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Author Topic: Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or something else?  (Read 5120 times)

Riley Casey

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Re: Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or something else?
« Reply #10 on: March 24, 2017, 01:45:16 PM »

VW seems to be the default CAD program in the event production and entertainment biz.  I've never had a problem exporting to AutoCad in the sense that has gotten back to me but I'm a pretty low end user.  VW does have occasional problems with scaling when importing .dxf files but it's been easily handled.  VW is a purchase but they push hard to get you to sign up for annual upgrades and this years program version will not open next a file made with next year's version  so if a designer sends a newer version file you have to ask that they export to an older version.  If, as you say your application is working with architects and industrial installers the some program that outputs and inputs dxf files would be your best shot. I gather there are a number of off brand Windows based CAD programs that work in the AutoCad format but I've never delved into them.

Dave Scarlett

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Re: Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or something else?
« Reply #11 on: March 25, 2017, 11:42:14 AM »

Another vote for Draftsight here
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Lyle Williams

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Re: Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or something else?
« Reply #12 on: March 26, 2017, 01:36:05 AM »

Another vote for Draftsight here

+1

I've used AutoCAD most days for the last 20 years, and Draftsight is a good alternative.  AutoCAD's new licensing model sucks.  Now that my older AutoCAD licenses don't work in Win10, it's Draftsight for me at home.
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Caleb Dueck

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Re: Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or something else?
« Reply #13 on: March 26, 2017, 11:58:28 AM »

I use both AutoCAD LT and DraftSight free.  They are essentially interchangeable. 
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Dennis Wiggins

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Re: Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or something else?
« Reply #14 on: March 26, 2017, 01:03:44 PM »

...
And then I need to learn how to really use it effectively to interface with them.

Check out your local junior college.  They are a very cost-effective way to get your feet wet in Autocad, and/or other CAD/CAM products.  Prerequisites will be trigonometry, geometry, and GD&T (reading blueprints). 

-Dennis
« Last Edit: March 26, 2017, 01:09:04 PM by Dennis Wiggins »
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Justice C. Bigler

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Re: Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or something else?
« Reply #15 on: March 26, 2017, 02:31:11 PM »

Prerequisites will be trigonometry, geometry, and GD&T (reading blueprints). 
:-\
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Justice C. Bigler
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Justice C. Bigler

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Re: Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or something else?
« Reply #16 on: March 26, 2017, 04:36:19 PM »

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

It sounds like Draftsigth might be the best low cost alternative to AutoCAD. It seems like the only people that use Vectorworks anymore are college theatre programs. And Since I need to be able to interface with architects and engineers for real construction projects, it sounds like AutoCAD, or an AutoCAD compatible program is the way to go.

They are currently running a $99 annual subscription for Draftsight. Quick question, once the subscription lapses, do you lose the ability to use the program at all? Or do you just not get the new releases and bug fixes that come out after your subscription lapses?
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Justice C. Bigler
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Lyle Williams

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Re: Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or something else?
« Reply #17 on: March 27, 2017, 03:05:21 AM »

Draftsight is free unless you want the Pro features.  If you want to do serious 3D, there are more productive tools available.
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James Feenstra

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Re: Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or something else?
« Reply #18 on: March 27, 2017, 11:08:57 AM »

I personally use wysiwyg, but unless you're cranking out 3d renderings and utilizing the lighting programming features, the $6k price tag is a bit steep for most people
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ProSoundWeb Community

Re: Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or something else?
« Reply #18 on: March 27, 2017, 11:08:57 AM »


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