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Software for plans - need to change


paulears

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I've been using Serif Draw for years (since the late 90s) for plans. Very simple, but able to do dimensions, work in proper scales, and be able to output in probably it's own format and pdf. I need to be able to import images - and it must have layers and other useful features - typically used for lighting plans, so I'd need to be able to draw new fixtures, or import them from cad files - pretty basic stuff.

 

Draw is being dropped, and the new flashy replacement doesn't do scale drawing, or dimensions - it's more like adobe illustrator.

 

I'm a bit fed up development and support has stopped because it worked so well for me. They've also dropped the webPlus web site designer too.

 

Modest cost isn't a problem, but I'd need a demo version to be available to try it out.

 

Ideally - I'd like something that can simply place, then size objects on the screen - so grab a rectangle - stretch it to 1220x2440 and it's a deck section - or stretch out to 10000x48 and it's a bar - you know the kind of thing.

 

 

I don't need 3D, I don't need it to do clever things with weights and equipment lists - just draw nice plans and label them!

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Time spent learning SketchUp (not much time for someone technically minded) is time well spent.

 

It's quick

It's clear

Dimensions are easy

It's becoming more and more accepted as a "shareable" medium. I can build a set and venue in SketchUp (in minutes) then import it into Wysiwyg to add LX. I believe capture supports it too.

I've managed to get a couple of event planners I work with regularly to start using it, so much easier to be able to share drawings from one package.

It doesn't have to be 3D, but it might as well be... why draw an 8' deck when somebody has already done it and you can just drop it into your drawing.

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Visio?

 

 

> able to do dimensions

> work in proper scales

> and be able to output in probably it's own format and pdf

> import images

> must have layers

> import them from cad files

 

Ticks all these boxes. It's part of the MS Office family, so easy to put Visio in word and visa versa etc.

 

> Very simple

> able to draw new fixtures

 

These are more personal questions that only you can determine the answer to :) If you can use Word with the (abominable) ribbon interface then you already half know your way around Visio.

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Serif has dropped Drawplus and so are not developing it but it still works and will continue to do so.

It does exactly what you need it to do, you like it and you have got it. So why do you need a replacement?

Cheers

Gerry

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If you can cope with command line input for accurate dimensioning rather than dragging with a mouse, then an autocad-clone like Draftsight will do everything you want (and more).

 

For a rectangle of dimensions x and y:

Type REC, click bottom left corner location, hit D, enter length x, enter width y, hit enter.

 

You can then move things with the mouse for lining up by eye, or with coordinates for precise positioning.

 

You could also have a block library for things you regularly use - like deck, lantern symbols, and speakers. This saves drawing them every time and can be a very quick way of working.

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Another vote for sketchup. It is a bit different to Cad style programs, but with the ability to create something once then make it a component, you can quickly build a library of symbols/items and then deploy them again and again.

 

If you get the pro version which includes Layout, you can quickly pull the model into a document and turn it into plans and drawings very quickly.

 

The 3d warehouse helps share models, so you can often find something to use for components, and then with things like the engineering toolbox plugin, you can quickly specify a section of timber or steel of given dimensions and get it inserted into the model - so spec'ing timber batten to build a set flat can be quick and easy.

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another vote for Sketchup, primarily 3d but views include 2D along a section

 

3D warehouse is the cherry on the top, find most of what you need already modelled, just check scaling frequently to avoid any Stonehenge moments ;-)

 

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model/6d6e441f580af4b393ec38d4488a52ef/Strand-Patt-23-Profile-Spot

 

Turbocad, older versions cheap, if prefer a more Autocad style interface.

 

Inkscape is an opensource Illustrator more aimed at artistic vector rather than technical drawing.

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SketchUp Pro is also free to educators, so anyone who has a college / school email address or could prove themselves any other way

 

We use SketchUp extensively but more for whole set and staging designs rather than lighting designs - we do those separately, For 2D technical drawing e.g. circuit / wiring diagrams we use Omnigraffle and have occasionally used it for room layouts where a lot of labelling is needed - e.g. trade show stand layouts for power requirements

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I can build a set and venue in SketchUp (in minutes) then import it into Wysiwyg to add LX

 

And the fact that this is a preferred workflow for many people is exactly why I fell out with WYG after paying through the nose for it for several years in the early 2000s. A 3D drafting/vis program shouldn't be put in the shade by something that's free.

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I can build a set and venue in SketchUp (in minutes) then import it into Wysiwyg to add LX

 

And the fact that this is a preferred workflow for many people is exactly why I fell out with WYG after paying through the nose for it for several years in the early 2000s. A 3D drafting/vis program shouldn't be put in the shade by something that's free.

 

There's about five wyg dongles floating around at work, and as such we can only justify/afford the report version. Don't even get isometric wireframe 3D in that. It is however brilliant at generating nice clear plots for me to forget to take to site...

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