Before discussing Best CAD software for beginners, we will be briefly knowing how CAD software came into existence. CAD is a revolution in the designing industry.
The phrase easy CAD software offers programs, features and resources that make the software much easier to use. Customizable programs including tools palettes are offered by the best programs. The program will pull up the appropriate dialogue box or program when the user types the correct symbol in the command line.
TurboCAD Deluxe 2018 is a basic and easy-to-use CAD program that is perfect for new and intermediate CAD users. While it doesn’t contain as many tools and functions as more advanced software programs, it’s a powerful tool that can help you create 2D and 3D designs.
If you’re an engineer, architect, interior/ exterior designer, automobile engineer, etc., then you can understand how difficult is to design manually. Initially, each drawing done manually and it uses to take a lot of time.
Later they used to design using sketch pads, even it was not so easier to work on it. To make much simplify the work life we developed software for the same designing which resulted in CAD (Computer Aided Design) Software.
CAD software also has 2D and 3D designing similar to manual designing.
FreeCAD, free download. CAD editor software for Windows: A free CAD modelling editor which can assist in creating drawings and objects in both the 2D and 3D space with drawing tools. Includes tests and PC download for Windows 32 and 64-bit systems.
To start has a drawing software for a beginner you should start designing in 2D CAD software initially then you can go with 3D CAD.
CAD software not only reduces efforts it also save time and money. It also improves quality and productivity.
So, now we will be discussing what can you expect as a beginner in Best CAD Software for Beginners.
How to choose Best CAD software for beginners:
While choosing the best CAD software for the first time you need to keep some usual points in mind so that you can get easily hands on it.
Ease of use
Reliability and Performance
License Flexibility
File Compatibility
Customization
Value for Money
Features & Functionality
File Converters (Auditing and conversions)
PDF to CAD (DXF/SVG/PCG) Converter
Scanned drawing/ Image to DXF conversion
Ready to use Blocks/ Templates
Customer support
Ease of Use:
As the name suggests the software must be easy to use and user-friendly. The software should have easily accessible CAD Online books and tutorial videos The software must have the commands which are frequently used easily accessible.
Modern interfaces such as Ribbon style interface in which the command group organized in a systematic manner in tabs. In Best CAD Software we can expect customization of menu bar also.
If a CAD software as a facility of a command line, it allows us to shift the required menu or dialogue box immediately.
The best software also has setup manager where one can change the setting of the document and access them easily.
Each software is different from another software, making the user adaptability easy or tough.
When one learns a particular software and joins a firm which is using some other leading software in the market like AutoCAD, BricsCAD, etc., one should get accustomed very easily so that the productivity and time of the firm don’t effect.
So we need to be very careful while choosing software as a beginner.
Reliability and Performance:
As a beginner, we want software, which should be supported by the hardware which we use normally. As we can’t go for the high-end systems with large RAM and speed. If any CAD software is IntelliCAD member it gives the best performance.
As a beginner, we want reliability on the software as it can’t crash while we are working on important or difficult projects. You need to check the software how it work when it had fully loaded Drawings.
We need reliability and performance in everything starting from importing files from different formats or software to modify and saving them easily.
License Flexibility:
As a Best CAD softwarebeginner once you invest in any software as an output we need great features in it. Same way in licensing also if we have various option it would be of a great advantage.
So, go for a software which has global licensing, lifetime validity and Self-license transfer between any of your computers or laptops.
In self-license transfer, if you want to use the same license at different places you can deactivate the license and uninstall on the system which you are using and re-install on the system which you want to use.
File Compatibility:
When you want to import or export files for modification, you need a software which supports as many file formats such as DXF, DWG, DWF, DAE, DWT, DGN, PDF, Word, Excel, BMP, JPEG, PNG, etc.
The Best CAD software for beginners should even support files from R2 to latest file formats.
