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Simple CAD software advice

ChrisLoudon
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Hi guys,

 

I don't suppose anyone here as advice on a simpler and free alternative to the likes of AutoCAD?

 

I own a couple of restaurants and am looking to refurbish one of them and as such, am keen to better utilize the existing space.

 

Having employed architects to design when we originally fitted out the unit, I do have the original DWG files which I tried tinkering with using a free version of AutoCAD but it was completely beyond me.

 

All I require is the ability to create a canvas / floor space suing know dimensions, add in partitions and place equipment / tables on a 2D plan view only (no need to 3D model)

 

On the flip side, I did try and use an online app called RoomSketcher but that went the other way and was a little too basic and really only suitable for domestic projects.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Chris 

Bedroom PC - Lian-Li O11 XL Evo - Intel Core i5 13600k @ 5.4P / 4.4EGhz -  MSI Pro-A Wifi Z790 Mobo DDR5 - 32GB Ram - Gigabyte RTX 4090 - 1TB Samsung 990Pro NVMe - Corsair HX1200i PSU - Dual Custom Loop Cooling - GPU cooled with EK Quantum Surface S240 + EK Quantum Surface P360M X-Flow Rads - CPU cooled with EK Quantum Surface X360M Rad

 

Living Room PC - Hyte Y60 - Intel Core i9 9900k @ 5Ghz -  MSI Meg Ace Z390 Mobo - 16GB Ram - Palit RTX 3080ti - 256GB Samsung NVMe - Corsair AX850 PSU - CPU + GPU cooled with Hyte Y60 Corner Distro Plate - EK Coolstream S120 + EK Quantum Surface S360 + EK Quantum Surface X240M

 

Extension PC - Lian Li o11 Dynamic - Intel Core i7 8086k @ 5.1Ghz -  Gbyte Z390 I Aorus Pro Wifi Mobo - 16GB Ram - EVGA RTX 2080ti - 256GB Samsung NVMe - EVGA B5 850W PSU - CPU + GPU cooled with dual EKWB 360 Rads + G1 side EKWB distro plate.

 

Office - Thermaltake Tower 100 - Intel Core i7 8700K @ 5.1Ghz - Gbyte Z390 I Aorus Pro Wifi Mobo - 16GB Ram - EVGA GTX 1080ti - 256GB Samsung NVMe - EVGA B5 850W PSU - CPU + GPU cooled with dual EK Quantum Surface P120M Rads + Barrow 3-in-1 Block, Res & Pump.

 

Annex - Corsair 250D - Intel Core i7 3770k - Asus P8Z77 I Delux Mobo - 16GB Ram - EVGA GTX 980ti - 256GB Corsair SSD - BeQuiet P11 750 PSU - CPU cooled with EK Coolstream S240 + S120 Rads + EK Pump / Res Combo

 

Office - Corsair 280X - Intel Core i7 4790k - Asrock H97M ITX Mobo  - 16GB Ram - EVGA GTX 980 - Corsair SFXL600 PSU - CPU + GPU cooled with triple EK Coolstream S240s + EK Pump / Res Combo

 

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Extension AV Setup - Sonos ARC + Sub (Gen 3) - LG OLED65C6V + Yamaha RX-A1070 - 5 x Monitor Audio C265s (2 Zones)

 

Bedroom AV Setup - Yamaha WXC-50 - 2 x B&W CM1s - Rel Quake - LG OLED42C2.

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Posted

Fusion 360 is more or less the go-to free CAD editor. It does still have a learning curve though and it is more of an AutoCAD replacement, so it might be a little too complex for what you're trying to do. There should still be some tutorials for how to use it if you want to figure it out. 

 

Sketchup should be free as well, and it's a bit more noob friendly while still having a decent amount of features. 

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SketchUp free is online only, and lacks many key features.

 

TinkerCAD is even simpler, but more aimed towards 3D printing.

 

https://www.sweethome3d.com/

This came up in another thread about year ago. Its more for floor planning than CAD sketching, but does operate in similar manner. That is to say if you have any experience from 3D modelling or CAD, you can pick it up within minutes. I would say for your needs, it's best choice. However, I'm not sure if it supports DWG import.

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if you need basic sketchup would be my choice and there is a large online library and lots of support. I dont have alot of experience with it, I havent used it for many years. I use autocad everyday at work so i've never needed anything else.

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