You get the opposite problem – everything is in illogically nested blocks. Scaled Plot Plans can be hard to create correctly unless you do it often. At first we wondered if SoftPlan was right for us but after a brief training period, we soon realized it would give us significant benefits. John B “You can’t convince a believer of anything for their belief is not based on evidence, it’s based on a deep-seated need to believe. Don’t ever work with ME10! AutoCAD Working w/ Softplan ĪND, they may have, Dim lines, text, doors and counters on one layer.
anyone know how to convert a PDF to a DWG so we can import into softplan and what about SCALE? need this because. I was told that the soft plan file is in 2-d and it is in DWG format. They tried to convert to AC, which was why I was hired. We were part a group of companies that ran. Softplan 2014 has the tools, but it has an old data structure and not so intuitive command structure (methods for building and editing a design) and their training material will put you to sleep.I have read there is no really clean way to convert them but at this point I need what ever I can get. Sketchup's 2D documentation creation is improving and nearly ready for prime-time, but not yet.Ĭhief Architect X6 has the tools, this great forum, excellent training material, and a fairly intuitive command structure (not as clean as Sketchup). Chief will also do ray-trace (realistic lighting) renderings for presentations.
There are excellent FREE training material available across the web, but it lacks the short cuts that aid (wall tool, cabinet tool, roof tool, etc) in building a home model as quick as Chief (you can load free & not free plug-ins to do these things). Sketchup Pro 2014 ($590) is great for design, very easy to use and learn, has a vast 3D library of anything in the world. It is a very nice program for both design and documentation, but way over qualified for kitchen design. I have used Autocad and Archicad for many many years and know them both well.Īutocad LT 2015 ($1200) is old style 2D drafting and expensive for what it can't do and a waist of time.Īrchicad 18 ($4,995) is expensive, easy to learn and works in 3D to create 2D layouts. I have also been researching for a CAD program in residential. What is it that make Chief's look so much better?įun2Learn, For the same features, Softplan is more money if you add in SoftList and Softplan+, which is already in Chief Architect Premier. Anyone know what I am talking about? Of course, I am just going by the drawings on the two companies' websites-and of course I assume that they are both putting the "best of the best" up there. There is something quite different in the look of Softplan's 3-D renderings, though, that don't seem quite as nice, or as "pretty" or "enticing" (not sure how to explain it in words) as Chief's, but I can't quite put my finger on what the difference is. I just got my Softplan demo disk in the mail yesterday-haven't tried it yet. I will probably be calling chief in a few days to order the rental! YEAH!
That definitely solves my financial dilemma. Do they try to "hide" that option unless asked? I would think if they clearly advertised that option they would get a lot more "takers".
I also read through the responses to another post (about someone possibly switching to Softplan), and read there that CA has a rental program! This was news to me, as I did not see that option when browsing the website. I just got back from a short trip and checked in here and found a few more responses to my post-so thank you all who responded.
My husband and I will probably start investing in real estate, and I may primarily end up just using a CAD program for our own rehab projects, and maybe also doing permit sets for contractors as well. I would like to work part-time for myself doing residential work, probably mainly remodeling,including kitchen design. Now I am ready to really learn CAD and get back into the field.
My background: I worked in architecture for 13 years-but years ago (I am a dinosaur that knows how to hand-draft!) I even got my license in CA but then moved to Maryland, had kids and then became at stay at home, homeschooling mom.
Can anyone compare the two? What about SoftPlan? (I already tried the free trial of the less expensive Revit Lt and tossed that option out of the mix due to the lack of manufacturers catalogs for cabinets and fixtures.
Turbocad Platinum Pro is about $1000 cheaper than Chief. I have been playing around with the Chief Architect trial version off and on for several years, and am seriously considering purchasing it, but, not really working in the architecture field right now, I am having a hard time justifying the cost of Chief Architect.