Techsoft 2D Design
Along with 3D design packages, reliable and sturdy software is always essential, and this is the role 2D design has filled perfectly. A rather handy feature is that of the ability to have different windows within the software, so you can copy drawings, or parts of drawings, between different designs. Along with that, a variety of different features and tools allows effective, flowing 2D design. To improve, I would introduce more obvious keyboard shortcuts, as I find some more logical and useful shortcuts reduces the time a design takes to take form.
Sketchup Pro 2018
Although my opinion is based off of the free trial of the Software, I still thoroughly investigated and reviewed it. Personally, I rather feel that it should have more of an advantage over long-forgotten previous versions, due to the wallet-starving price. Although its software capable of designing the buildings of tomorrow, I would expect far better in terms of value for money, as many of the features can be found in Google Sketchup 8, and I would like Trimble to develop it further.
RS DesignSpark Mechanical
Ignoring Fusion 360, DesignSpark Mechanical from RS, the creators of the infamous RS Components, is the best freely available software for personal or commercial use. It contains all the standard CAD features which it shares with its peers, such as the basic sketch tools, or the push/pull tool. Going further than most free CAD Packages, it can interact with RS PCB, for a seamless transition between Circuit board design and mechanical design, which encourages an efficient workflow for individuals and companies alike. It has a good system of objects and components, along with a "component tree" to navigate around your design.
Autodesk Fusion 360
The newest edition to my arsenal of programs, Fusion 360 has been an enormous aid with creating designs quickly and accurately. It boasts many features (other than the standard tools) including surface modelling, free-form modelling, embossing (a new feature) and sheet metal tools. The timeline is well thought-out and organised. The models and designs are stored in the cloud, and can be stored locally as well. I have respect for Autodesk, as they have made a commercial package available for hobbyists, and created a community to be proud of.
Blogs of Knowledge Collection
Along with 3D design packages, reliable and sturdy software is always essential, and this is the role 2D design has filled perfectly. A rather handy feature is that of the ability to have different windows within the software, so you can copy drawings, or parts of drawings, between different designs. Along with that, a variety of different features and tools allows effective, flowing 2D design. To improve, I would introduce more obvious keyboard shortcuts, as I find some more logical and useful shortcuts reduces the time a design takes to take form.
Sketchup Pro 2018
Although my opinion is based off of the free trial of the Software, I still thoroughly investigated and reviewed it. Personally, I rather feel that it should have more of an advantage over long-forgotten previous versions, due to the wallet-starving price. Although its software capable of designing the buildings of tomorrow, I would expect far better in terms of value for money, as many of the features can be found in Google Sketchup 8, and I would like Trimble to develop it further.
RS DesignSpark Mechanical
Ignoring Fusion 360, DesignSpark Mechanical from RS, the creators of the infamous RS Components, is the best freely available software for personal or commercial use. It contains all the standard CAD features which it shares with its peers, such as the basic sketch tools, or the push/pull tool. Going further than most free CAD Packages, it can interact with RS PCB, for a seamless transition between Circuit board design and mechanical design, which encourages an efficient workflow for individuals and companies alike. It has a good system of objects and components, along with a "component tree" to navigate around your design.
Autodesk Fusion 360
The newest edition to my arsenal of programs, Fusion 360 has been an enormous aid with creating designs quickly and accurately. It boasts many features (other than the standard tools) including surface modelling, free-form modelling, embossing (a new feature) and sheet metal tools. The timeline is well thought-out and organised. The models and designs are stored in the cloud, and can be stored locally as well. I have respect for Autodesk, as they have made a commercial package available for hobbyists, and created a community to be proud of.
Blogs of Knowledge Collection
