EntreArchitect // Small Firm Entrepreneur Architects

EntreArchitect is the global community for small firm entrepreneur architects.

  • Search
  • Listen
  • Read
  • Subscribe
  • Academy
    • Login
    • Member Profile
  • Access the Network

Apr 16 2007

CAD Software for Architects

Considering a change in CAD software? Autodesk is not the only game in town. Here’s a list of the top CAD programs for architects (in alphabetical order):

Archicad 10 by Graphisoft

AutoCAD Architecture by Autodesk

AutoCAD LT 2008 by Autodesk

Chief Architect 10 by Chief Architect, Inc.

DataCAD by DataCAD LLC

DigiCad 3D by Interstudio

Domus.Cad 14 by Interstudio

Revit Architecture by Autodesk

TurboCAD Pro 12 by Broadcaster

VectorWorks Architect 12 by Nemetschek

And for your PDA, there’s PocketCAD 4.0 by Metris

Bonus: If you haven’t yet downloaded the free version of Google SketchUp, do it now. It’s the easiest 3D modeler you’ll ever use.

And remember, Apple now feature Intel processors in their MacBook, iMac, Mac Mini and Mac Pro, which means you’re not limited to a PC either.

Do you have a favorite CAD program? Share your recommendation by clicking the “comments” link above.

Written by Mark R. LePage · Categorized: CAD, Computers, Software

Comments

  1. Patrick Hayden says

    October 25, 2008 at 9:04 PM

    For computerized drafting one can’t beat Microsoft. It’s elegant, intelligent software but I hear it’s pricey.

    I like Archicad for 3-D but find it’s version 9 more primitive when it comes to drafting. I do like to draft over a 3-D model. That’s ideal CAD in my mind and Archicad does provide that.

    I haven’t used the recent release Archicad 12. I hope the 2-D drafting functions are a little less clunky. For example, I find it difficult to draw clapboard horizontal lines. They are difficult to keep orthagonal under the multiple line function.

    For cranking out 3-D interiors or exteriors though, I find it hard to beat.

    I look forward to trying Sketch Up. I hear great things about it.

    I haven’t tried the

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Detailed, an original podcast by ARCAT

The Latest from the Blog

  • Does Your Architecture Firm Qualify for the IRS R&D Tax Credit? January 9, 2023
  • Establishing a Firm with Gene Kohn of KPF September 9, 2022
  • Tough Love: Grow Your Team by Not Bailing Them Out June 22, 2022
  • Development Jargon: Cap Rates May 23, 2022
  • The Architecture of Motherhood May 13, 2022
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Articles
  • Search
  • Contact Us

EntreArchitect and Gābl are trademarks of Gābl Technologies, Inc.© 2007–2023 Gābl Technologies, Inc.