Customization:
If any of software gives you the option to customize, you would love to use it because the templates, add- on’s or blocks which you use repeatedly and frequently can be customized as per your requirement.
In addition to this, if we can even customize as per the requirement such as LISP, Diesel, SDS, DCL, excel, .output,VBA scripting, etc., it would be an added advantage.
According to the domain in which the software used we have the number of tasks which we use frequently. This tasks can customized using programming.
Some CAD software support API programming through which complicated tasks can also made easy.
Value for Money:
Being a beginner doesn’t mean that one should take a low-cost software. You should take software which is reasonable in price yet has the maximum number of features like software up gradation, license flexibility, Customization feature, file converters, technical support, etc.
Even we should check the frequency of up gradation of software and bug fixing. These issues should updated periodically. The software supported by IntelliCAD will give you timely update and bug fixation.
Features & Functionality:
As already we discussed having additional features would be great. So, now we will just discuss about some of the additional features which can be very useful.
File Converters (Auditing and conversions):
It will be a great advantage if you have file converter in Best CAD software for beginners. File converters can convert from one version of DWG/ DXF/ DGN to another version.
By using file convert the files will convert much faster and also support a wide range of file versions from R2 to 2018.
Auditing again is a special feature in CAD Software. In this through auditing, you can fix any internal errors in your drawings.
PDF to CAD (DXF/SVG/PCG) Converter:
With this feature, the drawing files which is in PDF format can imported and converted into DWG/ DXF/ DGN file and vice verse.
In Best CAD software you can import any PDF drawing, do the required modifications and convert it into required file format without disturbing the original data from the file. Once it converted then you share the drawing needed.
Scanned drawing/ Image to DXF conversion:
With this feature Raster to Vector conversion is possible. Scanned drawing/ Image can converted to CAD file i.e., DWG/ DXF/ DGN file.
Here for an example, an architect or civil engineer need an already existing house plan he can just click the image and convert it into CAD file for further use.
Ready to use Blocks/ Templates:
Usually while drawing we use the same type of lines, dimensional line or styles, blocks, etc., frequently. So, for efficient use of time this type of repeated tasks in Best CAD software made into blocks or templates. This can be just used by calling them whenever drawing needed.
Customer Support:
As a Best CAD software for Beginner, you need to have good technical customer support. You will be using the software for the first time so one needs good customer support both by email or on the call.
You can even go with customer support who had a screen sharing remote session like any-desk, team-viewer, etc. The HELP command in the software should also be of great use so that you can solve it yourself before going to Customer Support. Even we can go with online videos, FAQ’S, etc.
Now which Software you have to Select:
Finally, after discussing the Best CAD software for Beginner we thought you got a clear idea how to choose the best one. Now coming to my view the Best CAD software for beginners is TrueCAD.
Even though if we have many CAD software lists on the market only some are going to be good options to work with. Here I will introduce with some good software and will discuss my favorite CAD software too.
Some of the CAD software are TrueCAD, AutoCAD, ActCAD, NanoCAD, BricsCAD, ProgeCAD, etc.
TrueCAD:
The Most latest IntelliCAD engine. TrueCAD developed as simple 2D CAD software for beginners. It can support many of file formats and even it can convert from PDF and raster to CAD formats.
This software has more than 5000 blocks built in and can also customize your own blocks which we use frequently. Even introduction for 3D meshing also presents in this software.
ActCAD:
Most latest IntelliCAD engine. ActCAD has developed for both 2D & 3D CAD with more flexibility for the user. It can support many file formats and even it can convert from PDF and raster to CAD formats.
This software has 5000 plus blocks built in and also you can customize your own blocks. It is the brother of TrueCAD.
AutoCAD:
AutoCAD developed by Autodesk for 2D drafting and 3D drawings. The users can develop site plans, sketch technical drawings and customized templates are available.
It is one of the most popular CAD Software. Even though it is the most renowned brand in the CAD market due to its cost and online customer support it is getting pushed back.
