Blueprint software

**tmoore4748** · Oct 12, 2019, 08:30 AM

Okay everyone, I'm stumped. I'm hoping to find decent blueprint software, preferably 3D, but can suffice with 2D, that is cheap or free. I'm having trouble choosing the right product that can give me quality prints, similar to what folks here use to put their plans for sale. I've got experience with AutoCAD, Mastercam, a little SketchUp, and a few others. My biggest problem right now is that I have a ton of step files to translate, and no way of doing that without paying for software that's really expensive, just to get dimensioning. So, help? Please?

**olderdan** · Oct 12, 2019, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by tmoore4748

Okay everyone, I'm stumped. I'm hoping to find decent blueprint software, preferably 3D, but can suffice with 2D, that is cheap or free. I'm having trouble choosing the right product that can give me quality prints, similar to what folks here use to put their plans for sale. I've got experience with AutoCAD, Mastercam, a little SketchUp, and a few others. My biggest problem right now is that I have a ton of step files to translate, and no way of doing that without paying for software that's really expensive, just to get dimensioning. So, help? Please?

You could download DraftSight, a free 2D program that works just like AutoCad. It can handle many file formats and being free whats to lose.

**Crusty** · Oct 12, 2019, 10:28 AM

Here's what DesignSpark Mechanical 4.0 can do. Maybe it might work for you. It's free and easy to use.

**olderdan** · Oct 12, 2019, 12:48 PM

Originally Posted by Crusty

Here's what DesignSpark Mechanical 4.0 can do. Maybe it might work for you. It's free and easy to use.

Click image for larger version.

Name: DS File Formats.jpg
Views: 256
Size: 46.5 KB
ID: 31496

Thanks for the tip Crusty, it is a program I was not aware of, I have downloaded it and will try it soon.

**Crusty** · Oct 12, 2019, 12:55 PM

Just read and follow the built in tutorials to start and you'll be surprised by how easy it is to use. Of course if you want more functions there's packages of increased capabilities for it that you can buy which are pricey.

**jdurand** · Oct 12, 2019, 07:44 PM

I wound up using TurboCAD Pro Platinum 2018, definitely not free but I find it quite good. I started out with AutoCAD after taking a class in it, but then when it went to the Windows version my nice drawing tablet with all the macros and buttons on the puck no longer worked. So I mailed the original disks in for a super discount on TurboCAD. Now I upgrade from time to time when a customer job needs mechanical design and I can have them pay for the upgrade.

I draw essentially everything in 3D, it was hard for me to switch to 2D for our house plans. I started with full 3D but had to switch because it was taking too long and the contractor was grumbling louder and louder.

**tmoore4748** · Oct 14, 2019, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by Crusty

Just read and follow the built in tutorials to start and you'll be surprised by how easy it is to use. Of course if you want more functions there's packages of increased capabilities for it that you can buy which are pricey.

To highlight the "pricey" options, the only way, apparently, to work with ".step" files is to get one of those add-on modules. Thanks, though, for the suggestion, I think it's something my Dad is able to use for his shop, as he generates a lot of PDF files for his stuff.

**Crusty** · Oct 14, 2019, 03:02 PM

I thought you just wanted to convert the files to another file format and it works for that, though in somewhat limited fashion. I didn't have any luck translating to a pdf file (likely a 3d to 2d issue) but translating to jpg files did work and I was able to manually add dimensioning before the export.

It's at least an easy to use package which might be enough for some folks.

**enigsteregtejaco** · Oct 14, 2019, 05:37 PM

I usually use Freecad for .step files, export as dxf and import to sketchup, do the fiddles and diddles I want then go to layout. Or of you are comfortable with Freecad's ui and way of modelling why not stick with that.

**Liquidhandwash** · Oct 14, 2019, 08:49 PM

I use pro desktop which is very old but a great full 3d cad package. It will import step files and do most of what you want but runs best on Windows XP. anything newer it has a few glitches.
I use it to teach kids CAD as it is so easy to learn and does about 99% of what a modern cad package can do.
It is free if you go to my site you can find out more, download and the instructions to activate it are there also.
https://www.instructables.com/id/Dig...t-one-Key-tag/