Hello all,

I have noticed that almost all of you use some sort of software to create 3D and 2D models of your layouts.

Could some of you please suggest some software for floor plans and modelling of rooms.

Thanks,

Dave

Do a search for Sketchup on this forum or go to Google and search. There is a free version that works very well.

Bob

Google Sketchup is some of the best out there for most casual users and it is free. Also Blender works well. Reaper here does some really good stuff with it. I personally think the learning curve is a bit different than some softwares, but is doable if you take the time to learn it. If you are lucky like me and have access to the good stuff at work $$$ (Autodesk Revit, 3ds Viz/Max and V-Ray) you can really do some wonderful things, but only once you learn the software as again the learning curve is very steep. I'd say your best best is Sketchup and Blender.

John

Thanks for the advice. How about 2D floorplans, Google Sketch again?

Thanks for the advice. How about 2D floorplans, Google Sketch again?


Visio is popular for 2'D

Visio works well ($$)

The Punch software does a fair job in 2D as well ($)

I have both Visio and Punch and ended up using SketchUp though...

Yeah, one thing everybody forgets about SketchUp... Once you've designed your space in 3D, you can use the section tool, pull out a section, dimension it, bada-bing... 2D plans and elevations! No duplicated work redrawing again after you do 3D or trying to visualize 2D elevations and plans... you do it all with the same model.

In fact, for the residential/basement-type room-by-room stuff we do, anything more than SketchUp is really overkill. You've got layers, grouping, components, object libraries, texturing, easy interface...

Really, considering how capable SketchUp is and that it's FREE, there really isn't much reason to look elsewhere! I wouldn't even see much reason to use Visio over SketchUp - even if I had it. Maybe for designing your racks if you had the object library all set up or something, I guess.

SC

Sorry for the hijack - I've been playing with sketchup for a few weeks now. What's the best way to create a hollow interior basement. I keep drawing the irregular outline shape of the whole basement and then don't know how to get jsut the exterior walls to go up? I'm sure there is some simple trick to this. I just haven't figured it out yet.

Hi,

Does anyone know what software has been used to create this floor plan image?


Thanks,

Caroline

Cathan,

After you draw the basement outline, I'd suggest using push/pull to give the whole floor plan some thickness (say 6"). Then use the offset tool to create a copy of the outline offset inwards by the wall thickness. You should then be able to grab the walls alone and pull them upward to the desired height.

These might help ...

First draw the outline ...

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk201/PeterWM/Sketchup/walls1.jpg

Mouse pointer doesn't show up but you can see the offset tool just above the description ...

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk201/PeterWM/Sketchup/walls2.jpg

This gives a shape with all sides offset the same distance from the outside edge ...

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk201/PeterWM/Sketchup/walls3.jpg

And then the area between the lines can be pulled up to form walls ...

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk201/PeterWM/Sketchup/walls4.jpg

It's very hard to describe with a series of screen grabs so I hope this is understandable and helps.

Good AutoCAD clone for 2d drafting is draftsight dot com.

It's made by the Solidworks publisher. Works great, relatively bug free, painless transition if you already know AutoCAD. It's still a bit weak on printing but is usable. Did I mention "It's Free"?