Preliminary CAD work by client that can export to ArchiCAD

[DennisG]

Hi there;

I have a client who wants to do some of his own preliminary CAD work; take measurements, then rough out rooms, etc. in CAD.

He is looking for a low-cost CAD program that can export in a format that can then be imported to ArchiCAD.

I'm wondering if other ArchiCAD users have encountered the same situation; if so, a recommendation would be much appreciated.

He has narrowed it down to the following:

+ + + + +
Here are some free downloads and a $30 one. I'd love to hear your quick opinion if such is possible.

http://www.engineering-geoconsult.com/Download1.html

http://www.max4object.com/wp/?p=176

http://www.smartdraw.com/specials/ppc/architectural-software.htm?id=235483

http://architecture.about.com/od/software/fr/InstantArchi.htm
+ + + + +

Thanks,

Dennis

[Eduardo Rolon]

Missing the free Autocad clone

http://doublecad.com/

[Richard Morrison]

DennisG wrote:
I'm wondering if other ArchiCAD users have encountered the same situation; if so, a recommendation would be much appreciated.

My recommendation would be to talk him out of it altogether, or at least not have any expectation of you being able to use the files. They will likely be pretty worthless (walls will be drawn at 4" thick and not correspond to any known construction, etc.) and will greatly increase your own liability if he's expecting you to work from his measurements. He's probably expecting to save some fees by doing this work, too, eh? If he doesn't even know what CAD program to use, then this is a train wreck waiting to happen. If he wants to "play around" with the floor plan, he's better off with one of the consumer grade 3D programs, like the Better Homes and Gardens one. http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/

[DennisG]

Thanks much for your replies thus far.

I should mention that the "client" is a trusted friend with time on his hands, and a curiosity about CAD. He's an artist/former machinist, and used to program the CAM machine in his shop.

The intent is to reduce the number of site visits necessary to get the job started; I'll fill in the blanks as it progresses.

Thanks again,

Dennis

[Anonymous]

I followed your links and wonder if your friend knows that free download doesn't equal free program? If he's not really serious about CAD, but wants a usable program how about http://www.deltacad.com/? No bells and whistles, but will do the job, easy to use. Or...Sketchup, even better!!

DennisG wrote:
Hi there;

I have a client who wants to do some of his own preliminary CAD work; take measurements, then rough out rooms, etc. in CAD.

He is looking for a low-cost CAD program that can export in a format that can then be imported to ArchiCAD.

I'm wondering if other ArchiCAD users have encountered the same situation; if so, a recommendation would be much appreciated.

He has narrowed it down to the following:

+ + + + +
Here are some free downloads and a $30 one. I'd love to hear your quick opinion if such is possible.

http://www.engineering-geoconsult.com/Download1.html

http://www.max4object.com/wp/?p=176

http://www.smartdraw.com/specials/ppc/architectural-software.htm?id=235483

http://architecture.about.com/od/software/fr/InstantArchi.htm
+ + + + +

Thanks,

Dennis