NanoCAD:
NanoCAD is industry-standard CAD software that has a variety of APIs and table editor. It deals with both 2D and 3D modeling. Many features which are available can customized according to your need. Best simple video editing software windows 10.
BricsCAD:
BricsCAD Classic is a 2D CAD drafting software, in it, we can import drawings in DWG file format and can modify them.
A full LISP API can incorporated for customization and automation for frequently used tasks. Even then have 3D CAD software too.
As I said I’m going to discuss elaborately TrueCAD. TrueCAD, it is not only having the above-discussed features but has many more great features which will be a great advantage for users.
Ease of use:
TrueCAD has a much similar interface with the most popular and expensive brand. Even it is quite apt for beginners as it user-friendly with easy accessibility of commands, blocks and tools, and ready available tutorial videos. In TrueCAD even HELP command also assist the user with the learning.
Reliability and Performance:
TrueCAD uses IntelliCAD most recent released CAD engine to give users the best performance and best features. It also updates and fixes the bugs frequently to give the best performance and reliability.
TrueCAD 2019 premium is the most reliable and great performance CAD software.
License Flexibility:
TrueCAD has self-license transfer and Global Validity that to any number of times. One can transfer license any number of times on there own without a customer support team.
File Compatibility:
TrueCAD gives great support for many file formats such as DXF, DWG, DWF, DWT, DGN, PDF, Word, Excel, BMP, JPEG, PNG, etc., we can just import or export in required file formats. It supports all the files from R2 to 2018.
Customization:
In addition to this, we can even customize as per the requirement in API programming, VBA scripting, etc.
Value for Money:
TrueCAD with quite reasonable price where you can save up to 80% of your estimate price with other most popular software. In this cost even it is providing very extraordinary features.
Features & Functionality:
File Converters (Auditing and conversions):
TrueCAD has a special feature for auditing. In this auditing, you can fix any internal errors in drawings. You just select the input folder and start auditing, TrueCAD automatically runs the process.
Same way it even converts file from various form to edit-friendly CAD form.
PDF to CAD (DXF/SVG/PCG) Converter:
TrueCAD you can import any PDF drawing and Convert it into CAD file without disturbing the original data of the file and vice verse is also possible. Once it converted you do what changes and modifications.
Scanned drawing/ Image to DXF conversion:
TrueCAD has this feature where you can convert Scanned Drawing/ image into CAD Drawing.
Ready to use Blocks/ Templates:
TrueCAD has more than 5000 blocks/ templates built in, which we can just use with one click whenever they need. In this 2D CAD software, we can also create our own add-on which we use frequently.
Just we need to drag and drop them from a drawing and another where it needed.
Customer support:
TrueCAD has a great technical customer support both by mails and on call. They even help us by remote screen sharing app any-desk.
Finally, we can say TrueCAD is an appropriate Best CAD software for Beginners since in addition to this TrueCAD has many other features which will be an advantage for beginners.
Additional Features in TrueCAD Software:
TrueCAD software is having the option to create and edit tables and perform an action like insert/ delete rows and make a provision to import external CSV to the table and vice verse.
It also has very good print and plot dialog box along with many options. This software uses ACIS 3D kernel from 3D Spatial with 3D data.
Even we can convert units in TrueCAD by using the tool which is already in add-on menu. Ribbon style interface supported in TrueCAD.
In our software TrueCAD explorer is an advanced option in which you can explore layers, blocks, text styles, etc., you can even copy these formats from one drawing to another.
PDF & DWG underlay tool is an exceptional tool present in this software.Through which this files can inserted into the present drawing, can change the scale of a particular file.
In this software Text styles which are also an important feature in Drawings which can be easily accessed and this can customized too. ARCTEXT which used for creating and editing curved text.
Italso supports more than 15 international languages and many more features which make this software very user-friendly.rial
Conclusion:
Therefore, by this time I think you all got a good idea of the Best CAD software for Beginners. While choosing Best CAD software not only the CAD software price but also the features, customization, programming, etc., should considered.
