view it as though you were actually there. I believe some newer versions of AutoCad or SolidWorks may have this functionality, but I have never had a need for it.
In closing, we're looking for software intended for small area home design but allowing more detail than simply placing rectangles on top of eachother and calling it a 'plan'.
Budget: If it's free, that's great. However, I know most CAD software is not. The lower the cost the better, but if it's worth recommending, please feel free to suggest it and it will be considered.
Oh, and if it happens to have some kind of collaboration feature, that would be an added bonus. But that's just a luxury and I'm not expecting it.
If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Jeremy
However, my friend's CAD experience is limited to making maps for Unreal Tournament and Call of Duty. Although they can get quite intricate, we're going to be needing something that focuses more on exact measurements.
Ideally, this software would allow us to plan out the entire bar. We probably won't be needing to load in any previously created models. Any free software would allow us to create some basic rectangles and get a rough plan for the space, but he's also interested in designing more specific details such as detailed woodwork and patterns.
I have searched the forum and most people seem to come down to AutoCad or Google Sketchup (although it now seems to be called Trimble?).
I have seen home design programs in the past that will allow you to 'texture' surfaces and view it as though you were actually there. I believe some newer versions of AutoCad or SolidWorks may have this functionality, but I have never had a need for it.
In closing, we're looking for software intended for small area home design but allowing more detail than simply placing rectangles on top of eachother and calling it a 'plan'.
Budget: If it's free, that's great. However, I know most CAD software is not. The lower the cost the better, but if it's worth recommending, please feel free to suggest it and it will be considered.
Oh, and if it happens to have some kind of collaboration feature, that would be an added bonus. But that's just a luxury and I'm not expecting it.
If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Jeremy
