i am an architectural technician doing home extension and loft conversions etc. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or experiences about which programme is best and easiest for 3D views, 2D plans/elevs/sections/details?Any ideas are welcomeEddy Myers

For simple sketches, idea brainstorming, etc... in my opinion easiest is Sweethome 3D. Google it, it is very popular, and lots of "blocks" for it, even from the google warehouse.

On a more popular (but IMO also more amateurish) note, Google SketchUp have improved greatly in the past few revisions.Good Luck!!
HAWDesigner2011-01-14 14:01:48

i ave used autocad before and feel comfortable with that! i beleive it is the industry standard too, i would find it hard to leave ofr a programme that seems to be less 'professional'?How would you convince me to change?

If you feel comfortable with AutoCAD, then that is undoubtedly your best choice, but there is no need to "change". Simply install both programs - you will instinctively go to the program that best suits your needs each time.Good Luck!!

I have to agree with HAW, if U used CAD, thats your best choise. U can always try some of the specialized versions - archiCAD or similar. My experience with such attempts, in different branch - mechanical engineering, with parametric programs was a bit frustrating, so I returned to bare CAD. I learned that for the level of documentation that I need, it is easier to create drawings and documentation manually.So, use method of trial and error, and use whatever suits U best 'cause each one of us is different, so different sftwre will be!S!

I agree with Tim, too, and thought I would add that it isn't always about the simplicity of the program itself, but also about the availability of help and information about the product.AutoCAD for instance, is probably THEE most documented CAD program on the market and you can find help for it wherever you look. You're not going to find this level of assistance with many other CAD programs.Good Luck!!

a friend has Revit and i think has been trained so i might try that - for the back up and support he might be able to provide! Am i right in thinkiing that Revit is quite good at exporting/importing straight AutoCAD drawings?

Revit is another 'flavor' of AutoCAD, so yes, it is quite good at exporting/importing straight AutoCAD drawings.Good Luck!!