Help with Autocad?

Hello; I am looking for the simplest AutoCad program that will help me with
Landscape Design. I know that Autocad is a complex program, but I am hoping
that maybe a particular version or year might allow me to draw 2D without
much trouble? I do not need any of the 3D features, just a simple topo view
with tree, shrub, deck and patio features. Any suggestions?

 

AutoCAD is AutoCAD. Are you asking what version you should buy?

 

I think the OP meant to say "simplest CAD" program.

To the OP, there are several inexpensive 2D capable CAD programs
available. Google is your friend.
Dave
DDP

 

None of the AutoCAD related programs can be described as simple. Even
their free drawing viewer is too complex for most people when they
need to print.

I think TurboCAD (a competing CAD program) has offered a version for
landscapers. I think it was essentially the same as their regular
TurboCAD, but with additional clipart for landscaping. It can
write .dwg files, which are compatable with AutoCAD. It was under
$100. www.turbocad.com

Joe Dunfee

 

If you're set on going with autocad then I would suggest that you try
to get a copy of version 2002. This isn't actually supported by
Autocad anymore, so you may have issues with coordination with outside
consultants, but there are ways around that. It sounds like you're
just looking to lay things out in plan view and maybe some
elevations? I would try to find a cheap license second hand. this is
something that is possible with acad 2002 since after that version
autodesk implemented online "activation" for most versions of the
product so getting a working copy can be very difficult and expensive,
especially for a small operation. After you have CAD you'll want to
get a library of landscaping blocks that you can use in your design.
You can probably find a bunch of that stuff online. Good luck. I
hope it works out for you. Although I now work for a large firm and
find tremendous value in the subscription service I've always resented
that autodesk can't supply a small business version for users such as
yourself.

 

The AutoCAD LT product seems to be aimed at that market, but I find
the lack of any ability to do programming for it a big problem. Also,
the pricing is certainly not "Lite" at around $900.

Since Autodesk can't fill the market you describe, others have stepped
up to fill it. The TurboCad program I mentioned earlier is one. But,
for people already familiar with AutoCAD, the IntelliCAD product at
$200 is a great substitute. A user of AutoCAD can start using
IntelliCAD without much adjustment, since it is so like AutoCAD.
(Note that several vendors sell their ofwn flavor of IntelliCAD, under
their own brand name. Cadopia, BricsCAD, etc.)

But, I don't think Intellicad fits the original posters needs... it is
just as complicated at AutoCAD.

Joe Dunfee

 

In a previous post Sky Pilot wrote...

Are you looking for a "real" CAD program or just software that draws
pretty pictures?

--
Bob Morrison, PE, SE
R L Morrison Engineering Co
Structural & Civil Engineering
Poulsbo WA
bob at rlmorrisonengr dot com

 

I guess his needs are more something like homegarden or gardenarchitect.
mostly 2d prog's with standard pic's for trees, bushes, garage, bricks,
patio's etc.
It's simply next to sketching with a markerpen, but has nothing to do with
any CAD.

gtx

RoB