CAD Software for Woodworkers
CAD software enables you to create professional-looking dimensioned
drawings that can be easily edited, resized, and viewed in a variety of
ways. Here is a listing of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) products that are
appropriate for furniture design and related woodworking applications.
They range in price from free to $4000+. For CAD products
specifically tailored towards cabinet design, see the
Cabinet Design Software page.
Alibre Design Workshop
Built for woodworkers, inventors, machinists, and hobbyists, Alibre
Design Workshop bundles industrial-strength 3D CAD with sheet materials
optimization software. Allows you to precisely craft your woodworking
projects in 3D and then produce 2D drawings. Alibre, Inc.
Windows.
Alibre Design Xpress
A free 3D solid modeler for creating mechanical parts, assemblies and 2D
drawings. More elegant features, like 3D sketching and part
Booleans, can be found in the paid versions of the Alibre Design product
family. Alibre, Inc. Windows.
ArchT
An add-on application for AutoCAD or
IntelliCAD to provide a comprehensive 2D and 3D architectural design and
documentation system. Autodsys, Inc. Windows.
AutoCAD
A premiere CAD product that sets the standard for industrial strength
CAD. Provides smart drawing tools, presentation features,
time-saving reference, raster, and Internet file-sharing capabilities,
and much more. A professional level product for seasoned CAD users.
Autodesk. Windows.
AutoCAD LT
A 2D CAD package that shares the same architecture, technology, and
native DWG file format as AutoCAD but without the 3D, customization, and
dynamic block authoring capabilities of its big brother. For people that
have professional-level CAD requirements but don't require the full
sophistication of AutoCAD. Autodesk. Windows.
AutoLine
Facilitates the creation and modification of new linetypes.
Creating shapes is easy too because AutoLINE will convert all your
blocks into shapes for inclusion in AutoCAD linetypes. Autodsys,
Inc. Windows.
AutoSketch
A 2D design tool with many of the capabilities of AutoCAD but without
the cost or complexity. Features the Application Wizard to create
professional-looking drawings in no time flat. Appropriate for
woodworkers with limited CAD experience. It started life as Drafix for
DOS, it was rebranded as QuickCAD and has since become AutoSketch.
Autodesk. Windows.
CADintosh
A 2D shareware CAD program for technical and architectural drawings.
Features include import and export of HPGL, DXF and PICT formats, symbol
libraries, layer filter, and numerous tools such as lines, hatching,
splines, etc. Lemke Software. Macintosh.
CADOpia (IntelliCAD)
Provides much of the look and feel of AutoCAD but without the expense.
Features include photorealistic rendering, handling of most AutoCAD file
formats, and support for over 100 image formats including BMP, TIF, GIF,
JPG, and CALS. Available in Standard, Premium, and Professional
editions. CADopia Inc. Windows.
CadPLUS
Total AE/FM System front-ends and simplifies AutoCAD design and drafting
tasks.
Object Engine allows you to add intelligent properties so your objects
will know how to behave upon insertion. Nothing beats well-behaved
objects! National MultiTech Ltd. Windows.
CADSOFT Build
A residential design package based on Autodesk's OEM engine. Build
allows you to work on the floor plan while it automatically generates a
completely accurate 3D model, working drawings, framing and quantity
information. CADSOFT Corp. Windows.
CADVANCE
3D CAD package (that has been around as long as AutoCAD) with
an extensive feature set: drafting/editting, presentation, reference
file management, drawing management, networking, architectural aids, and
full customization. F I T, Inc. Windows.
CADVANCE LiTE
A 2D version of CADVANCE for less complex CAD requirements. F I
T, Inc. Windows.
CADView
Free CAD viewer. Use it to view CAD drawings created in FastCAD and
EasyCAD as well as AutoCAD-compatible 2D DWG and DXF drawing files. It
can search drawings for text, bookmark a sequence of drawings for
orderly presentation, zoom in or out, or to named views, change visible
layers, etc. Evolution Computing Inc. DOS and Windows.
Creative Woodturner
Design software that generates stunningly realistic 3D views of wood
turnings. When you're happy with your design, just print out a
full-sized or scaled drawing and take it to your lathe. Features over
140 different types of wood and 60+ turning designs that you can use as
is or modify. MDR Software. Windows.
DataCAD 8
Features 2D drafting, 3D modeling, photo-realistic rendering and
animation, automatic door and window insertion, associative dimensioning
and hatching, automated 3D framing, 1,600+ symbols, 23 standard and
hand-lettered fonts, and DXF/DWG translators. DATACAD LLC.
Windows.
DeltaCad
An inexpensive and relatively easy to learn 2D CAD package with several
features of interest to woodworkers such as Bill-of-Materials and many
sample CAD drawings/libraries. Supports DWG input/output. Midnight
Software. Windows.
DeltaCad Users Group
Sharing of DeltaCad specific files such as Drawings(.dc), Symbols(.sym)
and Macros(.bas). Also features a forum dedicated to DeltaCad.