As discussed you should also keep in mind about licensing because as a beginner you might use the software where ever you want and need not invest more on more number of licenses.
One needs more readily available add-on blocks/ templates rather than creating and using all the time we need. Most importantly you need good technical customer support as a beginner.
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As a result of the above discussion, we can say that TrueCAD is the Best CAD software for beginners.
Which is the best CAD software for 3D printing? Whether you are a beginner or expert 3D printing professional, there is something for you. Autocad for apple macbook pro.
Using the right CAD software will make your 3D printing project easier. The right software to use will depend on what you are trying to print.
3D Design Software
There are two main categories of 3D design software: CAD software and 3D modeling software.
Generally, CAD (Computer Aided Design) software is used when creating industrial objects, such as mechanical objects.
On the other hand, 3D modeling software is used in video games and films to make organic animations. However, the software can also be used to create 3D print models.
Using CAD Software for 3D Printing
CAD software are highly technical tools that are used in industrial design, architecture, aerospace engineering, mechanical design, and other fronts.
Typically, a CAD model contains data such as tolerance, dimensions, material properties, specific information about the manufacturing process. Some CAD applications also have advanced animation and rendering capabilities, which make it easier to visualize the final product.
When making 3D printable models with CAD software, you can save the prints in stereolithography file format (STL). This is the default CAD file format for additive manufacturing (AM).
However, there are also other file formats that are used for additive manufacturing.
Which CAD Software Should You Use?
When I started using CAD software with my first 3D printer, I had no previous experience of 3D modeling. If you are a beginner, you shouldn’t really be scared of using CAD software. There are lots of tutorials on YouTube on how to use specific CAD software.
Over the years, I’ve become more experienced in 3D printing and have tested various CAD software programs. Here is an overview of the best CAD software for 3D printing, for both beginners and experts.
Best CAD Software for 3D Printing (For Both Beginners & Experts)
1. Blender
The first program I downloaded and familiarized myself with was Blender– a full-featured modeling program with a physics engine and animation capabilities. The software has hundreds of settings and menus, which you will not need as a beginner.
With Blender, as is the case with most CAD 3D software, you will need a powerful machine to run it. Getting started with the software is easy, thanks to the many tutorials on YouTube.
After days of watching tutorials, I was more than pleased with what I managed to accomplish in Blender.
This is an awesome program with many capabilities. However, the program requires some computer power and may not be the ultimate beginner program.
Watch Blender Tutorials
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
2. TinkerCad
TinkerCad is a bit of a straight opposite of Blender: it’s incredibly simple, educational and runs directly in your browser.
On the software, there’s a menu full of basic shapes that you can puzzle together as if it were Lego. However, it is impossible to round off the corners of the shapes you create with the program.
TinkerCad makes it very easy to import vector graphics and make them three-dimensional and ready for printing.
However, the software is relatively limited. There is not a lot you can do with your 3D object with TinkerCad.
Watch TinkerCad Tutorials
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
3. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open-source 3D modeling tool that allows you to design real-life objects of any size. The free software has parametric component, which makes editing easier. For instance, when you are creating your model, you can go to its history and change the parameters (color, dimensions, etc.) to get a different model.
I wouldn’t recommend FreeCAD for professional 3D printing artists since it has just basic options. However, it is a good CAD software for beginners.
Watch FreeCAD Tutorials
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
4. BlocksCAD
BlocksCAD is specifically designed for educational purposes. When you have mastered the software, you will be able to use OpenSCAD, a more advanced CAD program. With BlocksCAD, the commands for developing and transforming objects are represented by color blocks.
The software’s code is compatible with OpenSCAD’s code. Therefore, after developing your models on BlocksCAD, you can polish them up on OpenSCAD. You can export your models as either STL or OpenSCAD.
