absolutely free CAD type programs

[timo_gross]

At work we use FreeCad (for the occasional simple part, then ordered from outside maker). It is quite good at opening files to just look at. (never had issues with looking at customer files)
Private I use a paid software, that would have been "free" initially, beforer they dumbed it down to a point. All the files are in the Clowd, which is fantastic according to the Marketing department.
...I can see the advantages that me, I, myself and my friend Harvey can do group work. And eventhough I do not need to download anything or share any information with myself, or I. I am happy to wait for the Internet connection every time. ...
I do not trust those "Maker Licences" further than I can throw a whashing machine.

 

[awake]

Thanks to Stanstocker and others for a thorough review. To add just a bit more from my own experience:

Inkscape is an outstanding vector-graphics program. Highly recommended YouTube tutorials: Logos by Nick

FreeCAD 1.0 is quite usable, but 1.1 is "coming soon" and promises even more significant improvements. Highly recommended YouTube tutorials: MangoJelly

One of the most frustrating issues with cloud-based software is that some of us still live in rural areas with spotty internet.

 

[GreenTwin]

The world is getting complicated

You can say that again.
Getting very complicated, and not in a good way.

Microsoft is forcing updates, and so I have recently installed an "email/internet-only" computer for email and browsing.
There is nothing on my email dedicated computer.
All my CAD machines are now completely off the net, and they won't be reconnected.

.

 

[mrehmus]

If you are a US or Canadian Vet, SolidWorks is just $20 a year.

 

[petertha]

And its apparently Student version, not Maker version. I've heard very picky about using the right forms & obviously legitimate credentials but a heck of a deal.

https://www.solidworks.com/product/students/solidworks-student-edition-veterans

 

[SmithDoor]

Here works great I use for converting for new Autocad to Autocad 2000.

DOUBLE CAD XT

https://download.cnet.com/doublecad-xt/3000-18496_4-10907980.html

It is free

Dave

 

[timo_gross]

If you are a US or Canadian Vet, SolidWorks is just $20 a year.

Why would a vetenerian need CAD? For the cat? (pun)

p.s. oops the spelling got a little out of hand. (F+)

 

[stanstocker]

I once told a young lady that I loved working with animals. She asked if I was a veterinarian after gushing about her love of animals. When I said "No, a butcher" she seemed to lose interest in the conversation.

As something related, Veteran discounts are also available at Alibre, or at least were last time I was on their site.

 

[Motorman1946]

Try SolveSpace, it's a 3D CAD, free, for Windows and Mac, there are youtube tutorial videos to help you on your way, and it will print out in 2D too. It got my approval, even if I do use TurboCad for Mac mainly (for 2D)
Chris

 

[KellisRJ]

Rhino doesn't meet any of the stated criteria but I think my question is relevant.

I have the veteran/student edition of SW. I must be too tainted by vector drawing programs. The interface makes me scream and walk away from the computer swearing and looking for alternatives. That said, the interface I show below from Rhino is the one that really makes the most sense to me. Maybe simply because it looks enough like drawing in Powerpoint, Inkscape, or Draw in LibreOffice, an OpenOffice fork with a better drawing program that will do basic 2D dimensions. In Rhino I can get an idea of what to use. Can't bring myself to buy a one off $1,000 USD not on the Cloud but with a hefty price tag for upgrades. Are there any programs that meet the criteria with a similar interface?

TIA

Ron

 

[GreenTwin]

I use SW, and the many/most of the 3D programs I have seen all seem to have about the same interface.
It took me a long time to transition from 2D Autocad to 3D SW.
2D drafting is like the sketch mode of 3D modeling.

I had to learn to think 3D, in order to use a 3D program, liking thinking of a 3D shape, and how you would slice it with a knife, and where.
Once you get the feel for what you are trying to do, it becomes more normal.

.

 

[KellisRJ]

I use SW, and the many/most of the 3D programs I have seen all seem to have about the same interface.
It took me a long time to transition from 2D Autocad to 3D SW.
2D drafting is like the sketch mode of 3D modeling.

I had to learn to think 3D, in order to use a 3D program, liking thinking of a 3D shape, and how you would slice it with a knife, and where.
Once you get the feel for what you are trying to do, it becomes more normal.

.

Thanks. As much as the icons, what I like about Rhino is the 4 views all at once. They really help me transition from 2D to 3D.

 

[ninefinger]

Thanks. As much as the icons, what I like about Rhino is the 4 views all at once. They really help me transition from 2D to 3D.

Look like with a little bit of fuss you can get that type of view in Fusion as well.

 

[GreenTwin]

I had a lot of trouble figuring out the correct approach to starting/building a 3D model.
When I was able to start building 3D models, I would build them in a way that would eventually make them unstable.
It was very frustrating for about a year.
I finally figured out what I was doing wrong, and I seldom have a problem with 3D models these days, and if I do have a problem, I know how to fix it.
3D modeling is difficult for some to learn, such as old-school 2D users like myself, but 3D modeling is absolute gold once you learn it, and it totally changes how you design engines, and how you think about designing and building engines.
3D modeling is really a superb thing for this hobby.

Much like learning how to drive a car; its no fun if you crash your car every day, but if you are able to learn to drive a car, the things that allows you to do is vast.
Its like that day you were finally able to take the training wheels off your bicycle.
.

 

[Vietti]

I have read about all these free CAD programs but, as an old guy who just wants simple 2D drawings, which free program is absolutely the easiest to learn??