Cheap software for recording room dimensions & generating plans

[Angus Rae]

Hi.

I'm currently redecorating/renovating my flat, and I've got a bit sick of scribbling down dimensions on sheets of paper or playing around with graph paper for hours and then losing the sheets on trips to B&Q.

I've also tried drawing room plans with a couple of graphics packages, and it's also fiddly and prone to error.

So what I'm after is a software package designed for the task that will allow basic measurements to be entered and churn out plans, elevations and isometric views for printing.

Does anyone have any recommendations for something that's simple to use and cheap (even free)? It doesn't need any abilities to insert furniture or 3D render various wallcoverings - it's only the dimensions I really need it for (although perhaps extra features might prove useful later, so a package that is overkill for this task would be fine if the price is right).

Windows XP or various Linux variants.

Thanks for your help in advance!

[G&M]

Try the free TurboCAD download. You'll either love it or loathe it.

[pjdesign]

Have you tried MS Visio? Baz

[Lurch]

On Mon, 5 Jul 2004 16:38:48 +0100, "pjdesign" strung together this:

Have you mastered it? I installed and decided to put it on the list of things to learn how to use effectively, below Dreamweaver, Flash and Paint Shop Pro.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

I'm thankful I still have Draw on the Acorn. At the very basic level no more difficult to use than a pencil. But remarkably powerful when needed.

Isn't there something similar for a PC?

[Terry D]

I use a very early version of AutoSketch (V. 2.0) for planning my projects and it does include isometrics. It's accurate and very easy to use, unlike the later versions which seem to have a very steep learning curve. My version unfortunately lacks the help file. What I would really like is a slightly later version ( about V3.0), but I can't locate a source, even on eBay. I have release 6 of AutoSketch but find it far to complex for my requirements Can anyone help?

Terry D.

[Lobster]

Somebody recommended me a program called "3D Home Designer" (by GSP) for this purpose, and I subsequently bought a copy off ebay for a fiver or something. But learning how to use it is still on my 'to do' list, so can't vouch for it personally. But it appears to do what you and I want quite nicely.

David

[pjdesign]

I use AutoCAD 2000, but that is what I do for a living. Baz

[Dave Plowman (News)]

This is the problem with many of these things. Mastering the programme just isn't worth the effort for a one off use - apart from the possible cost of buying.

Hence my comment about just using a basic 'Draw' programme - master that and you can use it for all sorts, with a bit of ingenuity.

Others might well have made special 'add ons' or libraries for it too.

IIRC, Coral Draw was/is quite good.

[Lurch]

On Tue, 6 Jul 2004 11:02:45 +0100, "pjdesign" strung together this:

Yep, that's on the list too!

[pjdesign]

I have been trying to learn it for the last 15+ years. Baz

[Paul Mc Cann]

Try Autosketch from the same stable. Easier yet very capable