DenebaCAD 2
Cross-platform CAD product aimed mainly at architects and
interior/exterior designers. Combines 2D drawing with photorealistic 3D
rendering. Intuitive interface and rich toolset. Compare to ArchiCAD or
minCAD. ACD Systems of America Inc. Windows/Macintosh.
DesignCAD Express
A 2D CAD package with features such as precise curve and arc control,
automatic dimensioning, area calculation, DWG file support. DesignCAD
Express offers the same powerful 2D features found in DesignCAD 3D. IMSI.
Windows.
DesignCAD 3D Max
Combines powerful 2D drafting and 3D solid modeling with features such
as free-form solid modeling, 3D texture mapping, real-time shaded view,
Internet integration, animation tools, lots of customization features,
3D output, and AutoCAD compatibility. IMSI. Windows.
DesignCAD Unleashed
- Resource for beginning
and advanced users of
DesignCAD software. Tips,
tricks, tutorials, macros, symbol libraries and a discussion forum.
Design
Intuition - CAD package for woodworkers and hobbyists that runs
on Macs. User friendly interface enables you to quickly produce scaled
drawings and optionally render them in 3-D. Comes with built-in smart
objects for tables, cabinets, doors, and dimensional lumber. GizmoLab.
Windows/Macintosh.
DesignWorkshop
Allows you to quickly and creatively sketch spatial ideas in live 3D
perspective. Includes real-time rendering with lights and textures built
in. Available in Lite, Classic Home, and Professional versions. (The
Lite version is free!) Artifice Inc. Windows/Macintosh.
DigiCad
3D CAD program for obtaining elevations, drawings or maps from photos.
Useful for architectural surveys and mapping. Interstudio.
Windows/Macintosh.
EasyCAD
A downsized version of FastCAD with a simpler interface, lower price,
and reduced number of drawing and editing capabilities (such as fill
styles and overlay windows). Evolution Computing Inc. DOS and Windows.
Extreme CAD Pro - Professional CAD program with special tools
for cabinet manufacturers. Allows you to wiew/Edit DXF files created by
Extreme Control Center. Also use to design custom high-end parts
complete with CNC machining operations. Extreme Software.
Windows.
FastCAD
Hand-crafted CAD package known for it's processing speed
(written in Assembly language), ease of use, and customization tools.
Features include 3D rendering, a macro programming language, layering,
symbol library, digitizer tablet support, styles, extensive editing
tools, and multiple-drawing support. Evolution Computing Inc. DOS and
Windows.
Google SketchUp
A free 3-D design program based on the popular SketchUp design
application. Allows you to click on a shape and then use features such
as push/pull to create your desired 3D geometry. Includes shadowing,
texture fills, and a selection of thousands of pre-drawn components.
Google Inc. Windows/Macintosh.
Graphite
2D Cad with 3D wire-frame rendering. Ideal for users who wish to explore
initial design ideas with 2D sketches then create 3D wire-frame designs.
Ashlar Inc. Windows/Macintosh.
HighDesign
2D CAD and illustration package featuring an extensive set of drawing
and editing tools, context-sensitive interface, sophisticated project
management features, and specialized functions. It gets high marks for
snap functions and bang for the buck. Ilexisoft. Macintosh.
hsCADCreator
A CAD editor that allows for quick and intuitive design of technical,
architectural, and engineering drawings. hsCADCreator is designed to
make CAD affordable for individuals, and occasional/novice users, while
still providing business users the features they need. Hachisoft
Corporation. Windows.
IMOS-Design
A 3-D solid modeler developed expressly for the woodworking industry. It
is driven by material libraries, connector libraries, and construction
principles that reside in a relational database. The user works with a
3-D, parametric engineering model that defines the product attributes
specific to each product ‘family’. Virtual Systems Int. Windows.
LatheSim
A spindle turning simulator that provides turning up to 7" radius and
36" long with full rotation and lighting control. Other features: 9 wood
turning tools, including wood filler and stain, free textures, ability
to add your own textures, save work as bitmap, and automatically
dimensioned scale printing. Craftysims. Windows.
Ligno3D
Designer - Excels in the design of complex faceted 3D objects
with few, if any, right angles — objects like geodesic domes, polyhedra,
sculptures, unusual furniture and houses, decorations and gem or crystal
models. It also does spiral stairs, caskets, coffins, tents and hot-air
balloons. Ligno3D Systems. Windows.
MacDraft
A 2D CAD application for creating floor plans, architectural and
landscape drawings, technical illustrations, furniture drawings, and
flowcharts. Features include linked dimensioning to automatically update
dimensions as you modify components. Microspot Ltd. Macintosh.
Malz++Kassner CAD
(Successor to CAD/DRAW and WINCAD from Tommy Software). Includes
Workflow Manager to simplify selecting objects and entering points, DWG
import and export, and an extensive image library. Optimized for novice
CAD users. Malz++Kassner. Windows.
PC-Draft
Designed for CAD users of all levels, multi-layered, scaled drawing
environment supports both feet/inches and metric dimensions. In
addition, Microspot PC Draft offers linked dimensioning to automatically
update dimensions as you modify components. Microspot Ltd. Windows.