Check BlocksCAD YouTube channel to learn how to use the software.
Watch BlocksCAD Tutorials
Level: Beginner
Cost: Free
5. Creo
One of the market leaders in product design is Creo CAD software. This program has many functionalities, such as direct modeling, freestyle surface generation, motion generation, parametric generation, structural generation, thermal generation, among others.
With this complete additive manufacturing software, you can perform all your dimensioning calculations while modeling your final idea.
The software comes with a 30-day fully-functioning trial.
Watch Creo 3D Tutorials
Level: Intermediate
Cost: $2,310 for each license
6. Autodesk Fusion 360
Autodesk Fusion 360 is a popular CAD program designed forproduct design. On the software, there is a button that you can press to send your finished item directly to any 3D printer or slicer.
Autodesk Fusion 360 is quite an advanced CAD software. I did not really know how to use any of the features until I got a crash course in SolidWorks, a commercial program with similar features.
There are two modes to work in Fusion 360: a CAD mode with logic, and a modeling mode, where you can easily turn your stylish symmetrical model into organic models.
Fusion 360 offers a mix of features found in both Blender and TinkerCad. As a result, it is the software I prefer and use the most.
Watch Fusion 360 Tutorials
Level: Intermediate
Cost: $60 per month or free for students, educators & academic institutions
7. Solidworks
Solidworks is one of the best CAD software for professional 3D designers. This parametric feature-based software has various features, including design validation tools. The software is practical and detailed, which makes it an excellent choice for designing industrial objects.
Most CAD software mimics curves by gently inclining flat structures. However, Solidworks uses a system of NURBS, which allows it to create detailed curvatures. Moreover, the software using dimensional sketching rather than polygonal modeling. Dimensional sketching makes resizing less of a hassle.
However, Solidworks has limited support for importing .STL files. If you want to download and edit .STL files, you will need a different program.
Watch Solidworks Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost: $3,995 for each license
8. AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a professional 3D modeling software that is mainly used in industrial and architectural design. The software is great at 2D drafting but not really much at 3D modeling. As a result, it is not as widely used in the 3D printing community as some of the software I’ve presented above. Moreover, the software has a steep learning curve when you want to make complex models.
AutoCAD is primarily designed for professionals with experience in programming models algorithmically. The software’s models can be converted into STLL files for 3D printing.
Watch AutoCAD Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost:From $185/month or $1,470/year -Free and fully-functional version to download for students and faculties.
9. CATIA
CATIA CAD is not just a CAD software but a multi-platform software suite for CAD, CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) and more. CATIA enabled advanced product design and development through different stages. This makes it an excellent program for systems architects, mechanical engineers, and creative designers.
CATIA also has a 3D design environment through which different parties can collaborate on product modeling and share designs.
Watch CATIA Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost: From $10,000
10. OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is an open-source software for making solid 3D models. This free software is aimed at experienced users looking to use advanced features. Programmers and coders love the software’s Extrusion of 2D outlines and Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG).
You can use OpenSCAD to create simple shapes that are already parametrically defined.
However, since the software is completely based on description language, it may not be suitable for everyone.
Watch OpenSCAD Tutorials
Easy Cad Software Mac
Level: Professional
Cost: Free
11. Rhino3D
Rhino3D is a commercial 3D computer graphics and CAD program that is known for versatility. The software used NURB, a precise mathematical model that enables manipulation of solids, surfaces, meshes, curves and points in different ways.
Rhino3D comes with various design features and can create complex 3D models. However, it has quite a learning curve.
Watch Rhino3D Tutorials
Level: Professional
Cost: Includes different bundles; Rhino 6.0 starts at 995€ for Windows and Rhino 5.0 at 695€ for Mac
Sooner or later, you will find the best CAD software for 3D printing for you. However, if you are a beginner, I would recommend TinkerCad.
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Want help finding the right 3D printer? Then read our guide to buying 3D printers!