Software…

 

WHICH ONE SHOULD I CHOOSE?

 

AutoCAD	AutoCAD LT	LT Architect	Architect 2000	paraCAD+
archCAD	Quick Architect	VR Architect	Scan2CAD	ARTlantis

 

AutoCAD LT or ‘Full’ AutoCAD…what’s the difference and which do I need?

 

Well it all depends ‘what you want to do’…If all you need is basic ‘bread and butter’ 2D Drafting then it is pointless spending vast sums of money on Full AutoCAD as you will not get any real benefit over LT.

 

The main reason that you may wish to purchase Full AutoCAD is the need to run ‘add-on’ applications written in VB or AutoLisp.  Plus of course you have some basic non-parametric 3D functionality.  Please note that this is basic and because there is no parametric’s you are unable to ‘drive’ the Model via dimensional input if you change your mind…you sometimes  have to destroy the Model and start again.  This is a pain and not to be

I can provide you with AutoCAD Training On-Site if required and would be pleased to discuss your needs (ie: do you need LT or AutoCAD – How much Training will I need etc).  If I can’t help you then I may know someone who can!, so what have you got to lose by sending me a quick e-mail or telephoning?

recommended.

 

I will cover parametric Modellers later, but these are Softwares such as Inventor, Solid Edge, Solid Works (In no order of importance by the way).

 

As I said AutoCAD LT is fine for your basic 2D drafting and the latest releases have a lot of very powerful editing functions, plus the hatching is spot-on.

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paraCAD+

 

paraCAD+….a great 2D parametric Software designed by Mechanical Engineers for Mechanical Engineers.  Plus it has the added bonus that you

I can provide you with paraCAD+ Training On-Site if required and would be pleased to discuss your needs (ie:– How much inTraing will I need etc).  Parametric details of your own designs can also be created for your use, thus you may not have to know every part of paraCAD+ to get your drawings completed for YOUR Customers.

can create your own 2D parameric details plus it has it’s own programming Language which allows you to automate the drafting process.  Now includes a great many Mechanical and Electrical Symbols for free.

 

Gives you cost effective, automated drafting at a reasonable (half the price of ‘Full’ AutoCAD) Investment.  Not the Industry Standard, but good VFM especially if you need 2D parametric design.

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archCAD+

 

archCAD+….a great 2D parametric Software designed by Architectural Technicians for your ‘bread and butter’ 2D Design work – (also includes 2D to 3D Walkthrough for simple presentation use and hundreds of Architectural Symbols).  Plus again it has the added bonus of 2D paramerics and it’s own programming Language.

 

I can provide you with archCAD+ Training On-Site if required and would be pleased to discuss your needs (ie:– How much Training will I need etc).

Gives you cost effective, automated Architectural drafting at a reasonable (half the price of ‘Full’ AutoCAD ) Investment.  Not the Industry Standard, but used by many of the smaller Architectural Practices and again good VFM.

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Quick Architect

 

Quick Architect…is the cut-down version of archCAD+ - again a great 2D

parametric Software designed by Architectural Technicians for your ‘bread and butter’ 2D Design work – (also includes 2D to

3D Walkthrough for simple presentation use

and hundreds of Architectural Symbols).

 

I can provide you with Quick Architect Training On-Site if required and would be pleased to discuss your needs (ie:– How much Training will I need etc).

Gives you a very cost effective, automated Architectural drafting at a reasonable (less than 1/4 the price of ‘Full’ AutoCAD ) Investment.  Not the Industry Standard, but used by many of the smaller Architectural Practices.

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LT Architect (for use with AutoCAD LT97+)

 

A great add-on for LT, which turns your ‘mechanical’ LT into a proper Architectural Solution.  Has a few limitations, but these are far outweighed by the speed of which you can create and insert Doors. Windows, Stairs, Building Sections, Symbols etc.

 

I can provide you with LT Architect Training On-Site if required and would be pleased to discuss your needs (ie:– How much Training will I need etc).  Full Tutorials and overview of the VR Architect 3D walkthrough, plus bespoke VR Training available.

This software also includes the ‘VR Architect’ 2D to 3D Walkthrough for simple presentation use, thus allows you to show your Clients your proposed idea’s.

 

Bolts on to the Industry Standard AutoCAD and is very cost-effective and reasonable easy to pick-up and use (assuming you already know AutoCAD of course).

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Architect 2000 (use with AutoCAD 2000+)

 

A great add-on for ‘Full’ AutoCAD, which turns it into a proper Architectural Solution.  Has Intelligent Walling System, you can create and insert Doors. Windows, Stairs, Building Sections, Symbols etc as per LT Architect.  Architect 2000 includes more features than LT Architect  as it ‘bolts onto’ ‘Full’ AutoCAD, which has its own programming language.

 

I can provide you with Architect 2000 Training On-Site if required and would be pleased to discuss your needs (ie:– How much Training will I need etc).  Full Tutorials and overview of the VR Architect 3D walkthrough, plus bespoke VR Training available.

This software also includes the ‘VR Architect’ 2D to 3D Walkthrough for

simple presentation use, thus allows you to show your Clients your proposed idea’s.

 

Bolts on to the Industry Standard ‘Full’

AutoCAD and is very cost-effective and reasonable easy to pick-up and use (assuming you already know AutoCAD of course).

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