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!

--
Angus Rae,
EUCS, Science & Engineering Support
University of Edinburgh
The above opinions are mine, and Edinburgh Uni can't have them

"Angus Rae" wrote in message
...
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.

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

Have you tried MS Visio?
Baz

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

Have you tried MS Visio?

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.
--

SJW
A.C.S. Ltd

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

Have you tried MS Visio?

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.

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.

"Lurch" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 5 Jul 2004 16:38:48 +0100, "pjdesign"
strung together this:

Have you tried MS Visio?

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.
--

SJW
A.C.S. Ltd

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

In article ,
pjdesign wrote:
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.

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

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.

--
*It IS as bad as you think, and they ARE out to get you.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

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

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

Yep, that's on the list too!
--

SJW
A.C.S. Ltd

"Lurch" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 6 Jul 2004 11:02:45 +0100, "pjdesign"
strung together this:

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

Yep, that's on the list too!
--

SJW
A.C.S. Ltd

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

In article ,
Angus Rae wrote:
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.

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?

--
*A bartender is just a pharmacist with a limited inventory *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

"Angus Rae" wrote in message
...

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.

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