PowerCAD
Programmable 2/3D CAD with unrivalled AutoCAD compatibility. Available
in multiple versions including Lite , Classic, and Pro. All PowerCAD
versions include the ability to directly open existing designs and
digital blueprints saved in industry standard DWG, DXF and FLX file
formats. GiveMePower Corp. Windows.
PowerCADD
2D drafting package with an intuitive "draw program" interface that
offers the flexibility of
assigning the command keys of your choice.
Features include symbol libraries, 3D depictions, and support for
popular file formats such as DWG and DXF. Engineered Software.
Macintosh.
QCad
Inexpensive 2D CAD product that runs on many different computer
platforms. Designed with modularity, extensibility and portability in
mind. Features intuitive user interface,layers, blocks, multiple fonts,
DXF support, undos, and various modes for creating lines, arcs, circles,
ellipses, parallels, angle bisectors, etc. Linux, Unix, Mac and Windows.
QuickCAD
QuickCAD is no longer available (as of September 2004.) Autodesk
suggests that you check out AutoSketch or AutoCAD LT if you're looking
for something similar to QuickCAD. Autodesk, Inc. Windows.
RealCADD
A vector-based CAD program that provides many basic 2D drawing features
and can also read and write DWG files. RealCADD works like
"MacDraw" but with more possibilities - handling of DXF files, importing
images, layering, and more. Eric Pousse. Macintosh
Rhino
Free-form 3-D modeling tools with the ability to create, edit, analyze,
and translate NURBS curves, surfaces, and solids. Develop ideas in 3-D,
render to get a better feeling for the design, and transfer the data to
your CAD system for detailing and dimensioning. Supports many file
formats including DXF and DWG, and outputs STL, the language of 3D
printers. Robert McNeel & Assoc. Windows.
RouterSim
Router simulator design software that features full rotation and
lighting control, approximately 70 predefined cutters, design your own
cutter profiles, texture mapping, export to bit maps, and the ability to
produce a cut list with fence and cutter height settings. Craftysims.
Windows.
ShopView
Views shop drawings from AutoCAD or any of 65 other drawing file
formats. Merge plans, elevations, sections and specifications into a
single application. Links with Takeoff estimating software. Plogic
Solutions Ltd. Windows.
SketchUp
3D form creation and design tool that is sophisticated yet easy to
grasp. Ideal for anyone who loves sketching by hand but finds
using CAD cumbersome or frustrating. Exchanges data with all standard
CAD, 3D modeling, image editing, and illustration applications. Last
Software, Inc. Windows/Macintosh.
SmartSketch
Combines business diagramming with 2D drawing technology.
Translates/references data from other CAD products, allowing you to
view, edit, or redline CAD data. Includes SmartSketch visual
feedback while drawing, freehand sketching, and integration
compatibility with Mathcad. Intergraph. Windows.
SolidBuilder
A residential and light construction application that creates 3-D models
and automatically frames using your choice of wood, logs, steel,
concrete, brick/block. Generates cutting and layout lists, bill of
materials and quantity takeoff. Digital Canal. Windows.
SoftPlan
Residential design software for creating house or woodshop plans. Using
information created in floorplans and roof plan modules, it
automatically generates: elevations, cross-sections, 3D-perspectives and
a material take-off. SoftPlan Systems Inc. Windows.
Squiggle
Gives your CAD drawings a hand-sketched look. As they say:
"design with CAD, sell with Squiggle!". Insight Development Corp.
Windows.
Spinfire CAD
Viewer
Lets you visualize native 3D CAD/CAM models without being required to
have a full featured CAD system. Handles many formats including IGES,
STL, VDA, VRML, G Code, DXF, DWG, Catia, Solidworks, and Parasolids.
Imtech Design. Windows.
TurboCAD
A popular CAD package among woodworkers featuring fully integrated 2D &
3D functionality, 3D wireframe viewing, a setup wizard, voice enabled
commands, quick dimensioning tool, hidden line rendering, multi-monitor
display support, thousands of CAD symbols, and much more. IMSI.
Windows/Macintosh.
Visual Cadd
A high performance and intuitive 2D design and drafting tool, and a
powerful CAD development engine. Designed for production-oriented CAD
work, with features such as tracking and command line interaction for
direct distance and coordinate entry. Also known for an uncluttered
interface and an Open API. TriTools Partners. Windows.
VectorWorks
Integrates object-based design with precision 2D drafting, powerful 3D
modeling, high-quality rendering, a dynamically linked worksheet
function, and a flexible scripting language. Also provides an extensive
library of intelligent 2D/3D objects. Nemetschek.
Windows/Macintosh.
VersaCAD
2D drafting program originally developed for Apple platform. Ships with
a set of standard symbol libraries for setting up architectural,
mechanical, and other design projects. Also has a translator for
importing CAD files from other products, including AutoCAD.
Archway Systems. Windows/Macintosh.
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